2024 Kia Seltos

Routine

Owners filed 47 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the electrical system. It has been recalled 2 times.

Not among the Kia Seltos years to avoid. Which Kia Seltos years to avoid →

Most common 2024 Kia Seltos problems

17 of the 47 complaints (36%) are about the electrical system.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Electrical System15
000
Unknown or Other7
101
Engine6
000
Visibility/Wiper · wipers3
000
Power Train · transmission3
000
Electrical System › Horn2
000
Vehicle Speed Control · throttle and acceleration1
000
Suspension1
000
Structure › Body · body and frame1
100
Structure · body and frame1
000

2 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Air Bags23V830000
Filed Dec 22, 20232,967 vehiclesKia America, Inc.

Defect. Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023 Soul and 2024 Seltos vehicles. Due to a manufacturing error, the side curtain air bags may deploy unexpectedly.

Risk. An air bag that deploys unexpectedly can increase the risk of injury or crash.

Remedy. Dealers will inspect and replace both side curtain air bag modules as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 31, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC289.

Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Fluid/Lubricant › Pump23V531000Park outside
Filed Jul 31, 202339,765 vehiclesKia America, Inc.

Defect. 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.

Risk. An electric oil pump assembly that overheats increases the risk of a vehicle fire.

Remedy. Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will inspect and replace the electric oil pump controller, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 28, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC275.

All 2 campaigns on file, newest first.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Electrical System
Filed Oct 22, 2026TN

2nd defective horn failure on my 2024 Seltos. (1st occurrence 08/2025 car backing up into me attempt to use horn to alert that driver and it did not work/ was covered and replaced by KIA as a noted defect ) 2nd occurrence, noticed when another car pulling out in front of me/did not stop at stop sign, I attempted to use horn to alert that driver, horn did not work. I have taken car to KIA dealership, evaluated horn, noted it is defective. Now going on 3rd week of waiting for part for 3rd horn

Electrical System
Filed Oct 3, 2026IN

Traveling on XXX in [XXX] in the left lane with a semi right beside me and the car engine died. The screen showed out in D or N to start engine. Was able to pull off to the right. The car would start but sounded awful and when put into D it died. Had to have it towed. The Kia dealer said it was from moisture on the thermostat. The screen was showing many different errors while sitting on the interstate. Very scary!!!! There was no warning it just died going 72 MPH in the left lane! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Engine
Filed Sep 16, 2026OH

Exhaust starting putting out white smoke and loss of power on accelerator while speeding up. Normally when merging onto highway or taking off after stop. Assumed head gasket with coolant in oil. Took to get oil change, milky/sludgy oil to back up that thought. No coolant in reservoir. Took to dealership, they claim lack of maintenance despite all maintenance records. They will not report records to kia corporate leading to denied warranty. Will not provide testing results. Claimed piston rings were destroyed. Would not give explanation for loss of coolant. Will not speed up going onto highway and continues to put out white smoke. No lights on vehicle.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Sep 10, 2026DE

The vehicle has experienced two separate episodes of severe engine/propulsion malfunction approximately two months apart. During the first incident, the vehicle began shaking and idling roughly and had very little acceleration. Pressing the accelerator caused the engine to rev, but the vehicle would barely move. A diagnostic scan performed afterward showed DTC P0171 (System Too Lean), but the code was subsequently cleared. The vehicle later returned to normal operation and a Kia dealer was unable to reproduce the condition. During the most recent incident, the vehicle again began idling very roughly and then stalled while being driven. The engine was restarted but stalled again. After another restart, shifting the vehicle into Drive caused the engine to stall again. A tractor-trailer was traveling behind the vehicle during the incident, creating a serious risk of a rear-end collision. The truck driver was able to recognize that the vehicle was having a problem and avoided a collision. There were no warning lights or messages on the instrument panel during the most recent incident. The vehicle is currently at a Kia dealership for inspection. The dealer has not identified the cause and is retaining and road-testing the vehicle in an attempt to reproduce the intermittent failure. The vehicle is available for inspection. Two incidents in less than two months.

Power Train
Filed Sep 3, 2026FL

I need to open a formal safety and warranty complaint regarding my 2024 Kia Seltos. I originally reported an acceleration problem to the dealership when the vehicle was purchased and they said they couldn’t duplicate the issue but they did not resolve it.The vehicle shuts off while I was driving, and afterward would not accelerate beyond approximately 15 mph. I believe the vehicle is unsafe to drive, and I want this documented as an unresolved recurring defect. I did make complaints to Rick case Kia of sunrise and at the time took it back up there three times in the month I purchased it. I’ve been dealing with this randomly since I got the car it shuts off while in motion.

Electrical System
Filed Jul 27, 2026CA

My 2024 Kia Seltos (leased, approximately 19,800 miles) received an over-the-air (OTA) software update on [07/03/2026]. The vehicle's screen prompted me to approve the update and stated it would complete with the ignition off. I approved it and exited the vehicle as instructed by Kia's on-screen directions and owner's manual. Immediately after this update, the vehicle developed an intermittent no-start condition, and the 12V battery went completely flat, accompanied by an ESC (Electronic Stability Control) warning. The vehicle had no electrical or starting problems of any kind before the update. The vehicle was disabled and could not be started without a jump start, which is a safety concern — this could strand a driver in an unsafe location or in extreme weather. The dealer (Car Pros Kia Glendale, RO #531279, dated 07/25/2026) performed a full system scan, found no DTCs, and confirmed the 12V battery failed testing. The dealer's repair order documents the customer complaint as "intermittent no start condition and battery went completely flat after the software update." The battery was replaced at my expense. The vehicle's software version after the update was NNK-02-0118 (previous resident version NNK-02-0108). Kia America has acknowledged partial responsibility by approving a 50% goodwill reimbursement. I am reporting this because a manufacturer-initiated OTA update that discharges the battery and disables the vehicle is a safety defect that may affect other vehicles.

Structure › BodyCrash
Filed Jun 17, 2026AZ

While driving, the vehicle suddenly began handling abnormally. In response, we safely pulled over as quickly as possible. Before we could fully stop, the wheel catastrophically failed. The rim cracked around the entire circumference, the tire completely separated from the vehicle, and the vehicle lost stability and struck the guardrail. As a result of this incident, the vehicle sustained substantial damage, including but not limited to: •Complete destruction of the wheel/rim; •Tire separation; •Axle and suspension damage; •Body damage to the driver-side front and rear panels; and •Additional mechanical damage that is still being assessed. Photographs taken immediately after the incident clearly show that the wheel fractured around the rim itself. The damage pattern is consistent with a catastrophic wheel failure, not ordinary cosmetic damage or curb rash. When I initially contacted the Kia dealership, I was told that they had "never seen anything like it." However, after the vehicle was towed to the dealership, the explanation changed, and I was informed that Kia now believes the vehicle must have struck something and that the impact caused the wheel to fail. That explanation is inconsistent with what occurred. At no point prior to the failure did we strike debris, a pothole, a curb, or any other object that would reasonably explain a complete structural fracture of the wheel and the tire separating from the vehicle. The wheel failed first. The collision with the guardrail oc

Engine
Filed Jun 11, 2026IL

Since November 2025, this vehicle has experienced repeated loss of power, severe shaking during acceleration, jerking between gear shifts, abnormal humming/grinding noises, and multiple check engine light events. The condition is most noticeable between approximately 40-70 mph and has repeatedly occurred while driving on highways. On multiple occasions, the vehicle struggled to accelerate properly and would not respond normally to throttle input. During one occurrence, the vehicle had difficulty accelerating beyond approximately 55 mph while on the expressway. The shaking became severe enough that I feared mechanical failure could occur while driving. I was forced to pull off to the shoulder of the highway because I no longer felt it was safe. The inability to maintain speed and accelerate normally created a safety risk for both myself and surrounding traffic. The vehicle has been returned to the dealership six times for the same recurring issue. Repairs have included replacement of the ECU, catalytic converter, ignition components, fuel injectors, and other engine related components. Despite these repairs, the problem continues to return. The condition has been repoduced and documented by the dealership, and a manufacturer field technician was involved in the most recent diagnosis process. Most recently, after the vehicle was inspected and believed to be repaired, the check engine light illuminated again while the service manager was moving my vehicle to be washed inside of

Electrical System
Filed May 6, 2026MI

Under extremely cold temperatures, approx 10° the main display does not work. The MPH & other vehicle information will not display. KIA service requires the vehicle to be brought to the facility while condition exists in order to troubleshoot, however once the vehicle warms up, the non functioning display begins to operate normally and the problem does not exist. Speaking with the service advisor and service manager in charge, they are aware of the problem and know of other vehicles with this display problem.

Unknown or Other
Filed Feb 15, 2026MS

Came out of work to a cracked windshield. There was no crack in my windshield prior to this. The crack spans across half of the windshield requiring a full replacement which is going to come completely out of pocket for me because I had a $1000 deductible. Had I known this was such a common issue with this year make and model, I would’ve opted for the $0 glass deductible. As many others have reported and stated, this was never an issue I’ve had with any other vehicle I’ve owned. It is clearly a manufacturing defect and SHOULD be covered by Kia. I’ve had this car for 7 months.

Electrical System
Filed Feb 12, 2026OH

While driving in traffic, my 2024 Kia Seltos suddenly shut down without warning again. I lost propulsion while the vehicle was in motion with passengers inside, creating an immediate safety hazard. The issue appears electrical or powertrain-related. This occurred during normal operation and could result in a serious crash. My vehicle shutting down in active traffic with passengers is unacceptable, and there is no recall remedy in place to correct this hazard. I am requesting a manufacturer-level resolution under Ohio Lemon Law and the Magnuson–Moss Warranty Act.

Electrical System
Filed Feb 2, 2026TN

The dashboard goes completely black and will not work when it is really cold outside. This is a dangerous problem because I cannot see my speedometer, how much gas I have in my car, or the engine temperature. I have been to the Kia dealership 3 or 4 times for this problem and have them report it to Kia. They always tell me that they cannot replicate the problem so they cannot fix it. I have video evidence of this happening and have showed it to the dealership. This has happened now for 2 winters. There have been no warning messages or anything before this happens.

Electrical System
Filed Feb 1, 2026OH

When the temperature is around zero my dashboard will not come on. I have been to the dealership 5 times for this issue. It takes me an hour to get to the dealership and by the time I get there it comes on. Dealership (Ken Ganley) states they can’t find the problem if it’s on. This is total bullshit, they know they have an issue and can fix it. Bought the car brand new. I believe it’s a safety hazard when I have no speedometer, gas guage or indicator lights. This has been going on since I purchased the vehicle in July 2024.

SteeringCrash1 injured
Filed Jan 27, 2026OR

During the incident in question, the vehicle’s lane‑assist system malfunctioned in a manner I have never previously experienced. As I approached an area with multiple lane markings, the system appeared to become confused—possibly due to low‑light conditions—and abruptly pulled the steering wheel with significant force. This deviation was severe enough that I temporarily lost control, causing the vehicle to drift toward the left-side ditch. When the steering suddenly released and became limp, I attempted to correct the trajectory, but the response window was too narrow to avoid impact. The vehicle struck a wooden signpost, resulting in damage to the right headlight assembly and the complete detachment of the right fog light. No lane‑departure warnings were issued at any point. Under normal circumstances, the vehicle provides audible alerts regardless of whether lane assist is active, and I am familiar with the areas where such alerts typically occur. Additionally, the forward‑collision warning system failed to activate, despite its usual tendency to trigger even in non‑hazard situations. This inconsistency has been present since I acquired the vehicle. Prior to this event, I had also been experiencing intermittent electrical issues. I attempted to seek service at the nearest Kia dealership; however, reaching it requires traveling through a national forest during winter conditions, which is unsafe unless absolutely necessary. I attempted to file an incident report with local la

Electrical System
Filed Jan 12, 2026GA

When the stop and go feature re-enables the engine to go. Causes all clusters/ infotainment to shut off and reset. It remain black for a 10-15 seconds

Electrical System
Filed Dec 22, 2025CA

Electrical control unit car just shuts off in drive completely goes black no matter what within seconds even on freeway going 70 mph car tune off loss of control then starts back up very dangerous

Unknown or Other
Filed Dec 1, 2025OH

When pressing the horn on the steering wheel of my 2024 Kia Seltos SX Turbo AWD during an emergency no sound was heard. Horn is silent. Fuse is not blown and it appears likely the horn is defective.

Seats
Filed Nov 16, 2025VA

Driver side seat stays warm all the time I tried removing both seat heater fuses and in plugged the seat warmer plugs but the back seat rest still stay warm

Electrical System
Filed Oct 29, 2025TX

See attached document for complaint.

Engine
Filed Oct 14, 2025MI

I bought this Kia with 25 miles on it and I had all oil changes done and then at 33,000 miles the engine seized and Kia refused to honor my 100,000 mile warranty. The dealership told me that the spark plugs melted causing the issue and that it definitely wasn’t an oil issue. Kia still refused to honor the warranty. I only owned the car from June 2023 to September 2024 I want them to pay the remaining balance since I had to give it back to the bank for them to only be able to sell it for 8000.00 dollars. I will never deal with Kia ever again but they need to do the right thing by paying the remaining balance for something they refused to take accountability for. I contacted the lemon law attorney office for the state of Michigan and they wanted to help me but couldn’t because Kia refused to give me any vehicle repair invoice or anything documentation on the vehicle while it was in their care. I tried hard to find a lawyer to help me with my case but I couldn’t find one that does these particular cases.

Unknown or Other
Filed Sep 29, 2025FL

Rear window shattered due to heat

Unknown or Other
Filed Sep 22, 2025NY

My car smells like fire since day 1 of purchase. When driving the smell gets so bad I think the car will go on fire. Not sure if it’s faulty electrical or something else. I have read many reviews and too many people have experienced the same thing. What is going on? Other Kia Seltos models have caught fire. Why hasn’t this been addressed. This is a matter of safety. Why do I smell smoke or fire when driving?

Seat Belts
Filed Jul 29, 2025MI

Issue: Defective Seatbelt Sensor - Refused Warranty Repair Vehicle: 2024 Kia Seltos EX Make/Model/Year: Kia Seltos, 2024 Mileage (approx.): 12,033 I am filing a formal safety complaint regarding a malfunctioning seatbelt sensor on my 2024 Kia Seltos EX. The front passenger seatbelt alarm goes off repeatedly even when there is no one sitting in the seat, and this behavior is unpredictable and distracting while driving. When I contacted the Kia dealership (Summit Place Kia, Auburn Hills, MI), they refused to inspect or repair the issue without charging me $180 upfront, even though my vehicle is fully under warranty and this clearly relates to a safety system. They claimed they would only waive the fee if they determine it’s covered, which gives them the option to deny responsibility arbitrarily. Kia Consumer Affairs was contacted and gave the same answer: pay up front or we won’t look at it. This raises major concerns about Kia’s warranty practices and possible violations of federal law requiring free repairs of safety-related defects under warranty. I am reporting this to request investigation and to hold the manufacturer accountable for failing to honor federally mandated coverage.

Electrical System
Filed Jul 24, 2025NJ

On July 9 while waiting at a red light car randomly turned off, had to put car in park and restart On July 19 while driving about 55mph on an extremely busy interstate highway car shut down completely. I could not restart or shut the car off, car was in drive and we had full power, no issue with battery, no warning signs, we were nearly killed by an 18-wheel truck traveling at normal high speed on this highway. We were eventually pushed off to the side where we sat for 2 hours until family members came. In the car were 2 seniors, 1 battling dementia and another anxiety and a young man who suffers from paranoia schizophrenia. Both trying to recover. In addition, Kia roadside assist wanted to tow us 2 hours past our dealership and home and charge us $661 when we were fully covered. Kia dealership said if they could not repeat the stall they could not really determine what is wrong. This is the 3rd serious issue I have had with this vehicle and each occurrence I was made to feel like the issues did not exist. 1 week into ownership I complained about a knocking noise, was told that the struts came from the factory loose, a month ago the differential gear box needed to be changed. I am now told that it could take a very long time to repair, and I would need to rent a car at my expense and if approved will be reimbursed at some point. I am terrified to drive my new car.

Air BagsCrash
Filed Jul 1, 2025GA

Our vehicle was in an accident with extensive damage to the entire front end. The accident warning senors did not go off and the air bags did not deploy. The insurance adjuster said the entire engine was pushed back towards the driver area so it's surprising the air bags did not deploy. In our Kia Access app, only the "passenger turn signal" has a critical error detected. The car has been deemed totaled.

Electrical System › Horn
Filed Jun 16, 202511,000 milesFL

The contact owns a 2024 Kia Seltos. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH and attempting to depress the horn there was no sound coming from the horn. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that the failure began in 2023. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed; however, the dealer was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The contact stated that the horn was previously replaced, and the vehicle was repaired three times for the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 11,000.

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Jun 7, 2025PA

Rear view camera collects rain drops obstructing the rear view while backing up during rainy weather

Engine
Filed Jun 6, 2025CA

My car, over the last few oil changes has had very little to practically no oil. It also has been having the noise when it is low oil. This is already a recall, and when taken to a local dealer, they claimed the piston rings, which is the issue for the oil consumption, were not a problem and within spec. They have performed a test to check oil levels after 1000 miles and am still waiting on the results for the first test. This problem, as written by the recall, can cause an engine fire, or even grenade the motor causing catastrophic damage, potentially to my life.

Power Train
Filed Jun 3, 2025AR

The contact owns a 2024 Kia Seltos. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH and attempting to accelerate, the vehicle briefly lost motive power before the engine seized. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the valves. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was towed back to the residence and later to the local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that several months before the failure, the vehicle was serviced, and the fuel injectors and spark plugs were replaced. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V531000 (POWER TRAIN); however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was unknown.

Unknown or OtherCrash1 injured
Filed May 12, 2025AZ

The vehicle rolled backwards and hit a predestination with no one in the vehicle on level ground. I don't know why it rolled backwards since it has never done this before unless someone had hacked into the computer system and caused it to go backwards. I also don't know if this car has the lvl of technology that can be hacked as in the completely driverless vehicles. I only know the theory of computer science and smart technology, I don't know if my car has advanced enough technology for someone to remotely hacking into the car causing it to move backwards or not.

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Mar 30, 2025AR

Over the last year that I have had my car, I noticed that things as little as gravel, bugs, and small rocks chip my windshield easily. I worry that I have defective glass considering I have over 10 chips on my windshield.

Unknown or Other
Filed Mar 12, 2025KY

There is a coffee symbol alert that randomly comes on regardless of driving on long trips saying to take a break. These messages are super abrupt and disruptive to my attention while driving, there is no option to remove the alert or sound. Could cause an accident

Electrical System
Filed Mar 3, 2025TN

The cruise control only works properly on level roads. When going downhill the car can go as much as 8 mph faster than the cruise control is set at. Going uphill the speed varies back and forth with the tachometer fluctuating up and down. I use cruise control to control my speed as well as reduce gas consumption. This cruise control system does neither. I believe this is unsafe. I did take the vehicle back to the dealer and showed him exactly what it is doing. He took a test ride in another Seltos and it did the same thing. The manufacturer said this is the way it is supposed to work. I have owned many vehicles in my 76 years and no other vehicle with cruise control worked like this. I believe this makes the vehicle unsafe when using cruise control.

Electrical System
Filed Jan 26, 2025PA

On Wednesday [XXX], at [XXX]. I started to drive to work. I noticed the instrument cluster on my 2024 Kia Seltos SX was completely dark. I couldn't see the speedometer, fuel gauge, engine temperature, or any other function that should show on the instrument cluster. I turned around and returned home. I called the Kia dealer's service department and got an appointment for the car to be checked that afternoon. This service center is about 30 miles from my home. I drove there with a totally black screen for the instrument cluster--not able to see my speed or any other information about the car. I left the car running when I arrived at the service center. The service manager confirmed the issue. I also told her I'd been getting warnings that the key fob batteries were drained. She checked the key fobs and told me the batteries were sending strong signals. She also told me the odometer mileage had been deleted and that it was illegal to drive the car in that condition. She said that the instrument cluster unit had to be replaced but there wasn't a replacement unit anywhere in the U.S. She gave me a loaner vehicle but warned me she had no idea when she could get a new instrument cluster. I notice in online searches that instrument cluster failures for Kias are not unusual. I also notice that some Kia models have been recalled for this reason. Why isn't the Seltos on the list of recalled vehicles? It doesn't appear that Kia knows how to correct the problem. My instrument cluster scr

Electrical System › Horn
Filed Jan 23, 2025PA

The contact owns a 2024 Kia Seltos. The contact stated that the horn failed to produce a sound while being pressed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the horn needed to be replaced. The horn had been replaced. The failure occurred twice; however, the contact stated that the failure only occurred in freezing temperatures. The vehicle had not been taken to the dealer. The vehicle had not been repaired a second time. The manufacturer had not been made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Service Brakes
Filed Jan 7, 2025FL

The front brakes prematurely failed at 5,000 miles and this is a brand new vehicle. We had 3 miles or so at purchase (purchase date: August 7, 2024). By January 4, 2025 or so, the front brakes began making grinding noises. We had a licensed, independent shop inspect this and then replace the worn brakes on January 6, 2025. We have driven the vehicle as we have driven other vehicles and we have never seen brand new brakes wear out after 5,000 miles with standard driving. We believe it could be due to the driver assistance technology and would like this to be thoroughly reviewed. Hopefully, Kia can reimburse us with some discount on other routine maintenance as this is a cost we did not expect so soon with a brand new vehicle.

Unknown or Other
Filed Dec 24, 2024NH

Vehicles instrument cluster not showing any display. Unable to see speedometer or any indicator lights. Vehicle has not been in for service yet appointment needs to be made. Issue was resolved temporarily by disconnecting battery and reconnecting battery and issue went away. There was no indication that this issue would happen.

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Sep 24, 2024LA

Issue Description: I am reporting a crack that has suddenly appeared in the windshield of my vehicle. This crack aligns with the rearview mirror and has spread quickly. Details: Date of occurrence: The crack was first noticed on the morning of [XXX]. Recent vehicle use: We recently drove the car to Dallas (7 hours from home) and Lake Charles (1 hour from home), and during that trip, we thoroughly cleaned the windshield, which was covered in bugs. At that time, we inspected it closely and noted no cracks or damage. Location of crack: The crack is located very high up on the windshield, making it highly improbable that it resulted from any fault of our own. Impact on Safety: The crack obstructs my view and poses a safety concern while driving. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Electrical System
Filed Aug 26, 2024NJ

Junction box malfunction. This part is available for inspection upon request. My safety was at risk because my car was locked on Park, power steering lost, windows locked closed, decrease in acceleration after manually over riding the Park shift. Problem has not confirmed by the dealer. The component has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representative. All the warning lamps lit up when the car was manually overridden by the Park shift lock. This problem appeared 5 weeks after purchase as a brand new vehicle.

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Oil/Lubrication › Sump/Tank › Drain PlugFire
Filed May 4, 2024NY

Daughter driving back to college from home in her new 2024 Kia Seltos. We leased this vehicle for her for reliability and dependability throughout her years at college. 9 months into lease, 10,000 miles her car started smoking from engine. She immediately pulled over to notice the car had completely dumped out oil everywhere. We have pics and video to prove this. She had to wait on side of highway for 3.5 hours waiting to be towed. 6 days have passed and we have gotten zero answers and no help from corporate Kia only to be told for us to call dealerships to work it out. Now I’m working with the Kia dealership that it was towed to AND the previous Kia dealership that performed last oil change. I’m getting conflicting comments on both ends from dealership and no help from corporate Kia. 1 week and no answers, my daughter has no car not to mention the mental stress this has put on her. This incident caused her to miss her D1 lacrosse practice due to a 6 hr unplanned and unexpected mechanical/ defective oil plug that came out from the oil pan. Dealership of towing has informed us that the engine of this new car needs to be replaced. Kia dealership that performed last oil change wants to see new oil put in it and run full diagnostic and if all checks out, call it good. We feel this car had a defective part and we should at the very least have a new engine put in it or we should be put into a new lease! My daughter’s safety was at jeopardy on the highway that morning and the concer

Engine
Filed Mar 11, 2024300 milesTX

The contact owns a 2024 Kia Seltos. The contact stated that while stopped at a red light, the vehicle shut off with several messages displayed. The contact was able to restart the vehicle despite the failure. The dealer was notified of the failure but initially offered no assistance. The contact recently stated that a "Low Oil" warning light was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it remained in dealer possession. The vehicle was not serviced or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 300.

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Feb 17, 2024OH

Cruise control is messed up and is constantly and continuously surging on straightaway highways or on hills between 500 to 1000 rpms. A very uncomfortable ride that makes me nauseated. No dealership is acknowledging a problem or finding a diagnosis. Also, aa soon ans you turn on your cruise rpm’s will raise immediately even on a flat terrain negatively impacting fuel economy. Investing over $30,000 into a brand new vehicle that doesn’t work correctly is absolutely absurd!

Electrical System
Filed Dec 13, 2023NY

All systems failed, including all lights, speedometer, ALL ADAS - this happened in more than one occasion. When I put the car in park it still registered to be in drive mode. Safety of myself and others at risk- the headlights and brake/taillights went out while driving in the dark. Brake assist went out while I was on a steep downgrade, the speedometer went out completely. Also the car indicated that my air bags were off and my seat belt malfunctioned. This occurred on snow and ice covered roads and in the fog. I took it to the dealership 3 times and it registered the failures within the computer but not as an incident. I demanded a new vehicle and the dealership charged me more money and created a trade in- when it was a manufacturer issue and not because I didn’t want the car. I only had the vehicle for 3 months 6339 miles on the odometer. I also detected dragging brakes and the smell of burning oil that again, the dealership said wasn’t happening. I have detailed videos and photos of the entire vehicle malfunctioning.

Power Train
Filed Dec 8, 2023PR

The contact owns a 2024 Kia Seltos. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V531000 (Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool showed no open recall.

Engine
Filed Oct 25, 2023CA

Engine valve making a loud noise ( assuming it might be an engine oil leak) I just acquired the vehicle last month Sept 2023. Brand new. I informed the dealership, and they want me to drive it back to the service department, to be checked. I told the sales agent that i am afraid to drive it because it might damage the engine. He said its up to me, to figure it out, . Very disrespectful Thank you

Structure
Filed Oct 16, 2023118 milesNE

The contact owns a 2024 Kia Seltos. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the strip of black plastic on the steering wheel and the dashboard above the glove compartment impaired her vision. The contact stated that the black plastic impaired the vision of her and the passenger. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 118.

Suspension
Filed Aug 22, 2023NH

At slow speeds such as parking or backing up, when you turn the wheel, you hear a popping sound from the left front wheel area.

All 47 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2021
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20273000Routine
20264000Routine
202513000Routine
2024 — this page47210Routine
202347200Routine
202276130Routine
2021380260Above average

Compare every Seltos year →

Reading this record

No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Dec 22, 2023. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.