2021 Kia Seltos: common problems and reliability
One of the worst Seltos years.
One of the Kia Seltos years to avoid. All Seltos years
369 owner complaints, most about engine. 2 recalls.
Should I buy a 2021 Seltos?The 2021 Kia Seltos has 369 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 2 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are engine and power train.
Safety record for the 2021 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2021 Kia Seltos vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other Seltos years only. How we score it
Is 2021 a good year for the Seltos?
Across the 6 Seltos model years we track, complaint volume runs from 46 (2023) to 369 (2021). With 369 complaints, the 2021 Seltos sits above the model's median of 46.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2021 Seltos
engine
Campaign 21V259000Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Soul, and 2021 Seltos vehicles equipped with 2.0L Nu MPI engines. The piston oil rings may not have been properly heat-treated, which may result in engine damage.
engine and engine cooling:engine:hard parts internal/mechanical
Campaign 25V099000Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Seltos and Soul vehicles. The piston oil rings may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can result in engine damage.
What owners say across generations
Sentiment is sharply divided, creating a low-confidence overall picture.
Owner insights cover all generations of the Seltos. See the full Seltos owner picture and every model year.
Typical used price
Used Seltos listings typically run $18,651–$23,798.
Other Seltos model years
Compare every Seltos year side by side to see how 2021 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Seltos against its rivals
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