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Transmission and drivetrainPart report

2021 Kia Seltos Transmission and drivetrain Problems

Complaints
68about this part
Share
18%of 380 total for the year
Median mileage
6,700miles
Trend
RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 68 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2021 Kia Seltos, 18% of the 380 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 6,700 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“At 5,800 miles, my Seltos suddenly stopped accelerating while in motion. Rpms shot up to 7 and 8, and the car would not go above 35 MPH. The engine was grinding. I got the car to the dealership and was told the transmission needs to be replaced. I was also told there is no transmission in the country so one has been ordered.”

NHTSA complaint #11378371, filed 2020-12, 5,800 miles

“On 05/03/21 approx. 2:40 pm ct I was excelling to enter highway mopac north; austin, tx; when my car became sluggish; I pulled over, to shoulder, ironically tx roadside assitance pulled in behind me - we couldn't determine the issue - I was exiting the next exit driving to jiffy lube on anderson/spicewood; dialogue screen stating issue re: diagnostic computer; gave two options schedule appt. Or call roadside assistance. Turning into jiffy lube, the car became sluggish, the car wouldn't reverse from the jiffy lube bay. Jiffy lube mechanic ran a diagnostic. …”

NHTSA complaint #11416394, filed 2021-05, 10,900 miles

“In stop and go traffic the transmission temperature too hot warning came on. Eventually got into the red zone, had to pull over and keep foot on brake to disengaged dual clutch system to help dissipate heat. Eventually went back down to normal range of temperature. Dealer stated found no articles or resources for this issue.”

NHTSA complaint #11376368, filed 2020-11, 7,400 miles

“While driving on the highway, the vehicle failed to accelerate. On a road where the speed limit was 60 MPH, the vehicle stopped accelerating at 55 MPH suddenly and caused disruption in the traffic until I could cruise to the shoulder in neutral. It was a scary situation where multiple accidents were narrowly avoided. The vehicle was towed to the dealership where the transmission was identified to have a broken transmission with 3000 miles on it.”

NHTSA complaint #11389675, filed 2021-01, 3,300 miles

“The car is unable to shift into drive or park. It takes releasing the shift lock to make it get into reverse or neutral and a very specific sequence to accidentally get it into park. After trying to parallel park into a spot, the car became stuck in reverse and could not be maneuvered. It was only able to roll downhill in neutral or reverse with power, both of which would have LED to a collision. The vehicle was stationary on the city street and blocked traffic, especially problematic during the snow storm. …”

NHTSA complaint #11396218, filed 2021-02, 3,400 miles

Related service bulletins

Transmission and drivetrain: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2024613%
202349%
20221013%
20216818%

Other parts of the 2021 Kia Seltos

Engine
234 complaintsElectrical system
48 complaintsOther or unknown
47 complaintsEngine cooling
46 complaintsFuel system
28 complaintsVehicle speed control
11 complaintsAir bags
6 complaintsBrakes
6 complaintsForward collision avoidance
6 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
6 complaintsSeat belts
5 complaintsSteering
5 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2021 Kia Seltos

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology