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, 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.