2025 Kia Seltos Recalls, Ratings & Complaints

Incident: September 17, 2026 · Filed: September 19, 2026

I am reporting multiple safety concerns involving my leased 2025 Kia Seltos, which currently has approximately 22,000 miles. I first reported an unusual smell coming from the vehicle in June 2025. The vehicle has been taken in for service multiple times, most recently on September 5, 2026, but the concern has not been satisfactorily resolved. During the September 5 service visit, I also informed the dealership that I had experienced an acceleration problem. The vehicle felt as though cruise control had been activated even though I had not intentionally activated it. After that service visit, the acceleration problem occurred again while I was driving in traffic. This was frightening because I did not feel that the vehicle was responding normally or that I had full control over its acceleration. The vehicle’s horn has now also stopped working. The lack of a functioning horn prevents me from warning other drivers or pedestrians during an emergency. I have also noticed unusual brake noises, even though the dealership’s service inspection indicated that the brakes were in satisfactory or “green” condition. I have repeatedly sought service for this vehicle, but these concerns remain unresolved. I am especially concerned about the acceleration problem recurring in traffic, combined with the nonworking horn, unexplained smell, and brake noises. I am requesting that NHTSA document and investigate these potential safety defects involving my 2025 Kia Seltos.

Incident: July 17, 2026 · Filed: July 23, 2026

The camber bolts in front struts moved from original location causing uneven tire wear and steering issues. When replacing tires mechanic showed me marks where bolts were originally and where they are now. Mechanic said he has seen multiple of same vehicles with the same issue. Mechanic said most likely poor roads and improperly torque of bolts is causing the issue with this make and model. Caught issue just in time tires were down to threads and wouldn't of lasted much longer. A blowout on a front steer tire would most likely cause an accident or rollover.

Incident: July 19, 2026 · Filed: July 19, 2026

KiA started a system update while I was driving on a busy road which caused complete loss of engine power and all electrical. This is nuts. What if you’re on the highway driving 70 mph and this happens?

Incident: May 21, 2026 · Filed: June 16, 2026

While driving at night with the Headlights on Low Beam the light that is projected onto the road is a dull yellowish color, not a bright white color. When the High Beam Lights are turned on there is no difference of the light being projected onto the road. While driving from [XXX] to [XXX] on [XXX] I noticed that I was unable to see or read the Exit Signs for any of the Exit Off Ramps or even the Mileage Signs the show the mileage to the next Towns. When I switched from Low Beam to High Beam it made no difference on Illuminating the Road Signs. When I returned to my home I took the car into the Kia Dealer with the complaint that the Headlights were not working properly. They adjusted the Headlights up higher, so now the Low Beam did Illuminate the Road Signs, but they seemed to High and still had the yellowish color. When the High Beams were turned on it still made no difference in Illuminating the Road. Again I took the car back to the Kia Dealer and they Readjusted the Headlights back to what they said was the Factory Settings. I was then told that if I was not satisfied I could try purchasing some Aftermarket Headlight Bulbs from an Independent Parts Store. This is an Unsafe Condition because I can't see obstructions that may be in the roadway and have enough time to safely maneuver around it. Since this happens at Night the Dealer doesn't have personal to replicate the problem due to the Dealer Service Department is only open during daylight hours. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Incident: December 1, 2025 · Filed: May 29, 2026

The contact owns a 2025 Kia Seltos. The contact stated that while driving in snowy, inclement weather; the entire rear end of the vehicle would become covered in snow. The contact stated snow would become to heavy for the rear windshield wiper which would obstruct his vision while driving in the snow. In addition, the contact stated that the rear tail lights would also become covered in snow which made it difficult for fellow motorist to see his tail lights. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and suggested that the contact purchase an aftermarket spoiler. The contact was also given a case number. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 8,000.

Incident: January 19, 2026 · Filed: January 21, 2026

Instrument cluster does not turn on upon ignition, when in cold weather. this has been a repeating incident, first of which started only 2 months after the purchase. even after 7 separate incidents, and handful dealer visits, car was deemed "okay" because they could not replicate the issue. employees at the dealership have taken pictures and videos but have yet to find a solution to fix this issue, and they further "ask" that if the incident happens again, drive as is so they can see the issue. this is a serious safety issue since nothing is visible including speedometer, rev meter and gas tank indicator, etc. the most recent incident will be dated on the report, but i will attache multiple pictures from different dates as i can recall and recollect.

Incident: July 12, 2025 · Filed: July 15, 2025

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The braking system appears to have failed. When I attempted to slow down for a stop sign, the brake pedal went straight to the floor and did not respond as expected. I began pumping the brakes out of panic, but they only engaged at the last moment—approximately one foot or less from the vehicle in front of me. The vehicle is currently totaled, but I believe the braking system could still be inspected upon request, pending insurance and tow yard access. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? My safety was significantly at risk. I had no control over stopping the vehicle despite repeated brake attempts. To avoid a direct collision, I was forced to swerve at the last second, hitting the rear edge of the truck ahead and deploying my airbag. Had I not swerved, the impact could have been more severe and potentially endangered the other driver. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Not yet. My insurance is working to determine whether an inspection is possible due to the extent of the damage. I intend to have the braking system inspected to confirm the failure if it can be safely accessed. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others? The accident has been reported to my insurance, and they are aware that I believe the brakes failed. I’m waiting to hear whether an inspection by their representatives or a third party will be conducted. To my knowledge, the manufacturer has not inspected the vehicle. Were there any warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No brake-related warning lights or messages appeared before or during the failure. However, the forward collision alert did pop up—but it only appeared a couple of seconds before the impact, far too late to help avoid.

Incident: May 12, 2025 · Filed: June 22, 2025

i get my lane assist and almost wrecked bc it defaulted without warning. when i came up on a car to fast. it didn’t slow down and try to automatically brake.

Incident: March 18, 2025 · Filed: March 20, 2025

My Seltos was sitting in my driveway and a crack appeared this morning. It wasn't there two days ago when I last drove it.

Incident: January 15, 2025 · Filed: February 15, 2025

Car delivered [XXX] since then we have had 3 incidents of the dash control lights going out along with the head lights going dim making it very dangerous to drive in the dark. Car had about 1200 miles on it when it started and it had 1823 miles on it when they had a appointment for me to get the car in. We are going on a 3 week trip south at the end of march and based on my experience with the Saltos, the dash lights go out and the head lights either go out or go very dim. How do I know, I had a 2023 Seltos that had the same problem, answer from Ganley Kia, could not duplicate, another Kia I owned when I lived in Georgia, Dash llights and head lights went out in the mountains in the dark. Dealer replaced this car INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)