Is the Kia Seltos reliable?

The Kia Seltos has 666 NHTSA complaints, or 26.1 per 1,000 vehicles. Its crash involvement rate is moderate. The most common issue is ENGINE. Source: VinItel

What Kia Seltos years should I avoid?

Avoid the 2021 model year of the Kia Seltos — it has significantly more NHTSA complaints than other years. The 2021 model year alone has 436 complaints. Source: VinItel (vinitel.com)

What is the best year for the Kia Seltos?

Among Kia Seltos model years with enough on-road history, the most reliable years are 2023 (74 complaints), 2022 (85 complaints), 2021 (436 complaints). Source: NHTSA complaints database via VinItel.

What are common Kia Seltos problems?

The most common Kia Seltos problems reported to NHTSA are: ENGINE (231 complaints, 1.3% crash rate); UNKNOWN OR OTHER (79 complaints, 6.3% crash rate); POWER TRAIN (73 complaints, 1.4% crash rate); ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (71 complaints, 4.2% crash rate); ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (47 complaints, 0.0% crash rate). Source: VinItel

Should I buy a used Kia Seltos?

Used Kia Seltos buyers should: 1) Check our years-to-avoid list for this model. 2) Verify the specific VIN for accident history, title issues, and odometer rollbacks. The most reliable model years to look for: 2023, 2022, 2021. Free VIN check at vinitel.com.

Kia Seltos Reliability

666 NHTSA complaints (2021–2026). Complaint rate: 26.1 per 1,000 vehicles.

Severity Score

40.9

Complaints

666

Crash Rate

5.9%

Fire Rate

2.1%

Injuries

Fatalities

—

Which Years to Buy & Avoid

Years auto-clustered by complaint volume relative to this model's median.

Bottom line: The 2021 Kia Seltos had a notable spike in NHTSA complaints. Other years had typical complaint volumes. Most common issue across all years: ENGINE.

Avoid These Years

2021

~436/yr complaints · 18 crashes

Average

2022–2023

~80/yr complaints

Better Years

No years stand out as significantly better.

Too New

2024–2025

70 complaints so far

Need 3+ years on the road for reliable complaint data.

Looking at a specific Kia Seltos?

A model's reputation is just the start.

Even within the “good” years, individual cars can have hidden accidents, title issues, or odometer rollbacks. Check the actual VIN before you buy — full history report for $4.99 (vs. Carfax $44.99).

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Complaints by Model Year

NHTSA complaint count per model year

Kia Seltos — Complaints by Model YearPeak: 2021 (436)

Common Kia Seltos Problems

Most reported component complaints to NHTSA

Component	Complaints	Crash %
ENGINE	231	1.3%
UNKNOWN OR OTHER	79	6.3%
POWER TRAIN	73	1.4%
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	71	4.2%
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING	47	0.0%
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM	21	0.0%
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS	13	46.2%
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL	12	8.3%
SERVICE BRAKES	11	18.2%
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING	11	27.3%

Year-by-Year Breakdown

NHTSA complaint count per model year — click any year for full problems & recalls breakdown.

Year	Generation	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Details
2021AVOID	—	436	18	8	View →
2022	—	85	6	5	View →
2023	—	74	5	—	View →
2024TOO NEW	—	56	7	1	View →
2025TOO NEW	—	14	3	—	View →

Year-by-Year Breakdown

Tap any year for full problems & recalls breakdown.

See also: Kia Seltosaccident & safety statistics from our vehicle history database.

Buying a Kia Seltos?

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