VehicleVerdict

2024 Kia Seltos problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2024 Kia Seltos sits mid-pack among Seltos years: 63 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 71, with 2 recalls and no defect investigations.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across electrical system (15), other (9), and driver assistance (7), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect. In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

63

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

10

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

4

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2024 compare to other Seltos years?

Seltos NHTSA complaints by model year, 2024 highlighted473 complaints2021: 473 complaints2022: 95 complaints2023: 78 complaints2024: 63 complaints2025: 16 complaints2026: 4 complaints
Seltos NHTSA complaints by model year, 2024 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Seltos years to avoid →

What are the most common 2024 Kia Seltos problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System1524%
Other914%
Engine711%
Driver Assistance711%
Transmission46%
Visibility & Wipers46%
Speed Control35%
Lighting23%
Tires & Wheels23%
Body & Structure23%
Steering23%
Seat Belts12%
Brakes12%
Fuel System12%
Airbags12%
Seats12%
Suspension12%

Does the 2024 Kia Seltos have recalls?

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

23V830000AirbagsDecember 22, 2023 · 2,967 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

An air bag that deploys unexpectedly can increase the risk of injury or crash.

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. Kia's number for this recall is SC289.

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.

“Electrical control unit car just shuts off in drive completely goes black no matter what within seconds even on freeway going 70 mph car tune off loss of control then starts back up very dangerous ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · November 15, 2025

“The vehicle rolled backwards and hit a predestination with no one in the vehicle on level ground. I don't know why it rolled backwards since it has never done this before unless someone had hacked into the computer system and caused it to go backwards. I also don't know if this car has the lvl of…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · May 12, 2025 · crash

“Our vehicle was in an accident with extensive damage to the entire front end. The accident warning senors did not go off and the air bags did not deploy. The insurance adjuster said the entire engine was pushed back towards the driver area so it's surprising the air bags did not deploy. In our Kia…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Driver Assistance · June 29, 2025 · crash

“Daughter driving back to college from home in her new 2024 Kia Seltos. We leased this vehicle for her for reliability and dependability throughout her years at college. 9 months into lease, 10,000 miles her car started smoking from engine. She immediately pulled over to notice the car had…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · April 29, 2024 · fire

“Over the last year that I have had my car, I noticed that things as little as gravel, bugs, and small rocks chip my windshield easily. I worry that I have defective glass considering I have over 10 chips on my windshield. ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · March 30, 2025

2024 Kia Seltos — common questions

Is the 2024 Kia Seltos reliable?

It is close to typical for the Seltos: 63 NHTSA complaints, 2 recalls, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 2024 Seltos problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (15 complaints), other (9 complaints), driver assistance (7 complaints).

Does the 2024 Kia Seltos have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2024 Kia Seltos. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

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 2024 Kia Seltos?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2024 Kia Seltos earned an overall rating of 5 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.