Last updated: 2026-07-26

KIA Seltos

1 KIA Seltos Years to Avoid

Years that score significantly below the KIA Seltos average of 73/100

The KIA Seltos years to avoid are 2021 based on reliability scores, NHTSA recalls, and owner complaints. The worst year is 2021 with a reliability score of 59/100. The best KIA Seltos year to buy is 2026 82/100.

Verdict

The 2021 KIA Seltos scores significantly below the model average of 73/100. The weakest year is 2021 with a score of 59/100 due to engine (145) issues. The best year to buy instead is 2024 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

The 2021 KIA Seltos has mixed reliability. There are 2 recalls and 346 owner complaints on file for the 2021 KIA Seltos. Severity signals include 12 crash-related complaints and 5 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Engine (145), Power Train (61), Engine And Engine Cooling (39).

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?

Top reported issues across all KIA Seltos model years, based on NHTSA owner complaints.

ENGINE

177 complaints

Most reported in 2021, 2022, 2023

POWER TRAIN

79 complaints

Most reported in 2021, 2022, 2023

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

70 complaints

Most reported in 2021, 2022, 2023

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

60 complaints

Most reported in 2021, 2022, 2023

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

51 complaints

Most reported in 2021, 2022, 2023

AIR BAGS

8 complaints

Most reported in 2021, 2022

Best KIA Seltos Year to Buy Instead

73
GoodReliability score: 73 out of 100, rated Good

2024 KIA Seltos

The 2024 KIA Seltos has good reliability. There are 2 recalls and 41 owner complaints on file for the 2024 KIA Seltos. Severity signals include 4 crash-related complaints and 1 fire-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (12), Unknown Or Other (7), Power Train (4).

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

Found a Safe Year? Check the Specific Car

Even the best KIA Seltos year can have hidden problems. A VIN check reveals past accidents, title issues, and service gaps for the exact car you're considering.

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  • Accidents
  • Open Recalls
  • Title History
  • Odometer Rollback

All KIA Seltos Years by Generation

All model years ranked by reliability score, grouped by generation.

KIA Seltos Reliability Scores by Year

Excellent Good Mixed Risky

Our data covers 2021–2026 model years.

Frequently Asked Questions

What KIA Seltos years should you avoid?
Based on our data, you should avoid the following KIA Seltos years: 2021 (score: 59/100). These model years score significantly below the KIA Seltos average of 73/100.
What is the best year for the KIA Seltos?
The best year for the KIA Seltos is 2026, with a reliability score of 82/100 ("Excellent"). It has 0 recalls and 3 owner complaints.
How many recalls does the KIA Seltos have?
Across all years in our database, the KIA Seltos has a total of 7 recalls. Recall counts vary by year — check individual model year reports for details.
Is a used KIA Seltos worth buying?
Yes, especially the 2026 model year, which scores 82/100. Stick to years at or above the model average of 73/100 for the best ownership experience.
What are common KIA Seltos problems?
The most common KIA Seltos problems are engine (177 complaints), power train (79 complaints), electrical system (70 complaints). These issues are reported across multiple model years based on NHTSA owner complaint data.
Is the KIA Seltos reliable long-term?
The KIA Seltos has an average reliability score of 73/100 across all model years in our database, rated "good". Overall, it is a reliable vehicle, though some model years perform better than others.
Which KIA Seltos generation is most reliable?
The most reliable KIA Seltos generation is the First generation (SP2) with an average score of 73/100. Compare generations in our all-years-by-generation section above.
Is the 2026 KIA Seltos a good used buy?
Yes, the 2026 KIA Seltos is the highest-scoring model year with a reliability score of 82/100 ("Excellent"). It has 0 recalls and 3 owner complaints, making it a solid used buy.

How We Calculate Reliability Scores

Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.

Key Ranking Factors

1

Complaint Severity

NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

Recall Impact

Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.

4

Issue Diversity

Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.

Scores are grouped into four tiers:

  • 80–100: Excellent— Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
  • 60–79: Good— Reliable with some minor concerns
  • 40–59: Mixed— Notable issues, research before buying
  • 0–39: Risky— Significant problems, proceed with caution

Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.

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