EngineMedium
1.6L turbo (S/SX) oil consumption and rare bearing concerns.
- Typically appears
- 50,000+ miles
- What to inspect
- Check oil level and listen for knock; confirm any engine recall.
2021 Kia Seltos problems
A 2021 Kia Seltos is now 5 years old, so an average example has covered around 67,500 miles. This is the first model year of the generation · early-build cars carry the highest share of teething faults and the most recall activity, so check the service history for completed recall work. Check the state safety inspection and service history alongside the documented faults below, which are sorted by whether a 2021 car has usually reached the mileage where they appear.
Compiled & reviewed by the VehicleFaults Research Team
Quick answer
The 2021 Kia Seltos is 5 years old, so an average example has covered roughly 67,500 miles. At that mileage 1 of the documented faults are already due, so check those first.
Faults a 2021 example has usually reached
Documented onset mileage is at or below the ~68k miles an average 2021 car has covered.
Faults that appear at any mileage
Age, electronics and build-related issues that are not mileage-driven.
TransmissionMedium
CVT on base cars can drone; DCT on turbo can hesitate.
- Typically appears
- Any
- What to inspect
- Test-drive both smoothness and low-speed take-up.
ElectricalLow
Infotainment and camera glitches.
- Typically appears
- Any
- What to inspect
- Test the screen and reversing camera.
BodyLow
Interior rattles and trim fit.
- Typically appears
- Any
- What to inspect
- Listen for rattles over bumps.
Inspecting a 2021 Kia Seltos?
Generate a tickable pre-purchase checklist for this exact year, mileage and variant · add photos and notes as you inspect.
Check this exact carKia Seltos · frequently asked questions
Is the Kia Seltos reliable?
Generally yes — check the turbo engine's oil use and the transmission type.
Does the Seltos have engine problems?
The 1.6 turbo can use oil; confirm any recall work and oil history.
What should I check on a used Seltos?
Engine oil use, transmission feel, and electronics.