2023 Kia Seltos: common problems and reliability

The 2023 Kia Seltos has 44 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 2 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are electrical system and engine. Owners most often flag transmission reliability concerns (dct/imt) — reports of failures, clunky/low-speed behavior, unsuitability for city traffic, and long repair times for parts. frequency: very frequent.

Safety record for the 2023 model year

44
Owner complaints
2
Recalls
3
Crash reports
0
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2023 Kia Seltos vehicles (US, public record).

Where owners report problems

electrical system
15
engine
15
forward collision avoidance
4
power train
4
visibility
4

Recalls affecting the 2023 Seltos

power train:automatic transmission:fluid/lubricant:pump

Campaign 23V531000

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…

engine and engine cooling:engine:hard parts internal/mechanical

Campaign 25V099000

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.

What owners say across generations

Sentiment is sharply divided, creating a low-confidence overall picture. A significant portion of owner feedback is positive, praising the vehicle for its spacious interior relative to its compact size, attractive exterior design, generous feature content (inc

  • Transmission reliability concerns (DCT/IMT) — Reports of failures, clunky/low-speed behavior, unsuitability for city traffic, and long repair times for parts. Frequency: very frequent.
  • Engine issues — Turbo failures, oil pump recalls (specific to a 2023 manufacturing batch), piston ring recalls (mentioned for 2.0L engines), carbon buildup causing lean codes at high mileage, and DPF failures in diesel models linked to "adulterated fuel" or city driving. Frequency: very frequent.
  • Low real-world fuel economy — City mileage reported as low as 8-12 km/L (~19-28 MPG), significantly below expectations for the segment. Frequency: recurrent.
  • Dealership and customer service problems — Poor service experiences, difficulty getting warranty claims approved, exorbitant out-of-warranty repair quotes, long wait times for parts, and lack of loaner vehicles. Frequency: recurrent.
  • Suspension and build quality issues — Premature wear leading to "kalampagin" (rattling noises), bent steering components from potholes, persistent alignment problems. Frequency: recurrent.

Owner insights cover all generations of the Seltos.

Typical used price

Used Seltos listings typically run $23,978–$27,317 across 2021 to 2027 model years.

Other Seltos model years

2025 Seltos
Full Kia Seltos owner reportCompare against another car