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Kia · Known Issues

2023 Kia Seltos Problems: 14 Known Issues

2023 model year · 447+ owner reports · Updated September 2026

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Issue summary

According to Au7o's analysis of 447+ owner reports, the 2023 Kia Seltos has 14 documented known issues, with 3 rated critical. The most serious are Piston Oil Ring Defect and Engine Damage, Idle Stop & Go Oil Pump Overheating and Stalling and Fire Hazard on Unrepaired / Still-Symptomatic 2021-2023 2.0L Vehicles. The most commonly reported issue is CVT Hesitation and Jerking Under Load with 234 owner reports. Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $150 to $4,500. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

In This Article

  • Seltos Engine2
  • Seltos Safety/Recalls1
  • Seltos Transmission2
  • Seltos Electrical2
  • Seltos Drivetrain2
  • Seltos Exterior2
  • Seltos Brakes1
  • Seltos Suspension1
  • Seltos Interior1
  • Recalls4
  • FAQ
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In This Article

  • Engine2
  • Safety/Recalls1
  • Transmission2
  • Electrical2
  • Drivetrain2
  • Exterior2
  • Brakes1
  • Suspension1
  • Interior1
  • Recalls4
  • FAQ

All 14 Known Issues

NHTSA Recalls4 recalls

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL

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.

Campaign #25V09900017/02/2025

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:FLUID/LUBRICANT:PUMP

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.

Campaign #23V53100031/07/2023

AIR BAGS

Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023 Soul and 2024 Seltos vehicles. Due to a manufacturing error, the side curtain air bags may deploy unexpectedly.

Campaign #23V83000022/12/2023

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Kia Seltos problems?

According to Au7o's analysis of 447+ owner reports, the 2023 Kia Seltos has 14 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Piston Oil Ring Defect and Engine Damage, Idle Stop & Go Oil Pump Overheating, Stalling and Fire Hazard on Unrepaired / Still-Symptomatic 2021-2023 2.0L Vehicles. Of these, 3 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Kia Seltos reliable?

The 2023 Kia Seltos has 14 known issues documented across 447+ owner reports. 3 issues are rated critical: Piston Oil Ring Defect and Engine Damage and Idle Stop & Go Oil Pump Overheating and Stalling and Fire Hazard on Unrepaired / Still-Symptomatic 2021-2023 2.0L Vehicles. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Kia Seltos problems?

Repair costs for known Kia Seltos issues range from $0 to $4,500, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What is the 2021-2023 Kia Seltos Piston Oil Ring Defect and Engine Damage?

NHTSA recall 25V099000 (Kia SC336) covers 53,635 certain 2021-2023 Seltos vehicles equipped with 2.0L Nu MPI engines and produced from July 2, 2020 through July 1, 2022. A supplier quality deviation can allow the piston oil ring to damage the cylinder wall, increasing oil consump… Severity: high.

What is the 2023-2024 Kia Seltos Idle Stop & Go Oil Pump Overheating?

NHTSA recall 23V531000 (Kia SC275) covers certain 2023-2024 Seltos vehicles equipped with an IVT and produced from November 9, 2022 through May 29, 2023. A supplier-damaged capacitor in the controller of the transmission's Idle Stop & Go electric oil pump can short while driving… Severity: high.

Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.

Data sourced from 447+ owner reports, NHTSA recalls, TSBs, and automotive forums.

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On the 2021-2023 Kia Seltos 2.0L Nu MPI, nHTSA recall 25V099000 (Kia SC336) covers 53,635 certain 2021-2023 Seltos vehicles equipped with 2.0L Nu MPI engines and produced from July 2, 2020 through July 1, 2022. A supplier quality deviation can allow the piston oil ring to damage the cylinder wall, increasing oil consumption and eventually causing abnormal engine noise or an oil-pressure warning. Continued operation can lead to engine damage or seizure, loss of motive power and, in limited cases, fire if a hole in the engine block lets oil reach a hot exhaust component.

This issue also affects: Kia Soul

Common Symptoms

  • Increased oil consumption
  • Abnormal engine noise
  • Oil-pressure warning light
  • Loss of drive power

How to Fix

Check the VIN for recall 25V099000. A Kia dealer inspects the engine, replaces it when necessary and installs PNSS software free of charge. If PNSS later sets P1327, the engine is replaced under the campaign. Kia's owner notice says that abnormal engine noise, the oil-pressure warning light or loss of drive power requires pulling over safely, not driving the vehicle and requesting a tow to a Kia dealer.

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Manually Verified
High ConfidenceVerifiedLast reported by owners Feb 2025Reviewed Aug 2026

On the 2023-2024 Kia Seltos, nHTSA recall 23V531000 (Kia SC275) covers certain 2023-2024 Seltos vehicles equipped with an IVT and produced from November 9, 2022 through May 29, 2023. A supplier-damaged capacitor in the controller of the transmission's Idle Stop & Go electric oil pump can short while driving and cause thermal damage at the pump, increasing fire risk. Warning signs can include several driver-assistance or chassis warning lamps, an inoperative ISG system, limp-home mode, inability to turn off the engine, or smoke from the engine compartment.

Common Symptoms

  • Multiple chassis or driver-assistance warning lamps
  • ISG becomes inoperative
  • Limp-home mode
  • Engine cannot be turned off
  • Smoke from engine compartment

How to Fix

Check the VIN for recall 23V531000. Until repaired, Kia recommends parking outdoors and away from other vehicles or structures. A Kia dealer inspects the electric oil pump assembly and, if necessary, replaces the electric oil pump controller free of charge. Do not substitute recall 23V578, disable ISG as a claimed remedy, or purchase radiator/coolant products for this electrical controller defect.

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Manually Verified
High ConfidenceVerifiedLast reported by owners Nov 2024Reviewed Aug 2026

On the 2021-2023 Kia Seltos, nHTSA opened Audit Query AQ25001 on August 6, 2025 to evaluate Kia's remedy for recall 25V099 after reviewing 47 complaints submitted from April 29 through June 27, 2025. Those complaints alleged an ineffective remedy, inconsistent engine-inspection results or unavailable remedies. The opening resume does not document 400-plus stalling complaints or four fires. Recall 25V099 itself says the piston-ring condition can cause increased oil consumption, abnormal engine noise or an oil-pressure warning and, if operation continues, engine seizure, loss of motive power or a limited fire risk.

This issue also affects: Kia Soul

Common Symptoms

  • Abnormal engine noise
  • Oil-pressure warning light
  • Loss of drive power
  • Ongoing symptoms or inconsistent inspection results after recall service

How to Fix

Check the VIN and arrange recall 25V099/SC336 service. If abnormal engine noise, the oil-pressure warning light or loss of drive power occurs, Kia's owner notice says to pull over safely, not drive and request towing to an authorized Kia dealer. If symptoms continue after service, inspection results conflict or the free remedy is unavailable, document the visits, contact Kia Customer Care and submit a complaint to NHTSA. The reviewed official documents do not direct every owner to park outside or make a lemon-law eligibility determination.

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Manually Verified
High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026
Community reported
234 owners

On the 2021-2025 Kia Seltos 2.0L, the Seltos equipped with the 2.0L engine and CVT (IVT) exhibits hesitation, jerking, and poor acceleration response, particularly when merging or climbing hills. The CVT struggles under load and can enter limp mode. Owners report the transmission feels sluggish compared to traditional automatics. Kia has released TCU software updates to improve response.

This issue also affects: Hyundai Accent, Hyundai Genesis Coupe, Hyundai Kona

Common Symptoms

  • Hesitation during acceleration from stops
  • Jerking or surging at low speeds
  • Poor acceleration when merging onto highway
  • Transmission enters limp mode under heavy load
  • Rubber-band effect during passing maneuvers

How to Fix

Have dealer perform TCU software update (latest calibration addresses hesitation). If CVT fluid has not been changed, a fluid service with genuine Kia CVTF may improve response. For persistent issues, CVT replacement under powertrain warranty (10 years/100,000 miles). Some owners find that using Sport mode improves daily driving feel.

What you need to fix it

Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.

  • Genuine Kia SP-CVT1 IVT fluid
    OEMKia UM018-CH130

    Kia marks this application no flush; follow the exact temperature and level procedure and do not treat fluid as a repair for internal

    KiaParts.com

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases; other part links may also earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.

Owner tips & cautions

  • TipUse Sport mode in heavy traffic and for highway merging. The default Eco/Normal calibration is tuned for fuel economy and feels sluggish
Typical repair cost:$0 - $4,500

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Based on 234 owner reports

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Community Reported
High ConfidenceVerified234 owner reportsLast reported by owners Jan 2025Reviewed Feb 2026

On the 2021-2025 Kia Seltos, the SX / GT-Line / X-Line turbo Seltos uses a 7-speed dry dual-clutch transmission (the base 2.0L uses an IVT/CVT). With no fluid bath to cool the clutch packs, the dry DCT can overheat in stop-and-go traffic, trigger a transmission-overheat warning, and enter a protect/limp mode. Owners also report low-speed judder, hesitation from a stop, and jerky engagement from heat-stressed dry clutches that can worsen as the unit warms.

This issue also affects: Hyundai Accent, Hyundai Genesis Coupe, Hyundai Kona

Common Symptoms

  • Transmission overheat warning in slow traffic
  • Judder/shudder at low speed and crawl
  • Hesitation or lag from a stop
  • Jerky or harsh clutch engagement
  • Temporary loss of drive / limp mode

How to Fix

Apply Kia's DCT control-software (TCU) update that smooths clutch engagement and revises the overheat strategy. In heavy traffic, allow the unit to cool before resuming. Persistent shudder or repeated overheat warnings after the update point to worn dry-clutch packs needing replacement under powertrain warranty.

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Community Reported
Medium ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Jun 2026
Community reported
213 owners

On the 2021-2024 Kia Seltos, the Seltos instrument cluster intermittently fails to illuminate on initial startup, displaying a completely blank screen. Speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, and warning lights are not visible. The issue typically resolves after turning the vehicle off and restarting, but can recur. Some owners report it happens after extended driving followed by a short stop. A software update has been released to address the issue.

This issue also affects: Hyundai Tucson, Kia Carnival, Hyundai Santa Cruz

Common Symptoms

  • Instrument cluster completely blank on startup
  • No speedometer, tachometer, or fuel gauge display
  • Warning lights not visible
  • Issue resolves after restart
  • Occurs intermittently, especially after short stops

How to Fix

Have dealer perform instrument cluster software update. If the issue persists after the update, the instrument cluster module may need replacement ($500-900). Some owners find that waiting 30 seconds before starting the engine allows the cluster to initialize properly.

Owner tips & cautions

  • TipIf the cluster is blank, do not drive. Turn off the vehicle, wait 30 seconds, and restart. The cluster should initialize normally on second attempt
Typical repair cost:$0 - $900

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Based on 213 owner reports

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Community Reported
High ConfidenceVerified213 owner reportsLast reported by owners Jan 2025Reviewed Feb 2026

On the 2021-2023 Kia Seltos, the 10.25-inch AVN 5.0 Wide navigation head unit fitted to SX/SX Turbo trims locks up: the screen freezes on the last image or the UVO/Kia splash logo, touch input is ignored, the map position stops updating, and radio and HVAC touch controls stop responding until the unit self-reboots or the ignition is cycled. The most common trigger is a wired Apple CarPlay or Android Auto session — plugging in a phone causes the projection session to hang and take the whole head unit with it. Kia issued bulletin ELE320 for 2022-2023 MY Seltos covering screen freezing with Apple CarPlay, alongside related bulletins ELE303 (non-responsive radio icon) and ELE250 (wireless CarPlay behavior), so this is firmware, not a hardware defect in most cars. Owners also report several-second lag reaching radio controls right after startup.

Common Symptoms

  • Infotainment screen freezes or goes black and reboots to the Kia/UVO logo
  • Apple CarPlay or Android Auto disconnects repeatedly or fails to launch
  • Touchscreen ignores taps; radio and media controls unresponsive
  • Navigation map position frozen while the car is moving
  • Long delay before radio controls become available after startup

How to Fix

Have the dealer flash the head-unit software to the latest level per TSB ELE320 (and ELE303/ELE250 as applicable) using KDS — free under the 5-year/60,000-mile warranty. Many owners can apply the software themselves from Kia's Navigation Updater on a USB stick. Interim workarounds: use a known-good OEM-quality USB data cable (cheap charge-only cables are a common trigger), delete and re-pair the phone, and perform a head-unit reset by holding the RESET pinhole or power knob. If the unit still freezes after the latest firmware, the AVN unit is replaced.

Typical repair cost:$0 - $250

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Community Reported
High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026

On the 2021-2023 Kia Seltos 2.0L Nu MPI (AWD), on AWD 2.0L Seltos the AWD ECU software fails to recognize that the compact temporary spare tire has been installed. Because the spare is a significantly different rolling circumference from the three road tires, the coupling constantly slips to reconcile the speed difference. Without the software's spare-tire detection to limit transfer-case engagement, transfer case oil temperature climbs sharply, producing a hot-oil smell, visible smoke, and eventually a front wheel transfer assembly oil seal leak. Kia issued voluntary service campaign SC242 for AWD 2021-2023 MY Seltos with the 2.0L engine built 11/20/2019-05/18/2022. The same physics applies to any mismatched tire set — Kia's PS750 bulletin warns that circumference between all four tires must stay within 10 mm or the AWD coupling will chatter and wear prematurely.

Common Symptoms

  • Burning oil smell after driving on the compact spare
  • Smoke from under the vehicle
  • Oil seepage at the front wheel transfer assembly / transfer case seal
  • Driveline chatter or shudder in tight turns with mismatched tires
  • AWD system warning after extended spare-tire use

How to Fix

Under SC242 the dealer inspects the transfer case for leaks, replaces the front wheel transfer assembly oil seal or the transfer case if it is leaking, and reflashes the AWD ECU with updated logic that detects the spare tire and limits transfer-case operation. Owners should keep all four tires within 10 mm circumference, rotate on the manual's interval, and replace tires in full sets (never one or two) on AWD cars. If you must run the compact spare, drive the shortest distance possible at reduced speed.

Typical repair cost:$0 - $1,600

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High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026

On the 2021-2023 Kia Seltos, on AWD Seltos (SP2) the 4WD Electronic Control Unit is mounted on the floor under the driver's seat. Snow and slush tracked in on boots melts in the driver's footwell and the meltwater migrates rearward into the ECU, corroding the circuit board. The unit then faults out, illuminating the 4WD warning light and dropping the vehicle into front-wheel drive only. Kia opened voluntary service campaign SC297 covering 2021-2023 AWD Seltos built 11/20/2019-03/02/2023 that were sold or registered in 36 snowbelt states plus DC, which is a strong indicator of how region-correlated the failure is. Owners typically see it first in the second or third winter.

Common Symptoms

  • 4WD/AWD warning light illuminated on the cluster
  • All-wheel drive stops engaging; vehicle behaves as front-wheel drive
  • Traction loss in snow despite AWD badge
  • Fault appears after winter driving or in wet-footwell conditions
  • Damp carpet or corrosion under the driver's seat

How to Fix

Under campaign SC297 the dealer inspects the 4WD ECU and its wire harness, replaces either or both if water damage is found, and installs a protective cover over the ECU to shield it from future water intrusion. Repair is free on affected VINs. Outside the campaign, replacing the 4WD ECU and harness is the fix; adding the protective cover and using deep all-weather driver's floor mats prevents recurrence. The vehicle remains driveable in FWD with the light on, but AWD is inoperative.

Typical repair cost:$0 - $1,400

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Community Reported
High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026

On the 2021-2025 Kia Seltos, seltos owners report an unusual rate of paint chipping and clear-coat failure on low-mileage cars. Chips appear on the leading edge of the hood and the front fenders within weeks to a few thousand miles of delivery — one owner documented multiple hood and driver-fender chips at 5,300 miles on a 2024 SX. The consensus on the owner forums is that the factory clear coat is unusually thin, so ordinary highway stone strikes that would leave a mark on other cars punch straight through to base coat and primer. Snow White Pearl is the most frequently named color for outright peeling and delamination, where the base coat lifts off the primer in sheets rather than chipping. Once base coat is exposed, corrosion starts at the chip edge, which is why this is worth catching early rather than living with.

Common Symptoms

  • Paint chips on the hood leading edge and front fenders at very low mileage
  • Clear coat lifting, bubbling or peeling in sheets
  • Base coat delaminating from primer, especially on Snow White Pearl
  • Rust spots forming at the edges of chips
  • Chips continuing to appear despite wax or ceramic coating

How to Fix

Document the damage with photos and open a case with Kia Consumer Affairs while the vehicle is inside the 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty — paint defects such as delamination and clear-coat failure are warrantable, though stone chips from road debris generally are not, so the distinction matters in how you present it. Peeling or lifting clear coat is repaired by panel refinishing at a Kia-approved body shop. For prevention on a new car, apply paint protection film to the hood leading edge, front fenders, mirror caps and the A-pillar/roof edge; ceramic coating alone does not stop chips. Touch up exposed chips promptly with the OEM color pen to stop corrosion at the edge.

Typical repair cost:$150 - $1,800

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Community Reported
Low ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026

On the 2021-2025 Kia Seltos, seltos owners across model years report moisture and water droplets forming inside the front LED headlight, DRL, and fog-lamp assemblies, often most visible after night driving when the lamps heat and then cool. Heavy fogging looks like a defect and is reported to reduce output and, over time, degrade the assembly. Kia's official position treats light condensation as a normal venting phenomenon, so replacements are frequently denied unless there is standing water rather than mist.

Common Symptoms

  • Fog / condensation inside headlight lens
  • Water droplets in DRL or fog lamp
  • Reduced or hazy light output at night
  • Moisture clears in daytime, returns after night use

How to Fix

Document fogging with photos (especially standing water, not just mist) and request a warranty inspection. Assemblies with pooled water or that fail to clear should be replaced under the new-vehicle warranty; light misting that clears on its own is generally considered normal.

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Low ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Jun 2026

On the 2021-2023 Kia Seltos, on 2021-2023 Seltos (SP2), the ABS/ESC hydraulic control unit stores DTC C1626 (C162604 'Implausible Control') and illuminates several dash warning lights at once — ABS, ESC/traction, and often the hill-start and AWD lamps. The root cause is not a failed sensor: Kia's own bulletin CHA117 states the ABS/ESC control logic compares the yaw-rate signal against calculated wheel speeds using a threshold that is too tight, so ordinary wheel-alignment variation or differences in tire rolling diameter (mismatched brands, uneven wear front-to-rear, an over- or under-inflated corner, or a non-matching replacement tire) push the calculation outside the plausibility window and the module faults out. Once set, ABS and electronic stability control are disabled until the code is cleared — the base hydraulic brakes still work, but the driver loses the electronic safety net. Owners frequently report it appearing shortly after a tire replacement or rotation.

Common Symptoms

  • ABS warning light on
  • ESC / traction control warning light on
  • Multiple dash warning lights illuminate together
  • Hill-start assist and AWD lamps on
  • ABS and stability control inoperative
  • Fault appears soon after new tires or a rotation

How to Fix

Kia's fix is an ABS/ESC ECU reflash performed with the KDS tool under Upgrade Event #645 ('SP2 ABS/ESC MIL ON DTC (C1626) JUDGMENT LOGIC IMPROVEMENT'), which raises the threshold sensitivity to tolerate normal alignment and tire-diameter variation. Affected ECU part numbers are 58910-Q5100 and 58910-Q5200; the corrected ROM ID is 1.02 (previous 1.00/1.01) — verify the ROM ID after the flash. Before or alongside the reflash, correct the underlying variation: match all four tires by brand/model/tread depth, set pressures to the door-jamb spec, and perform a four-wheel alignment. If the code returns on updated software, then diagnose the yaw-rate/G sensor and wheel-speed sensors for a genuine fault. Reflash is free under the 5yr/60k basic warranty.

Typical repair cost:$0 - $220

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High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026

On the 2021-2024 Kia Seltos, the upper strut bearing and the rubber upper spring pad on the front MacPherson struts wear and bind. As the strut assembly rotates with steering input, the bearing sticks and releases, transmitting an intermittent creak, pop, or clunk into the cabin. It is most obvious at parking-lot speeds and when turning the wheel with the car stationary, but owners also report it over driveway transitions and on highway lane changes. Kia acknowledged the pattern in bulletin CHA121, which covers 2021-2024 Seltos (SP2) built from 11/20/2019 to present — an unusually open production window, meaning the part was never fully redesigned out. It is a noise/comfort defect, not a structural safety failure, but it recurs if only the bearing is replaced without the spring pad.

This issue also affects: Kia Soul

Common Symptoms

  • Creaking or popping noise when turning the steering wheel at low speed
  • Noise present when turning the wheel with the vehicle stopped
  • Intermittent clunk from the front strut towers over bumps
  • Noise worse in cold weather or after the car sits

How to Fix

Replace the strut bearing (P/N 54612 C1000) and the upper spring pad (P/N 54623 F1000FFF) on BOTH front struts as a pair, with new self-locking nuts (P/N 54559 D1000), per bulletin CHA121. The strut cartridge itself usually does not need replacement. Doing one side only leads to a repeat visit. Perform an alignment check afterward. Covered under the 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty; outside warranty this is a spring-compressor job on both sides.

Typical repair cost:$0 - $650

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High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026

On the 2021-2023 Kia Seltos, a hollow rattle or metallic knock comes from behind the rear seat when driving over broken pavement, expansion joints, or speed bumps. The cause is the folding rear seatback latches: the striker-to-latch tolerance is loose enough that the seatback rocks against its strikers, and the rear seat area hardware works loose over time. Kia documented it in Pitstop bulletin PS695, which covers a rattle or clunk from the rear seat area on 2021 MY Seltos over bumps and uneven surfaces. It is one of the most-discussed complaints on the owner forums because dealers frequently cannot reproduce it on a smooth test drive and send owners away, and because it is easily misdiagnosed as a rear shock absorber or trailing-arm problem.

Common Symptoms

  • Rattle or knock from behind the rear seat over bumps
  • Metallic clunk from the cargo area on rough pavement
  • Noise disappears when the rear seatbacks are folded or loaded
  • Dealer unable to duplicate on a smooth-road test drive

How to Fix

Per PS695 the dealer tightens or replaces the loose rear seat hardware and adjusts the seatback strikers. The widely reproduced owner fix is to wrap electrical or felt tape around the rear seat latch striker bars so the latch seats without play, and to re-torque the seatback pivot and striker bolts. Also check that the cargo cover, jack, and spare tire hold-down in the load floor are secure — they mimic the same noise. If the knock persists with the seats removed from the equation, then inspect the rear shock absorbers and upper mounts before condemning the seat.

Typical repair cost:$0 - $180

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High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Soul, and 2021 Seltos vehicles equipped with 2.0L Nu MPI engines. The piston oil rings may not have been properly heat-treated, which may result in engine damage.

Campaign #21V25900013/04/2021

Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check recalls specific to your vehicle.

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What is the 2021-2023 Kia Seltos Stalling and Fire Hazard on Unrepaired / Still-Symptomatic 2021-2023 2.0L Vehicles?

NHTSA opened Audit Query AQ25001 on August 6, 2025 to evaluate Kia's remedy for recall 25V099 after reviewing 47 complaints submitted from April 29 through June 27, 2025. Those complaints alleged an ineffective remedy, inconsistent engine-inspection results or unavailable remedie… Severity: high.

What is the 2021-2025 Kia Seltos CVT Hesitation and Jerking Under Load?

The Seltos equipped with the 2.0L engine and CVT (IVT) exhibits hesitation, jerking, and poor acceleration response, particularly when merging or climbing hills. The CVT struggles under load and can enter limp mode. Owners report the transmission feels sluggish compared to tradit… Repairs typically run $0-$4,500. Severity: medium.

What is the 2021-2024 Kia Seltos Instrument Cluster Goes Blank on Startup?

The Seltos instrument cluster intermittently fails to illuminate on initial startup, displaying a completely blank screen. Speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, and warning lights are not visible. The issue typically resolves after turning the vehicle off and restarting, but can r… Repairs typically run $0-$900. Severity: medium.

What is the 2021-2023 Kia Seltos AWD Transfer Case Oil Seal Leak and Overheating When the Compact Spare Is Fitted (SC242)?

On AWD 2.0L Seltos the AWD ECU software fails to recognize that the compact temporary spare tire has been installed. Because the spare is a significantly different rolling circumference from the three road tires, the coupling constantly slips to reconcile the speed difference. Wi… Repairs typically run $0-$1,600. Severity: medium.

What is the 2021-2023 Kia Seltos 4WD ECU Water Intrusion Under Driver's Seat — AWD Warning Light and Loss of All-Wheel Drive?

On AWD Seltos (SP2) the 4WD Electronic Control Unit is mounted on the floor under the driver's seat. Snow and slush tracked in on boots melts in the driver's footwell and the meltwater migrates rearward into the ECU, corroding the circuit board. The unit then faults out, illumina… Repairs typically run $0-$1,400. Severity: medium.

What is the 2021-2025 Kia Seltos 1.6L Turbo 7-Speed Dry DCT Overheating, Shudder and Hesitation?

The SX / GT-Line / X-Line turbo Seltos uses a 7-speed dry dual-clutch transmission (the base 2.0L uses an IVT/CVT). With no fluid bath to cool the clutch packs, the dry DCT can overheat in stop-and-go traffic, trigger a transmission-overheat warning, and enter a protect/limp mode… Severity: medium.

What is the 2021-2023 Kia Seltos ABS/ESC Warning Lights with DTC C1626 — Over-Sensitive Yaw-Rate Plausibility Logic (TSB CHA117)?

On 2021-2023 Seltos (SP2), the ABS/ESC hydraulic control unit stores DTC C1626 (C162604 'Implausible Control') and illuminates several dash warning lights at once — ABS, ESC/traction, and often the hill-start and AWD lamps. The root cause is not a failed sensor: Kia's own bulleti… Repairs typically run $0-$220. Severity: medium.

What is the 2021-2025 Kia Seltos Thin Clear Coat and Premature Paint Chipping on Hood, Fenders and Roof?

Seltos owners report an unusual rate of paint chipping and clear-coat failure on low-mileage cars. Chips appear on the leading edge of the hood and the front fenders within weeks to a few thousand miles of delivery — one owner documented multiple hood and driver-fender chips at 5… Repairs typically run $150-$1,800. Severity: low.

What is the 2021-2023 Kia Seltos AVN 5.0 Wide Head Unit Freezing and Apple CarPlay / Android Auto Dropouts?

The 10.25-inch AVN 5.0 Wide navigation head unit fitted to SX/SX Turbo trims locks up: the screen freezes on the last image or the UVO/Kia splash logo, touch input is ignored, the map position stops updating, and radio and HVAC touch controls stop responding until the unit self-r… Repairs typically run $0-$250. Severity: low.

What is the 2021-2025 Kia Seltos LED Headlight / DRL / Fog Lamp Internal Condensation?

Seltos owners across model years report moisture and water droplets forming inside the front LED headlight, DRL, and fog-lamp assemblies, often most visible after night driving when the lamps heat and then cool. Heavy fogging looks like a defect and is reported to reduce output a… Severity: low.

What is the 2021-2024 Kia Seltos Front Strut Bearing and Upper Spring Pad Failure — Creak/Pop When Turning the Wheel?

The upper strut bearing and the rubber upper spring pad on the front MacPherson struts wear and bind. As the strut assembly rotates with steering input, the bearing sticks and releases, transmitting an intermittent creak, pop, or clunk into the cabin. It is most obvious at parkin… Repairs typically run $0-$650. Severity: low.

What is the 2021-2023 Kia Seltos Rear Seat Latch and Folding-Seat Rattle — Knocking From the Cargo Area Over Bumps?

A hollow rattle or metallic knock comes from behind the rear seat when driving over broken pavement, expansion joints, or speed bumps. The cause is the folding rear seatback latches: the striker-to-latch tolerance is loose enough that the seatback rocks against its strikers, and… Repairs typically run $0-$180. Severity: low.