NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Kia Seltos Safety Ratings
The 2021 Kia Seltos scores 79 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Average), with a 4-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 2 recalls, and 338 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2021 Kia Seltos presents an average safety profile, with a NHTSA Safety Index of 79 out of 100. Its crash-test results are strong, yet the overall assessment is moderated by two recall campaigns and a lower-than-average score for its avoidance technology. Both recalls address a piston oil ring defect.
The 2021 Kia Seltos holds a NHTSA Safety Index of 79 out of 100 and an NHTSA overall crash-test rating of 4 out of 5 stars, sourced from federal NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 118 SUVs from 2021 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2021 Kia Seltos ranks 83 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 79 / 100 (Average) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 4 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 16.9% |
| Recalls on file | 2 |
| Owner complaints | 338 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 83 of 118 SUVs tested for 2021 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 Kia Seltos?
The 2021 Kia Seltos achieved an Average Safety Index of 79 out of 100, its initial entry into the MotorCaliber record. A notable 5-star side impact rating anchors the Seltos's crash protection performance, contributing to 61 of a possible 70 points in this category. However, the vehicle's active safety score is diminished by its optional forward collision warning and lane departure warning systems, earning only 6 out of 10 points for avoidance technology. Electronic stability control is standard. The defect record for the 2021 Seltos registers 12 out of 20 points, reflecting two recall campaigns. Both campaigns address a piston oil ring manufacturing defect. The broader of these campaigns, initiated in 2025, encompasses Seltos models from 2021 through 2023, indicating a potential for open remedies on many 2021 units. Reinforcing these concerns, 203 of the 338 unverified owner complaints filed against the 2021 Seltos specifically allege engine-related issues, aligning directly with the recall's stated cause.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2021 Kia Seltos perform in crash tests?
The 2021 Kia Seltos's side-crash protection stands out, earning a full 5 out of 5 stars in NHTSA testing. Its frontal and rollover protection both scored 4 stars. The rollover risk was assessed at 17 percent, with a "No Tip" result in the dynamic tip test. Overall, the Seltos achieved a 4-star safety rating from NHTSA.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15138
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2021 Kia Seltos have any recalls?
Two recall campaigns affect the 2021 Seltos, both targeting the engine. One, initiated in April 2021, covers 2021 Seltos vehicles equipped with 2.0L Nu MPI engines for incorrectly manufactured piston oil rings. A second, broader campaign launched in early 2025 extends the same piston oil ring concern to 2021-2023 Seltos units. Neither campaign has been publicly designated a park-outside or do-not-drive order in the supplied data, but owners should verify remedy status by VIN.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL25V099000
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.
Reported 2025-02-17
ENGINE21V259000
Risk: 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.
Remedy: 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.
Reported 2021-04-13
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2021 Kia Seltos?
NHTSA has received 338 unverified consumer complaints for the 2021 Seltos. Alleged problem areas are heavily concentrated in the Engine category at 203 reports, followed by Power Train at 61. Unverified allegations also include 12 reported crashes, 5 reported fires, and 8 reported injuries.
338 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2021 Kia Seltos?
Two recall campaigns affect the 2021 Seltos, and prospective buyers should verify both have been remedied through NHTSA's VIN lookup tool. The 2025 piston oil ring recall is a recent development, and its completion rate on used units may vary. Owners should confirm in writing that both recall campaigns have been addressed.
- The 2021 Seltos carries two open-or-recently-issued recall campaigns, both addressing piston oil ring manufacturing defects in the engine, with the most recent campaign issued in early 2025 covering this model year.
- NHTSA awarded the 2021 Seltos a 5-star side-crash rating, the strongest individual result in its test profile, while frontal and rollover protection each landed at 4 stars with a 17 percent rollover risk.
- Forward collision warning and lane departure warning are optional rather than standard on the 2021 Seltos, a configuration that directly reduces the avoidance-tech sub-score to 6 out of 10 and limits passive safety benefits for buyers who did not select those options.
- Unverified NHTSA complaints for this model year total 338, with 203 alleged to involve the engine, a concentration that mirrors the subject matter of both recall campaigns and warrants VIN-level recall verification before any used purchase.
RANKINGSWhere the 2021 Kia Seltos places
The 2021 Kia Seltos qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2021 Kia Seltos safety questions
Was the 2021 Kia Seltos crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2021 Kia Seltos, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 79 out of 100, placing it in the Average band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2021 Kia Seltos crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2021 Kia Seltos earned 4 out of 5 stars for overall, 4 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 16.9%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2021 Kia Seltos have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 2 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2021 Kia Seltos. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2021 Kia Seltos?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 338 owner complaints are on file for the 2021 Kia Seltos. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash or a fire.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Seltos years
Rivals in SUV (2021)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Tesla Model X 5-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Tesla Model X 6-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Tesla Model X 7-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Nissan Murano | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Audi Q5 Sportback | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Mazda CX-3 | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 15138), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Kia Seltos 2021.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 83 of 118 in the SUV class for 2021.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.