Kia Seltos years to avoid

How we rated the best and worst Kia Seltos years

The 2021 Kia Seltos has the most overall complaints on CarComplaints, which also rates 2021 as the worst model year based on factors such as repair cost and average mileage when problems occur - making it the clear year to avoid. Ratings were drawn from NHTSA complaint and recall data, CarComplaints (which ranks years by repair cost and mileage-at-failure, not raw volume), owner discussions on the Kia Seltos Forum, Consumer Reports, and third-party reliability indexes. Our years to avoid methodology weights repair cost and mileage-at-failure more heavily than raw complaint volume, which is why 2021 stands out so clearly even when some later years share the piston-ring defect. Note that CarComplaints and NHTSA measure different things: CarComplaints rated 2021 the worst year by repair cost and early mileage-at-failure, while NHTSA complaint volume by model year shows 2021 at 377 complaints, 2022 at 70, and 2023 at 59 - so both sources point to 2021, though for different reasons.

Every Kia Seltos model year ranked

The Kia Seltos was introduced globally in 2019 and launched in North America for the 2021 model year. Every US-market model year is covered below.

Most common Kia Seltos problems

The single biggest failure across the Kia Seltos lineup is the piston oil ring defect on the 2.0L Nu MPI engine, where a quality deviation by the supplier can damage the cylinder wall surface, leading to increased oil consumption, abnormal engine noise, and illumination of the oil pressure warning light - and if the vehicle is continually operated in this condition, engine damage and seizure can occur. Beyond that top issue, the model also generates recurring complaints about the 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, electrical and infotainment gremlins, and carbon buildup on the 1.6L turbo engine.

1. 2.0L Nu MPI piston oil ring failure (engine damage and fire risk)

Kia launched a wide-scale recall campaign covering the Seltos and Soul hatchback to fix a major problem with the 2.0-liter “Nu” multi-point injection engines; the problem could impact as many as 137,256 vehicles between the 2021 and 2023 model years, with Kia saying defective piston oil control rings within the cylinders could cause excessive oil consumption and, in rare cases, allow oil to contact hot exhaust components - creating a fire risk.

In total, the piston ring defect may impact 53,635 Kia Seltos SUVs built between July 2, 2020 (for the 2021 model year) and July 1, 2022 (covering 2022 and 2023 model years). This defect is covered by two related NHTSA campaigns. The first recall is NHTSA campaign number 21V-259, Kia’s number SC209, which covered 2021 Seltos units built from November 20, 2019, through October 15, 2020. The expanded recall is NHTSA recall number 25V-099, Kia recall number SC336, which broadened coverage to 2021-2023 Seltos built through July 1, 2022. NHTSA’s Recall Management Division reviewed 47 complaints filed between April and June 2025 alleging an ineffective recall remedy, inconsistent results in determining whether engine replacement was needed, and unavailability of the recall remedy at some dealers.

All owners of the subject vehicles are to be notified by first-class mail with instructions to bring their vehicles to a Kia dealer; dealers inspect and, if necessary, replace the engine, and as a preventative measure install Piston-ring Noise Sensing System (PNSS) software to provide an early warning light - if the PNSS software subsequently sets a diagnostic trouble code, the engine will be replaced. Repair costs for an out-of-warranty engine replacement on this engine can reach several thousand dollars; covered vehicles get the fix free. Buyer takeaway: confirm both 21V-259 and 25V-099 are closed on any 2021-2023 Seltos with the 2.0L engine before you purchase.

2. 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) shudder and failure

The 7-speed dual-clutch transmission in 2021-2024 turbocharged models has been a consistent source of complaints, with issues ranging from jerky operation to premature wear. The DCT pairs exclusively with the 1.6L turbo engine found in the S Turbo and SX trims; base LX/S/EX models with the 2.0L and CVT do not share this fault.

Owners regularly report transmission problems, including difficulties shifting, the vehicle failing to engage any gear, uncontrollable engine revving, transmission hesitation when starting from a stop, sluggish shifting in manual mode, and noticeable shaking at various speeds - with additional concerns involving grinding noises during acceleration and, in some cases, sudden transmission failure. Forum threads on the Seltos Forum document DCT overheating in stop-and-go traffic as a recurring owner complaint. A full DCT replacement has been reported at under 20,000 miles on 2021 examples still under warranty. The 2024 Seltos SX swapped to an 8-speed conventional automatic, replacing the DCT and eliminating the overheating concern for that model year. Buyer takeaway: on any 2021-2023 SX or S Turbo, test for shudder and hesitation from a cold stop before buying.

3. Electrical system and infotainment faults

The infotainment system on the 2021 Seltos suffers from blackouts due to faulty sensors that trigger false safety alerts, the touchscreen is prone to freezing or rebooting without warning, and the ADAS systems also falter - though Kia amended many of the issues via over-the-air updates, the hardware remains a concern.

Random warning lights, battery drain issues, and infotainment system freezes have been reported across various production years, though most are relatively minor concerns that can be resolved with software updates. The 2024 refresh brought a new infotainment architecture that reduced these complaints significantly. The 2024 Seltos’s most commonly reported problem areas shifted to electrical system (12 complaints), unknown or other (7), and powertrain (4) - a much lighter profile than 2021. Buyer takeaway: on any pre-2024 Seltos, test all ADAS functions and confirm the latest software update has been applied.

4. 1.6L turbo GDI carbon buildup and cooling

The 1.6L turbocharged engine is not without issue; because of the direct injection technology, carbon buildup on intake valves is a somewhat common occurrence, and radiator clogs have been mentioned as a potential cause for overheating. Direct-injection engines - where fuel is sprayed directly into the cylinder rather than past the intake valve - allow oil vapor to coat the valves over time. Walnut blasting or intake cleaning is the standard fix, typically running $200-$400 at an independent shop.

This issue applies to the 1.6T in the S Turbo and SX trims across the 2021-2024 generation. It is worth noting that based on NHTSA complaint data, the 1.6L turbo 4-cylinder has the lowest complaint density overall and is considered the more reliable engine choice compared to the 2.0L, once you look past the DCT’s behavior. A whining noise when accelerating can sometimes be an early sign of carbon buildup restricting airflow on GDI turbocharged engines. Buyer takeaway: ask for records of intake cleaning at or before 50,000 miles.

5. Airbag and safety-system recalls (2023-2024)

Kia recalled certain 2023 Soul and 2024 Seltos vehicles because, due to a manufacturing error, the side curtain airbags may deploy unexpectedly - an unexpectedly deploying airbag increases the risk of injury or crash - and dealers were directed to inspect and replace both side curtain airbag module(s) as necessary, free of charge. This NHTSA campaign (33V-531 series) affects a subset of 2024 Seltos production and is separate from the piston-ring recalls. The top recall themes across the Seltos lineup are engine and cooling, airbags, and powertrain.

An unexpected SRS warning light on a used 2024 Seltos may indicate this airbag recall has not yet been completed. Buyer takeaway: on any 2024 Seltos, run the VIN through NHTSA’s recall checker specifically for the side curtain airbag campaign.

Which Kia Seltos years should you avoid?

The Kia Seltos years to avoid are 2021. CarComplaints rates 2021 as the worst model year based on repair cost and average mileage when problems occur, and NHTSA complaint volume for 2021 stands at 377 - far above the 70 filed for 2022 and 59 for 2023.

First-generation Kia Seltos (2021-2024) - 2021 only The 2021 Kia Seltos has 256 problems and defects reported by owners on CarComplaints, with the worst complaints centered on transmission, engine, and miscellaneous problems. On the NHTSA side, there are 2 recalls and 346 owner complaints on file, with severity signals including 12 crash-related complaints and 5 fire-related complaints, and the most commonly reported problem areas being Engine (145 complaints), Power Train (61), and Engine and Engine Cooling (39).

The 2021 Seltos is rated less reliable than other cars from the same model year by Consumer Reports. The 2021 Kia Seltos is considered the worst year to buy due to early manufacturing issues and reliability concerns, with owners reporting a high number of problems that led to recalls and lower dependability ratings. The core engine defect runs through the entire 2021 model year and into a portion of 2022-2023 production, but 2021 units face the greatest concentration of both recalls and overall complaint categories.

What are the best Kia Seltos years to buy?

The best Kia Seltos years to buy are 2022, 2023, and 2024, all of which show dramatically lower complaint volumes, improved powertrain calibration, and the benefit of recall fixes already applied to earlier concerns.

Most reliable Kia Seltos years: 2022, 2023, 2024

2022 Kia Seltos

Consumer Reports scored the 2022 Seltos with a reliability rating of 4.0 out of 5.0, and the 2022 passed the most common reliability trouble spots, including the engine, drive system, and transmission. With only 70 NHTSA complaints versus 377 for 2021, the drop-off is substantial. For 2022, the whole lineup gained a few additional active safety features as standard, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and automatic high-beam headlights.

2023 Kia Seltos

The 2023 Kia Seltos is similar to the 2022 version but added acoustic glass windshields to help reduce wind noise, and like the 2022, launched to positive reviews from both customers and critics. At 59 NHTSA complaints, it is essentially on par with 2022 in terms of complaint volume. For 2023, acoustic windshield glass was added across the range to reduce wind noise, and the larger 10.3-inch screen became an optional add-on for the S trim.

2024 Kia Seltos

The 2024 is the pick of the first-generation run. The bigger news came for the 2024 Kia Seltos, which was meaningfully updated inside and out. There are 2 recalls and only 41 owner complaints on file for the 2024 Seltos, with severity signals including 4 crash-related complaints and 1 fire-related complaint, and the most commonly reported problem areas limited to electrical system (12), unknown or other (7), and powertrain (4). The SX trim’s DCT was replaced with a conventional 8-speed automatic, removing the most-complained-about 1.6T transmission fault. The 2025 Kia Seltos received an overall 5-star safety rating from NHTSA, with 5 stars for frontal crash and 5 stars for side crash.

Kia Seltos submodel years to avoid The Seltos SX is the one submodel that deserves its own reliability assessment, as it uses a fundamentally different powertrain from the base car. Here is that record on its own terms.

Kia Seltos SX years to avoid The SX trim is the top-of-the-line Seltos trim level, priced at $27,990 new for the 2021 model year, paired with the 1.6-liter turbocharged inline-4. The 1.6L turbocharged four-cylinder puts out 175 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque; a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission connects the engine to the wheels. This powertrain combination is entirely distinct from the base 2.0L/CVT setup and brings its own fault profile.

The SX’s specific concern is the 7-speed DCT covered in detail above. The turbo in the S Turbo and SX trims has been noted to whistle, and the dual-clutch is clunky and jerks at slow speeds. Owner threads on the Kia Seltos Forum document DCT failures on 2021 SX Turbo examples at under 20,000 miles. Consumer Reports owner reports from 2021 SX owners describe an “unusual, stuttering or hesitating-type sensation with acceleration” that dealers could not replicate on inspection.

The good news: the 2024 Seltos SX moved to an 8-speed conventional automatic replacing the DCT, eliminating the overheating and jerkiness concerns that plagued earlier SX models. The 1.6T carbon buildup risk - covered above in Problem 4 - applies to every SX model year and is a maintenance item rather than a defect. The piston-ring recall (25V-099 / 21V-259) does NOT apply to the SX, as those recalls target the 2.0L Nu MPI engine exclusively; the SX’s 1.6T is a different engine and is not part of those campaigns.

• Avoid: 2021 SX (earliest DCT calibration, highest failure rate)
• Use caution on: 2022-2023 SX (improved but DCT still present; check for shudder from a stop)
• Preferred pick: 2024 SX (8-speed auto replaces DCT; more conventional and less temperamental)

Kia Seltos pre-purchase checklist

Before handing over money for a used Seltos, run through these model-specific checks:

• Run the VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup. Confirm both piston-ring recalls - NHTSA 21V-259 (SC209) and NHTSA 25V-099 (SC336) - are marked complete on any 2021-2023 Seltos with the 2.0L engine. An open recall means the engine inspection has not been done.
• Check the oil level before test-driving any 2021-2023 Seltos with the 2.0L engine. Low oil on a cold engine - before you’ve driven it - is a red flag for active piston-ring damage. Ask the seller about any history of oil top-ups between changes.
• On 2021-2023 SX or S Turbo trims, test DCT behavior from a cold, full stop. Shudder, hesitation longer than a second, or a grinding sensation when pulling away indicates a DCT in distress. DCT jerkiness is the most commonly reported complaint on Seltos owner forums.
• Confirm the PNSS software update is installed. As a preventative measure under the recall, dealers were instructed to install Piston-ring Noise Sensing System (PNSS) software to provide an early warning to the driver of potential engine damage. Ask the dealer or seller for documentation that this software update was completed.
• On 2024 models, verify the side curtain airbag recall is closed. Due to a manufacturing error, the side curtain airbags on certain 2024 Seltos vehicles may deploy unexpectedly, increasing the risk of injury or crash. This is a free dealer fix but must be confirmed by VIN.
• Test all infotainment and ADAS functions. On any pre-2024 Seltos, cycle through the lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, and backup camera. A black screen or stuck display during the test drive suggests the hardware fault covered in Problem 3 above.
• Request full service records. Especially for the 1.6T engine, look for evidence of intake valve cleaning. A transmission fluid leak when parked under a used Seltos can signal DCT seal wear - inspect the ground under the car before the test drive.
• Have an independent mechanic do a pre-purchase inspection on any 2021 Seltos. Given the volume of documented defects, this is the one year where a shop inspection pays for itself.

Better alternatives to consider

If the Seltos years in your budget land on the avoid list, these same-class alternatives may suit you instead:

• Kia Forte - a sedan alternative from the same brand with a cleaner first-generation complaint record and lower running costs
• Honda HR-V - the post-2023 redesign earned strong reliability marks from Consumer Reports and shares no equivalent piston-ring defect history
• Mazda CX-30 - consistently near the top of small-SUV reliability rankings and uses a conventional torque-converter automatic across its lineup
• Kia Sportage - a step up in size but overlapping in price on the used market, with a broader model-year range to choose from