NHTSA Complaint #11654098 — 2021 KIA SELTOS

I bought my ‘21 Kia Seltos in 2021. Within the first months it would stall when going uphill and in parking lots. I had a few mechanics look and they could not find any issues. So, I kept driving it. I drive 12 miles one way for work my wife drives it 1 mile both ways for work. Now [XXX] 47k miles it stalled out 2x the 2nd time it stalled it started to fill with fumes and smoke with my [XXX] - and [XXX] in the car. My kids and I have had a cough ever since. I called roadside; they first thought was the battery. So, the first guy tried to jump the battery, and nothing happened then he said he smelled something electrical burning. But could not locate. Then he said they will send a tow. Roadside then sent another guy to jump the battery. he smelled the same thing, but he found the source and said that the airbag sensors were burning. So, he disconnected the battery and called the tow. The car was towed at midnight to Grand Kia in Northglenn where the service rep was working on my car called me that day to tell me that the engine had seized, and he would submit a warranty claim to have it covered. I provided all service records to him including oil purchase receipts. A week later he calls and tells me they denied the warranty due to “lack of maintenance”. So, I call Kia customer care and speak with A lady who tells me it was denied due to “aftermarket parts” which there were none. She said once that flag was removed, she can escalate this case to a case Manager. Then I call Grand Kia back and talk to the service rep who says that flag is not there. Then I call back Kia and a different lady tells me the case was escalated and to expect a call and an email from the case manager. I call 4/10/2025 and am being told there is not an escalation on the case. I get transferred to a supervisor line and after waiting on hold I had to leave a voicemail, still no returned call. All this while there is a safety recall out that causes my exact issue and the engine needs replaced. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF I