Kia Seltos Complaints

532 consumer complaints on file.

#11701384November 25, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
DEATH TRAP! Point blank~Engine will STILL Jerk, Skip, Not Do Anything Or even Shut Off Without Warning!!! The Driver's Screen will still Flash and go out but only once in a while now. Dealership didn't understand that. They told me Radio was Fine Now. I told them Screen Directly in Front of Driver's with Speedometer on it. IT'S HARD TO FIND GOOD HELP. EVEN HARDER, to FIND a SAFE RELIABLE VEHICLE that YOUR KIDS CAN BE IN!!! 💯% 🎯 RUST {definitely} up under Near the License Plate Bracket. ALSO, the Windshield WIPERS STOP WORKING WHENEVER THEY CHOOSE!!! The Best part is, the Dealership CAN'T DO ANYTHING about ANY OF THIS. Why? Pretty much because KIA REDID the TEST so that ALL the Vehicles PASS Now. It makes it LOOK like the Engines are OK, when in Reality they are 💩. I bought this Vehicle 12-30-24 with 44,068 miles on it. My Daughter and I thought we were going to Die in it on 4-26-25. We didn't even have it a full 4 months Before We Found Out WE HAVE A LEMON from KIA. There were 3,310 Miles put on it. Come on... I was told there was No Way to NOTE My Account at the Dealership for the Different Times {Everytime} this NEGLIGENT 💩 STUFF Kept and Still Does Happening. That's OK. I just Hope and Pray for KIA's sake, that Nothing Ever Seriously Happens to Anyone because of How THIS 2021 KIA SELTOS VEHICLE Operates DEFECTIVELY in So MANY DIFFERENT WAYS that ARE SAFETY HAZARDS. IF they were Smart, they would REPLACE ALL OF THEM with a Brand New Vehicle to AVOID A POSSIBLE SERIOUS FATALITY. I only say this because that's what WE experienced more than once. We fear this Daily. We ended up with this Vehicle after our Honda CRV-EXL was Totaled by Someone running a Red Light. It was the OTHER PERSON'S FAULT, but after paying off car... Kia was all in could afford. I had NO Choice but to get this KIA. Being a Single Mom on Low Social Security Disability Income, I did what I had to do! I have to have a GOOD RELIABLE AWD VEHICLE to get to Doctors Appointments. THIS ISN'T ONE.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11700512November 20, 2025
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
This vehicle passed the piston oil ring recall in September 2025, by November 2025 the vehicle was burning through a quart of oil a week. Two different dealerships advised that this wouldn't be covered under the recall, stating the recall was for engine noise. The recall states that the issue in question can cause increased oil consumption that will then lead to noise. The vehicle was 5,000 miles out of warrenty
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11699926November 17, 2025
ENGINE
[XXX] [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] 2022 Kia Seltos [XXX] 54,000 mileage I am reporting two serious safety defects with my 2022 Kia Seltos: Engine Shut Off / “Push Engine to Start” Warning: Date(s) of occurrence:[XXX] Location: Throughout Portland, OR Description: While slowing down and stopping at intersections, the vehicle starts beeping very fast, then displays the “Push Engine to Start” warning, and then shuts off completely, creating a high risk of collision. Cruise Control Unintended Acceleration: Date(s) of occurrence: [XXX] Location: Throughout Charleston, SC and Charlotte, NC Description: While cruise control was engaged, the vehicle accelerated without any driver input. This happens infrequently. On two occasions, I was on straight open roads and watched to see how fast the speed would increase - 80 mph and 100 mph. I used the brakes to stop the increase in speed. This is a severe safety hazard. The transmission stutters at low speeds, causing the car to lurch: Ongoing issue - a few times a month since purchasing the car. Previous Claims / Service History: I have previously filed a warranty claim for other issues with this vehicle. The current issues have been reported to the dealership but have not yet been repaired or reproduced. Additional Information: No video evidence is available, as the events are intermittent and stop before a camera can capture them. I am concerned for my safety, the safety of passengers, and the safety of other drivers. Action Requested: I request that NHTSA review this complaint for potential safety investigation and recall consideration. [XXX] 11/17/2025 INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11699697November 16, 2025
SEATS
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
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11699015November 12, 2025
ENGINE
My 2021 Kia Seltos with the 1.6L turbo engine is burning an excessive amount of oil — about one quart every 800–1000 miles — and is showing blue smoke from the exhaust. A certified technician indicated that the likely cause is faulty piston rings, which is a known issue on this engine and has led to engine replacements in other Kia vehicles. The vehicle was purchased as a Certified Pre-Owned Kia, and I have maintained it properly. Despite this, Kia and the dealership and the certified preowned warranty company have denied warranty coverage, calling it "oil consumption," even though the oil loss is clearly excessive and mechanical in nature. This defect poses a potential safety hazard, as engine failure or oil-related fires could occur if the engine runs low on oil while driving. There are many similar reports online from 2021 Kia Seltos owners experiencing the same problem. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate this issue and require Kia to address these engine defects, as they appear to be widespread and potentially dangerous.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11698827November 11, 2025
ENGINE
Recall was initiated for my 2021 Kia Seltos for potential defective engine piston rings which could lead to increased oil consumption and lead to damage/fire to engine compartment. My vehicle has been burning through oil to the point i have to add it weekly to keep it from running out before next scheduled oil changes. Two separate local mechanics confirmed this is highly indicative of bad piston rings and should definitely be covered for repair/replacement by Kia dealer under recall. I took car in for recall assessment, they stated they performed an oil consumption test and engine knocking test to which they deemed it passed. I spoke with lead mechanic explaining that the car is burning through oil so quickly it would be completely empty by next scheduled oil changes if i wasnt continuously adding it - to which they replied they were aware and to "just keep adding oil". I stated this didnt seem right as it we know it is burning up oil at an alarming rate inside engine and was told unless it is pretty much spewing oil on the floor in front of us, it will pass the consumption test and you just have to continue adding oil. The piston rings would not even be checked unless you "failed the oil consumption test first". This is very concerning to drive now since there are reports of this issue leading to engine fires.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11698726November 11, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
While at red lights, my car shuts off. It happened within the first year I had my car but Scott Kia in Springfield, PA 19064 said "we can't duplicate the problem" and did nothing. Now this has happened 3 times within 3 weeks. This morning, it took several minutes and many tries before it restarted; I had to put it in park and hit the start button many times before the engine restarted. A few times, the dashboard would light up, but then go off and engine didn't engage. There have not been any warning lights. I am taking it to my mechanic, then Kia, again. Prior to this, it would turn off in drive, then reverse. I did report this to Kia (not Springfield, the main Kia) but nothing was done.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11698188November 7, 2025
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, ENGINE
I bought this vehicle brand new in 2021. I noticed at the beginning that when I accelerated that the car would delay in acceleration. This would happen sporadically. Now it is happening all the time and has almost caused me to get into several accidents because of the delay in acceleration. This is a major safety risk. I've had the car inspected at Kia Dealers and they just say yeah, we hear that a lot with this model but there is no recall. There are no warning lamps or messages.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11697067November 2, 2025
ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN
Vehicle acts like it’s going to die. No maintenance lights well maintained. Rattle noise and acts like it’s misfiring. Went to turn at traffic light and almost got into a wreck due to no horse power. This has been happening since less than 40,000 miles but car dealership keeps saying “nothing is wrong” because there isn’t a warning light on! It’s getting worse!
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11696766October 31, 2025
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Seltos. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that unknown warning lights were intermittently illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and the contact was informed that there was less than one-quarter of oil in the engine. The contact stated that an oil change was performed. The vehicle was repaired. The contact was advised to take the vehicle to the dealer for further services. The contact was advised that the vehicle should not consume 3.5 quarts of oil within 5,000 miles. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not inspected. The dealer was informed that the vehicle was consuming 3.5 quarts of oil within 5,000 miles. The contact was informed that it was not an issue. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11696416October 29, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD
See attached document for complaint.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11695999October 28, 2025
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2022 Kia Seltos. The contact stated that while driving on the highway at 55 MPH, they crashed into a buck. The hood came ajar and shattered the front windshield. The front end was smashed, and the radiator was leaking. The airbags did not deploy. A police report was filed. There was no reported fire. The contact sustained injuries to her neck with spasms and reversed neck and back pain; medical attention was provided. The collision alert was illuminated. The collision message was displayed. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot. The towing company referred her to the NHTSA hotline. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11695072October 22, 2025
SUSPENSION, WHEELS
When the car goes 75-80mph on the highway, there is a metallic "ticking" noise coming from the front two sides of the car, around the area where the tires are. KIA is refusing to do anything about it because they claim they cannot drive the car that fast due to speed limits. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? --unknown How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? It is unknown what is causing the issue since KIA is refusing to look further into the issue. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? - There is audio and video recording of the noise. However, the dealer is refusing to reproduce the issue. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? - No Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? - No
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11694528October 20, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Seltos. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact was informed about NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V099000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for an oil change. After leaving the mechanic, the vehicle started smoking, and the engine seized in traffic. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, who determined that the engine was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer informed the contact that there were no oil change records for the vehicle. The manufacturer was contacted and notified of the issue. The failure mileage was unknown.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11694349October 19, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
One night I started my car and my screen on my Kia seltos had a bunch of gibberish on the screen and then I went to power off the radio and tried to power back on and screen wouldn’t turn on and one usb won’t work. Tried to hard reset and check fuses and still no luck. I keep reading a bunch of people saying how they had same issues as I did on my radio . My friend is sales guy at car dealer and he told me not first time a radio on a Kia took a poop. So how comes there is no recall yet on this part of the car. It’s crappy because warranty on radio is only up to 36,000 . And my car I have only had for 3 years almost and I have 50,000 miles on it now . After disconnecting the battery and plugging back in like the dealer told me to do and now I have a loading symbol behind my wheel on the dash
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11693492October 14, 2025
ENGINE
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11693253October 14, 2025
AIR BAGS
I was traveling at approximately 50mph straight through an intersection. The opposing car made a left turn directly in front of me and I T-boned the other vehicle (gray Kia Optima). There was sufficient front end damage that my car was totaled. The airbags on my vehicle failed to deploy.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
2
Deaths:
0
#11693088October 13, 2025
POWER TRAIN, ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
After being stopped while driving when the car turns off, when re-starting sometimes the car will turn off, I have to put my car into park in the middle of the street to restart the engine. Other times, it will start alerting me to "push the start button" as if my car isn't on already. This causes me to come to a complete stop in the middle of the intersections and puts me at risk.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11690905October 2, 2025
ENGINE, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
Was driving about 25 30 miles an hour coming to a stop and it stalled out all break power and everything cut out managed to get the car stopped and started again but looking it up not on nation recall list but it’s giving me the same problems on the recall list have replaced the battery starter they said flywheel and alternator are okey I haven’t made but one payment on the vehicle also chef oil and all that currently fine
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11690771October 1, 2025
ENGINE
The engine (62K miles on it) on this vehicle is consuming oil very fast. We took this in several times to no avail but we finally received documentation from Kia stating the issue, we took it in for tests and the Kia Dealership has confirmed it needs a new engine. However Kia is denying the new motor due to missing one oil change document. This was done by my daughter's boyfriend and was done. However, they did not keep the receipt BUT we did have documentation on all other oil changes. This issue with the motor is NOT an issue of a receipt but due to Kia's poor manufacturing. It has improperly heated treated piston oil rings. Regardless of one miss receipt, this should be covered. There is also an audit with the NHSA for the issue.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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