Kia Seltos
The Kia Seltos is a five-seat compact SUV powered by a 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with a displacement of 1,604 cm³. It measures 4,429 mm in length and has a kerb weight of 1,449 kg, with a top speed of 208 km/h. The model has been subject to seven recalls in the NHTSA database.
| Manufacturer | Kia |
|---|---|
| Fuel | Petrol |
| Kerb weight | 1,450 kg |
| Displacement | 1,603 cc |
| Cylinders | 4 |
| Top speed | 208 km/h |
| Drivetrain | Front-wheel drive |
| Fuel economy (comb.) | 7.6 l/100 km |
| Class | Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD |
| Model years (US) | 2021–2027 |
| Length | 4,429 mm |
|---|---|
| Width | 1,830 mm |
| Height | 1,620 mm |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
Other Kia models
Common problems & reliability
US owners have filed 1,044 complaints for the Kia Seltos, most often about engine, unknown or other, electrical system, power train. These are owner-reported issues, useful for spotting recurring weaknesses before you buy.
Based on real owner complaints and inspection data — not an editorial rating. Sources: NHTSA (US, public domain).
Recalls & safety
7 in the US-market NHTSA database, which may not apply to European versions for the Kia Seltos. Recalls can flag known weaknesses of the model.
- POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:FLUID/LUBRICANT:PUMPUS · NHTSAModel year 2024
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.
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA campaign 23V531000 · reported 31/07/2023
- AIR BAGSUS · NHTSAModel year 2024
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023 Soul and 2024 Seltos vehicles. Due to a manufacturing error, the side curtain air bags may deploy unexpectedly.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace both side curtain air bag modules as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 31, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC289.
NHTSA campaign 23V830000 · reported 22/12/2023
- ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICALUS · NHTSAModel year 2023
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.
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA campaign 25V099000 · reported 17/02/2025
- POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:FLUID/LUBRICANT:PUMPUS · NHTSAModel year 2023
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.
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA campaign 23V531000 · reported 31/07/2023
- ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICALUS · NHTSAModel year 2022
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.
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA campaign 25V099000 · reported 17/02/2025
- ENGINEUS · NHTSAModel year 2021
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Soul, and 2021 Seltos vehicles equipped with 2.0L Nu MPI engines. The piston oil rings may not have been properly heat-treated, which may result in engine damage.
Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the engine, free of charge. In addition, Kia will deploy Piston Ring Noise Sensing System (PNSS) software. The recall began June 11, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC209.
NHTSA campaign 21V259000 · reported 13/04/2021
- ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICALUS · NHTSAModel year 2021
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.
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA campaign 25V099000 · reported 17/02/2025
Sources: EU Safety Gate (European market) and NHTSA (US market). See all Kia recalls.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the top speed of the Kia Seltos?
- The Kia Seltos has a rated top speed of 208 km/h.
- What are the dimensions of the Kia Seltos?
- The Kia Seltos is 4,429 mm long, 1,830 mm wide and 1,620 mm tall.
- How much does the Kia Seltos weigh?
- The Kia Seltos has a kerb weight of about 1,450 kg.
- How many seats does the Kia Seltos have?
- The Kia Seltos has 5 seats.