Does the 2022 Kia Seltos have an engine recall?

Yes. Recall 25V099000, reported February 17, 2025, covers 2021-2023 Seltos and Soul vehicles where piston oil rings may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can cause engine damage. The remedy is inspection and engine replacement if needed, plus installation of a piston-ring noise sensor.

How common are engine complaints on the 2022 Kia Seltos?

NHTSA lists 46 engine complaints for the 2022 Seltos, which is 64% of the 72 total complaints filed for this model year.

At what mileage do engine problems typically show up?

The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for engine complaints on the 2022 Seltos is 57,000 miles.

Is the engine problem worse in 2022 than other Seltos years?

The 2021 Seltos has more engine complaints as a share of total complaints, at 74% versus 64% for 2022. Later years show lower shares: 41% for 2023, 29% for 2024, and 8% for 2025.

Have there been any crashes or fires linked to engine problems?

NHTSA records 2 crashes and 1 fire among the engine complaints filed for the 2022 Kia Seltos.

2022 Kia Seltos Engine Problems

NHTSA lists 46 engine complaints for the 2022 Kia Seltos, 64% of all complaints filed for this year. A related recall (25V099000) covers incorrectly manufactured piston oil rings that can cause engine damage. Median mileage at failure is 57,000 miles.

Engine complaints: 46; 64% of 72
Crashes reported: 2
Fires reported: 1
Injuries reported: 0
Median mileage: 57,000 mi
Related recalls: 1

Typical engine symptoms owners report

Owners report sudden loss of power while driving on the highway, sometimes with a burning smell and dashboard warning triangle appearing before the car falters.
Some owners describe the engine smoking heavily, losing power, and in one case catching fire in the engine bay.
Several owners report the engine stalling unexpectedly at speed or at a stop, then restarting once shifted into park.
Owners describe white smoke with oil droplets coming from the exhaust on startup or acceleration, later diagnosed as piston ring failure tied to the recall.
Some owners report unexplained oil loss, needing to add multiple quarts between checks, sometimes with unusual engine noise.
Owners report seized engines and difficulty getting recall parts or repairs completed at dealerships.

When 2022 Kia Seltos engine complaints were filed

First complaint Dec 15, 2021, latest Jul 27, 2026.

46 complaints filed with NHTSA from Dec 2021 to Jul 2026; peak May 2025 (11).

Engine recalls for the 2022 Kia Seltos

NHTSA 25V099000Feb 17, 2025Engine137,256 vehicles
Engine and engine cooling:engine:hard parts internal/mechanical
Kia 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.
Risk: Engine damage can cause a vehicle stall or fire, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the engine as necessary, free of charge. Dealers will also install piston-ring noise sensing system (PNSS) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 4, 2025. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC336.

Engine complaints by Seltos model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

2021272 (74%)
202246 (64%)
202319 (41%)
202413 (29%)
20251 (8%)

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2022 Kia Seltos have an engine recall?: Yes. Recall 25V099000, reported February 17, 2025, covers 2021-2023 Seltos and Soul vehicles where piston oil rings may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can cause engine damage. The remedy is inspection and engine replacement if needed, plus installation of a piston-ring noise sensor.
How common are engine complaints on the 2022 Kia Seltos?: NHTSA lists 46 engine complaints for the 2022 Seltos, which is 64% of the 72 total complaints filed for this model year.
At what mileage do engine problems typically show up?: The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for engine complaints on the 2022 Seltos is 57,000 miles.
Is the engine problem worse in 2022 than other Seltos years?: The 2021 Seltos has more engine complaints as a share of total complaints, at 74% versus 64% for 2022. Later years show lower shares: 41% for 2023, 29% for 2024, and 8% for 2025.
Have there been any crashes or fires linked to engine problems?: NHTSA records 2 crashes and 1 fire among the engine complaints filed for the 2022 Kia Seltos.