2023 Kia Seltos recalls and problems

The 2023 Kia Seltos has 2 recalls and 47 owner complaints on file with NHTSA; the most reported problem area is engine.

Park outside warning. Owners are advised to park outside and away from buildings until the repair is done, because of a fire risk. Campaign: 23V531000.
2022 Kia Seltos
Pictured: a 2022 model; the 2023 may differ in details. Photo: 2022 Kia Seltos by Mr.choppers, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
How the 2023 compares
Fewest complaintsMost complaints

High complaint count among 7 Seltos model years — 3rd most.

2recalls
47complaints
4crashes
0fires
3injuries
62,000median miles

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not verified and not adjusted for sales. Ranking compares this model's own years only.

Does your car have an open recall?
Recalls apply to specific vehicles. Only a VIN lookup on NHTSA's official site shows whether yours is affected and still unrepaired.
Check your VIN →

2 recalls

Engine

Feb 17, 2025 · NHTSA campaign 25V099000 · 137,256 vehicles

Problem: 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 & notes

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.

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236 (TTY 888-275-9171) or go to nhtsa.gov.

Power Train

Jul 31, 2023 · NHTSA campaign 23V531000 · 39,765 vehicles
Park outside

Problem: 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 & notes

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.

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Recall text as published by NHTSA and the manufacturer.

What owners complain about

Engine20
Unknown or other17
Electrical System16
Visibility6
Forward Collision Avoidance4
Power Train4
Service Brakes4
Structure3
Lane Departure2
Air Bags1

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA; one complaint can name several areas. Not verified by NHTSA.

Complaints by year filed

2022: 3 complaints20222023: 11 complaints20232024: 10 complaints20242025: 11 complaints20252026: 12 complaints202612

NHTSA investigations

Kia 25V099 Piston Oil Ring Recall Effectiveness

AQ25001 · opened Aug 6, 2025 · closed Dec 18, 2025
Summary

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 power 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 

2023 vs. other Kia Seltos years

2021: 385 complaints20213852022: 77 complaints20222023: 47 complaints20232024: 47 complaints20242025: 13 complaints20252026: 4 complaints20262027: 3 complaints20273

Owner complaints by model year; the darker bar is the 2023. Click a bar to switch year.

Questions

Does the 2023 Kia Seltos have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns covering the 2023 Kia Seltos, the latest from Feb 17, 2025 (engine). A recall applies to specific vehicles: enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours is affected and still open.

What are the most common problems with the 2023 Kia Seltos?

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA most often mention engine (20), unknown or other (17), electrical system (16). Complaints are consumer reports and are not verified by NHTSA.

Is it safe to drive the 2023 Kia Seltos?

1 recall advises parking outside because of a fire risk. Only vehicles with the recall open are affected — check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.