Before you buy
This 2023 Kia Seltos has 42 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Engine Problems.
A model-year pattern isn't the car in front of you. Check this exact VIN for accidents, open recalls, odometer rollback, and salvage titles.
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2023 Kia Seltos Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 3 2023 Kia Seltos trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 3 trims analysed.
2023 Kia Seltos Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested — showing 2023 Kia Seltos SUV AWDOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
15.1% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
15.1% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
KIA SELTOS 2023 has 42 NHTSA complaints, with engine problems (17) and electrical faults (14) most common. Two recalls exist. Buyers should inspect these systems and verify recall repairs. Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recall records.
- Make
- Kia
- Model
- Seltos
- Model year
- 2023
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 42
- Crash-related complaints
- 3
- Safety recall campaigns
- 2
- Top reported component
- Engine Problems
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 29
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 27 / 31
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 4/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 4/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Common problems
Most common 2023 Kia Seltos problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Engine Problems
Uncategorized Issues
Electrical Faults
Complaint patterns center on Engine Problems, Uncategorized Issues, Electrical Faults. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Buyer verdict
Should you buy a used 2023 Kia Seltos?
The 2023 Seltos shows a notable number of engine and electrical complaints for a single model year, but with low confidence due to limited data. Buyers should prioritize a thorough pre-purchase inspection and verify all recalls are addressed.
Engine and electrical issues can lead to costly repairs and safety concerns. Understanding these patterns helps buyers negotiate or avoid potential problems.
May Suit
This year may suit budget-conscious buyers willing to perform extra due diligence and accept some risk.
May Want to Avoid
Buyers seeking maximum reliability and minimal hassle should consider other model years or vehicles with fewer complaints.
Pre-purchase
What to check before buying a used 2023 Kia Seltos
Inspection Focus
- Engine: check for unusual noises, stalling, or warning lights.
- Electrical system: test all lights, infotainment, and driver-assist features.
- Forward collision avoidance system: verify proper operation.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect engine for signs of problems (noises, leaks, stalling).
- Verify all open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for engine and electrical repairs.
- Have a mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection.
Check the exact car
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2023 Kia Seltos, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
AI verdict
What the complaint data suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2023 Kia Seltos has 42 complaints and 2 recalls. Engine problems lead with 17 complaints, followed by electrical faults (14) and uncategorized issues (15). Crash-related complaints total 3. Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recall records.
Year context: Compared to other model years, 2023 has a moderate complaint count, but low confidence limits direct comparisons.
Recall context: With 2 recalls, buyers must verify all recall repairs are completed before purchase.
- Engine problems account for 17 of 42 total complaints.
- Electrical faults total 14 complaints.
- Forward collision avoidance (AEB) has 4 complaints.
- Engine Problems (17 complaints)
- Electrical Faults (14 complaints)
- Uncategorized Issues (15 complaints)
Full breakdown
All 2023 Kia Seltos complaints by category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2023 Kia Seltos. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Problems | 17 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 15 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 14 | 1 | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 4 | 1 | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Brake System | 3 | 1 | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Lane Departure | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Back Over Prevention | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
In their words
Real owner complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2023 Kia Seltos. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
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.
Car burns/ consumes oil constantly having to top off 2-3 quarts every 1,000 miles maybe even less I do my oil change every 3,000 miles Kia auto contract state I need to do oil change every 5,000
Driving 65mph on [XXX] and all the lights came on flashing and alerting me causing the emergency braking to occur while driving causing me to swerve on the road and lucky I didn’t crash but i had my [XXX] old in the car and it scared the hell out of me, on top of all that my ho…
The contact owns a 2023 Kia Seltos. The contact stated that while driving at 10 MPH, there was an abnormal fuel odor coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was stopped, and the contact became aware of smoke coming from the engine compartment. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle wa…
The contact owns a 2023 Kia Seltos. The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the tachometer went to zero and remained at zero while the vehicle was still accelerating. The contact stated that the transmission unexpectedly downshifted into a lo…
In April 2025 my vehicle had a recall (1: SC336 or 25V099), I brought it into a Kia dealership, they said it failed the test, and needed a new engine (i was without a vehicle for weeks, dealership said they did not have any loaners until after 14 days). They then call back weeks …
Incident Date: October 26, 2025 Summary: On October 26, 2025, while merging onto a highway at high speed, the vehicle experienced a sudden and total electronic safety system failure. Without driver input, the Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) system engaged the brakes (ph…
Vehicle acts like it’s going to die. No maintenance lights well maintained. Rattle noise and acts like it’s misfiring. Went to turn at traffic light and almost got into a wreck due to no horse power. This has been happening since less than 40,000 miles but car dealership keeps sa…
One night I started my car and my screen on my Kia seltos had a bunch of gibberish on the screen and then I went to power off the radio and tried to power back on and screen wouldn’t turn on and one usb won’t work. Tried to hard reset and check fuses and still no luck. I keep …
We first noticed that the car was sputtering and jerking when accelerating at highway speeds. It wasn't consistent at first but continued to get worse over time and at more regular occurrences. White/grey smoke was spotted from the tailpipe whenever the vehicle was accelerating…
The contact owns a 2023 Kia Seltos. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was gray smoke coming from the exhaust pipe. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, no cause for the failure was found. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated…
The contact owns a 2023 Kia Seltos. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was while smoke coming from the exhaust, after which the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway, where the v…
3 times in the last 24 hours my vehicle has completely stopped while in motion. Once on the highway and twice in residential areas. There was no precursor problem to let me know this would happen, no strange noises and no check engine light. It just fails and the engine stops whi…
Car has stalled 3 times after driving short or long distances in hot weather (near Great Lakes, not even southern heat). Twice in 2024 and once in 2025. It is 2023 Kia Seltos with only 10,000 miles. Dealer inspected it 2024 (possibly not knowing of other recalls) and said nothing…
On 4 different occasions my vehicle applied the brakes forcefully on its own at high speeds. The dash flashed with the message "check forward collision avoidance assist system." as well as displayed the following icons: master warning light, hill climb assist, traction control, f…
Bought my 2023 Kia seltos new, Been driving it and maintaining the maintaince myself. Vehical has 58,000 Miles still under the warranty. Did my normal oil change only to have it start blowing smoke out of the exhaust. Took it into the dealer for service only to be told that the R…
I purchased my vehicle in mid June 2024 used from the dealership. I purchased extended warranty although my vehicle still had original warranty. On [XXX], my parents 50th anniversary party. I packed my car and left my house. Vehicle drove fine, but my husband called me worried…
Dear, I own a 2024 Kia Seltos and have experienced a recurring issue. While driving, I stopped at a red light, and the vehicle's automatic stop system activated as usual. However, when the light changed and I pressed the accelerator, the vehicle completely shut down. To restart …
The vehicle acts like it is trying to change gears when I am driving. This is the third time I have noticed this on the last few weeks. Maybe power train ?
The recall issue has not been resolved in a timely manner since first appointment was made on October 9, 2023 at Riverchase Kia Dealership located in Pelham, Alabama after being promised to communicate via phone when part came in. Customer of vehicle contacted dealership on 10/14…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2023 Kia Seltos.
Safety recalls
2023 Kia Seltos recalls
2 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2023 Kia Seltos. With 2 recalls, buyers must verify all recall repairs are completed before purchase. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:FLUID/LUBRICANT:PUMP
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
Questions
2023 Kia Seltos buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2023 Kia Seltos reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 42 owner complaints, 3 crash-related complaints, and 2 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2023 Seltos shows a notable number of engine and electrical complaints for a single model year, but with low confidence due to limited data. Buyers should prioritize a thorough pre-purchase inspection and verify all recalls are addressed. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2023 Kia Seltos?▾
#1: Engine Problems (17 complaints). #2: Uncategorized Issues (15 complaints). #3: Electrical Faults (14 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2023 Kia Seltos?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2023 Kia Seltos?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2023 Kia Seltos, NHTSA complaints include 3 crash-related reports and 0 fire reports out of 42 total complaints. 3 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2023 Kia Seltos have any recalls?▾
Yes. 2 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2023 Kia Seltos. A major recall area is POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:FLUID/LUBRICANT:PUMP. With 2 recalls, buyers must verify all recall repairs are completed before purchase. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2023 Kia Seltos?▾
The 2023 Seltos shows a notable number of engine and electrical complaints for a single model year, but with low confidence due to limited data. Buyers should prioritize a thorough pre-purchase inspection and verify all recalls are addressed. Engine and electrical issues can lead to costly repairs and safety concerns. Understanding these patterns helps buyers negotiate or avoid potential problems. Pay extra attention to Engine Problems during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Kia Seltos reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2023 Kia Seltos based on your ownership experience.
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Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Before you buy
Check the exact vehicle history before you buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.