What years of the Kia Seltos should I avoid?

NHTSA complaint data ranks 2021 and 2022 as the years to avoid, with complaint indexes of 100 and 75, the two highest among all Seltos model years.

Which Kia Seltos year is the best?

The 2025 Seltos is rated Best, with a complaint index of 0, only 13 total complaints, and no recalls reported.

Does the Kia Seltos have an engine recall?

Yes. NHTSA lists a recall (25V099000) for 2021-2023 Seltos and Soul vehicles for piston oil rings that may have been manufactured incorrectly, and an earlier 2021 recall (21V259000) for improperly heat-treated piston oil rings, both of which can cause engine damage.

Why is the 2023 Kia Seltos rated Caution instead of Good?

The 2023 Seltos has a low complaint index of 25, but its verdict is capped at Caution because it has a Do Not Drive or Park Outside recall.

What is the most common problem area across Kia Seltos model years?

Across all model years combined, engine issues make up 64 percent of the 545 total complaints, followed by electrical system issues at 17 percent and transmission and powertrain issues at 16 percent.

Kia Seltos Best and Worst Years (2021–2025)

The 2021 and 2022 Kia Seltos rank worst, with complaint indexes of 100 and 75 and engine complaints tied to piston oil ring recalls. The 2025 model year is the current Best year with a complaint index of 0 and no recalls, while 2023 and 2024 fall into Caution.

Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls per model-year, ranked within this model — not a reliability rating. Methodology.

Avoid 2021 Avoid 2022 Best 2025

Model years: 5; 2021–2025
NHTSA complaints: 545
Recall campaigns: 4
Crashes reported: 28
Fires reported: 10
Top problem area: Engine

Seltos Complaint Index by year

Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.

Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best

Kia Seltos problems and recalls by year

Year	Verdict	Index	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Recalls	Top issue	MPG	NCAP
2021	Avoid	100	369	13	6	2	Engine	29	4★
2022	Avoid	75	72	6	3	1	Engine	29	4★
2023	Caution	25	46	4	0	2	Engine	29	4★
2024	Caution	50	45	4	1	2	Electrical System	29	5★
2025	Best	0	13	1	0	0	Electrical System	29	5★

Seltos years to avoid: what went wrong

2021 Kia Seltos Index 100 · 369 complaints · 2 recalls

The 2021 Seltos has the highest complaint index (100) of any model year, with 369 total complaints. Engine issues account for 74 percent of that year's problems, with a median failure mileage of 54,500 miles; owners described banging noises, smoke, and in some cases engine fires. Transmission and electrical complaints also appear at much lower mileage, near 6,700 to 8,261 miles. NHTSA lists two recalls for 2021, both tied to improperly manufactured or heat-treated piston oil rings that can cause engine damage.

2021 engine problems →2021 transmission & powertrain problems →2021 electrical system problems →

2022 Kia Seltos Index 75 · 72 complaints · 1 recalls

The 2022 Seltos carries a complaint index of 75, the second-highest among all years, with 72 total complaints. Engine problems make up 64 percent of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 57,000 miles. Electrical system issues showed up around 30,000 miles. NHTSA lists one recall for 2022, covering the same piston oil ring manufacturing defect that can lead to engine damage. Owners reported sudden power loss, unusual noises, and burning smells while driving.

2022 engine problems →

Most common Kia Seltos problems (all years)

Share of NHTSA complaints by component group across all model years.

Engine351 (64%)
Other93 (17%)
Electrical System92 (17%)
Transmission & Powertrain88 (16%)
Fuel System32 (6%)
Collision Avoidance & Cameras22 (4%)
Visibility & Wipers15 (3%)
Brakes14 (3%)
Suspension, Wheels & Tires12 (2%)
Airbags11 (2%)

A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.

Frequently asked questions

What years of the Kia Seltos should I avoid?: NHTSA complaint data ranks 2021 and 2022 as the years to avoid, with complaint indexes of 100 and 75, the two highest among all Seltos model years.
Which Kia Seltos year is the best?: The 2025 Seltos is rated Best, with a complaint index of 0, only 13 total complaints, and no recalls reported.
Does the Kia Seltos have an engine recall?: Yes. NHTSA lists a recall (25V099000) for 2021-2023 Seltos and Soul vehicles for piston oil rings that may have been manufactured incorrectly, and an earlier 2021 recall (21V259000) for improperly heat-treated piston oil rings, both of which can cause engine damage.
Why is the 2023 Kia Seltos rated Caution instead of Good?: The 2023 Seltos has a low complaint index of 25, but its verdict is capped at Caution because it has a Do Not Drive or Park Outside recall.
What is the most common problem area across Kia Seltos model years?: Across all model years combined, engine issues make up 64 percent of the 545 total complaints, followed by electrical system issues at 17 percent and transmission and powertrain issues at 16 percent.