2023 KIA SELTOS

2 recalls, 80 complaints - 48 TSBs - 4/5 safety rating

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL

Defect Description

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.

Consequence

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 th... Read more

137,256 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:FLUID/LUBRICANT:PUMP

Defect Description

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.

Consequence

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 custome... Read more

39,765 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.

Complaint Statistics

80 total complaints 9 crashes 6 injuries

Top Reported Components

Component	Complaints
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	10
UNKNOWN OR OTHER	9
ENGINE	9
SERVICE BRAKES	7
STRUCTURE:BODY	5
SUSPENSION	5
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM	4
AIR BAGS	4
STEERING	4
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING	4

Incident date: Aug 2, 2026

Car was taken In for service and tech noted was low on oil and looked as if was burning oil and advised of a recall. My VIN for my 2023 didn’t come back as effected but clearly is having same issue as the recall on the others with same year and make.

Incident date: Jul 28, 2026

I had two incidents with the Kia listed above involving the feature where the engine stops when at a light, and then turns back on when foot is removed from brake. The first instance happened in a parking lot while I was maneuvering into a spot. The accelerator sensor sent my car forward at a high... Read more

Crash

Incident date: Jun 25, 2026

I have been trying to get this recall done for many years and with no luck. Most recently June 26th 2026 I was informed my recall was not fixable again and I hope for the last time. Enough is enough! Van Bortel Chevrolet in Macedon Ny tried again today which is there 2nd attempt. I had to buy a soft... Read more

Incident date: Jun 25, 2026

After a hard rain water started pouring into cabin from a Pilar’s, headliner, sun visor lights, vanity eye glass holder, dome light…. There is a leak from sunroof and dealers say it’s a known issue but not a warranty item. First happened last week while driving kids to school and second time... Read more

Incident date: Feb 28, 2026

Valentine day a car side swiped me on the 91 freeway my car went out of control but I was able to get control of the vehicle driver side got banged up from the back bumper all the way to the driver side front fender.

Crash 2 injured

Incident date: Feb 28, 2026

Crash 2 injured

Incident date: Mar 16, 2026

The gages fall all the way down, I’m not able to accelerate, engine light, traction light, tire pressure light, crash detection light, and other lights come on and prevents me from being able to drive. This happened on the interstate and almost caused an accident.

Incident date: Mar 16, 2026

Steering, Rack and Pinion is failing after 44k miles, Steering gear is binding internally

Incident date: Mar 13, 2026

My 2022 Nissan Rogue experienced sudden engine failure due to coolant loss and a blown head gasket while driving. The engine became inoperable and the dealership denied coverage. This appears to be a premature engine defect and created a safety risk due to sudden loss of power.

Incident date: Mar 13, 2026

I received a safety recall notice in September 2025 regarding my vehicle's rear flexible brake hose possibly having a leak. At that time the notice stated parts were not available but the Ford Company was working to provide parts for the repair and would notify me by mail to schedule an appointment... Read more

Incident date: Mar 13, 2026

There is a safety recall on my 2025 Kia Telluride, I went to the dealership about 3 days ago but the fix is not available. Should I just wait, I heard it can cause death during a crash. Me and my wife have only one car. So I have to keep using it until the fix is available? Thanks.

Incident date: Mar 13, 2026

Driving 65mph on [XXX] and all the lights came on flashing and alerting me causing the emergency braking to occur while driving causing me to swerve on the road and lucky I didn’t crash but i had my [XXX] old in the car and it scared the hell out of me, on top of all that my horn gave out and ha... Read more

Incident date: Jan 3, 2026

The contact owns a 2015 Ram 1500. While driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. Additionally, the “Service Electronic Throttle Control” message was displayed, and the vehicle went into LIMP Mode. While attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to st... Read more

Incident date: Feb 17, 2026

My Ioniq5 has experienced a recurring water leak that has repeatedly exposed the left rear seat belt and seat belt retractor to large amounts of water. I noticed recently that after it had rained the left back seat belt was soaked and dripping water when pulled out. After fully pulling out the belt ... Read more

Incident date: Oct 26, 2025

ICCU failure

Incident date: Oct 26, 2025

ICCU failure

Incident date: Oct 26, 2025

ICCU failure. Occurred within the first few hundred feet after starting a drive.

Incident date: Dec 8, 2025

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Edge. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V544000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) and 25V572000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manuf... Read more

Incident date: Dec 8, 2025

Nov 27,2024 Manufacturer Recall Number: C4B NHTSA Recall Number: 24V-896 Recall Status: Recall Incomplete, remedy not yet available RAM unable to remedy this safety recall for my vehicle

Incident date: Dec 8, 2025

Nov 27,2024 Manufacturer Recall Number: C4B NHTSA Recall Number: 24V-896 Recall Status: Recall Incomplete, remedy not yet available RAM unable to remedy this safety recall for my vehicle

Incident date: Nov 1, 2025

I was driving the Tesla and coming up my circular drive(note I was driving uphill). The car suddenly accelerated and went out of control. I pumped the brake and took my foot off the accelerator but the car kept going and crashed into our house (sunroom) at end of the driveway at high speed > we wen... Read more

Crash

Incident date: Nov 1, 2025

Crash

Incident date: Nov 1, 2025

Crash

Incident date: Oct 12, 2025

The back up camera blackouts every so often. Backing out of a parking spot then the screen blacked out and almost hit a person that walked behind the vehicle. No, it hasn’t been inspected but there is a recall on backup cameras from Ford, on several different models from 2015 to 2023 which my... Read more

Incident date: Oct 12, 2025

The Multipurpose Camera had an Internal Electronic Failure. Indications we all of the warning lights were illuminated on my dash. Initially it began when I had about 43, 400 miles on my truck. The warning lights would all remail lighted on starting the vehicle. I could restart the vehicle and eventu... Read more

Incident date: Aug 11, 2025

The steering had a failure while driving on the highway. Driving straight, not making any turns, and a steering error came across the dash for the failure. Complete loss of steering functions. THis happened at 58000 miles. The problem is now occuring daily and is thought to be the power steering mod... Read more

Incident date: May 12, 2025

My got multiple warning messages while driving my 2020 Ford Explorer. My local repair shop ran test and determined it needs a new front axle disconnect actuator/shaft - TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN 23-2174. Without this repair, several sensors are deactivated: 4WD, Hill Start Assist, Forward Collisi... Read more

Incident date: Aug 25, 2025

The eTorq generator stopped working and the engine shutdown on the highway. I had to get a tow to the shop as the vehicle is not usable and the engine will not start. Furthermore, this part is unavailable with no-ETA as it is on nationwide backorder. I have been waiting for over a month I was tol... Read more

Incident date: Aug 18, 2025

Antilock brake system module failure. The system controls the anti-locking brake system as well as vehicle stability control, both federally mandated for this year vehicle. The ABS, stability control, and brake lights are illuminated on the dash. The message “service antilock brake system” is di... Read more

Incident date: Aug 18, 2025

Truck is rough idles and stalls when idling and moving at low speeds. It happens at stop lights or low speed turns leaving me stranded in intersections No check engine lights have shown up but a auto start stop message appears on the dash

Incident date: Aug 8, 2024

Parked at gas station, after fueling attempted to start with key and engine started but electrical systems did not register that vehicle had started. Turned engine off but engine continued running. Additional attempts to start vehicle made no difference -- engine continued running but vehicle could ... Read more

Incident date: Aug 8, 2024

VIN: [XXX] Recall data refreshed on Aug 09,2025 0 Unrepaired Recalls associated with this VIN Please BROADCAST 2025 Transit Safety Recalls* High voltage battery hvb side rail inspection Recall incomplete Rear camera screen software update Recall incomplete Connecting rod inspection Recall i... Read more

Incident date: Aug 8, 2024

Incident date: Feb 6, 2025

The start hesitation started about 2 years ago, but my Armada never did not start. Then about a year so ago the Armada would not start, and it would not start in Dover, DE, and I had to call Geico to get a jump. I had a brand-new battery installed thinking that was the issue months prior, but my Ar... Read more

Incident date: Feb 6, 2025

Rear camera will go black and say contact dealer. Other times images will appear distorted or will be reversed where left and right are mixed up

Incident date: Feb 6, 2025

the air bags failed in deploy and the automatic calling system failed to call the police upon impact. my mirror was taken off in a hit and run and the police were not contacted. the passenger side of my car was hit in an incorrect lane change by the other party and the intercom system did not call t... Read more

Crash 1 injured

Incident date: Feb 27, 2025

Excessive corrosion on rear brake lines. I've never had to replace brake lines on car before. The cost is almost $5,000 out of pocket and I believe this due to low quality products used to manufacture the original brake lines. I believe there should be an investigation into the brake lines as there ... Read more

Incident date: Aug 18, 2024

On December 2023 the vehicle lost power and lost control while driving speed limit 55 Mph followed by check engine light associated codes due to known issue with BCEM controller failing. June 2024 Vehicle experienced the same issue with duplicate check engine codes associated with prior issue. Deale... Read more

Incident date: Aug 18, 2024

A ticking, rattling, or knocking noise from the engine The noise occurs when starting the engine after a long period of inactivity and when the engine is idling after warming up.

Incident date: Jan 10, 2025

The contact owns a 2010 Dodge Journey. The contact sated while driving 15 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to respond. The contact made a left turn and the brakes seized. The contact stated that the ECS, engine check, and other unknown warning lights were illuminated. ... Read more

Incident date: Nov 4, 2024

Chrysler issued recall impacting PHEV. Vehicle is unsafe to drive, battery pack is prone to fire, risk is reduced if battery is not fully charged, but not eliminated. Contacted Jeep, no expected repair until Q1 of 2025. Jeep will not offer rental or loaner vehicle, leaving owners at risk for ... Read more

Incident date: Oct 9, 2023

Less than 40k miles and the rear suspension has completely gone out. The jolting at low speeds is significant. At higher speeds, the lack of suspension is dangerous. Never used for towing. Purchased with tow package and self leveling shocks. Began early this year and has not subsided.

Incident date: Sep 30, 2024

I'm not sure what to call most of this but my truck has been vibrating when getting up to about 50 mph. When putting in gear it shows you put it in the gear wanted put doesn't register sometimes and perks you and clicks. The entire front end grinds,pops and clicks when turning forward or backwards. ... Read more

Incident date: Sep 30, 2024

On my 2020 Ford F150, my wife was locked in the car because we could not get the passengers door to unlock. She just had surgery on her hand, and was not able to use her hand to open the door, and I could NOT get the door to unlock! I was trying all the unlock button, but it would not unlock. The on... Read more

Incident date: Sep 30, 2024

Strange clicking noise during low speed steering left or right and moving steering wheel while parked. Honda dealer states they are unable to replicate issue. Issue is very unusual for a new vehicle. Multiple people have same issues on forums and Facebook groups. This is a potential safety issue if ... Read more

Incident date: Nov 25, 2023

The contact owned a 2023 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while his friend was driving at 45 MPH, he failed to yield when exiting the interstate at an exit ramp. As a result, the driver t-boned the passenger side of another vehicle. The air bags did not deploy. No warning lights were illum... Read more

Crash 1 injured

Incident date: Nov 25, 2023

The contact owns a 2020 Lincoln Aviator. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a humming sound coming from the sunroof. Additionally, the contact noticed a fluttering sound coming from underneath the vehicle and the vehicle was shaking abnormally. The vehicle was taken ... Read more

Incident date: Sep 20, 2024

- Emergency braking, Yes available. - It's a fatal issue. My family and I are at collision risk. - No they always say “Not duplicate the issue” -Inspected by the dealer. - the collision warning Sound went off. I was driving on the highway by speed 60 mph and no cars were behind me and the car i... Read more

Incident date: Jul 17, 2024

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time ... Read more

Showing 50 of 80 complaints.

NHTSA Safety Ratings, 2023 KIA SELTOS

2023 Kia Seltos SUV AWD

Category	Rating
Overall Rating	4 / 5 ★★★★☆
Frontal Crash	4 / 5 ★★★★☆
Frontal Crash, Driver	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Frontal Crash, Passenger	4 / 5 ★★★★☆
Side Crash	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Side Crash, Driver	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Side Crash, Passenger	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Rollover	4 / 5 ★★★★☆
Rollover Risk	15.1%

Safety Technology

Feature	Status
Electronic Stability Control	Standard
Forward Collision Warning	Standard & Optional
Lane Departure Warning	Standard

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings Program. Ratings are based on crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Technical Service Bulletins, 2023 KIA SELTOS

48 manufacturer communications from 28 unique bulletins. TSBs describe known problems and recommended fixes from the manufacturer.

Most Affected Components

Component	Bulletins
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	20
100000 POWER TRAIN	12
060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING	2
020000 SUSPENSION	2
170000 LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES	1
220000 SEATS	1
081100 FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY	1
251000 ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL:AUTOMATIC (ASC)	1

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: SERVICE ACTION: DISPLAY AUDIO 2.0/AVN5W SOFTWARE UPDATE (SA569) - This bulletin provides information to update the software on Display Audio 2.0 (D2V) and 5th Generation AVN Wide (AVN5W) head units on certain 202

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN: 4WD ECU INSPECTION/REPLACEMENT (SC297) - This bulletin provides information to inspect and, if necessary, replace/repair the 4WD Electronic Control Unit (ECU) and wire harness and also

100000 POWER TRAIN

VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN: OWNER NOTIFICATION (SC297) - This document is the owner notification advising that Kia is conducting a Voluntary Service Campaign to inspect and, if necessary, replace the AWD Control Unit in certain 2021-2023 MY

100000 POWER TRAIN

VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN: DEALER PRINCIPAL MEMO (SC297) - This document is the announcement to the dealer principals that Kia is conducting a Voluntary Service Campaign to inspect and, if necessary, replace the AWD Control Unit in certain

100000 POWER TRAIN

VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN: DEALER PARTS & SERVICE MANAGER MEMO (SC297) - This document is the announcement to the dealer Parts and Service Managers that Kia is conducting a Voluntary Service Campaign to inspect and, if necessary, replace t

100000 POWER TRAIN

VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN: QUESTION AND ANSWER (SC297) - This document is the Question and Answer Guide containing the most frequently asked questions regarding the Voluntary Service Campaign SC297.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN: QUESTION AND ANSWER (SC297) - This document is the Question and Answer Guide containing the most frequently asked questions regarding the Voluntary Service Campaign SC297.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: AVN 5.0 WIDE NON-RESPONSIVE RADIO ICON (AM, FM, SXM) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. Th

160000 STRUCTURE

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: FRONT STRUT BEARING & SPRING PAD REPLACEMENT - This bulletin provides information to replace the front strut bearing and upper spring pad on both front (LH and RH) strut assemblies on certain 2019-2024MY Forte (B

020000 SUSPENSION

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CLUSTER UPGRADE FOR INTERMITTENT DISPLAY RESTARTING - This bulletin provides information to upgrade the Cluster (CLU) software logic on certain 2021-2023MY Seltos (SP2) vehicles equipped with a 7 in. TFT display

117000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

118000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

353600 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:INFOTAINMENT

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: AVN 5.0 WIDE SCREEN FREEZING OR MAP DELAY WITH WIRED APPLE CARPLAY - This bulletin provides information to update the software on 5th Generation AVN wide on certain 2020-2023MY Kia vehicles to remedy an inaccurat

353610 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:INFOTAINMENT:SOFTWARE

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: UNEVEN/SLIPPERY ROAD WARNING DISPLAYED ON INSTRUMENT CLUSTER - This bulletin provides information to update the software on 5th Generation AVN wide on certain 2020-2023MY Kia vehicles (refer to model list on page

020000 SUSPENSION

PITSTOP: AWD SYSTEM CONCERN DUE TO TIRE CIRCUMFERENCE - This Pitstop provides information regarding potential concerns with the All-Wheel-Drive (AWD) system due to tire sizes of differing circumference. Some customers may complain of a chat

010000 STEERING

100000 POWER TRAIN

350000 EQUIPMENT

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: AVN 5.0 WIDE NON-RESPONSIVE RADIO ICON (AM, FM, SXM) - This bulletin provides information to update the software on 5th Generation AVN wide on certain 2020-2023MY Kia vehicles to remedy a 'non-responsive'

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: DATA COLLECTION: EXTRACT CALIFORNIA EMISSIONS DATA FROM ECU (DC23) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the mar

081100 FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: SERVICE ACTION: ICU-D CONNECTOR INSTALLATION (SA529) - This bulletin provides information to inspect and re-connect the Integrated Control Unit (ICU)-D connector on certain 2023MY Seltos (SP2) vehicles, produced

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

CUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN: OWNER NOTIFICATION - This document is the owner notification advising that the second Smart Key fob is now available for 2023MY Kia Seltos customers.

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN SERVICE ACTION: COOLANT RESERVOIR CAP INSPECTION & REPLACEMENT (SA527) - This bulletin provides information to inspect and if necessary, replace the coolant reservoir cap on some 2023MY Seltos (SP2) vehicles produ

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: ABS/ESC LOGIC IMPROVEMENT FOR DTC C1626 - This bulletin provides the procedure to update the software logic of the Anti-Lock Brakes/Electronic Stability Control (ABS/ESC) systems on some 2021-2023MY Seltos vehicl

030000 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

251000 ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL:AUTOMATIC (ASC)

100000 POWER TRAIN

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - This bulletin provides information relating to the correct transmission fluid type and fill quantity requirement for each Kia model. A flush is required ONLY when a transmis

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN: OWNER NOTIFICATION - This document is the owner notification advising that Kia is conducting a Voluntary Service Campaign to inspect and, if necessary, repair the transfer case oil seal and to perform the All-Whe

100000 POWER TRAIN

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN: QUESTION AND ANSWER - This document is the Question and Answer Guide containing the most frequently asked questions regarding the Voluntary Service Campaign (SC242).

100000 POWER TRAIN

VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN: DEALER PRINCIPAL MEMO - This document is the announcement to the dealer principals that Kia is conducting a Voluntary Service Campaign on certain All-Wheel Drive 2021-2023 MY Seltos vehicles equipped with 2.0L en

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

100000 POWER TRAIN

VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN: DEALER PARTS AND SERVICE MANAGER MEMO - This document is the announcement to the dealer Parts and Service Managers that Kia is conducting a Voluntary Service Campaign on certain All-Wheel Drive 2021-2023 MY Selto

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

100000 POWER TRAIN

VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN: QUESTION AND ANSWER - This document is the Question and Answer Guide containing the most frequently asked questions regarding the Voluntary Service Campaign (SC242).

100000 POWER TRAIN

VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN: TRANSFER CASE LEAKAGE/OVERHEATING WHEN USING SPARE TIRE (SC242) - This bulletin provides the procedure to inspect the front wheel transfer assembly for oil leakage and update the 4-Wheel Drive (4WD) (also referre

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: SERVICE REMINDER SETTING RESET PROCEDURE - This bulletin provides the procedure to turn OFF the service reminder lamp, at the first service interval reminder alert that will display on the instrument cluster. The

220000 SEATS

PITSTOP: REAR OCCUPANT ALERT (ROA) W/REAR DOOR LOGIC - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This Pitstop provides informatio

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

170000 LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: VEHICLES SHIPPED WITH ONE SMART KEY FOB - This bulletin provides information regarding some 2023MY Seltos (SP2) vehicles equipped with Smart Key FOB (A), produced from June 9, 2022 through current, which may have

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: DATA COLLECTION: EXTRACT CALIFORNIA EMISSIONS DATA FROM ECU (DC23) - This bulletin provides information related to extracting in use performance tracking emissions data from the Engine Control Unit (ECU) of certa

NHTSA Safety Investigations, KIA SELTOS

Investigations opened by NHTSA into potential safety defects. These are separate from recalls and may or may not result in a recall.

AQ, Closed , Model Year: 2021

Kia 25V099 Piston Oil Ring Recall Effectiveness

On August 6, 2025, the Office of Defect Investigation (ODI) opened Audit Query (AQ) 25001 to assess the implementation of Kia America, Inc.’s (Kia) remedy program for Safety Recall 25V099, involving incorrectly manufactured piston oil rings which may damage the engine causing a loss of motive powe... r or fire. This AQ was opened in response to consumer complaints alleging of an ineffective remedy, inconsistent inspection results to determine whether an engine replacement was needed, and the unavailability of recall remedies. On August 11, 2025, an Information Request (IR) was issued to Kia requesting: 1) why the inspection test was revised from requiring a ‘cold’ engine to a ‘warm’ engine; 2) why the recall remedy was suspended from April 30, 2025 to May 7, 2025; 3) how Kia notified customers of the recall remedy suspension and the need to re-test engines that failed the ‘cold’ engine test; 4) the number of post-recall remedy complaints alleging engine or other engine related failures; and 5) the warranty coverage Kia is offering to vehicles that passed either inspection tests. On September 10, 2025, Kia responded to NHTSA’s IR: Kia reported the change in temperature from ‘cold’ to ‘warm’ engine testing was done to increase accuracy. The inspection test uses diagnostic tools that detects abnormal engine vibrations to identify damaged engines. From the initial launch of the Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) on April 4, 2025 through April 28, 2025, ‘cold’ engine testing resulted in a higher-than-expected failure rate when compared to the pre-recall warranty claim rate. This discrepancy led Kia to re-evaluate its inspection test and found that performing the inspection on a ‘cold’ engine can result in imprecise test results due to normal cold-start vibrations. Kia revised the inspection to ‘warm’ engine testing to minimize vibration interference. Kia sampled the field and performed a comparative analysis between ‘cold’ and ‘warm’ engine testing, and validated that ‘warm’ engine testing was more accurate in identifying damaged engines. Kia also reported the suspension of the recall remedy was due to a software error in the diagnostic tool, which was introduced in concert with the April 29, 2025 launch of the TSB that revised the inspection from ‘cold’ to ‘warm’ engine testing. The software error resulted in all inspection tests reporting false positives for a damaged engine. On April 30, 2025, Kia suspended the remedy until May 7, 2025, which was when the software error was corrected with the release of the latest TSB and software update. The recall remedy remains available to eligible customers. Kia reported owners were not mailed letters concerning the suspension to the recall remedy. Kia reasoned since it resolved the issue faster than it would have taken to draft and mail letters, Kia did not want to create unnecessary customer confusion involving an issue that would have already been addressed upon receipt of a letter. Kia also determined that mailing letters about re-testing engines was unnecessary since those vehicles were already at the dealer awaiting engine replacement. In most instances, Kia Customer Care agents would respond to customer inquiries related to the recall, including remedy availability, dealer issues, and questions about differing test results. Kia provided ODI a review of engine related consumer complaints received on post recall-remedied vehicles. Kia did not find any common patterns or trends related to those complaints following completion of the recall, as the complaints included issues that were unrelated to the subject defect. To aid in the diagnosis of whether a complaint is related to the recall, the remedy includes the installation of a software program, the Piston-ring Noise Sensing System (PNSS), that monitors the engine for unusual noise patterns (an indicator of potential damage to the piston oil rings), and alerts the customer by flashing the check engine light and setting Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P1327. Kia confirmed that it is not offering any specific warranty coverage for this recall. Instead, Kia has instructed dealers to replace the engine, at no cost to the customer, with no time or mileage limitation, following the installation of the PNSS software and the presence of DTC P1327. On September 4, 2025, Kia issued Subsequent Repair Action (SRA) # SC336YZ, which provided engine diagnosis and replacement instructions for vehicles with a potentially related complaint following completion of the recall. Under this SRA, customers whose vehicles set DTC P1327 will have their engine replaced. If DTC P1327 is not set and it is unclear whether the issue is related to the recall, dealers are instructed to contact Kia's Technical Assistance Center to ensure the issue is appropriately handled. Kia notes that any issues determined to be unrelated to the recall are subject to the 10-year / 100,000-mile Powertrain warranty for original purchasers and a 5-year / 60,000-mile Limited Basic Warranty for subsequent purchasers. In summary, Kia identified the insufficiencies of its initial inspection test that led to a pause to its recall campaign, explained why it did not mail letters to affected customers about the paused campaign or revised inspection test, reviewed existing consumer complaints that did not identify any potential trends related to the recall, and identified its warranty coverage for any vehicles exhibiting qualifying engine symptoms. After review of Kia’s response to the IR, ODI has determined that no further action from Kia is necessary at this time, and ODI will close this AQ investigation accordingly. The Agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances. To review the ODI reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.Read more

KIA SELTOS - All Years Overview

Complete safety history for the KIA SELTOS across all model years (2021, 2024).

7 Total Recalls

794 Total Complaints

1 Investigations

38 Reported Crashes

14 Reported Fires

0 Reported Deaths

KIA SELTOS - Year by Year

Compare recalls and complaints across model years. Click any year to see full details.

Year	Recalls	Complaints
2026	0	7	View
2025	0	20	View
2024	2	72	View
2023 (current)	2	80
2022	1	100	View
2021	2	515	View

Other KIA Models

Model	Recalls	Complaints
SORENTO	188	13,593	View
SPORTAGE	165	6,601	View
SEDONA	118	3,350	View
OPTIMA	100	10,128	View
TELLURIDE	70	2,186	View
SOUL	66	7,233	View
SORENTO HYBRID	62	159	View
SOUL EV	62	50	View

Vehicle Safety

Consumer Safety

Infrastructure

Public Health

2023 KIA SELTOS

Complaint Statistics

Top Reported Components

NHTSA Safety Ratings, 2023 KIA SELTOS

Safety Technology

Technical Service Bulletins, 2023 KIA SELTOS

Most Affected Components

NHTSA Safety Investigations, KIA SELTOS

KIA SELTOS - All Years Overview

KIA SELTOS - Year by Year

Other KIA Models