NHTSA Data Explorer

Kia Seltos

Data refreshed June 26, 2026

Select a model year to filter results to that year of the Kia Seltos.

Complaints

496

Active records

Recalls

4

Active records

TSBs

160

Active records

Filing history

Monthly totals over the last 20 years. Click a legend item to show or hide that series.

Reported severity

Based on consumer complaints filed since 2000. Recalls and TSBs do not include severity data.

Deaths

0

Injuries

15

Crashes

24

Fires

9

Top reported issues — Kia Seltos

Click a category to expand its values.

Operating state

208

Engine behavior

166

Fluid issue

138

Reporting mechanism

127

Performance issue

102

Noise

82

Condition issue

80

Transmission/drivetrain behavior

46

Vibration/harshness

40

Thermal issue

39

Driver assistance issue

33

Powering on/off behavior

28

Braking behavior

27

Safety restraint issue

21

Smell

16

Infotainment behavior

15

Electrical issue

14

Starting behavior

14

Safety restraint behavior

10

Access/entry issue

7

Lighting behavior

7

Recent change

6

Ride/handling behavior

6

Steering behavior

6

HVAC behavior

5

Communication/network issue

2

Wiper/washer behavior

1

Recent filings

The 10 most recent filings for each type.

2023 KIA SELTOS

Filed Jun 22, 2026


Paint bubbling and chipping off. Dull blotches

2021 KIA SELTOS

Filed Jun 21, 2026


Driving my car on Interstate highway going approximately 65 miles an hour, and the engine just stopped. It started chugging.. I then check the engine oil stick, there was very little Oil, and it was very dark and thick. Got the car home and it’s been sitting ever since. I’m going to have to take it to Kia to have it checked. I spoke with corporate they said that if the recall repaired was completed, because there is still engine trouble and that I should be it taken to the closest…

2021 KIA SELTOS

Filed Jun 18, 2026


Engine problems. Car stop running and I had it towed to a local KIA dealer in Medford, Oregon. They said the engine didn't have any oil even though it wasn't time for my next oil change per the mileage sticker. They said the engine has to be replaced. I'm waiting on KIA's approval since it is still under warranty. They have had the car for a week. It's a 2021 KIA Seltos and I'm assuming other people are having the same issue.

2021 KIA SELTOS

Filed Jun 17, 2026


The contact owns a 2021 Kia Seltos. The contact stated that the vehicle was intermittently overheating and losing motive power while driving. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to accelerate properly. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the spark plugs and ignition coil packs were replaced; however, the failure persisted. The contact returned the vehicle to an independent mechanic and was informed that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was…

2024 KIA SELTOS

Filed Jun 17, 2026


Crash

While driving, the vehicle suddenly began handling abnormally. In response, we safely pulled over as quickly as possible. Before we could fully stop, the wheel catastrophically failed. The rim cracked around the entire circumference, the tire completely separated from the vehicle, and the vehicle lost stability and struck the guardrail. As a result of this incident, the vehicle sustained substantial damage, including but not limited to: •Complete destruction of the wheel/rim; •Tire separation;…

2021 KIA SELTOS

Filed Jun 17, 2026


To Whom It May Concern, I am filing a formal safety complaint regarding my 2021 Kia Seltos (VIN: [XXX]). My vehicle was previously serviced by Kia in connection with a recall in 2021. Despite the recall-related repair being completed, the issue has not been resolved. My check engine light continues to illuminate, and my vehicle has repeatedly stalled and completely shut off while stopped at red lights and intersections. This creates a serious safety hazard. When a vehicle unexpectedly loses…

2025 KIA SELTOS

Filed Jun 16, 2026


While driving at night with the Headlights on Low Beam the light that is projected onto the road is a dull yellowish color, not a bright white color. When the High Beam Lights are turned on there is no difference of the light being projected onto the road. While driving from [XXX] to [XXX] on [XXX] I noticed that I was unable to see or read the Exit Signs for any of the Exit Off Ramps or even the Mileage Signs the show the mileage to the next Towns. When I switched from Low Beam to High…

2024 KIA SELTOS

Filed Jun 11, 2026


Since November 2025, this vehicle has experienced repeated loss of power, severe shaking during acceleration, jerking between gear shifts, abnormal humming/grinding noises, and multiple check engine light events. The condition is most noticeable between approximately 40-70 mph and has repeatedly occurred while driving on highways. On multiple occasions, the vehicle struggled to accelerate properly and would not respond normally to throttle input. During one occurrence, the vehicle had…

2021 KIA SELTOS

Filed Jun 9, 2026


Usually the car would be taken to a shop for an oil change and I did it myself last time and realized the oil was pretty low. I checked over the weekend and noticed the dip stick marked the oil as 2/3 full after waiting 10 minutes for it to cool down a bit. This is alarming because when I filled the oil it was close to the max level.

2021 KIA SELTOS

Filed Jun 7, 2026


The infotainment head unit display system suffers from persistent firmware connectivity defects that cause severe system lag, complete screen freezing, and constant Bluetooth/phone disconnections. This directly compromises vehicle safety by rendering mandatory hands-free voice operations completely inoperable while driving, creating an intense electronic driver distraction. Furthermore, the system instability occasionally causes the central display screen to lag or fail to transition, impacting…

Data sourced from NHTSA's public datasets. Issue classifications are generated by Repair Surge. About this data.

Updated June 26, 2026. Refreshed nightly.