2023 Kia Seltos: common problems and reliability

An average Seltos year.

The best Kia Seltos year. All Seltos years

46 owner complaints, most about engine. 2 recalls.

Should I buy a 2023 Seltos?

The 2023 Kia Seltos has 46 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 2 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are engine and electrical system. Owners most often flag 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.

Safety record for the 2023 model year

46
Owner complaints
2
Recalls
4
Crash reports
0
Fire reports

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

The Year Score compares this year with other Seltos years only. How we score it

Is 2023 a good year for the Seltos?

Across the 6 Seltos model years we track, complaint volume runs from 46 (2023) to 369 (2021). With 46 complaints, the 2023 Seltos sits about the same as the model's median of 46.

These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.

Where owners report problems

engine
17
electrical system
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 the pump to overheat.

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.

  • Very frequentEngine 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.

Owner insights cover all generations of the Seltos. See the full Seltos owner picture and every model year.

Typical used price

Used Seltos listings typically run $18,651–$23,798.

Other Seltos model years

Compare every Seltos year side by side to see how 2023 ranks against the rest.

Compare the Seltos against its rivals

Looking at a specific car?

We're building a full check by VIN: the exact trim and engine, its known problems and recalls, what to inspect, a fair price, and how it compares with its rivals. Get an email when it's ready.

One email when it launches. Unsubscribe any time. Privacy