0.72 vs. all vehicles Too few recent reports to judge
45 of the 534 complaints about the Kia Seltos (8.4%) concern Transmission / powertrain, making it the model's third-largest problem area. That share is 0.7× the Transmission / powertrain share across all tracked vehicles.
45Complaints · Transmission / powertrain
8.4%Share of complaints
0.72×vs. all vehicles
7Last 12 months
2.2%Share involving a crash or fire
1Related recalls
Analysis
By model year, Transmission / powertrain complaints peak with the 2021 model (39, 11% of that year's complaints) and are lowest for the 2023 model (1). 7 Transmission / powertrain complaints were filed in the last 12 months.
Owners most often describe: “transmission”, “gears”, “dual clutch”, “piston oil” and “reverse”. 1 of these reports (2.2%) describe a crash or fire, with 0 injuries and 0 deaths mentioned.
1 recall campaign relates to this area, most recently campaign 23V531000 (2023-07-31, model years 2023 and 2024).
While driving normally at approximately 55 mph on the highway, the vehicle suffered a sudden, catastrophic, and spontaneous structural failure of the rear driver-side suspension and drivetrain.
Transmission / powertrain · 2026-08-04 · ODI 11754636 · Crash
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Seltos. The contact became aware several years ago that the transmission was not shifting properly and the vehicle was shaking abnormally. The vehicle was taken to a dealer; however, the technicians found no failure.
Transmission / powertrain · 2026-09-01 · ODI 11761306
Shuddered into limp mode at a stop sign. Has a sever shudder that throws it into limp mode, loses ability to drive in reverse and then loses ability to drive at all. Has issues shifting gears while driving causing the engine to rev itself while driving.
Transmission / powertrain · 2026-02-24 · ODI 11720054
I See recalls on transmissions but i don't see one on mine and it is having the same problems as the other Seltos not sure way it's not on a recall list
Transmission / powertrain · 2026-01-28 · ODI 11713997
Piston oil ring recall update complete in July 20 25. A month later key fob battery dies. Replaced key fob battery every other month since recall.
Transmission / powertrain · 2026-01-20 · ODI 11712117
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
Transmission / powertrain · 2025-12-22 · ODI 11706681
Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA, trimmed for length. The ODI number is NHTSA's record identifier.
Related recalls
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:FLUID/LUBRICANT:PUMP Campaign 23V531000 · 2023-07-31 · Model years: 2023, 2024
⚠ 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.
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.
How common are Transmission / powertrain problems on the Kia Seltos?
45 of the 534 complaints about the Kia Seltos (8.4%) concern Transmission / powertrain, making it the model's third-largest problem area. That share is 0.7× the Transmission / powertrain share across all tracked vehicles.
Which Kia Seltos model years have the most Transmission / powertrain complaints?
By model year, Transmission / powertrain complaints peak with the 2021 model (39, 11% of that year's complaints) and are lowest for the 2023 model (1).
Is there a recall for Kia Seltos Transmission / powertrain problems?
1 recall campaign relates to this area, most recently campaign 23V531000 (2023-07-31, model years 2023 and 2024).