Kia Seltos years to avoid and best years
Newer Kia Seltos years have fewer owner complaints per year than the older ones. 2021 has the most complaints per year, at 43 (369 complaints). From 2023 on, complaints per year fall. Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2022 at 8 (from 72 complaints), 2023 at 12 (from 46 complaints), and 2024 at 15 (from 45 complaints). The Kia Seltos 2025 and 2026 model years are too early to compare: none has had 3 full years on the road yet. On the 2021 Kia Seltos, 146 of 369 complaints name Engine.
Data as of .
2022
2023
2024
2025–26
Kia Seltos reliability by year
Each year is complaints filed in that year’s first 3 years on the road, divided by however many of those years have passed. A model year younger than 3 years is too early to compare, so it is left out of the years named as having the fewest or the most complaints. Recalls are a separate count. The numbers are for the US-market Kia Seltos. How we count.
By model year
| Year | Per year on the road | Complaints | Recalls | Most-filed complaint | Avg. combined MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Too early | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 27 |
| 2025 → Too early | 7 | 13 | 0 | Electrical system | 28.3 |
| 2024 → Fewest | 15 | 45 | 2 | Electrical system | 28.7 |
| 2023 → Fewest | 12 | 46 | 2 | Engine | 29 |
| 2022 → Fewest | 8 | 72 | 1 | Engine | 29 |
| 2021 → Most | 43 | 369 | 2 | Engine | 29 |
Years with a → link have a full model-year page.
What owners file about
Generations
- Oil
- 5W-20 (2.0 MPI US OM); 5W-30/5W-40 (1.6T chart); some caps corrected to 0W-20 (SC224) · 4.23 qt capacity
- Tire size
- 215/55R17, 235/45R18 (trim dependent)
Known issues for this generation
First-generation US Seltos (2021-on) pair a 2.0L with IVT or a 1.6T with dual-clutch / conventional automatics depending on trim. Owner complaint themes center on CVT/IVT shudder on the naturally aspirated path and dual-clutch hesitation on turbo trims—both familiar Kia/Hyundai patterns rather than a single campaign. Confirm open NHTSA recalls on the VIN (including any dual-clutch software campaigns that apply to your transmission code) and keep oil at the 0W-20 grade on the filler cap; leave capacity null until verified against the exact US engine code in the owner’s manual.
Frequently asked questions
Which Kia Seltos years have fewer owner complaints?
Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2022 at 8 (from 72 complaints), 2023 at 12 (from 46 complaints), and 2024 at 15 (from 45 complaints).
Which Kia Seltos year has the most owner complaints?
2021 has the most complaints per year, at 43 (369 complaints). On the 2021 Kia Seltos, 146 of 369 complaints name Engine.
How do Kia Seltos owner complaints compare by year?
Newer Kia Seltos years have fewer owner complaints per year than the older ones. From 2023 on, complaints per year fall.
Which Kia Seltos years are too early to compare?
The Kia Seltos 2025 and 2026 model years are too early to compare: none has had 3 full years on the road yet.
What oil does a Kia Seltos take?
US 2021 owner’s manual lists SAE 5W-20 for the Nu 2.0 MPI and SAE 5W-30/5W-40 for the 1.6 T-GDI viscosity chart. Kia service campaign SC224 corrected some early filler caps that incorrectly said 5W-20 when the correct marking was SAE 0W-20. Confirm the filler-cap grade and manual for your VIN.
What tire sizes does the US Kia Seltos use?
US 2021 owner’s manual lists 215/55R17 and 235/45R18 depending on trim/wheel package.
What powertrains does the first-generation US Seltos offer?
A 2.0L with IVT or a 1.6T with dual-clutch / conventional automatics depending on trim. Owner complaint themes include CVT/IVT shudder on the NA path and dual-clutch hesitation on turbo trims.