Kia · Seltos · 2024
2
Recalls
38
Complaints
5/5
Safety Rating
The 2024 Kia Seltos has 2 recalls and 38 owner-reported complaints on file with NHTSA. Overall safety rating: 5 out of 5 stars. Most reported issue: unknown or other (7 reports).
Source: NHTSA Public Records · Updated Apr 22, 2026
This page combines three types of NHTSA data: recall campaigns (official manufacturer or government actions), owner complaints (unverified consumer reports), and crash test ratings (where available). A vehicle with many complaints is not necessarily less reliable — complaint volume correlates with sales volume and vehicle age. Recalls indicate identified defects, not overall quality. To compare this model year with others, use the year navigation in the sidebar or return to the model overview page.
Frontal Crash Test
Side Crash Test
Overall Frontal Rating
Driver and Passenger Assessment
Driver Side
Passenger Side
Overall Side Rating
Side Barrier and Side Pole Tests
Driver Side
Passenger Side
Rollover Resistance
16.9% rollover risk in single-vehicle crash
Safety Features
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 Status
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.
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 Status
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.
Came out of work to a cracked windshield. There was no crack in my windshield prior to this. The crack spans across half of the windshield requiring a full replacement which is going to come completely out of pocket for me because I had a $1000 deductible. Had I known this was such a common issue with this year make and model, I would’ve opted for the $0 glass deductible. As many others have reported and stated, this was never an issue I’ve had with any other vehicle I’ve owned. It is clearly a manufacturing defect and SHOULD be covered by Kia. I’ve had this car for 7 months.
While driving in traffic, my 2024 Kia Seltos suddenly shut down without warning again. I lost propulsion while the vehicle was in motion with passengers inside, creating an immediate safety hazard. The issue appears electrical or powertrain-related. This occurred during normal operation and could result in a serious crash. My vehicle shutting down in active traffic with passengers is unacceptable, and there is no recall remedy in place to correct this hazard. I am requesting a manufacturer-level resolution under Ohio Lemon Law and the Magnuson–Moss Warranty Act.
During the incident in question, the vehicle’s lane‑assist system malfunctioned in a manner I have never previously experienced. As I approached an area with multiple lane markings, the system appeared to become confused—possibly due to low‑light conditions—and abruptly pulled the steering wheel with significant force. This deviation was severe enough that I temporarily lost control, causing the vehicle to drift toward the left-side ditch. When the steering suddenly released and became limp, I attempted to correct the trajectory, but the response window was too narrow to avoid impact. The vehicle struck a wooden signpost, resulting in damage to the right headlight assembly and the complete detachment of the right fog light. No lane‑departure warnings were issued at any point. Under normal circumstances, the vehicle provides audible alerts regardless of whether lane assist is active, and I am familiar with the areas where such alerts typically occur. Additionally, the forward‑collision warning system failed to activate, despite its usual tendency to trigger even in non‑hazard situations. This inconsistency has been present since I acquired the vehicle. Prior to this event, I had also been experiencing intermittent electrical issues. I attempted to seek service at the nearest Kia dealership; however, reaching it requires traveling through a national forest during winter conditions, which is unsafe unless absolutely necessary. I attempted to file an incident report with local law enforcement, but was informed that a report could only be taken if another motor vehicle was involved. I then attempted to file a report with the DMV, but the online system requires an Oregon‑issued driver’s license. I currently hold a valid Oklahoma license and have been unable to update it due to financial constraints and an anticipated move later this year. I have experienced neck pain between my shoulders since the incident.
When the stop and go feature re-enables the engine to go. Causes all clusters/ infotainment to shut off and reset. It remain black for a 10-15 seconds
When pressing the horn on the steering wheel of my 2024 Kia Seltos SX Turbo AWD during an emergency no sound was heard. Horn is silent. Fuse is not blown and it appears likely the horn is defective.
Electrical control unit car just shuts off in drive completely goes black no matter what within seconds even on freeway going 70 mph car tune off loss of control then starts back up very dangerous
Driver side seat stays warm all the time I tried removing both seat heater fuses and in plugged the seat warmer plugs but the back seat rest still stay warm
See attached document for complaint.
Rear window shattered due to heat
Issue: Defective Seatbelt Sensor - Refused Warranty Repair Vehicle: 2024 Kia Seltos EX Make/Model/Year: Kia Seltos, 2024 Mileage (approx.): 12,033 I am filing a formal safety complaint regarding a malfunctioning seatbelt sensor on my 2024 Kia Seltos EX. The front passenger seatbelt alarm goes off repeatedly even when there is no one sitting in the seat, and this behavior is unpredictable and distracting while driving. When I contacted the Kia dealership (Summit Place Kia, Auburn Hills, MI), they refused to inspect or repair the issue without charging me $180 upfront, even though my vehicle is fully under warranty and this clearly relates to a safety system. They claimed they would only waive the fee if they determine it’s covered, which gives them the option to deny responsibility arbitrarily. Kia Consumer Affairs was contacted and gave the same answer: pay up front or we won’t look at it. This raises major concerns about Kia’s warranty practices and possible violations of federal law requiring free repairs of safety-related defects under warranty. I am reporting this to request investigation and to hold the manufacturer accountable for failing to honor federally mandated coverage.
On July 9 while waiting at a red light car randomly turned off, had to put car in park and restart On July 19 while driving about 55mph on an extremely busy interstate highway car shut down completely. I could not restart or shut the car off, car was in drive and we had full power, no issue with battery, no warning signs, we were nearly killed by an 18-wheel truck traveling at normal high speed on this highway. We were eventually pushed off to the side where we sat for 2 hours until family members came. In the car were 2 seniors, 1 battling dementia and another anxiety and a young man who suffers from paranoia schizophrenia. Both trying to recover. In addition, Kia roadside assist wanted to tow us 2 hours past our dealership and home and charge us $661 when we were fully covered. Kia dealership said if they could not repeat the stall they could not really determine what is wrong. This is the 3rd serious issue I have had with this vehicle and each occurrence I was made to feel like the issues did not exist. 1 week into ownership I complained about a knocking noise, was told that the struts came from the factory loose, a month ago the differential gear box needed to be changed. I am now told that it could take a very long time to repair, and I would need to rent a car at my expense and if approved will be reimbursed at some point. I am terrified to drive my new car.
Our vehicle was in an accident with extensive damage to the entire front end. The accident warning senors did not go off and the air bags did not deploy. The insurance adjuster said the entire engine was pushed back towards the driver area so it's surprising the air bags did not deploy. In our Kia Access app, only the "passenger turn signal" has a critical error detected. The car has been deemed totaled.
My car, over the last few oil changes has had very little to practically no oil. It also has been having the noise when it is low oil. This is already a recall, and when taken to a local dealer, they claimed the piston rings, which is the issue for the oil consumption, were not a problem and within spec. They have performed a test to check oil levels after 1000 miles and am still waiting on the results for the first test. This problem, as written by the recall, can cause an engine fire, or even grenade the motor causing catastrophic damage, potentially to my life.
The contact owns a 2024 Kia Seltos. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH and attempting to accelerate, the vehicle briefly lost motive power before the engine seized. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the valves. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was towed back to the residence and later to the local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that several months before the failure, the vehicle was serviced, and the fuel injectors and spark plugs were replaced. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V531000 (POWER TRAIN); however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was unknown.
The vehicle rolled backwards and hit a predestination with no one in the vehicle on level ground. I don't know why it rolled backwards since it has never done this before unless someone had hacked into the computer system and caused it to go backwards. I also don't know if this car has the lvl of technology that can be hacked as in the completely driverless vehicles. I only know the theory of computer science and smart technology, I don't know if my car has advanced enough technology for someone to remotely hacking into the car causing it to move backwards or not.
Over the last year that I have had my car, I noticed that things as little as gravel, bugs, and small rocks chip my windshield easily. I worry that I have defective glass considering I have over 10 chips on my windshield.
There is a coffee symbol alert that randomly comes on regardless of driving on long trips saying to take a break. These messages are super abrupt and disruptive to my attention while driving, there is no option to remove the alert or sound. Could cause an accident
On Wednesday [XXX], at [XXX]. I started to drive to work. I noticed the instrument cluster on my 2024 Kia Seltos SX was completely dark. I couldn't see the speedometer, fuel gauge, engine temperature, or any other function that should show on the instrument cluster. I turned around and returned home. I called the Kia dealer's service department and got an appointment for the car to be checked that afternoon. This service center is about 30 miles from my home. I drove there with a totally black screen for the instrument cluster--not able to see my speed or any other information about the car. I left the car running when I arrived at the service center. The service manager confirmed the issue. I also told her I'd been getting warnings that the key fob batteries were drained. She checked the key fobs and told me the batteries were sending strong signals. She also told me the odometer mileage had been deleted and that it was illegal to drive the car in that condition. She said that the instrument cluster unit had to be replaced but there wasn't a replacement unit anywhere in the U.S. She gave me a loaner vehicle but warned me she had no idea when she could get a new instrument cluster. I notice in online searches that instrument cluster failures for Kias are not unusual. I also notice that some Kia models have been recalled for this reason. Why isn't the Seltos on the list of recalled vehicles? It doesn't appear that Kia knows how to correct the problem. My instrument cluster screen has been repeatedly dimming and brightening for no obvious reason. That problem is longstanding and intermittent. When the car was restarted at the Kia dealership on Wednesday, the screen suddenly came back up with the service manager with me. I am unwilling to drive the car if it is not reliable or safe to drive. It has about 34,000 miles on the odometer and is less than two years old. Is this a design problem or the result of faulty components? INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The front brakes prematurely failed at 5,000 miles and this is a brand new vehicle. We had 3 miles or so at purchase (purchase date: August 7, 2024). By January 4, 2025 or so, the front brakes began making grinding noises. We had a licensed, independent shop inspect this and then replace the worn brakes on January 6, 2025. We have driven the vehicle as we have driven other vehicles and we have never seen brand new brakes wear out after 5,000 miles with standard driving. We believe it could be due to the driver assistance technology and would like this to be thoroughly reviewed. Hopefully, Kia can reimburse us with some discount on other routine maintenance as this is a cost we did not expect so soon with a brand new vehicle.
Vehicles instrument cluster not showing any display. Unable to see speedometer or any indicator lights. Vehicle has not been in for service yet appointment needs to be made. Issue was resolved temporarily by disconnecting battery and reconnecting battery and issue went away. There was no indication that this issue would happen.
Showing 1–20 of 25 complaints
The 2024 Kia Seltos has 2 recalls recorded by NHTSA.
NHTSA has received 38 owner-reported complaints for the 2024 Kia Seltos.
The 2024 Kia Seltos received an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars from NHTSA.
The most commonly reported complaint categories for the 2024 Kia Seltos are unknown or other (7 reports), electrical system (5 reports), engine (3 reports).
Yes. NHTSA has 2 recalls on record for the 2024 Kia Seltos. Scroll up to review the published recall summaries, consequences, and remedies. To check for unrepaired recalls on your specific vehicle, use your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
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This page summarizes publicly available data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaint counts reflect reports submitted to NHTSA by vehicle owners and do not by themselves prove defect severity or vehicle safety. Safety ratings may not be available for all vehicle-years. This site is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. For official information, visit the official NHTSA page for this vehicle.