Last updated: 2026-10-10

Kia Seltos

Kia Seltos Years to Avoid

6 scored model years (2021–2026) · model average 73/100

Avoid the 2021 model year. Owners filed far more complaints on it than on any other year, led by engines that burn oil, stall, and sometimes need replacing. The 2024 is the year to buy, with far fewer complaints per car sold and milder problems.

Verdict

Avoid
2021 59/100
Buy
2024 73/100
Model average
73/100
See years to avoid ↓See best year ↓See all years ranked ↓

Kia Seltos Years to Avoid

These model years score significantly below the Kia Seltos average of 73/100.

#YearScoreRatingRecallsComplaintsTop Issue
1202159/100Mixed2346Engine (145)

Why These Years Should Be Avoided

59
MixedReliability score: 59 out of 100, rated Mixed

2021 Kia Seltos

Engine trouble dominates. Owners describe oil vanishing between changes until the dipstick reads dry, then stalls, misfires, and lost power, often at highway speed. Failures cluster between about 38,967 and 94,000 miles. Five fire reports were filed, and some owners were refused coverage over missing oil change records or an expired warranty.

2 recalls346 complaintsEst. repair:

Top issues: Engine (145), Power Train (61), Engine And Engine Cooling (39), Electrical System (36), Unknown Or Other (30), Air Bags (5)

View full 2021reliability report →

What Are Common Kia Seltos Problems?

ENGINE

177 complaints

Most reported in 2021, 2022, 2023

2021: Oil disappears between changes, often until the dipstick reads dry, and the engine then stalls, shakes, misfires, or loses power, frequently at highway speed.

POWER TRAIN

79 complaints

Most reported in 2021, 2022, 2024

2021: Transmissions fail on some very young cars, with complete replacements reported at 6,000 and 17,700 miles after surging, warning lights, and lost reverse.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

70 complaints

Most reported in 2021, 2024, 2023

2021: The car shuts off while driving, often with the check engine, battery, and oil lights coming on together, and owners describe losing throttle and brake response.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

60 complaints

Most reported in 2021, 2022, 2023

2021: Several filings describe the car surging forward while the brake is pressed or during a gear change.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

51 complaints

Most reported in 2021, 2022, 2024

2021: Engines run low on oil, knock, and then stall or seize, sometimes in traffic and sometimes with no warning light.

AIR BAGS

8 complaints

Most reported in 2021, 2022

2021: Airbags do not deploy in hard collisions.

Best Kia Seltos Year to Buy Instead

73
GoodReliability score: 73 out of 100, rated Good

2024 Kia Seltos

The 2024 has drawn far fewer complaints per car sold than the 2021, and it has been on the road long enough for that to mean something. Its complaints are mostly electrical, such as a dark instrument cluster in the cold, not the oil-burning engine failures that hit the 2021. The 2025 and 2026 look cleaner but have had less time to collect complaints.

Score: 73/100 (Good)2 recalls41 complaints
View full 2024reliability report →
VIN History Report

Found a Safe Year? Check the Specific Car

Even the 2024 Kia Seltos has 2 recalls on file. A VIN check confirms the recall work on the exact car and shows its accident, title, and service history.

No VIN? Just hit “Check VIN” to look one up.

  • Accidents
  • Open Recalls
  • Title History
  • Odometer Rollback

All Kia Seltos Years by Generation

Kia Seltos Reliability Scores by Year

Excellent Good Mixed Risky

Frequently Asked Questions

Which KIA Seltos year should I avoid?
Avoid the 2021. It has by far the most complaints of any year, with 346 filed, and most involve the engine. Owners describe oil burning, stalls, and engines that dealers said needed replacing. Five fire reports were also filed. The site's analysis puts it well below the model's own average.
Which KIA Seltos years have transmission problems?
The 2021 has most of them. Of 79 power train complaints across all years, 61 are on that model year. Some very young cars needed full transmission replacements at 6,000 and 17,700 miles. Higher-mileage cars shudder into limp mode or clunk when pulling away, starting around 40,000 miles.
Is the 2022 KIA Seltos a good used buy?
It is acceptable, but the 2024 is the safer choice. The 2022 has good reliability marks, yet it drew more complaints per car sold than the 2023 and 2024. Engine complaints lead, and three fire reports were filed. Check oil consumption history and service records before buying one.
Is the 2024 KIA Seltos the year to buy?
Yes, it is the site's pick among years with at least two years on the road. Complaints are mostly electrical, such as a dark instrument cluster in cold weather. A few engine and power train reports exist, including seizure and shutoffs at freeway speed, so inspect any car carefully.
Should I buy a 2025 or 2026 KIA Seltos?
Neither is a proven favorite yet. Both have very few complaints and no recalls on record, but they have had little time on the road to collect any. The 2024 has a longer track record, so it is the better-documented choice.

How we score every Kia Seltos model year

Scores weight complaint severity at 35%, repair costs at 30%, recall impact at 20%, and the spread of complaints across systems at 15%, with complaint counts adjusted for US sales. Read the full methodology.

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