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#BS-2023-KIASEL-37C52023 Kia SeltosProblems, Recalls & Reliability
Based on reports from 83 owners and 2 recalls for this exact model.
Data updated ·checked October 30, 2026 · NHTSA complaints through October 28, 2026
Preliminary Verdict
Proceed with Caution
Based on 83 complaints, 6 crashes, 0 fires, and 2 recalls.
Top reported problems
horn no longer functioning
1 complaints • Severity 8/10
brake fluid leak
1 complaints • Severity 8/10
horn no longer functioning
1 complaints • Severity 8/10
rear driver side window wont roll down
1 complaints • Severity 4/10
Preview: What's in your full report
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Mechanic Inspection Checklist
20 owners reported engine issues — failures commonly reported around 62K miles.
30,000-Mile Cost Projection
Best Case
Most Likely
Worst Case
Top cost driver: Engine (20 reports).
Also in your report
Owner Intelligence
AI-synthesized themes from real complaints
Buyer Lot Checklist
Questions, test drive checks, walk-away triggers
Negotiation Talking Points
Data-backed dollar deductions
Buy / Skip Verdict
Final recommendation with conditions
Where the complaints fall
2023 Kia Seltos: Known Issues & Problem Areas
Engine Issues
Engine complaints account for 24% of all reports filed for the 2023 Kia Seltos, with 20 owners filing complaints with NHTSA. The median mileage at time of complaint is 62,000 miles, suggesting issues tend to surface around the 62K-mile mark.
Electrical Issues
Electrical complaints account for 18% of all reports filed for the 2023 Kia Seltos, with 15 owners filing complaints with NHTSA. Owners should pay attention to electrical-related symptoms during test drives and pre-purchase inspections.
Drivetrain Issues
Drivetrain complaints account for 5% of all reports filed for the 2023 Kia Seltos, with 4 owners filing complaints with NHTSA. Owners should pay attention to drivetrain-related symptoms during test drives and pre-purchase inspections.
Brakes Issues
Brakes complaints account for 5% of all reports filed for the 2023 Kia Seltos, with 4 owners filing complaints with NHTSA. Owners should pay attention to brakes-related symptoms during test drives and pre-purchase inspections.
Data sourced from NHTSA owner complaints and community reports. The full report analyzes severity, repair costs, and failure patterns for each category.
Complaint trend by year
Complaints filed with NHTSA by year for the 2023 Kia Seltos. Recent trend: stable.
Don't negotiate blind — know what this car costs to own
Repair costs • Negotiation scripts • Mechanic checklist • Buy/skip verdict
Recall History (2 recalls)
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:FLUID/LUBRICANT:PUMP
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.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL
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.
Recall severity analysis & seller scripts
The full report rates each recall's severity and gives you scripts for asking the seller about recall completion.
2023 Kia Seltos NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall
★★★★★4 of 5 stars
Frontal crash
★★★★★4 of 5 stars
Side crash
★★★★★5 of 5 stars
Rollover
★★★★★4 of 5 stars
From NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings). Where NHTSA tested more than one version of this vehicle, the lowest rating is shown.
NHTSA Defect Investigations (1)
All closed. Investigations are how NHTSA decides whether a defect needs a recall.
Kia 25V099 Piston Oil Ring Recall Effectiveness
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL
The worst model year for the Kia Seltos is the 2021 — worth knowing if you're cross-shopping years. The biggest problem area is transmission.
2023 Kia Seltos vs. Class Average (Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD)
This vehicle
83
Class avg
156
Below the class average — fewer complaints than typical small sport utility vehicle 2wd vehicles. A good sign.
Complaint counts correlate with sales volume — popular vehicles naturally generate more reports. The full report normalizes for this.
About this data
NHTSA Complaints
Federal database of owner-filed safety complaints. 83 records for this vehicle.
NHTSA Recalls
Manufacturer-issued safety recalls. 2 recalls found for this vehicle.
Repair Cost Data
Real-world repair costs from owner reports and independent databases.
Last updated (checked October 30, 2026). NHTSA complaints received through October 28, 2026; safety ratings from NHTSA's 5-Star program.
2023 Kia Seltos: Frequently Asked Questions
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Get the Full 2023 Kia Seltos Report
10 sections of AI analysis based on 83 owner reports. Know before you buy.