MotorDeets

Kia Seltos problems, recalls & best years

The deets on every Seltos from 2021 to 2027: 559 owner complaints and 7 recalls across 7 model years.

The model years with the most owner complaints are 2021 (375), 2022 (74), 2023 (46). Best fuel economy: 31 mpg combined (2025).

Kia Seltos
Photo: Damian B Oh · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Problem areas across all years

Engine297
Other / unknown93
Electrical91
Transmission & drivetrain88
Engine & cooling57
Fuel & propulsion31
Forward collision avoidance20
Speed control / throttle16

Year by year

YearRecallsComplaintsBest mpg
2021237531
202217431
202324631
202424631
202501331
20260429
20270130

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the Kia Seltos.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

Most $25–$78, one-time
Check Kia Seltos manual
Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yr
Check Kia Seltos manual
ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
Check Kia Seltos manual
Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
Check Kia Seltos manual

Heads up: we may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. Prices checked 2026-10 and can change. We never host or link to pirated manuals. Disclosure

FAQ

What is the worst year for the Kia Seltos?

The model years with the most owner complaints are 2021 (375), 2022 (74), 2023 (46).

How many recalls has the Kia Seltos had?

Across 2021–2027, NHTSA lists 7 vehicle recall campaigns by model year (a campaign that covers several years counts once per year).