repaired · 2026 Q3
Engine: hard parts internal/mechanical
Risk. Engine damage can cause a vehicle stall or fire, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
2023 Kia SeltosProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 47 owner complaints about the 2023 Kia Seltos, most often about the engine. It is covered by 2 safety recalls, and for recall 25V-099 the manufacturer reports only 64% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through October 19, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Elise240SX, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2023 Kia Seltos has problems
47 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
18Engine1 crash/fire/injury
16Electrical system1 crash/fire/injury
4Forward collision avoidance1 crash/fire/injury
4Visibility
4Power train
4Service brakes1 crash/fire/injury
3Visibility/wiper
3Structure
2Engine and engine cooling
76 other systems2 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 18 | 1 |
| Electrical system | 16 | 1 |
| Forward collision avoidance | 4 | 1 |
| Visibility | 4 | 0 |
| Power train | 4 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 4 | 1 |
| Visibility/wiper | 3 | 0 |
| Structure | 3 | 0 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 2 | 0 |
| 6 other systems | 7 | 2 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
2 recalls
2023 Kia Seltos recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2025 Q2
Fluid/lubricant: pump
Park outsideRisk. An electric oil pump assembly that overheats increases the risk of a vehicle fire.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Kia.
Best & worst years
2023 vs. every other Seltos year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Seltos median. How we score
'21'22'23'24'25'26'27
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2023 Kia Seltos safety ratings
2023 Kia Seltos SUV AWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
★★★★★Overall rating
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side barrier★★★★★
Side pole★★★★★
- Rollover: 4 stars (15.1% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: Standard & Optional
- Lane departure warning: Standard
1 investigation
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2023 Kia Seltos, and the recalls they led to.
- Kia 25V099 Piston Oil Ring Recall EffectivenessNo recall
In owners' words
What Seltos owners report
Recent engine complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
My 2024 Kia Seltos, with approximately 50,000 miles, experienced a sudden shutdown while traveling at highway speed, cannot accelerate. The dashboard warning appeared as no key not detected and the brake pedal became extremely hard, making the vehicle difficult to stop. The vehicle subsequently…
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.
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…
Own a 2023 Seltos?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.