The 2021 Kia Seltos Still Struggles With Engine Problems

by Gabrielle DeSantis

We’ve got our detective hats on, meaning it’s time to follow rabbit holes and forums until we have answers. Today’s case involves the Kia Seltos because we’re wondering if the engine is reliable. The 2021 Kia Seltos has a recall due to potential trouble, but did that correct the issue? 

Does the 2021 Kia Seltos have engine problems? 

2022 Kia Seltos | Kia

First of all, for a little background information, the 2021 Kia Seltos has two engine options. The base engine is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder unit with 146 hp and 132 lb-ft of torque. You can upgrade to the 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine for 175 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque. So, definitely go with the second option. The first is a little underpowered.

Also, the 2.0-liter engine was a part of a recent recall. According to Consumer Reports, 147,249 2020-2021 Kia Seltos and Soul models with the 2.0-liter engine were recalled. An inconsistent heat-treating process for the piston oil rings could damage the engine. 

As a result, the SUVs could experience a sudden loss of power and increased fire risk. But dealers corrected the issue by inspecting the engines and adding software to provide alerts for detected problems. Some engines were also replaced. But was this the end of the story? 

Does the Seltos have different types of engine problems? 

Through our research, we found a law office that warns clients about the 2021 Kia Seltos being a potential lemon due to electrical system, engine, and suspension problems. They reference these complaints as being the most common issues reported by owners to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 

But we aren’t on the hook just yet. The claim that an Edmunds review shared that the worst part about this SUV is the upgraded engine and transmission. The turbo in the S Turbo and SX trims whistles, driving drivers and passengers crazy. 

The dual-clutch is clunky and jerks at slow speeds. Then the SUV acts even weirder in reverse. But the link to this complaint takes you to the NHTSA site instead of Edmunds. Also, it’s for the 1.6-liter engine instead of the 2.0-liter option. 

Possible engine issues with the Kia Seltos 

A white 2021 Kia Seltos on a white background
2021 Kia Seltos | Kia

So we switched gears and went to take a look at specific engine complaints listed by owners. There are currently 13 reports of engine trouble. One driver shared that their Seltos suddenly stalled without notice. The brake pedal became unresponsive, and they had to pull the emergency brake to stop. Their local dealership mentioned that their vehicle was simply out of oil. 

Another driver was informed that her Kia Seltos was out of oil. She mentioned that it was leaking oil, and the engine made a strange knocking sound. But she was told this wasn’t related to the recent recall, and nothing was replaced or repaired. 

One driver accrued about 3,000 miles on their Seltos when they noticed that it surged while accelerating but then wouldn’t move while exiting the interstate while in drive. They had their Seltos towed, and the transmission was replaced. 

It seems like the 2021 Kia Seltos is experiencing more issues than the problems addressed by the recall earlier in the summer. But the amount of problems currently reported is low, so there seems to be a low risk of engine or transmission problems.

RELATED: Is the 2021 Kia Sorento Better Than the Kia Seltos?

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Consumer Reports Worst Sports Car is the 2021 Subaru WRX

by Gabrielle DeSantis

When it came down to it, Consumer Reports found the 2021 Subaru WRX a bit underwhelming compared to the competition. What made this mild-but-fun four-door sedan slip into the last place? Nothing too substantial. With an MSRP of $27,495, the WRX is still a fun little car.

Consumer Reports didn’t love the 2021 Subaru WRX

Consumer Reports didn’t love the 2021 Subaru WRX | Subaru

On the list of sports cars under $40,000 by Consumer Reports, there was quite a bit of variety. At the top of the list were the 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata and the 2021 Hyundai Veloster. But the most surprising vehicles sat at the end. The 2021 Subaru WRX came in the last place. Ninth out of nine vehicles, only ahead of the unrated 2022 Subaru BRZ, 2022 Toyota 86, and the 2022 Volkswagen GTI.

What made Consumer Reports diss the WRX? The overall score came in at 58, fairly low for such a well-loved vehicle. The road test saw a score of 75 out of 100. Both the predicted owner satisfaction and predicted reliability only scored two out of five. Subaru does offer a solid warranty. The basic warranty is three years or 36,000-miles. The brand also offers the same for roadside assistance. No maintenance is included.

The 2021 Subaru WRX is lacking in safety features

Safety features like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and pedestrian detection are all optional. Lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot warning are also optional. For a 2021 vehicle, Consumer Reports argues that some of these should be standard.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) did give all of the listed crash tests a rating a “good.” From the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), almost all of the ratings were five out of five stars. While these ratings are good, the added safety features would be a big help.

With three different engines, the 2021 Subaru WRX is still a solid pick for many brand fans. It is offered in a 2.9L four-turbo (268 hp), a 2.5L four-turbo (310 hp), and a 2.5L four-turbo (342 hp). The Subaru WRX either comes with the CTV or a six-speed manual, which accounts for the varying horsepower.

It did get an overall EPA-estimated 26 mpg combined for fuel economy. This includes 19 mpg in the city and 33 mpg overall. The estimated annual fuel cost was $1,310. The smog rating was almost humorous, coming in at one out of 10.

What did Subaru get right?

While the 2021 Subaru WRX did come in the last place, it still got many things right. The WRX is extremely capable with its all-wheel drive traction. It accelerates quickly, and the four-door nature of the sedan is an added benefit. It also offers affordable high performance.

Consumer reports noted that the WRX was “painfully short in refinement,” but that’s the Subaru way. CR also noted that the ride was quite brutal, with a lot of noise in the cabin. The WRX can be difficult to drive and maneuver due to the trigger-happy throttle and clunky shifter. However, most people buying a WRX find these things more positive than negative.

Overall, fans of the 2021 Subaru WRX won’t be swayed by Consumer Reports’ opinion of the vehicle. It is safe, moderately affordable, and fun to drive. For under $40,000, the WRX is still an all-wheel drive beast with enough engine noise to make you smile.

RELATED: Kelley Blue Book Better Buy: 2021 Kia Telluride vs. Subaru Ascent

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Honda Ridgeline Backup Cameras Are at Risk According to This Class Action Lawsuit

by Gabrielle DeSantis

In June 2021, three Honda Ridgeline owners filed a class-action lawsuit centered around the failure of certain safety components that the popular truck offers. The failure is serious enough, according to these owners, to put the truck’s occupants, other people, and surrounding property in danger. The problem even impacts the backup cameras.

What is at the heart of this serious issue?  Which safety components are impacted, and what do Honda Ridgeline owners need to know? We have all the details.

The tailgate woes of the Honda Ridgeline

2021 Honda Ridgeline camera display | American Honda Motor Co., Inc

The class-action lawsuit is centered around the Honda Ridgeline’s tailgate in the model years 2017 to 2019. The suit claims that a faulty wiring harness is causing the electrical failure of multiple safety components, including the truck’s backup cameras.

The tail-gate offered on Honda Ridgeline has two-way functionality. It can open vertically like any traditional tailgate. It can also open horizontally for convenience. Operating this mechanism is a wiring harness that employs several different wires to send data and power to the truck’s backup camera. 

According to consumer site CarComplaints.com, the lawsuit explains the presence of defects in the wiring harness insulators, strain reliefs, and metal conductors inside the wires that tend to break. The lawsuit alleges that, as a result of the premature wiring failure, short circuits cause the backup camera only to work sporadically, if at all.

How does this happen? When the tailgate opens horizontally, it supposedly crimps the wiring harness located at the tailgate pivot. In a short period of time, the damage from tailgate usage breaks down the coating on the wires and eventually the wires themselves. According to the plaintiffs, the wiring setup isn’t designed to weather the wear from tailgate usage.

It’s not brand-new information

Allegedly, the automaker is aware of the problem with the 2017 to 2019 Honda Ridgeline tailgates. Technical service bulletins (TSBs) were issued to dealerships regarding the issue. It’s also alleged that Honda was aware of the problem before the trucks ever left a dealership lot.

There have been reports of Honda dealers explaining to Ridgeline owners that the issue is common with replacement wiring harnesses for the tailgates on backorder. With Honda supposedly refusing to recall the popular trucks to address the issue, owners are left footing the bill for repairs.

The lawsuit explains that while Honda has done nothing to help Ridgeline owners deal with the issue, dealers have been told Honda is collecting affected Ridgeline parts for investigation.

Overview of the 2021 Honda Ridgeline

The latest Honda Ridgeline might right the wrongs of its recent predecessors. It’s the only truck Honda offers and is quite different from standard pickup trucks. It might not be an off-roading warrior, and it doesn’t have a diesel powertrain option, but it’s spacious and comfortable.

The latest Ridgeline offers good acceleration thanks to a potent 3.5-liter V6 engine that puts out 280 hp.  It can only tow about 5,000 pounds, but its payload rating is decent, and it offers a refined and composed ride.

The 2021 Honda Ridgeline also still offers the versatile tailgate and other innovative features that have earned it good reviews and a coveted Editors’ Choice award from Car and Driver. The fact that the complaints about the tailgate issue dropped after the 2019 models would suggest Honda has been working behind the scenes to correct the problem.

Additionally, there’s a new Honda Performance Development package that you can get with all trims of the 2021 Honda Ridgeline. It gives you black over-fenders, HPD graphics on the truck bed, a blacked-out grille, and eye-catching bronze wheels. You also get all-terrain tires and distinct 18-inch wheels.

There’s an updated infotainment system, and all-wheel drive is now standard. With a bold new look, an impressive list of driver-assist features, and a comfortable, spacious cabin, the 2021 Honda Ridgeline is definitely an improved truck. 

RELATED: Despite This Major Flaw, People Still Love Their 2017 Honda Ridgelines

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Will Canada’s Plan For Catalytic Converter Thefts Work?

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Montreal, Canada, has a plan for the huge spike in catalytic converter thefts. At first brush, it seems so simple. But will it work? Montreal is having motorists register their catalytic converters. 

Canada is engraving catalytic converters with ID numbers

Kevin Doyle from Mad Hatter Muffler shop works on replacing a catalytic converter on a truck | Joe Raedle/Getty Images

To begin registering cats three sites in Montreal were set up. Car owners were asked to drive to one of them for cat registration according to the Montreal Gazette. Owners were given an ID sticker and had their catalytic converters engraved with an ID number.

The number corresponds with a QR code assigned to an owner’s pertinent info. With the ID number, the police will be able to determine ownership and get the cat back to its owner. In the past, if police uncovered stolen cats it was almost impossible to even determine what car they came off of.

“Catalytic converters have been stolen for years,” the national director of investigative services at the Insurance Bureau of Canada told CBC News. “The difference lately is the price of precious metals, and obviously it’s the precious metals inside those catalytic converters that they’re looking to steal and then sell on the black market.”

many tested catalytic converters
Catalytic converters being readied for removal of precious metals | Zucchi Uwe/picture alliance via Getty Images

Since catalytic converter thefts have spiked something had to be done. It is just as bad in Canada as it is in the US. Because cats contain small amounts of rare metals they are expensive, so they have value to thieves. Contained inside of the cats are precious metals like platinum, palladium, and rhodium

The other reason cats are getting stolen in record numbers is because they’re easy to steal. Especially, under trucks, there is plenty of room to hacksaw the cat out of the vehicle. Because thieves are under the car or truck, they are mostly hidden.

Thieves can then sell the cats to scrap metal dealers which have no way of determining if the cats are stolen. Now they will. The rare metals contained inside of the cats have a higher value than gold according to police. 

Do you think the US should adopt Canada’s catalytic converter theft program?

a catalytic converter being removed
A muffler shop employee illegally removes a catalytic converter from a car | James L. Amos/Corbis via Getty Images

Should the US adopt Canada’s registration idea? Guns, bicycles, cars, and more are all registered. Or should cat manufacturers stamp some identification onto each component inside of a cat? It does seem negligent that manufacturers don’t make it almost impossible for thieves to steal cats. 

One easy way to tell if this works will be to see the number of thefts after one year. If it proves to be a deterrent, then the US should follow Canada’s lead, or manufacturers should stamp all catalytic converter components. Otherwise, it doesn’t appear the problem is going away any time soon.

RELATED: What Your Catalytic Converter Does and Why You Should Replace It Now

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