Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 13 | −45% | — | Headlight | Good |
| 2024 | 46 | 1.4× | 2 | Electrical | Caution |
| 2023 | 47 | −52% | 2 | Engine | Good |
| 2022 | 75 | — | 1 | Engine | Limited data |
| 2021 | 378 | — | 2 | Engine | Limited data |
* Complaints compared with the median Seltos year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common Kia Seltos problems
Latest Kia Seltos recalls
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.
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.
Air bags
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023 Soul and 2024 Seltos vehicles. Due to a manufacturing error, the side curtain air bags may deploy unexpectedly.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace both side curtain air bag modules as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 31, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542.
Power train › Automatic transmission › Fluid/lubricant › Pump
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023 Soul, Sportage, and 2023-2024 Seltos vehicles. The electronic controller for the Idle Stop & Go oil pump assembly may contain damaged electrical components that can cause the pump to overheat.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will inspect and replace the electric oil pump controller, as necessary, free of charge.
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.
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.
Frequently asked questions
What years of the Kia Seltos should you avoid?
2024 — this year has the most complaints relative to other Seltos years at the same age, led by electrical system problems in the 2024.
What is the best year for the Kia Seltos?
2023 has the fewest complaints compared with other Seltos years at the same age, followed by 2025. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.
What are the most common Kia Seltos problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the engine & cooling (352), electrical system (92) and transmission & drivetrain (89). Engine complaints peak in the 2021 model year.
How many recalls has the Kia Seltos had?
4 recalls across 2021–2025. The model year with the most is 2021. See all Kia Seltos recalls by year.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.