YearToAvoid

2023 Kia Seltos Problems, Recalls & Reliability

Verdict

Good

Complaint Index

25/100

#4 most-complained of 5 Seltos years

Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology

The 2023 Kia Seltos has 46 NHTSA complaints and a Complaint Index of 25, ranking 4th-worst out of 5 model years with a 'Good' verdict. Two recalls apply, covering engine oil rings and the Idle Stop & Go controller.

Complaints
46
Recalls
2
Crashes / fires
4 / 0
Injuries / deaths
3 / 0
NHTSA overall rating
4 / 5 ★
EPA combined MPG
29
27 city / 31 hwy

Top 2023 Kia Seltos problems

NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Engine19 (41%)
  2. Other17 (37%)
  3. Electrical System15 (33%)
  4. Visibility & Wipers6 (13%)
  5. Collision Avoidance & Cameras5 (11%)
  6. Transmission & Powertrain4 (9%)
  7. Brakes3 (7%)
  8. Structure & Body3 (7%)
  9. Lane Departure2 (4%)
  10. Airbags1 (2%)

What owners report

  • Vehicle unexpectedly lunges or accelerates backward or forward while stopped or parking, sometimes causing a crash.
  • Idle Stop & Go engine restart at a light has been linked to sudden unintended acceleration when the driver's foot leaves the brake.
  • Windshield or rear door glass has spontaneously cracked or shattered while driving with no apparent cause.
  • Front and side collision sensors trigger false warnings even when no vehicles are nearby.
  • Reflective dashboard, console, and interior door trim create glare off the windshield that impairs driver visibility.
  • A seat belt reportedly failed to restrain a passenger during a crash.
2023 Kia Seltos complaints: complaints filed per month7Sep 2022Feb 2023Nov 2023Aug 2024Jan 2025Sep 2025Mar 2026
78 complaints filed with NHTSA from Sep 2022 to Sep 2026; peak Aug 2025 (7).

2023 Kia Seltos recalls

2 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.

  1. NHTSA 25V099000Feb 17, 2025Engine137,256 vehicles

    Engine and engine cooling:engine:hard parts internal/mechanical

    Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Seltos and Soul vehicles. The piston oil rings may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can result in engine damage.

    Risk: Engine damage can cause a vehicle stall or fire, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the engine as necessary, free of charge. Dealers will also install piston-ring noise sensing system (PNSS) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 4, 2025. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC336.

  2. NHTSA 23V531000Jul 31, 2023Transmission & Powertrain39,765 vehiclesPark Outside

    Power train:automatic transmission:fluid/lubricant:pump

    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.

    Risk: An electric oil pump assembly that overheats increases the risk of a vehicle fire.

    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.

2023 Kia Seltos fuel economy and fuel cost

City
27 MPG
Highway
31 MPG
Combined
29 MPG
Annual fuel cost (EPA)
$2,250
15,000 mi/yr
Fuel
Regular
Current regular gas
$4.32/gal
national avg.

EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.

2023 compared with other Seltos years

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)025507510020212022202320242025
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2021Avoid100369229
2022Caution5072129
2023Good2546229
2024Avoid7545229
2025Best013029

All Kia Seltos years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2023 Kia Seltos reliable?
Relative to other Seltos model years, 2023 ranks 4th-worst out of 5 with a Complaint Index of 25 and a 'Good' verdict, well below the 2021 model's index of 100.
What problems does the 2023 Kia Seltos have?
NHTSA lists 46 complaints for the 2023 Seltos, with Engine (41%) and Electrical System (33%) as the top problem areas, including reports of sudden acceleration and false collision-sensor warnings.
Does the 2023 Kia Seltos have any recalls?
Yes, two recalls: one for incorrectly manufactured piston oil rings that can cause engine damage, and one for a damaged Idle Stop & Go oil pump controller that requires parking outside away from structures.
How does the 2023 Seltos compare to other years?
The 2023 model's Complaint Index of 25 is lower than 2021 (100), 2022 (50), and 2024 (75), but higher than 2025 (0), making 2023 one of the better years for the Seltos.
What is the median mileage for engine complaints in the 2023 Seltos?
NHTSA data shows a median mileage of 62,000 miles for engine-related complaints in the 2023 Seltos.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.