NHTSA has received 45 owner complaints about the 2023 Kia Seltos, or 12.2 per year on the road — far fewer complaints than typical for a vehicle of its age (complaint index 0.29, where 1.00 is the average of all tracked vehicles). Among the 92 model-year 2023 vehicles we track, it ranks #29 for fewest complaints per year. Against other Kia models its rate is 66% lower; against other Subcompact SUVs it is 50% 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 2026-08-23. Median delay from incident to filing: 12 days.
45Complaints
12.2Complaints per year on the road
0.29Complaint index vs. all tracked vehicles
2Recalls · ⚠ 1
8.9%Share involving a crash or fire
13Last 12 months
Analysis
The previous model year (2022) drew 15.4 complaints per year, more than this one. The following model year (2024) drew 15.7 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 (40.0% of complaints), followed by Electrical (20.0%) and Body & structure (17.8%). Engine complaints are 1.8 times as common here as across all tracked vehicles. Within Engine reports, owners most often mention “engine”, “light”, “smoke”, “oil” and “turbo”. 4 reports (8.9%) describe a crash or fire; owners mention 3 injuries and 0 deaths.
Half of the reported incidents happened within 20 months of the model year's start; the busiest period was the first year (40% of incidents). In the last 12 months 13 new complaints were filed, versus 13 in the 12 months before — a steady pace.
NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls for this model year, 1 with a do-not-drive or park-outside warning. 42% of the complaints fall in component areas that a recall addresses. 1 NHTSA defect investigation covers this model year; the most recent is “Kia 25V099 Piston Oil Ring Recall Effectiveness” (opened 2025-08-06, closed 2025-12-18).
Complaint index
vs. all tracked vehicles0.29
vs. other Kia models0.34
vs. other 2023 models0.29
vs. other Subcompact SUVs0.5
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
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
The gages fall all the way down, I’m not able to accelerate, engine light, traction light, tire pressure light, crash detection light, and other lights come on and prevents me from being able to drive.
Engine · 2026-03-28 · ODI 11727703
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 · 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.âs (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, …
Frequently asked questions
How many complaints were filed for the 2023 Kia Seltos?
45 complaints were filed with NHTSA for the 2023 Kia Seltos, or about 12.2 per year on the road.
What is the most common problem reported for the 2023 Kia Seltos?
The most common category is Engine, accounting for 40.0% of complaints.
Does the 2023 Kia Seltos have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 2 safety recall(s) for this model year. 1 NHTSA defect investigation covers this model year; the most recent is “Kia 25V099 Piston Oil Ring Recall Effectiveness” (opened 2025-08-06, closed 2025-12-18).
Is the 2023 Kia Seltos still generating complaints?
In the last 12 months 13 new complaints were filed, versus 13 in the 12 months before — a steady pace.
How does the 2023 Kia Seltos compare with similar vehicles?
NHTSA has received 45 owner complaints about the 2023 Kia Seltos, or 12.2 per year on the road — far fewer complaints than typical for a vehicle of its age (complaint index 0.29, where 1.00 is the average of all tracked vehicles). Among the 92 model-year 2023 vehicles we track, it ranks #29 for fewest complaints per year. Against other Kia models its rate is 66% lower; against other Subcompact SUVs it is 50% lower.