2022 KIA SELTOS Engine Problems
25 complaints about Engine
High Severity Issue
This component has been associated with crashes, fires, or deaths.
This Problem Across All Years
All Engine Complaints (25)
My Seltos transmission heats up to such an extent that I have to get out of the car and park it for 45 minutes to have it cooled down. Has only 25k miles in it. Took to the dealership and they say nothing is wrong. Numerous reported issues of the same kind on Kia message boards regarding the same issue. Something to do with the dual clutch system and start/stop function
My 2022 KIA Seltos with 52000 miles shut down on me completely in the middle of a road while I was going full speed limit causing the car behind me promptly to change lanes to avoid the collision. It happened 2 more times until I got to my destination l. After I googled what could cause the issue I saw the recall info which I didn’t get any notification about. I brought my car to a dealership and they told me that it passed the recall but I have to replace the whole engine because they found metal filings in the oil. They are refusing to do it under warranty or recall because I cannot produce oil change receipts since January of 2025. I was under the impression that recalls need to be fixed but they denying that it is a recall even though it is to a tee follows the description of a recall.
My vehicle was sent to the Kia dealership for service after a front-end collision there was minor body damage however the car wouldn't move so long story short a modular had to be replaced on the transmission there was multiple issues trying to program it I was told there was an issue with my computer they had to reach out to Kia manufacturer for help. I received my car back and while it was there for service I had them do an oil change I hadn't drove 300 to 400 miles and all of my oil was gone from my car when I called Kia they had me bring it back in couldn't find anything wrong with it and said they want to do a oil consumption after I had already documented oil that I had to put into the car three times in the week up until my appointment because every time I check the car it was empty of oil. Now Kia is telling me to drive a thousand miles on it so they can do an oil consumption however my check engine lights on my oil lights on and it is clearly burning extremely high amount of oil. So in caution of not blowing my engine I added oil to my car yesterday one quart and now my oil light is back on after maybe 20 miles of driving. Haven't gotten to 400 mi yet total out of the thousand Kia wants me to drive and my car has stalled at three red lights and cause me to miss out on two job opportunities. My car is a 2022 and has 62,000 miles on it. Everything I research shows there's piston recalls on the engines that are causing these exact problems that my car is having except there hasn't been a recall put into place for my specific year and make. The 2021 and the 2023 Seltos are listed, but my VIN number shows no recalls. The car has a horrible smell now it constantly smells like burning rubber or oil rather, exhaust stinks now. Car is not performing as you would expect a car would with that low of mileage in less than 3 years of ownership. And related to my accident the only issue was the modular on the transmission according to the mechanics everything else was ok
My 2022 Kia Seltos repeatedly stalls and shuts off while driving, including in traffic and at stop signs. The vehicle has also had multiple electrical failures and an emergency brake malfunction. A few weeks ago, October 26th, while going through a Starbucks drive-through, My car completely stopped. I got stuck in the Starbucks line and multiple people had to help me push my car out of the drive through. I can get the name of the lady at the Starbucks and maybe her co-workers to collaborate if need be plus I have text messages with my family because I didn't know what to do. The vehicle has now been at Covina Kia for three weeks, and the dealership has refused to provide a diagnosis, repair timeline, or loaner vehicle. I called today to get an update and was told to expect a response or diagnostics in approximately 10 days. They won't even give me a rental car and I'm stranded without transportation. This is a serious safety hazard that could cause a crash. I am requesting NHTSA investigation and documentation of this defect.”
This vehicle passed the piston oil ring recall in September 2025, by November 2025 the vehicle was burning through a quart of oil a week. Two different dealerships advised that this wouldn't be covered under the recall, stating the recall was for engine noise. The recall states that the issue in question can cause increased oil consumption that will then lead to noise. The vehicle was 5,000 miles out of warrenty
[XXX] [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] 2022 Kia Seltos [XXX] 54,000 mileage I am reporting two serious safety defects with my 2022 Kia Seltos: Engine Shut Off / “Push Engine to Start” Warning: Date(s) of occurrence:[XXX] Location: Throughout Portland, OR Description: While slowing down and stopping at intersections, the vehicle starts beeping very fast, then displays the “Push Engine to Start” warning, and then shuts off completely, creating a high risk of collision. Cruise Control Unintended Acceleration: Date(s) of occurrence: [XXX] Location: Throughout Charleston, SC and Charlotte, NC Description: While cruise control was engaged, the vehicle accelerated without any driver input. This happens infrequently. On two occasions, I was on straight open roads and watched to see how fast the speed would increase - 80 mph and 100 mph. I used the brakes to stop the increase in speed. This is a severe safety hazard. The transmission stutters at low speeds, causing the car to lurch: Ongoing issue - a few times a month since purchasing the car. Previous Claims / Service History: I have previously filed a warranty claim for other issues with this vehicle. The current issues have been reported to the dealership but have not yet been repaired or reproduced. Additional Information: No video evidence is available, as the events are intermittent and stop before a camera can capture them. I am concerned for my safety, the safety of passengers, and the safety of other drivers. Action Requested: I request that NHTSA review this complaint for potential safety investigation and recall consideration. [XXX] 11/17/2025 INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
My car was part of the piston ring recall. It burns over half a quart of oil per 1,000 miles. When I took the car in for the recall inspection, it was deemed that it needed a new engine. They then called me and told me that they “revised” the test, and it no longer would be getting a new engine. The car is still burning oil and makes a ticking sound. The recall issue was not resolved, and my car still has the symptoms relating to the piston rings being faulty. Kia did not fulfill their duty of the recall.
My engine failed while i was driving on a busy street almost causing cars to hit me there were no warning signs about the engine, my battery also died as well that is the only sign that appeared.
My car was part of the original Kia engine recall for 2021-2023 Seltos'. At the initial appointment I was told that my car had failed the test and would require a new engine. Then I was called and told that Kia had issued an update on the recall and that I would have to bring it in for a different test. I called Kia's corporate office and was told on the phone by them (the guy refused to give me his name) that even if my car did fail a second time that it was hard telling when it could be fixed because they didn't have the engines to replace them with and they were on back order. Then I was told that my car had magically passed the second test. I maintained that I disagreed with them because my car still has issues going uphill and when you pull out it feels like all the power drains. They informed me that they disagreed and the technician had test driven it and didn't have any issues. They tried to coerce me into saying that it was fixed. Kia even contacted me multiple times trying to get me to "agree" that my car was fixed and I refused to answer their calls anymore. I do not agree that my car is fixed and I feel that they are just trying to rip people off.
Vehicle went into dealer for safety recall on 4/15. I was notified on 4/16 that my vehicle failed the test and would need a new engine. I was given a rental car. They were unsure of time frame. Later found out that recall had been placed on hold. 5/13 contacted that new test protocol had been released and my car passed under new testing. No engine would be needed. I asked for documentation of both tests the fail and the pass. I was told they are unable to print this out for me as it all goes into the Kia database. No reasonable explanation was given as to what changed that made my vehicle pass, when it previously failed. This feels incredibly suspicious. Now I am just driving around in this car that may or may not have a problem, and the value of the vehicle could be effected, should i wish to get rid of it. I do not feel this was handled appropriately.
The dealership is not honoring the recall or warranty. Car needed 3 quarts of oil and there is pressure from the oil fill cap when open while the engine is running. The dealership is Kia of Huntington - 1720 East Jerich Turnpike, Huntington, NY 11743; 631-546-0202
I took my Kia to Moritz Kia Alliance, Keller TX on 4/24/25 for the current recall and letting them know that my vehicle has experienced issues outlined in the recall notice (almost all of the oil was burned and we had to add a quart to get it to the dealership, car has lost power while driving, car has stalled). They tested in 4/25/25 and called to let me know that it failed the test and would require a new engine. I called on 4/29 to inquire about a loaner vehicle and the dealership notified me that KIA halted the test due to software issues and I was required to pick up my vehicle. I messaged KIA customer service who advised that the new software would be available 5/1. I did not pick up my car due to the issues I had experienced and did not feel safe driving it. Today 5/2 the dealership said that the second test failed but KIA has halted testing for a second time stating software issues. The dealership has had no concern for the safety of my vehicle and KIA appears to be halting testing and requiring individuals to drive these vehicles exhibiting potential recall related issues with no concern for the general public.
2022 KIA SELTOS S AWD [XXX]- ENGINE FAILED, PISTON SCORING, PISTON OIL RING FAILED, OIL BURNING, KNOCKING IN ENGINE. THIS KIA'S VIN NUMBER IS PART OF THE KIA RECALL THAT WAS PUBLISHED 2/17/25 AND ANNOUNCED TO CONSUMERS VIA MAIL ON 4/4/25. My [XXX] daughter & I purchased a used 2022 Kia Seltos on [XXX] Mileage at time of purchase was little bit under 60,000 miles. On [XXX], while on vacation in Florida, my daughter noticed sluggish acceleration, smoke coming from exhaust and some from hood, a knocking sound from engine and then engine then seized in the middle of the road. If they wouldn't have stopped, this engine would've started on FIRE! This event caused SIGNIFICANT DANGER to my young daughter and her 3 passengers! My daughter and her friends had to push the vehicle back to a safe location off the road so they didn't get hit by a car. We are from Wisconsin and these kids were stranded in Florida on vacation without a vehicle. We had to have the vehicle towed to a Kia dealership in Panama City, FL on 3/28/25. Inspected and RECALL testing done by Kia in Panama City, FL. It is now 5/2/25 and we are STILL WAITING FOR KIA TO APPROVE A NEW ENGINE FROM THIS RECALL. NO ONE WILL GIVE US ANY UPDATES. These 2022 Kia Seltos engines are a complete danger! Engine needs to be REPLACED ASAP INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
RECIEVED A RECALL NOTICE IN THE MAIL EARLY APRIL 2025, SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT FOR THE RECALL OF MY SELTOS AT THE WESTSIDE KIA DEALERSHIP IN KATY TX ON APRIL 14TH 2025 THE VEHICLE WAS DROPPED OFF. APRIL 16TH THEY UPDATED ME STATING THAT THE ENGINGE AND PISTON RINGS AT FAILED THE INSPECTION AND A FULL ENGINE REPLACEMENT WOULD BE NEEDED SO THEY ORDERED IT BUT SAID THERE WAS NO ETA ON WHEN IT WOULD BE COMPLETED. KIA CUSTOMER CARE SAID THE SAME THING, BOTH KIA CUSTOMER CARE AND THE DEALRSHIP SAID THAT THE CAR COULD NOT BE PICKED UP BECAUSE THE RECALL COULD CAUSE COMPLETE ENGINGE FAILURE, FIRE, OR COULD CAUSE YOU TO CRASH. TODAY 5/1/25 I AM BEING TOLD THE RECALL IS ON HOLD EVEN THOUGH MY VEHICLE HAS FAILED THE INSPECTION THAT THEY WOULD NOT BE REPLACING THE ENGINE RIGHT NOW AND I AM BEING TOLD TO PICK IT BACK UP DESPITE IT NOT BEING FIXED. I INFORMED THEM AGAIN OF WHAT THE RECALL STATES AND THE SAFETY RISK AND KIA CUSTOMER CARE SAID I AM NOT OBLIGATED TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE BUT DUE TO THE RECALL BEING ON HOLD I NEED TO PICK IT UP AND I NO LONGER QUALIFY FOR RENTAL REIMBURSEMENT. PRIOR TO ME TAKING MY VEHICLE IN I WAS GOING THROUGH OIL MORE FREQUENTLY AND MY MPG DROPPED SIGNIFICANTLY.
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The engine keeps stalling and there’s a recall on the engines and I had to wait a month for dealership to say the recall isn’t the problem! How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? I drive on the highway and busy street and my car will just stop or make smoke for oil reserve. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes the number Ted that they hear the noises on my car. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? No Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? 2 months ago I started hearing a grinding noise, oil light came on irregular from oil consumption and metal shards in oil.
My Kia Seltos has a recall on the engine because the piston rings leak oil. My car is now losing massive amounts of oil and has damaged my engine. I brought car to dealership and they wanted me to go through my warranty and refused to honor the recall and kicked me out.
ENGINE SEIZED WHILE DRIVING ON VACATION IN FLORIDA. PUT THE DRIVER AND 3 PASSENGERS AT MAJOR RISK FOR AN ACCIDENT AND/OR FIRE! HAD TO PUSH VEHICLE BACK TO A SAFE SPOT. HAD NOTICED SLUGGISH ACCELERATION ON AND OFF AND SOME SMOKE COMING FROM EXHAUST, ENGINE KNOCKING WAS VERY PRESENT, OIL LOOKED DIRTY AND GRITTY. NOTICED THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THIS KIA- ENGINE NEEDS TO BE REPLACED DUE TO THIS RECALL ASAP. WE HAD TO PAY FOR PLANE TICKETS TO GET ALL 4 PEOPLE BACK HOME TO WISCONSIN, HAD TO PAY FOR TRANSPORTATION BACK AND FORTH, LOST OUT ON DAYS OF VACATION, HAD TO HAVE THIS VEHICLE TOWED TO KIA IN PANAMA CITY, FL AND WILL NOW HAVE TO HAVE IT SHIPPED BACK TO WISCONSIN, WE WILL HAVE TO PAY FOR A RENTAL VEHICLE WHILE THIS IS INSPECTED AND FIXED. KIA SHOULD REIMBURSE OR PAY FOR ALL OF THESE THINGS! MY DAUGHTER AND HER FRIENDS WERE STRANDED IN ANOTHER STATE DUE TO THIS BAD ENGINE AT ONLY 60,800 MILES!
My 2022 Kia Seltos engine seized and Kia refused to fix the problem. This engine has a safety recall related to the engine and the manufacturer refuses to change the seized engine. We had to pay almost $6000 from our pocket to replace the engine as we need the car to go to work.
I bought this car for my daughter during her second year at IU Bloomington, IN. She called in a panic, saying the car hesitated and stopped. She also shared if she turns car off, the car will restart. I advised her to take it to the nearby KIA dealership for inspection. The mechanic, after a test drive, reported no issues and found no error codes using an OBD-II scanner. When my daughter returned home, I took the car for a test drive and noticed a clicking noise. I checked the oil and added three quarts of Valvoline full synthetic oil 0W-20. I'm disappointed with how she was treated at the dealership. I've learned that adding an oil additive every 1,000 miles is recommended for this common problem. Now that the car has 60,000 miles, the cost of oil is significant, and I won't be repurchasing a KIA. I also feel guilty about trading in this car and possibly passing on issues to another owner. I'm reporting this now due to the added costs and worry that others might not share their experiences.
A few months ago noise was coming from the engine. I could not find the noise so I just happened to check the oil level and it was down 3 quarts of oil. I put the 3 quarts of oil in and the noise stopped. Now it down almost another quart. I went to Taca Kia and talk to a lady that works in service told me it was normal for the SUV to burn a quart of oil every 1,000 miles. I never heard of a new car burning oil that much. I Heard that Kia put the wrong oil ring in some makes a models.
Engine is burning excessive oil have to add a quart every 3000 miles
On June 10, 2023 I was driving and in stop and go traffic. My 2022 Kia Seltos transmission over heated. I pulled over, let it cool, and cautiously drove home. I made an appointment with the dealership I purchased the car from and requested that they inspect the transmission and explained what happened. This is when I was informed that my vehicle had a "design flaw" in the dual clutch system and that if I did not put my vehicle in park or neutral while on stop and go traffic, my vehicle would overheat. I was given the all clear, but a month later I had to have my car towed to the dealership for further transmission issues.
Vehicle stalled and shut completely off then back on. Vehicle shut down during an attempted left turn almost causing deadly collision with oncoming traffic. Vehicle completely a hard break, shut off then back on in the middle of a left turn.
My engine is malfunctioning. My safety has been at risk when I am driving on the highway 50 miles per hour and it just shut off, when turning the steering wheel to make a turn, the car will shut off and it has shut off while waiting at a red light. However, It will start back up after I switch the gauge into park and restart the car. I have taken my vehicle in to the Kia dealership, and they have taken pictures of the engine, to have it evaluated by the KIA headquarters. I am currently waiting for approval to change the engine to a new one.
I bought a brand new 2022 Kia Seltos a month and a half ago at Monroeville Kia dealership. On December 11, the car started manifesting a transmission temperature overheating problem in the middle of traffic. Once the transmission overheated, the engine lost power. I was driving in busy traffic and had to pull the car over to allow the engine to cool down. The police came over and made me start driving my car again, indicating that I could not pull over in such busy traffic. This is a major risk to my safety and can potentially cause a car accident. I reported this case to Kia Manufacturer and I opened a case. The case number is 14537410. The manufacturer told me to have the dealership evaluate the car. The dealership evaluated the car and said “This is a known defect and, per Kia’s engineers, there is nothing they could do to fix the car.” I need reliable vehicle, especially because my job requires me to travel. I am concerned that this issue will continue to manifest and will likely cause a serious accident. I am filing this case because I need arbitration and I need this issue to be fixed or i need a refund.