VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: OWNER RENOTIFICATION (SC199 FL301) - This document is the owner renotification advising that Kia is conducting Voluntary Service Campaign to update the software programming on the Transmission Control Module (TCM) and, if necessary, replace the Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT) on certain 2021 MY Seltos vehicles.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2021 Kia Seltos powertrain problems
moderate Owners of the 2021 Kia Seltos have filed 61 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain, typically surfacing around 7,400 miles at roughly $2,500 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
61
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2021 Seltos (this page) | 61 |
| 2022 Seltos | 10 |
| 2023 Seltos | 4 |
| 2024 Seltos | 4 |
What stands out
Of the 4 model years of Kia Seltos we track for powertrain problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 61.
Owners have filed 61 powertrain complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information relating to the correct transmission fluid type and fill quantity requirement for each Kia model. A flush is required ONLY when a transmission is replaced, and the transmission oil cooler is transferred to the new transmission.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN: OWNER RENOTIFICATION (SC297) - This document is the owner renotification advising that Kia conducting a Voluntary Service Campaign to inspect and, if necessary, replace the AWD Control Unit in certain 2021-2023 MY Seltos all-wheel drive (AWD) vehicles that were originally sold in or are currently registered in one of the 36 states or District of Columbia with significant snowfall. Kia dealers will also install a cover over the AWD Control Unit for improved protection against water intrusion.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: PRECAUTIONS FOR TRANSMISSIONS WITH ISG/EOP - This bulletin provides information related to the replacement or servicing of transmission assemblies on all Kia vehicles equipped with Idle-Stop-Go (ISG) and High-Flow Electric Oil Pump (HF EOP). The HF EOP protective connector cover may NOT have been installed on a new or remanufactured transmission during assembly. The HF EOP connector may become contaminated with debris during shipping and/or with oil/coolant during installation.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: IVT OIL PRESSURE SENSOR REPLACEMENT: This bulletin provides information to replace the Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT) Oil Pressure Sensor (OPS) on some 2018-2024MY vehicles listed on page 3 equipped with IVT. The affected vehicles may exhibit a malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) illuminated on the instrument cluster with DTCs P084500, P084600, and/or P0867XX present with no drivability concerns due to a failed IVT oil pressure sensor.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2021 Seltos exhibits widespread powertrain failures spanning engine and transmission systems. Engine stalls occur without warning—at traffic lights, on highways at 70+ mph, and during normal driving—forcing owners to restart mid-traffic. Numerous vehicles pass Kia's SC336 piston oil ring recall inspection despite burning oil at alarming rates (0.5–2 quarts per 1,000 miles), exhibiting engine knock, and showing the exact symptoms the recall targets. Dealerships document oil loss and internal combustion but deny engine replacement, leaving owners with 13K+ repair bills and vehicles that continue deteriorating.
Transmission failures dominate the cluster: vehicles lose reverse, miss gears, surge RPMs without acceleration, and fail to shift at speeds as low as 2,000–6,500 miles. Highway stalls at 60+ mph create hazardous situations. Dual-clutch transmissions overheat in traffic and refuse engagement after being told they "pass" inspection. One owner reports a transmission replaced five times with recurring failure.
Post-recall service introduces new electrical gremlins—key fobs draining batteries monthly, remote starters failing, and anti-slip warnings falsely triggering on dry roads. Owners report dealership contradictions: told vehicles need engine replacement, then told they don't—without retesting. Kia denies out-of-warranty coverage even when failures clearly stem from the recalled defect.
Same Kia Seltos powertrain reports on nearby years: 2022
Failure modes owners describe
Engine stalling and loss of power
Engine stalls unexpectedly during driving, at traffic lights, on highways, and at low speeds. Loss of motive power occurs with no warning lights or intermittent warning lights. Vehicle requires restart to resume operation. Stalling hazard increases when oil level drops below safe threshold.
When: 2,000–77,000 miles; as early as first 8 weeks of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Engine shuts off while driving; Loss of motive power; Vehicle requires restart; Stalling at traffic lights; Stalling on highways at 60+ mph; No or intermittent warning lights before stall
Codes mentioned: P0601, P0014, P0017
Repairs/costs cited: Owners cite engine replacement (13K+), engine block/transmission replacement, head rebuild, cylinder scoring repair. Some dealers attempt to process repairs as 'goodwill' rather than recall, avoiding lifetime warranty obligation.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Kia Recall SC336 / NHTSA 25V-099 for defective piston oil rings. Owners report that vehicles pass recall inspection despite exhibiting recall symptoms. Kia denies warranty coverage once vehicle is out of warranty period. Dealers refuse further diagnostic work without manufacturer direction.
Excessive oil consumption and internal oil loss
Engine burns or consumes oil internally without visible external leaks. Oil level drops rapidly between service intervals, sometimes to zero without triggering warning lights. Consumption rate ranges from 0.5 to 2 quarts per 1,000 miles. Owners add oil frequently to prevent engine damage.
When: Up to 75,400 miles; often within first year of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Oil level drops without external leaks; No warning lights for low oil; Oil turns very dark indicating burning; Bone-dry oil pan when checked; Consumption from 0.5 to 2 quarts per 1,000 miles
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers perform oil consumption tests with dye; results are often inconsistent or contradictory. Some tests show consumption; others pass despite symptoms continuing. Dealer-recommended repairs include camshaft, exhaust tensioner, RTV gasket, engine bracket, timing cover reseal, and hydraulic tensioner replacement. Full engine replacement quoted at 13K+.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: SC336 recall addressing piston oil ring defect. Dealers document oil consumption but claim software update alone is sufficient. Owners report contradictory test results and denial of engine replacement under warranty.
Engine knocking and abnormal engine noise
Engine produces loud knocking, ticking, grinding, or valving sounds. Noise increases in frequency and volume as oil consumption worsens. Sounds consistent with internal engine damage from oil starvation or piston ring failure.
When: Early ownership to 75,400 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine knocking or ticking sounds; Loud grinding noise; Valve clicking heard by driver; Noise increases with driving time; Grinding sounds similar to grinding gears
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers acknowledge internal oil use past piston rings but refuse further diagnostic without manufacturer direction. No specific repair for noise alone documented in complaints.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: SC336 recall piston oil ring defect. Dealers perform 'noise tests' which are subjective; some vehicles pass despite sounds continuing.
Transmission failure and loss of gears
Transmission fails to shift properly, misses gears, loses reverse, or fails to engage drive. RPMs surge without vehicle acceleration. Transmission overheats, especially in stop-and-go traffic or uphill driving. Some failures occur at very low mileage (under 2,500 miles). Hard shifts, jerking, shuddering, and limp mode activation reported.
When: 2,000–77,000 miles; failures at 2K–6.5K miles common
Symptoms owners cite: No reverse or park engagement; Missed shifts in 1st, 3rd, 5th, 7th gears; Hard/jerky shifting; Transmission shudders; RPM surge without acceleration; Vehicle limited to 30–35 mph despite gas pedal input; Transmission temperature warning light illuminates; Limp mode activation; Loss of power on highway at 60+ mph; Transmission fluid appears dark or discolored
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission replacement required in all cases documented. One owner reports transmission replaced 5 times with recurring failure. Dual-clutch transmission requires complete replacement; no intermediate repair options noted. Owners report parts shortages, with only 1 unit available in US in 2021. Repair cost not specified but owners note no warranty coverage.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer assistance provided in any transmission failure case. One vehicle had a case opened with manufacturer but no action taken. Kia denies recall status for transmission issues; dealers diagnose as factory defect or warranty-denied failure.
Transmission overheating and thermal warning
Transmission temperature warning light illuminates during normal driving conditions, particularly in stop-and-go traffic or uphill driving. Vehicle requires extended cool-down periods (approx. 1 hour) before resuming operation. Repeated occurrences despite multiple dealership visits. No permanent resolution identified.
When: Occurring across various mileage; reported in mountains (Colorado) and urban traffic
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission temperature warning light illuminates; Light remains on during uphill or stop-and-go driving; Light illuminates even in cold weather; Vehicle can only travel 100 yards before warning reappears; Requires 1-hour cool-down to resume driving
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership states no articles or resources available to address issue. No repair solution documented.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented. Dealerships report inability to resolve.
Transmission control module failure
Transmission computer malfunction causes vehicle sluggishness, inability to reverse, and transmission limp mode. Diagnostic tools detect transmission computer failure codes; however, vehicle behavior does not consistently improve after module replacement attempt.
When: Early ownership; one case at approximately 17,880 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle becomes sluggish; Cannot reverse from stopped position; Transmission computer error code triggered; On-screen dialogue prompts diagnostic appointment; Vehicle will not move or rev in any gear after stall
Codes mentioned: P0601 INTERNAL CONTROL MODULE MEMORY
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission control module replacement, then transmission teardown ordered. Clutch actuator ordered but did not resolve issue; transmission replacement subsequently required. One owner reports only 1 Seltos computer available in entire US at time of failure, causing 2-day parts delay.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall issued for transmission computer in at least one case; however, resolution unclear.
Engine misfire and cylinder damage
Engine misfires with check engine light illumination. Cylinder scoring and internal engine damage confirmed by dealership post-failure. Misfire codes indicate incomplete combustion cycles, often correlating with oil starvation or piston ring failure.
When: Up to 75,400 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illuminates; Engine hesitates during acceleration; Engine misfires; Rough idle; Sputtering during gear shifts; Vehicle shudders
Codes mentioned: P0301, P0300, Glow relay codes
Repairs/costs cited: Engine replacement required in at least one case involving cylinder scoring. Spark plugs and oil changes by dealer do not resolve issue.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership confirmed cylinder scoring and referenced Techline Case 26022952, noting conditions identical to NHTSA 25V-099 recall. Dealership attempted to classify repair as 'goodwill' rather than campaign repair to avoid lifetime engine warranty requirement.
Brake and stability control malfunction post-recall
Anti-slip and brake warning lights activate on dry roads without cause after recall service completed. Automatic shudder occurs when warning activates. Dealership unable to replicate or resolve issue.
When: Post-recall service (reported in September 2025)
Symptoms owners cite: Anti-slip alert triggers on dry pavement; Vehicle automatically shudders when alert activates; Light comes on then immediately goes off; Dealership cannot replicate issue
Repairs/costs cited: No repair documented.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership unable to replicate or provide resolution.
Transmission shift lock and park/drive engagement failure
Transmission fails to engage or disengage from park, drive, or reverse gears. Shift lock requires manual release. Vehicle becomes stuck in single gear, preventing safe maneuvering (parallel parking, highway entry). Problem recurs even after transmission replacement.
When: One case documented 3 days after transmission replacement
Symptoms owners cite: Unable to shift into drive or park; Reverse engagement requires shift lock release; Specific key sequence required to accidentally access park; Vehicle becomes stuck in reverse; Cannot maneuver vehicle safely
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission replacement performed; issue reoccurred 3 days after repair.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented after transmission replacement failure.
Acceleration failure and power loss
Vehicle fails to accelerate despite gas pedal input. RPMs surge to 4,000–8,000 while vehicle speed remains below 30–35 mph. Occurs during normal driving and highway merges, creating hazardous situations. Vehicle enters limp mode or becomes non-responsive.
When: 2,000–77,000 miles; some failures at very low mileage (5.8K, 6.5K miles)
Symptoms owners cite: Engine revs without proportional acceleration; Vehicle limited to 30–35 mph max speed; RPMs surge to 7,000–8,000; Engine grinding during acceleration attempt; Hesitation upon gas pedal depression; Check engine light illuminates; Vehicle enters limp mode
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission replacement required. One owner reports transmission shortages nationwide.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer assistance provided.
Engine stall and electrical warning light cascade
Engine stalls with simultaneous illumination of multiple dashboard warning lights (battery, oil, check engine). Stalling occurs at complete stops or during braking. Vehicle restarts normally after incident but may re-stall during operation.
When: Early ownership to 72,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls while depressing brake pedal; Multiple warning lights illuminate simultaneously; Battery warning light illuminates; Oil warning light illuminates; Check engine light illuminates; Vehicle restarts after stall; Recurrent stalling episodes
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer diagnostic performed with no failure found.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer assistance provided.
Recall completion delays and dispute
Recall SC336 piston oil ring repair is delayed for months due to parts shortages. Dealerships provide conflicting information about recall status: vehicle first told it 'did not pass' and needs new engine, then told it 'passed' and no longer needs recall without retesting. Dealerships cancel recall appointments due to software update unavailability with no timeline for completion.
When: Ongoing; one case had 4-month delay with no service
Symptoms owners cite: Recall appointment scheduled then cancelled; Multi-month delays (3–6 months cited); No communication from dealership during delay; Contradictory test results without retesting vehicle; No loaner vehicle provided during recall work
Repairs/costs cited: SC336 piston oil ring recall. Engine replacement required if vehicle fails inspection. Software update component unavailable in some cases.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Kia Recall SC336 / NHTSA 25V-099. Dealerships perform initial inspection then place vehicle on indefinite hold pending parts. Kia consumer affairs acknowledges delays but provides no resolution or support. Vehicles initially fail recall inspection (indicating need for engine replacement), then later are told recall is passed without additional testing, raising questions about test validity.
Key fob battery drain and remote start failure
Key fob battery dies frequently (every other month) requiring repeated replacements. Remote car starter function stops working. Issues began or intensified after recall service completion. Dealership unable to diagnose or resolve electrical problem.
When: Post-recall service (July 2025 onwards)
Symptoms owners cite: Key fob battery requires replacement every other month; Remote car starter stopped working; Dealership cannot replicate or resolve issue; Electrical problems began after recall work
Repairs/costs cited: No repair documented.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership has no resolution for key fob issues or remote starter failure.
Synthesized from 61 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 6 most recent
esta quemando aceite de motor muy rapido y antes de tiempo. mientras se utiliza esta lento y cuando sube cuestas muy pesado tiene que hacer mucha fuerza.
Came to a stop at an intersection on a busy highway, went to accelerate and turn left when the transmission locked without warning. Vehicle would not shift into gear.
TRANSMISSION FAILURE REQUIRING TRANSMISSION REPLACEMENT. After approximately 17,700 miles the engine surged and the check engine light illuminated. After the vehicle was stopped, the transmission would no go into reverse. Vehicle was towed to Kia dealer service department, Diagnosis was transmission failure requiring complete transmission replacement.
THE CAR WAS MAKING A GRINDING SOUND, VIBRATES, SLOWS DOWN. GRINDING SOUND IS LIKE GRINDING GEARS OR A SNOWPLOW SCRAPING PAVEMENT. THE ENGINE WAS REPLACED IN APRIL BECAUSE OF RECALL. I ONLY HAVE 23765 MILES ON IT BUT ORIGINAL 5 YEAR WARRANTY EXPIRED ON 12/09/2025. THE SAME NOISE STARTED AGAIN ON 12/10/2025 AND IT WAS TOWED TO DEALER I BOUGHT FROM ON 12/10/25. The master warning light came on…
My car Cutts off while driving especially when I’m Turning happening more frequently now it’s shuts off all dash lights come on and I have to put it back in park and start it up agian
Transmission unreliable. While crossing a 4 lane highway the engine revved but would not engage.
Had powertrain trouble with your 2021 Kia Seltos?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2021 Kia Seltos?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 61 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 14 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 4,700 and 19,000 miles, with the median around 7,400. A quarter of owners report trouble before 4,700; a quarter make it past 19,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $2,500 for powertrain repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2021/Kia/Seltos.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.