Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 07/12/2026
Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint & recall data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.
The most-reported problem — Engine (60.3% of complaints) — is covered by 2 NHTSA recall campaigns.
Engine complaints here are 5.7× the median for that category across the 2583 model-years tracked on this site.
| Complaint category | Reports | Official status | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 205 · 60.3% | Recalled | Recall 21V259000 · Recall 25V099000 |
| Power Train | 61 · 17.9% | not available | — |
| Electrical System | 42 · 12.4% | not available | — |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 38 · 11.2% | Recalled | Recall 21V259000 · Recall 25V099000 |
| Fuel/propulsion System | 22 · 6.5% | not available | — |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 9 · 2.6% | not available | — |
Recalled = an NHTSA safety recall covers this category, so a free repair exists. Under investigation = NHTSA has an open probe but no recall yet. Investigation closed = NHTSA examined it and closed the probe — this is not a defect finding; where a closed probe led to a recall we name the campaign. Not available = recall or investigation data could not be confirmed for this vehicle — it is not a “no”. Categories are matched by NHTSA's top-level component. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Percentages are the share of the 340 complaints citing each component; one complaint can cite several components. “Unspecified / other” is NHTSA’s own catch-all category — we show it rather than hide it.
NHTSA campaign 21V259000 · 2021 · reported 04/13/2021
A damaged engine may stall, increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, oil may leak onto hot exhaust components, increasing the risk of a fire. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
NHTSA campaign 25V099000 · 2025 · reported 02/17/2025
Engine damage can cause a vehicle stall or fire, increasing the risk of a crash or injury. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
Park it Park outside Specimen badges — shown on a recall card only when NHTSA sets the flag. None of the campaigns above carries either flag. Always check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
“Bought vehicle new. At 30,000 miles, oil change came up off the stick. KIA did oil consumption test. Said it was within industry standard. Just…”NHTSA complaint 11517186 — filed 04/15/2023 · ENGINE
“RECALL INFO: 21V-259 recall for inconsistent heat treating process for piston oil rings. The dates for use of the recalled piston rings Nov 20,1019 -Oct…”NHTSA complaint 11512000 — filed 03/15/2023 · ENGINE
“Our 2021 Kia Seltos with 19K miles, stopped running at 55 mph. The engine also started producing a slight knocking noise. The dealer asked for…”NHTSA complaint 11510509 — filed 03/06/2023 · ENGINE
Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.
Engine issues are the most-reported category, cited in 205 of 340 NHTSA complaints (60.3%), followed by power train (61), unspecified/other issues (44), electrical system (42). Complaints are unverified owner reports.
340 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/12/2026. Of those, 12 involved a crash, 5 involved a fire, and 8 reported injuries. No deaths were reported.
Yes — 2 NHTSA safety recall campaigns, including campaign 21V259000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Recall or investigation data is partly unavailable for this vehicle right now — check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for the authoritative answer.
No. Complaints are reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints, and a complaint is not proof that a defect exists.
