KnownCarProblems2023 Kia Seltos Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 46 complaints with NHTSA about the 2023 Kia Seltos, most often about the engine (41% of complaints). It is the 3rd most complained-about Seltos model year since 2000 and has 2 recalls.
⚠ Safety advisory1 recall for this car came with a park-outside warning. See below and check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Most common 2023 Kia Seltos problems
Engine
19 complaints · 41%The contact owns a 2023 Kia Seltos. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was while smoke coming from the exhaust, after which the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle was able to be restarted. The…
The contact owns a 2023 Kia Seltos. The contact stated that while driving at 10 MPH, there was an abnormal fuel odor coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was stopped, and the contact became aware of smoke coming from the engine compartment. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was towed to the dealer to be diagnosed…
Other or unspecified
17 complaints · 37%Electrical
15 complaints · 33%Parts named most often: instrument panel.
The contact owns a 2023 Kia Seltos. The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the tachometer went to zero and remained at zero while the vehicle was still accelerating. The contact stated that the transmission unexpectedly downshifted into a lower gear. There was an unknown message…
Visibility and wipers
6 complaints · 13%Parts named most often: glass, side/rear, windshield.
Driver assistance
4 complaints · 9%Parts named most often: warnings, blind spot detection, automatic emergency braking.
Transmission
4 complaints · 9%Body and structure
3 complaints · 7%Parts named most often: body, interior panels.
Brakes
3 complaints · 7%
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2023 Kia Seltos recalls
Engine: hard parts internal/mechanical
Risk: Engine damage can cause a vehicle stall or fire, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Transmission: pump
Risk: An electric oil pump assembly that overheats increases the risk of a vehicle fire.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
NHTSA defect investigations
Kia 25v099 piston oil ring recall effectiveness
Summary
On august 6, 2025, the office of defect investigation (odi) opened audit query (aq) 25001 to assess the implementation of kia america, inc.âs (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 âcoldâ engine to a âwarmâ en
Questions about the 2023 Kia Seltos
- What are the most common problems with the 2023 Kia Seltos?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: engine (19 complaints); other or unspecified (17 complaints); electrical (15 complaints).
- How many recalls does the 2023 Kia Seltos have?
- 2 recalls listed by NHTSA, the latest from February 17, 2025 (engine). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
- Is the 2023 a bad year for the Kia Seltos?
- It is the 3rd most complained-about Seltos model year since 2000, with 46 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.