VehicleVerdict

2023 Kia Seltos problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2023 Kia Seltos sits mid-pack among Seltos years: 78 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 70, with 2 recalls and one closed investigation.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across engine (17), other (17), and electrical system (15), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect. In government crash testing it earned 4 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

78

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

1

Investigations

5

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

3

Injuries

0

Deaths

4

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2023 compare to other Seltos years?

Seltos NHTSA complaints by model year, 2023 highlighted473 complaints2021: 473 complaints2022: 95 complaints2023: 78 complaints2024: 63 complaints2025: 16 complaints2026: 4 complaints
Seltos NHTSA complaints by model year, 2023 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Seltos years to avoid →

What are the most common 2023 Kia Seltos problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine1722%
Other1722%
Electrical System1519%
Driver Assistance810%
Visibility & Wipers79%
Transmission45%
Brakes34%
Body & Structure34%
Seat Belts11%
Airbags11%
Steering11%
Tires & Wheels11%

Does the 2023 Kia Seltos have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

25V099000EngineFebruary 17, 2025 · 137,256 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

Engine damage can cause a vehicle stall or fire, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.

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. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC336.

23V531000TransmissionJuly 31, 2023 · 39,765 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

An electric oil pump assembly that overheats increases the risk of a vehicle fire.

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. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 28, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC275.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“Unknown. Was told there was a recall when i took it in for my first oil change over a year ago, was told that they would call me when the part came in, then never heard from anyone. Just took it back in couple months ago and mentioned it again and nothing was ever said. They did confirm that it had…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · November 25, 2023

“The gages fall all the way down, I’m not able to accelerate, engine light, traction light, tire pressure light, crash detection light, and other lights come on and prevents me from being able to drive. This happened on the interstate and almost caused an accident. ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · March 16, 2026

“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. The contact did not sustain any injuries as a result of the failure. A police report was filed…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · May 12, 2023 · crash

“Went to stop at a red light and I had no breaks pushed break pedal all to the floor and nothing hit another car no air bags seat belt never tightened no collision warning nothing I was was at fault and charge wreck less driving and ticked. And Kia wants to charge me 200 for a diagnostic fee to…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Driver Assistance · September 30, 2024 · crash

“Driver side rear door glass exploded spontaneously at 65mph for no reason, sending glass all over the interior. Was on a two lane highway in a remote area with no other traffic. Outside temperature was about 15 degrees. With no other underlying cause apparent. Stopped at the dealer immediately…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · February 13, 2023

2023 Kia Seltos — common questions

Is the 2023 Kia Seltos reliable?

It is close to typical for the Seltos: 78 NHTSA complaints, 2 recalls, and 1 investigation on file.

What are the most common 2023 Seltos problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (17 complaints), other (17 complaints), electrical system (15 complaints).

Does the 2023 Kia Seltos have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2023 Kia Seltos. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2023 Kia Seltos under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Kia Seltos years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Seltos years to avoid are 2021. The cleanest record among Seltos years belongs to 2026.

How safe is the 2023 Kia Seltos?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2023 Kia Seltos earned an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.