Kia Seltos real model years: 2021-2026. Compare NHTSA complaints, recalls, safety ratings, and unsupported searched years.
The Kia Seltos has been tracked across 6 model years in the NHTSA database, accumulating a total of 455 consumer complaints and 7 safety recalls. Understanding the recall and complaint history of any vehicle is a critical step in the car-buying process, whether you are shopping for a used Kia Seltos or already own one and want to stay informed about potential safety risks.
Based on NHTSA data, the 2021 Kia Seltos stands out as the model year with the most reported issues, logging 306 complaints and 2 recalls. In contrast, the 2026 model year is the cleanest on record with just 1 complaint. The average across all tracked years is approximately 76 complaints per model year.
When evaluating a used Kia Seltos, pay close attention to the model years with higher complaint counts listed in the table below. A higher number of complaints does not always indicate a dangerous vehicle, but it does suggest more frequent owner-reported problems that could affect reliability, repair costs, or resale value. Always cross-reference complaint data with recall information and, when possible, have a qualified mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection.
The table below lists every Kia Seltos model year in the NHTSA database along with complaint counts, recall counts, and safety ratings where available. Click on any year to view the full AI-generated safety report for that specific model, including detailed component breakdowns, known issues, and owner-reported problems. You can also compare the Kia Seltos against competing models using our comparison tool, or explore our buying guide to determine which years are the best to purchase.
The Kia Seltos safety graph covers 6 real model years with 455 owner complaints, 7 recalls, 21 crash reports, 8 fire reports, and 13 service bulletin signals. Use this as the one-stop model view before drilling into a specific year.
| Path | Vehicle Year | Complaint Signal |
|---|---|---|
| Inspect carefully | 2021 Kia Seltos | 306 complaints, 2 recalls |
| Inspect carefully | 2022 Kia Seltos | 61 complaints, 1 recalls |
| Inspect carefully | 2023 Kia Seltos | 41 complaints, 2 recalls |
| Compare as cleaner year | 2026 Kia Seltos | 1 complaints, 0 recalls |
| Compare as cleaner year | 2025 Kia Seltos | 8 complaints, 0 recalls |
| Compare as cleaner year | 2024 Kia Seltos | 38 complaints, 2 recalls |
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 0 | ★★★★★ |
| 2025 | 8 | 0 | ★★★★★ |
| 2024 | 38 | 2 | ★★★★★ |
| 2023 | 41 | 2 | ★★★★☆ |
| 2022 | 61 | 1 | ★★★★☆ |
| 2021 | 306 | 2 | ★★★★☆ |
Yes, the Kia Seltos has 7 recalls across 6 model years tracked in the NHTSA database. Select a specific model year below to see the full recall details.
The Kia Seltos has accumulated 455 consumer complaints across 6 model years. The complaint count varies significantly by year — click any year in the table to see its specific issues.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2026 Kia Seltos has the fewest reported issues with 1 complaint. The 2021 model year has the most with 306 complaints.
Safety varies by model year. Review the NHTSA safety ratings, recall history, and complaint data for each Kia Seltos model year in the table below. Vehicles with 4-5 star NHTSA ratings and low complaint counts generally indicate better safety records.
This page shows all 6 model years of the Kia Seltos with recall counts and safety ratings. Click any year for the complete recall list including campaign numbers, affected components, and manufacturer remedies. You can also check by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.