2023 Kia Seltos recalls and problems

The 2023 Kia Seltos has 2 safety recalls and 47 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Kia dealer.

Urgent: recall 23V-531 carries a "park outside" warning. Contact a dealer before driving.
Recalls
2
Complaints
47
Crashes / fires
4 / 0
Injuries / deaths
3 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2023 Kia Seltos vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2023 Kia Seltos recalls

Recall 25V-099: Engine and Engine Cooling

Reported Feb 17, 2025 · 137,256 vehicles affected · Kia America, Inc.

Problem: Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Seltos and Soul vehicles. The piston oil rings may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can result in engine damage.

Risk: Engine damage can cause a vehicle stall or fire, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.

Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the engine as necessary, free of charge. Dealers will also install piston-ring noise sensing system (PNSS) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 4, 2025. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC336.

Recall 23V-531: Power Train

Park outsideReported Jul 31, 2023 · 39,765 vehicles affected · Kia America, Inc.

Problem: 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.

Risk: An electric oil pump assembly that overheats increases the risk of a vehicle fire.

Fix: 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.

2023 Kia Seltos problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Engine18
Unknown or Other17
Electrical System16
Forward Collision Avoidance5
Visibility4
Power Train4
Service Brakes4
Structure3
Visibility/Wiper3
Lane Departure2
Engine and Engine Cooling2
Back Over Prevention1

Most reported parts

  • Forward Collision Avoidance › Warnings — 3
  • Structure › Body — 2
  • Visibility › Glass, Side/Rear — 2
  • Lane Departure › Blind Spot Detection — 2
  • Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking — 2
  • Structure › Interior Panels › Dashboard — 1
  • Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera — 1
  • Visibility › Windshield — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 62,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2023 Kia Seltos complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Electrical System · reported Oct 19, 2026
My 2024 Kia Seltos, with approximately 50,000 miles, experienced a sudden shutdown while traveling at highway speed, cannot accelerate. The dashboard warning appeared as no key not detected and the brake pedal became extremely hard, making the vehicle difficult to stop. The vehicle subsequently restarted normally. This is a serious safety concern. I am requesting a thorough investigation into the cause of the shutdown, including the main electrical system, power distribution, engine controls, and brake-assist system. Please document this as a highway-speed shutdown with loss of normal braking…
Engine · reported Sep 4, 2026
Car was taken In for service and tech noted was low on oil and looked as if was burning oil and advised of a recall. My VIN for my 2023 didn’t come back as effected but clearly is having same issue as the recall on the others with same year and make.
Engine · reported Aug 23, 2026
I had two incidents with the Kia listed above involving the feature where the engine stops when at a light, and then turns back on when foot is removed from brake. The first instance happened in a parking lot while I was maneuvering into a spot. The accelerator sensor sent my car forward at a high rate of speed, and I missed a brick wall by inches. The second incident was much the same, maneuvering into a parking spot in my apartment building. Spaces are very tight and there is a lot of stopping, reversing, going forward. Again, I took my foot off the brake and the accelerator sensor sent my…
Electrical System · reported Jun 26, 2026
To the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), I am writing to formally submit a safety complaint regarding my 2023 Kia Seltos, which exhibits a recurring, dangerous defect involving the engine stalling without warning. This defect results in a total loss of power while the vehicle is in operation or attempting to accelerate, posing a critical safety risk. The failure manifests in two primary scenarios: * **Remote Start Failure:** The vehicle frequently stalls immediately after utilizing the remote start feature when shifting into drive. * **Auto Start/Stop Instability:** The…
Electrical System · reported Mar 28, 2026
The gages fall all the way down, I’m not able to accelerate, engine light, traction light, tire pressure light, crash detection light, and other lights come on and prevents me from being able to drive. This happened on the interstate and almost caused an accident.

Other Kia Seltos years

Compare all Kia Seltos years · All Kia models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2023 Kia Seltos have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2023 Kia Seltos: 25V-099 (engine and engine cooling), 23V-531 (power train). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2023 Kia Seltos?

Owners report engine problems most often (18 reports), followed by unknown or other (17). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 62,000 miles.

Are Kia recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Kia dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.