2024 Kia Seltos Problems & Owner Complaints

Electrical System 16

“My 2024 Kia Seltos (leased, approximately 19,800 miles) received an over-the-air (OTA) software update on [07/03/2026]. The vehicle's screen prompted me to approve the update and stated it would complete with the ignition off. I approved it and exited the vehicle as instructed by Kia's on-screen directions and owner's manual. Immediately after this update, the vehicle developed an intermittent no-start condition, and the 12V battery went completely flat, accompanied by an ESC (Electronic Stability Control) warning. The vehicle had no electrical or starting problems of any kind before the upda…”
NHTSA complaint #11753039, 2026

“Under extremely cold temperatures, approx 10° the main display does not work. The MPH & other vehicle information will not display. KIA service requires the vehicle to be brought to the facility while condition exists in order to troubleshoot, however once the vehicle warms up, the non functioning display begins to operate normally and the problem does not exist. Speaking with the service advisor and service manager in charge, they are aware of the problem and know of other vehicles with this display problem.”
NHTSA complaint #11735970, 2026

“While driving in traffic, my 2024 Kia Seltos suddenly shut down without warning again. I lost propulsion while the vehicle was in motion with passengers inside, creating an immediate safety hazard. The issue appears electrical or powertrain-related. This occurred during normal operation and could result in a serious crash. My vehicle shutting down in active traffic with passengers is unacceptable, and there is no recall remedy in place to correct this hazard. I am requesting a manufacturer-level resolution under Ohio Lemon Law and the Magnuson–Moss Warranty Act.”
NHTSA complaint #11717634, 2026

Unknown Or Other 9 2 crash 1 injury

“The vehicle rolled backwards and hit a predestination with no one in the vehicle on level ground. I don't know why it rolled backwards since it has never done this before unless someone had hacked into the computer system and caused it to go backwards. I also don't know if this car has the lvl of technology that can be hacked as in the completely driverless vehicles. I only know the theory of computer science and smart technology, I don't know if my car has advanced enough technology for someone to remotely hacking into the car causing it to move backwards or not.”
NHTSA complaint #11660548, 2025 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“While driving, the vehicle suddenly began handling abnormally. In response, we safely pulled over as quickly as possible. Before we could fully stop, the wheel catastrophically failed. The rim cracked around the entire circumference, the tire completely separated from the vehicle, and the vehicle lost stability and struck the guardrail. As a result of this incident, the vehicle sustained substantial damage, including but not limited to: •Complete destruction of the wheel/rim; •Tire separation; •Axle and suspension damage; •Body damage to the driver-side front and rear panels; and •Additional m…”
NHTSA complaint #11744857, 2026 · crash

“Came out of work to a cracked windshield. There was no crack in my windshield prior to this. The crack spans across half of the windshield requiring a full replacement which is going to come completely out of pocket for me because I had a $1000 deductible. Had I known this was such a common issue with this year make and model, I would’ve opted for the $0 glass deductible. As many others have reported and stated, this was never an issue I’ve had with any other vehicle I’ve owned. It is clearly a manufacturing defect and SHOULD be covered by Kia. I’ve had this car for 7 months.”
NHTSA complaint #11718087, 2026

Engine 5

“Since November 2025, this vehicle has experienced repeated loss of power, severe shaking during acceleration, jerking between gear shifts, abnormal humming/grinding noises, and multiple check engine light events. The condition is most noticeable between approximately 40-70 mph and has repeatedly occurred while driving on highways. On multiple occasions, the vehicle struggled to accelerate properly and would not respond normally to throttle input. During one occurrence, the vehicle had difficulty accelerating beyond approximately 55 mph while on the expressway. The shaking became severe enough…”
NHTSA complaint #11743542, 2025

“My car, over the last few oil changes has had very little to practically no oil. It also has been having the noise when it is low oil. This is already a recall, and when taken to a local dealer, they claimed the piston rings, which is the issue for the oil consumption, were not a problem and within spec. They have performed a test to check oil levels after 1000 miles and am still waiting on the results for the first test. This problem, as written by the recall, can cause an engine fire, or even grenade the motor causing catastrophic damage, potentially to my life.”
NHTSA complaint #11665420, 2025

“I bought this Kia with 25 miles on it and I had all oil changes done and then at 33,000 miles the engine seized and Kia refused to honor my 100,000 mile warranty. The dealership told me that the spark plugs melted causing the issue and that it definitely wasn’t an oil issue. Kia still refused to honor the warranty. I only owned the car from June 2023 to September 2024 I want them to pay the remaining balance since I had to give it back to the bank for them to only be able to sell it for 8000.00 dollars. I will never deal with Kia ever again but they need to do the right thing by paying the rem…”
NHTSA complaint #11693492, 2024

Forward Collision Avoidance 4 2 crash 1 injury

“During the incident in question, the vehicle’s lane‑assist system malfunctioned in a manner I have never previously experienced. As I approached an area with multiple lane markings, the system appeared to become confused—possibly due to low‑light conditions—and abruptly pulled the steering wheel with significant force. This deviation was severe enough that I temporarily lost control, causing the vehicle to drift toward the left-side ditch. When the steering suddenly released and became limp, I attempted to correct the trajectory, but the response window was too narrow to avoid impact. The v…”
NHTSA complaint #11713766, 2026 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“Our vehicle was in an accident with extensive damage to the entire front end. The accident warning senors did not go off and the air bags did not deploy. The insurance adjuster said the entire engine was pushed back towards the driver area so it's surprising the air bags did not deploy. In our Kia Access app, only the "passenger turn signal" has a critical error detected. The car has been deemed totaled.”
NHTSA complaint #11670573, 2025 · crash

“The front brakes prematurely failed at 5,000 miles and this is a brand new vehicle. We had 3 miles or so at purchase (purchase date: August 7, 2024). By January 4, 2025 or so, the front brakes began making grinding noises. We had a licensed, independent shop inspect this and then replace the worn brakes on January 6, 2025. We have driven the vehicle as we have driven other vehicles and we have never seen brand new brakes wear out after 5,000 miles with standard driving. We believe it could be due to the driver assistance technology and would like this to be thoroughly reviewed. Hopefully, Kia…”
NHTSA complaint #11634720, 2025

Power Train 4

“Since November 2025, this vehicle has experienced repeated loss of power, severe shaking during acceleration, jerking between gear shifts, abnormal humming/grinding noises, and multiple check engine light events. The condition is most noticeable between approximately 40-70 mph and has repeatedly occurred while driving on highways. On multiple occasions, the vehicle struggled to accelerate properly and would not respond normally to throttle input. During one occurrence, the vehicle had difficulty accelerating beyond approximately 55 mph while on the expressway. The shaking became severe enough…”
NHTSA complaint #11743542, 2025

“Electrical control unit car just shuts off in drive completely goes black no matter what within seconds even on freeway going 70 mph car tune off loss of control then starts back up very dangerous”
NHTSA complaint #11706681, 2025

“The contact owns a 2024 Kia Seltos. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH and attempting to accelerate, the vehicle briefly lost motive power before the engine seized. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the valves. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was towed back to the residence and later to the local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that several months before the fai…”
NHTSA complaint #11664693, 2025

Vehicle Speed Control 3

“The cruise control only works properly on level roads. When going downhill the car can go as much as 8 mph faster than the cruise control is set at. Going uphill the speed varies back and forth with the tachometer fluctuating up and down. I use cruise control to control my speed as well as reduce gas consumption. This cruise control system does neither. I believe this is unsafe. I did take the vehicle back to the dealer and showed him exactly what it is doing. He took a test ride in another Seltos and it did the same thing. The manufacturer said this is the way it is supposed to work. I have…”
NHTSA complaint #11646065, 2023

“Cruise control is messed up and is constantly and continuously surging on straightaway highways or on hills between 500 to 1000 rpms. A very uncomfortable ride that makes me nauseated. No dealership is acknowledging a problem or finding a diagnosis. Also, aa soon ans you turn on your cruise rpm’s will raise immediately even on a flat terrain negatively impacting fuel economy. Investing over $30,000 into a brand new vehicle that doesn’t work correctly is absolutely absurd!”
NHTSA complaint #11572538, 2023

“All systems failed, including all lights, speedometer, ALL ADAS - this happened in more than one occasion. When I put the car in park it still registered to be in drive mode. Safety of myself and others at risk- the headlights and brake/taillights went out while driving in the dark. Brake assist went out while I was on a steep downgrade, the speedometer went out completely. Also the car indicated that my air bags were off and my seat belt malfunctioned. This occurred on snow and ice covered roads and in the fog. I took it to the dealership 3 times and it registered the failures within the comp…”
NHTSA complaint #11560018, 2023

Visibility/Wiper 3

“Over the last year that I have had my car, I noticed that things as little as gravel, bugs, and small rocks chip my windshield easily. I worry that I have defective glass considering I have over 10 chips on my windshield.”
NHTSA complaint #11651615, 2025

“Rear view camera collects rain drops obstructing the rear view while backing up during rainy weather”
NHTSA complaint #11665491, 2024

“Issue Description: I am reporting a crack that has suddenly appeared in the windshield of my vehicle. This crack aligns with the rearview mirror and has spread quickly. Details: Date of occurrence: The crack was first noticed on the morning of [XXX]. Recent vehicle use: We recently drove the car to Dallas (7 hours from home) and Lake Charles (1 hour from home), and during that trip, we thoroughly cleaned the windshield, which was covered in bugs. At that time, we inspected it closely and noted no cracks or damage. Location of crack: The crack is located very high up on the windshield, making…”
NHTSA complaint #11616115, 2024

Engine And Engine Cooling 2 1 fire

“Daughter driving back to college from home in her new 2024 Kia Seltos. We leased this vehicle for her for reliability and dependability throughout her years at college. 9 months into lease, 10,000 miles her car started smoking from engine. She immediately pulled over to notice the car had completely dumped out oil everywhere. We have pics and video to prove this. She had to wait on side of highway for 3.5 hours waiting to be towed. 6 days have passed and we have gotten zero answers and no help from corporate Kia only to be told for us to call dealerships to work it out. Now I’m working with…”
NHTSA complaint #11586993, 2024 · fire

Exterior Lighting 2

“On Wednesday [XXX], at [XXX]. I started to drive to work. I noticed the instrument cluster on my 2024 Kia Seltos SX was completely dark. I couldn't see the speedometer, fuel gauge, engine temperature, or any other function that should show on the instrument cluster. I turned around and returned home. I called the Kia dealer's service department and got an appointment for the car to be checked that afternoon. This service center is about 30 miles from my home. I drove there with a totally black screen for the instrument cluster--not able to see my speed or any other information about the…”
NHTSA complaint #11638644, 2025

“The dashboard goes completely black and will not work when it is really cold outside. This is a dangerous problem because I cannot see my speedometer, how much gas I have in my car, or the engine temperature. I have been to the Kia dealership 3 or 4 times for this problem and have them report it to Kia. They always tell me that they cannot replicate the problem so they cannot fix it. I have video evidence of this happening and have showed it to the dealership. This has happened now for 2 winters. There have been no warning messages or anything before this happens.”
NHTSA complaint #11714925, 2024

Lane Departure 2 2 crash 1 injury

“During the incident in question, the vehicle’s lane‑assist system malfunctioned in a manner I have never previously experienced. As I approached an area with multiple lane markings, the system appeared to become confused—possibly due to low‑light conditions—and abruptly pulled the steering wheel with significant force. This deviation was severe enough that I temporarily lost control, causing the vehicle to drift toward the left-side ditch. When the steering suddenly released and became limp, I attempted to correct the trajectory, but the response window was too narrow to avoid impact. The v…”
NHTSA complaint #11713766, 2026 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“Our vehicle was in an accident with extensive damage to the entire front end. The accident warning senors did not go off and the air bags did not deploy. The insurance adjuster said the entire engine was pushed back towards the driver area so it's surprising the air bags did not deploy. In our Kia Access app, only the "passenger turn signal" has a critical error detected. The car has been deemed totaled.”
NHTSA complaint #11670573, 2025 · crash

Steering 2 1 crash 1 injury

“During the incident in question, the vehicle’s lane‑assist system malfunctioned in a manner I have never previously experienced. As I approached an area with multiple lane markings, the system appeared to become confused—possibly due to low‑light conditions—and abruptly pulled the steering wheel with significant force. This deviation was severe enough that I temporarily lost control, causing the vehicle to drift toward the left-side ditch. When the steering suddenly released and became limp, I attempted to correct the trajectory, but the response window was too narrow to avoid impact. The v…”
NHTSA complaint #11713766, 2026 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“On July 9 while waiting at a red light car randomly turned off, had to put car in park and restart On July 19 while driving about 55mph on an extremely busy interstate highway car shut down completely. I could not restart or shut the car off, car was in drive and we had full power, no issue with battery, no warning signs, we were nearly killed by an 18-wheel truck traveling at normal high speed on this highway. We were eventually pushed off to the side where we sat for 2 hours until family members came. In the car were 2 seniors, 1 battling dementia and another anxiety and a young man who suff…”
NHTSA complaint #11676008, 2025

Structure 2 1 crash

“While driving, the vehicle suddenly began handling abnormally. In response, we safely pulled over as quickly as possible. Before we could fully stop, the wheel catastrophically failed. The rim cracked around the entire circumference, the tire completely separated from the vehicle, and the vehicle lost stability and struck the guardrail. As a result of this incident, the vehicle sustained substantial damage, including but not limited to: •Complete destruction of the wheel/rim; •Tire separation; •Axle and suspension damage; •Body damage to the driver-side front and rear panels; and •Additional m…”
NHTSA complaint #11744857, 2026 · crash

“The contact owns a 2024 Kia Seltos. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the strip of black plastic on the steering wheel and the dashboard above the glove compartment impaired her vision. The contact stated that the black plastic impaired the vision of her and the passenger. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 118.”
NHTSA complaint #11550203, 2023

Wheels 2 1 crash

“While driving, the vehicle suddenly began handling abnormally. In response, we safely pulled over as quickly as possible. Before we could fully stop, the wheel catastrophically failed. The rim cracked around the entire circumference, the tire completely separated from the vehicle, and the vehicle lost stability and struck the guardrail. As a result of this incident, the vehicle sustained substantial damage, including but not limited to: •Complete destruction of the wheel/rim; •Tire separation; •Axle and suspension damage; •Body damage to the driver-side front and rear panels; and •Additional m…”
NHTSA complaint #11744857, 2026 · crash

“While driving in traffic, my 2024 Kia Seltos suddenly shut down without warning again. I lost propulsion while the vehicle was in motion with passengers inside, creating an immediate safety hazard. The issue appears electrical or powertrain-related. This occurred during normal operation and could result in a serious crash. My vehicle shutting down in active traffic with passengers is unacceptable, and there is no recall remedy in place to correct this hazard. I am requesting a manufacturer-level resolution under Ohio Lemon Law and the Magnuson–Moss Warranty Act.”
NHTSA complaint #11717634, 2026

Air Bags 1 1 crash

“Our vehicle was in an accident with extensive damage to the entire front end. The accident warning senors did not go off and the air bags did not deploy. The insurance adjuster said the entire engine was pushed back towards the driver area so it's surprising the air bags did not deploy. In our Kia Access app, only the "passenger turn signal" has a critical error detected. The car has been deemed totaled.”
NHTSA complaint #11670573, 2025 · crash

Fuel/Propulsion System 1

“Since November 2025, this vehicle has experienced repeated loss of power, severe shaking during acceleration, jerking between gear shifts, abnormal humming/grinding noises, and multiple check engine light events. The condition is most noticeable between approximately 40-70 mph and has repeatedly occurred while driving on highways. On multiple occasions, the vehicle struggled to accelerate properly and would not respond normally to throttle input. During one occurrence, the vehicle had difficulty accelerating beyond approximately 55 mph while on the expressway. The shaking became severe enough…”
NHTSA complaint #11743542, 2025

Seat Belts 1

“Issue: Defective Seatbelt Sensor - Refused Warranty Repair Vehicle: 2024 Kia Seltos EX Make/Model/Year: Kia Seltos, 2024 Mileage (approx.): 12,033 I am filing a formal safety complaint regarding a malfunctioning seatbelt sensor on my 2024 Kia Seltos EX. The front passenger seatbelt alarm goes off repeatedly even when there is no one sitting in the seat, and this behavior is unpredictable and distracting while driving. When I contacted the Kia dealership (Summit Place Kia, Auburn Hills, MI), they refused to inspect or repair the issue without charging me $180 upfront, even though my vehicle…”
NHTSA complaint #11676977, 2025

Seats 1

“Driver side seat stays warm all the time I tried removing both seat heater fuses and in plugged the seat warmer plugs but the back seat rest still stay warm”
NHTSA complaint #11699697, 2025

Service Brakes 1

“The front brakes prematurely failed at 5,000 miles and this is a brand new vehicle. We had 3 miles or so at purchase (purchase date: August 7, 2024). By January 4, 2025 or so, the front brakes began making grinding noises. We had a licensed, independent shop inspect this and then replace the worn brakes on January 6, 2025. We have driven the vehicle as we have driven other vehicles and we have never seen brand new brakes wear out after 5,000 miles with standard driving. We believe it could be due to the driver assistance technology and would like this to be thoroughly reviewed. Hopefully, Kia…”
NHTSA complaint #11634720, 2025

Suspension 1

“At slow speeds such as parking or backing up, when you turn the wheel, you hear a popping sound from the left front wheel area.”
NHTSA complaint #11540028, 2023

Visibility 1