NHTSA has received 46 owner complaints about the 2023 Kia Seltos, or 12.1 per year on the road — far fewer complaints than typical (complaint index 0.30, where 1.00 is the average of all tracked vehicles). Among the 92 model-year 2023 vehicles we track, it ranks #28 of 92 by complaints per year (#1 = fewest). Against other Kia models its rate is 65% lower; against other Subcompact SUVs it is 47% lower.
Counts are normalized by time on the road, not by sales volume: a popular model generates more reports than a rare one, and complaints are not verified individually. How we count
Complaints filed between 2022-09-01 and 2026-09-04. Median delay from incident to filing: 15 days.
46Complaints
12.1Complaints per year on the road
0.3Complaint index vs. all tracked vehicles
2Recalls · ⚠ 1
8.7%Share involving a crash or fire
13Last 12 months
Analysis
The previous model year (2022) drew 15.5 complaints per year, more than this one. The following model year (2024) drew 16.5 per year, more than this one. In its first two years on the road the 2023 model collected 24 complaints, 71% lower than the average vehicle of the same model year.
The most common problem area is Engine (41.3% of complaints), followed by Electrical (19.6%) and Body & structure (17.4%). Engine complaints are 1.9 times as common here as across all tracked vehicles. 4 reports (8.7%) describe a crash or fire; owners mention 3 injuries and 0 deaths.
Half of the reported incidents happened within 21 months of the model year's start; the busiest period was the first year (39% of incidents). In the last 12 months 13 new complaints were filed, versus 11 in the 12 months before — up 18%.
NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls for this model year, 1 with a do-not-drive or park-outside warning. 1 NHTSA investigation covers this model year; the most recent is “Kia 25V099 Piston Oil Ring Recall Effectiveness” (audit query, opened 2025-08-06, closed 2025-12-18).
Complaint index
vs. all tracked vehicles0.3
vs. other Kia models0.35
vs. other 2023 models0.29
vs. other Subcompact SUVs0.53
Complaints in first 2 years on the road · vs. same-year average (24)0.29
I had two incidents with the Kia listed above involving the feature where the engine stops when at a light, and then turns back on when foot is removed from brake. The first instance happened in a parking lot while I was maneuvering into a spot.
Engine · 2026-08-23 · ODI 11758909 · Crash
Went to stop at a red light and I had no breaks pushed break pedal all to the floor and nothing hit another car no air bags seat belt never tightened no collision warning nothing I was was at fault and charge wreck less driving and ticked.
Brakes · 2024-10-06 · ODI 11618287 · Crash
Car was taken In for service and tech noted was low on oil and looked as if was burning oil and advised of a recall. My VIN for my 2023 didn’t come back as effected but clearly is having same issue as the recall on the others with same year and make.
Engine · 2026-09-04 · ODI 11762198
To the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), I am writing to formally submit a safety complaint regarding my 2023 Kia Seltos, which exhibits a recurring, dangerous defect involving the engine stalling without warning.
Electrical · 2026-06-26 · ODI 11746839
Driving 65mph on [XXX] and all the lights came on flashing and alerting me causing the emergency braking to occur while driving causing me to swerve on the road and lucky I didn’t crash but i had my [XXX] old in the car and it scared the hell out of me, on…
Driver-assist systems · 2026-03-14 · ODI 11724334
Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA, trimmed for length. The ODI number is NHTSA's record identifier.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL Campaign 25V099000 · 2025-02-17
Summary: 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.
Risk: Engine damage can cause a vehicle stall or fire, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the engine as necessary, free of charge. Dealers will also install piston-ring noise sensing system (PNSS) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 4, 2025. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC336.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:FLUID/LUBRICANT:PUMP Campaign 23V531000 · 2023-07-31
⚠ Park-outside / do-not-drive warning
Summary: 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.
Kia 25V099 Piston Oil Ring Recall EffectivenessClosed
AQ25001 · audit query · ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL · Opened 2025-08-06 · Closed 2025-12-18 · Model years: 2021, 2022, 2023
On August 6, 2025, the Office of Defect Investigation (ODI) opened Audit Query (AQ) 25001 to assess the implementation of Kia America, Inc.’s (Kia) remedy program for Safety Recall 25V099, involving incorrectly manufactured piston oil rings which may damage the engine causing a loss of motive power or fire. This AQ was opened in response to consumer complaints alleging of an ineffective remedy, in…
