2023 Kia Seltos
Not enough comparison years on file yet for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2021 | 366 |
| 2022 | 72 |
| 2023 | 46 |
| 2024 | 44 |
| 2025 | 12 |
| 2026 | 4 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
37% of complaints: engine — 17 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
I had two incidents with the Kia listed above involving the feature where the engine stops when at a light, and then turns back on when foot is removed from brake. The first instance happened in a parking lot while I was maneuvering into a spot.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260823
Car was taken In for service and tech noted was low on oil and looked as if was burning oil and advised of a recall.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260904
33% of complaints: electrical system — 15 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing speedometer/odometer.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
The contact owns a 2023 Kia Seltos. The contact stated that while parallel parking her vehicle, the vehicle independently accelerated backward while in the reverse(R) position and crashed into a barrier.
NHTSA ODI report, 20230512
11% of complaints: forward collision avoidance — 5 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing warnings and automatic emergency braking.
CRASH9% of complaints: power train — 4 distinct reports on file.
9% of complaints: visibility — 4 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing glass, side/rear and windshield.
Show complaint excerpts
when driving in sun or lighted areas the dash board reflects off the window glass making the driver impaired . the dash board and window glass is not properly installed especially with the visibility of the reflection
NHTSA ODI report, 20220901
Also filed under STRUCTURE
SAFETY TIMELINE
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.
Campaign 23V531000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 25V099000 — check if this car was fixed
Kia 25V099 Piston Oil Ring Recall Effectiveness
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2023 Kia Seltos — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine issues (17 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (15 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for forward collision avoidance issues (5 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 23V531000 (power train) has been completed.
- Verify recall 25V099000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 2023 Kia Seltos reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2023 Kia Seltos?
The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 37% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2023 Kia Seltos have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.