2021 Kia Seltos
Vehicle Specs & Maintenance Data
The 2021 Kia Seltos maintenance specs on this page cover the key fluids, torque values, and wear items you need for routine service. Use these numbers as a quick reference when performing oil changes, tire rotations, brake jobs, and other scheduled maintenance on your Kia Seltos.
For oil changes, the 2021 Kia Seltos takes 5W-30 Full Synthetic motor oil with a capacity of 4.2 quarts. Brake fluid type is DOT 3, the recommended coolant is Phosphate-based Green/Blue, and transmission fluid is SP-IV-M (ATF). Always use the manufacturer-recommended fluids to maintain warranty coverage and engine longevity.
When mounting wheels on the Kia Seltos, torque the lug nuts to 79-94 ft-lbs using a calibrated torque wrench. Over- or under-torquing can lead to warped brake rotors or loose wheels. Re-torque after 50 to 100 miles on newly installed wheels.
Owners of the 2021 Kia Seltos have reported 5 common issues including "Piston Oil Ring Defect — Engine Damage and Fire Risk", "ISG Oil Pump Overheating and Fire Risk" and "4WD ECU Malfunction (AWD Models)". Scroll down to the Diagnostics tab for detailed descriptions, solutions, and estimated repair costs.
There are 2 NHTSA safety recalls on file for the 2021 Kia Seltos. Check the Recalls tab below for full details.
Specifications on this page are compiled from multiple publicly available sources including manufacturer documentation, NHTSA data, and automotive databases. Always cross-reference with your owner's manual or official factory documentation before purchasing parts or performing any service.
The 2021 Kia Seltos uses 5W-30 Full Synthetic motor oil (4.2 qt capacity), requires lug nuts torqued to 79-94 ft-lbs, takes DOT 3 brake fluid.
Manufacturer-recommended maintenance schedule for the 2021 Kia Seltos. Always verify intervals against your owner's manual.
Enter a diagnostic trouble code to see causes, symptoms, and fixes for the 2021 Kia Seltos.
Common problems reported by 2021 Kia Seltos owners, with recommended fixes and estimated repair costs.
Piston Oil Ring Defect — Engine Damage and Fire Risk
The piston oil rings on the 2.0L Nu engine may have been manufactured incorrectly, causing excessive oil consumption that can lead to engine damage, stalling, or fire. This affects approximately 53,635 Seltos SUVs built between July 2020 and July 2022.
Kia issued a recall for 2021-2023 Seltos models with the 2.0L engine. Dealers will perform an engine inspection and oil consumption test. If consumption is excessive, the engine short block will be replaced free of charge. The 1.6T engine is not affected.
Est. Cost: Covered under recallISG Oil Pump Overheating and Fire Risk
The electronic controller for the Idle Stop & Go oil pump assembly may contain damaged electrical components that cause the pump to overheat, increasing the risk of a vehicle fire. This is a separate fire risk from the piston ring issue.
Kia issued a recall for affected Seltos vehicles. Dealers will inspect and replace the ISG oil pump controller as necessary, free of charge.
Est. Cost: Covered under recall4WD ECU Malfunction (AWD Models)
On AWD models produced through March 2023, the 4WD ECU may malfunction, causing the AWD system to behave erratically or disengage entirely. Owners may notice the AWD warning light illuminating or the vehicle behaving as front-wheel drive only.
Kia released TSB SC297 for 4WD ECU inspection and replacement on affected AWD models. Dealers will inspect and replace the 4WD ECU as necessary under warranty.
Est. Cost: $0 under warranty; $400 - $800 out of warrantyInfotainment Apple CarPlay/Android Auto Connectivity Issues
Owners report frequent disconnections of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, unresponsive touchscreen, and audio dropouts during phone calls. The infotainment system may also freeze or reboot randomly during use.
Kia released TSB ELE338 providing a Display Audio 2.0/AVN5W software update to address connectivity issues. Dealers will update the infotainment firmware free of charge. Ensure you are using a certified USB cable for wired connections.
Est. Cost: $0 for software updateHorn Sound Malfunction
The horn assembly may malfunction, producing a weak or no sound when the horn button is pressed. This is a safety concern as the horn is a required safety device for alerting other drivers and pedestrians.
Kia issued warranty extension campaign WTY038_DP, extending horn assembly warranty coverage from 5 years/60,000 miles to 10 years/120,000 miles. Dealers will replace the horn assembly free of charge under the extended warranty.
Est. Cost: $0 under extended warranty2 NHTSA safety recalls for the 2021 Kia Seltos. Check your VIN at NHTSA.gov
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.
Engine damage can cause a vehicle stall or fire, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
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
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Soul, and 2021 Seltos vehicles equipped with 2.0L Nu MPI engines. The piston oil rings may not have been properly heat-treated, which may result in engine damage.
A damaged engine may stall, increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, oil may leak onto hot exhaust components, increasing the risk of a fire.
Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the engine, free of charge. In addition, Kia will deploy Piston Ring Noise Sensing System (PNSS) software. The recall began June 11, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC209.