2025 Kia Seltos: common problems and reliability

The 2025 Kia Seltos has 10 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 0 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are exterior lighting and electrical system. 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 2025 model year

10
Owner complaints
0
Recalls
1
Crash reports
0
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2025 Kia Seltos vehicles (US, public record).

Where owners report problems

exterior lighting
3
electrical system
3
forward collision avoidance
2
structure
1
service brakes
1

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,…

  • 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.

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 $23,978–$27,317 across 2021 to 2027 model years.

Other Seltos model years

Compare every Seltos year side by side to see how 2025 ranks against the rest.

2023 Seltos

Compare the Seltos against its rivals

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