Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2021 Kia Seltos owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
While driving normally at approximately 55 mph on the highway, the vehicle suffered a sudden, catastrophic, and spontaneous structural failure of the rear driver-side suspension and drivetrain. Without striking any road debris, potholes, or other vehicles, the entire driver-side rear wheel, wheel assembly, and structural axle components completely fractured and ejected from the moving vehicle. An eyewitness at the scene explicitly confirmed the nature of the failure, stating on video that they observed the 'entire rear axle just come right out' while the vehicle was in motion. The vehicle sustained extreme structural damage, completely disabling it on a high-speed highway and creating an immediate, life-threatening situation. …
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Seltos. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, an object fell from a vehicle ahead. The contact stated that while attempting to switch lanes, the Blind Spot Detection system returned the vehicle back into the lane and the vehicle struck the object causing damage to the front mid-section of the skid plate. The vehicle was taken to the dealer however, the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure or determine the cause of the failure. The contact stated that the failure persisted. Additionally, the contact stated that the transmission and fuel injectors had failed three times since owning the vehicle. Both parts were repaired twice under warranty; however, the contact was recently informed that the vehicle was out of warranty. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 10,000.
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Seltos. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH and attempting to accelerate, the vehicle briefly jerked before returning to normal functionality. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the transmission. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer and was diagnosed with transmission failure and the contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The contact also stated that the transmission had been replaced 5 times; however, the failure had not been resolved. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 19,000.
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Seltos. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the RPM fluctuated erratically before the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle was able to be restarted. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular failure. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 42,000.
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Seltos. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the transmission began to rev uncontrollably as the steering wheel started shaking without warning. The contact stated that the vehicle began to hesitate upon depression of the accelerator pedal and stalled without warning. The contact was able to coast the vehicle to a gas station and called the dealer to have the vehicle towed. Once the vehicle was towed to the dealer, the vehicle was diagnosed with transmission failure. The dealer and the contact notified the manufacturer of the failure but the manufacturer offer no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired and remained in the possession of the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 4,700.
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Seltos. The contact stated that while at a complete stop, the vehicle would stall upon depression of the accelerator pedal as the battery, oil, and check engine warning light illuminated. The contact shifted the vehicle into park(P) and restarted the vehicle and the vehicle drove as needed. The contact took the vehicle to a dealer where a diagnostic test was performed but no failure was found. The contact also stated that the horn intermittently failed to operate as needed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 8,000.
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Seltos. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, a grinding noise was heard coming from the transmission. While accelerating at highway speeds, the vehicle experienced a rear jolt. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where examination of the transmission revealed metal shavings inside the transmission output shaft speed sensor. The contact was advised that the transmission required replacement. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not included in the manufacturer's extended coverage program to address the issue. The failure mileage was 65,500.
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Seltos. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving 65-70 MPH on the highway, the engine was revving but the vehicle failed to respond as needed before shutting down. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer and was diagnosed with transmission failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, opened a case, but provided no additional assistance. The contact called the SAG Office and was referred to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 77,000.
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Seltos. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shut off while depressing the brake pedal. The contact stated that prior to the failure, the check engine warning light was displayed on the instrument panel; however, the check engine warning light was reset after the initial failure. The vehicle was not repaired. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 72,000.
Driving on a busy 4 lane highway where everyone was going over 70mph. Car began to shudder in the transmission and lost most of its power. Rpms went up to 3 or 4 thousand when stepping on gas to pull out out fast traffic and wouldn't go above 35 mph. Had to slowly pull out of traffic with hazards on at 30mph with cars flying by in both sides. Finally got to breakdown lane after a mile and tried to use sport shift mode to try other gears. Car wouldn't go above 30 mph and rpms went up to 4000. Luckily there was a rest area 500 feet off the highway. Pulled in there to look at transmission oil dipstick but couldn't find it. Spent over 2 hours trying to get Kia roadside assistance towed to a LOCAL Kia dealer but none had loaners to give so had to use my AAA to tow it to my dealer where I bought it. Hopefully I will get reimbursed for the tow I had to pay for. …
Transmission complaints in other Seltos years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2021 Kia Seltos?
NHTSA has 69 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2021 Kia Seltos, 18% of the model year's 378 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission › control module › software (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2021 Kia Seltos transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 2021 Kia Seltos, though it has 2 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2021 Kia Seltos transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 7,000 miles, and 76% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries to transmission & drivetrain problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.