Independent · Not affiliated with NHTSA or any automaker MethodologyData sourcesData refreshed Oct 6, 2026

Kia Seltos Problems, Recalls and MPG by Year

What this means

NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns across the Kia Seltos, 2021–2027. Owners have filed 555 complaints with NHTSA. Of the last 1 model years with settled counts, the 2021 drew the most (372) and the 2021 the fewest (372).

Data summary generated from official records. Methodology Data: NHTSA, DOT, EPA · Refreshed Oct 6, 2026

Kia Seltos complaints by model year

555 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Red numbers above the columns are recall campaigns for that model year.

2021202220232024202520262027
ComplaintsStill collecting reports3Recall campaigns

Counts are owner reports, not failure rates. Higher sales years tend to draw more reports. Source: NHTSA ODI, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.

Fewest complaints

  • 2021 · 372 complaints

Most complaints

  • 2021 · 372 complaints

Among the last 15 model years at least five years old; newer years are left out because owners are still filing reports. Every year compared →

Problem areas by model year

Complaints that name each component, 2021–2027. Darker cells mean more reports. One complaint can name several components.

Kia Seltos owner complaints by component and model year (NHTSA ODI)
Component2021202220232024202520262027
Engine 22838178110
Unknown or other 4617179301
Electrical system 4881517300
Power train 681046000
Engine and engine cooling 44922000
Fuel/propulsion system 26103010
Forward collision avoidance 6344300
Vehicle speed control 10003020

Source: NHTSA ODI owner complaints, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.

Kia Seltos recalls (4)

Recall campaigns NHTSA lists for at least one Seltos model year, newest first.

NHTSA recall campaigns for the Kia Seltos
CampaignFiledWhatModel yearsRepaired
25V099000Feb 17, 2025Engine Damage May Cause Stall or Fire2021, 2022, 202363.8%
23V830000Dec 22, 2023Side Curtain Air Bags May Deploy Unexpectedly202480.1%
23V531000Jul 31, 2023Electric Oil Pump Assembly May Cause Fire2023, 202487.2%
21V259000Apr 13, 2021Improperly Heat-Treated Piston Oil Rings202190.6%

Only NHTSA and your automaker know whether your specific car was repaired. Open a model-year page for each campaign's official text, or check your VIN on NHTSA.

Check on NHTSA ↗

Crash-test stars by model year

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings for the Kia Seltos (most-tested body style each year)
Model yearOverallFrontalSideRolloverTested as
2026★★★★★5★5★4★suv fwd
2025★★★★★5★5★4★suv fwd
2024★★★★★5★5★4★suv fwd
2023★★★★☆4★5★4★suv fwd
2022★★★★☆4★5★4★suv fwd
2021★★★★☆4★5★4★suv fwd

Compare stars only between vehicles of similar size and weight. Source: NHTSA NCAP, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.

Fuel economy by model year

202127–31 mpg
202227–31 mpg
202327–31 mpg
202426–31 mpg
202525–31 mpg
202625–29 mpg
202726–30 mpg

EPA combined mpg range across engine and transmission configurations. Your mileage will vary. Source: EPA, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.

Where to next

Kia Seltos FAQ

How many recalls has the Kia Seltos had?

NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns that cover at least one Kia Seltos model year from 2021 to 2027. Each campaign card on the model-year pages has NHTSA's official text and the repair completion rate. Only NHTSA's VIN lookup can tell you whether a specific car was repaired.

Which Kia Seltos year has the most complaints?

Among the last 1 model years with settled counts, the 2021 drew the most owner complaints filed with NHTSA (372) and the 2021 the fewest (372). Counts are owner reports, not failure rates, and sales volume affects them.

What are the most common Kia Seltos problems?

Across the 2021–2027 model years, owners most often name the engine, unknown or other, electrical system in complaints filed with NHTSA.

What mpg does the Kia Seltos get?

EPA rates the 2027 Kia Seltos at 26 to 30 mpg combined, depending on engine and transmission.

How this page was madeSources, processing, limits, review and changes

Processing

  • Complaints are counted per component. One complaint can list several, so component totals add up to more than the total.
  • Fuel cost = miles per year ÷ EPA combined mpg × EIA weekly price for your region.

Limitations

  • Complaint counts are owner reports, not verified findings or failure rates. There is no sales denominator.
  • Recall campaigns are listed for the model year. Only NHTSA and the automaker know whether a specific car was repaired.
  • Recent model years are still collecting reports.

Review

Data compiled automatically from the official files listed here.

Changelog

  • 2026-10-06 Data refreshed from the official files.
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