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.
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.
No injuries · No fire · No crash
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 occurred only after the catastrophic wheel failure and loss of control while attempting to safely pull over.
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 their garage, as I waited (today, June 11th 2026). The recurring loss of power, repeated check engine light events, and inability to permanently correct the defect raise significant safety concerns while operating the vehicle. I have all documentation in my notes, as well as the dealership repair documents.
No injuries · No fire · No crash
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.
No injuries · No fire · No crash
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.
No injuries · No fire · No crash