Owners have reported 4 crashes, 1 fire and 2 injuries to NHTSA for the 2024 KIA Seltos. These are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defect rates.
Owner complaints12
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Owners report several electrical system issues with the 2024 Kia Seltos, with the most common being instrument cluster failures, particularly in cold temperatures. Complaints frequently mention that the dashboard goes completely black, leaving drivers unable to see the speedometer, fuel gauge, or engine temperature, typically occurring during winter months. Another reported issue involves the cruise control, which may not maintain set speeds on inclines, and horn failures, especially in freezing conditions. Some owners describe incidents where the vehicle shuts down unexpectedly while driving, posing safety risks, with these issues occurring at various mileage points, from as low as 300 miles. These patterns suggest potential reliability and safety concerns for prospective buyers, especially in colder climates.
Owner complaints7
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Owners of the 2024 KIA Seltos report several distinct issues within the UNKNOWN OR OTHER category. Complaints frequently mention problems with the vehicle's glass, including rear windows shattering due to heat and cracked windshields appearing unexpectedly, often requiring costly replacements. Another common issue is a persistent smell of fire or smoke while driving, suggesting potential electrical faults, with one owner noting concerns based on similar reports. A crash is reported where the vehicle rolled backward, injuring a pedestrian, suggesting possible issues with the vehicle's stability or electronic systems. Additionally, some owners experience a silent horn during emergencies and a non-functional instrument cluster, which are critical for safe vehicle operation. These issues appear within the first several months of ownership, highlighting potential safety implications for prospective buyers.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 1 injury reports
Owner complaints4
POWER TRAIN
Owners report recurring issues with the power train of the 2024 Kia Seltos, particularly involving loss of power and engine performance problems. Complaints frequently mention severe shaking during acceleration, jerking between gear shifts, and abnormal noises, with some experiencing complete engine shutdowns at high speeds, posing potential safety risks. These symptoms are often noted between 30-70 mph, with some cases occurring on highways, leading to concerns about vehicle control and safety. Additionally, there are reports of engine failure requiring major repairs or replacements, often after prior component replacements like fuel injectors and spark plugs. One complaint references a recall related to the power train, though parts for repair are reportedly unavailable.
Owner complaints3
ENGINE
Owners report issues with the 2024 KIA Seltos engine, particularly concerning oil consumption and engine noise. Complaints frequently mention engines seizing or making loud noises, with one owner attributing a seized engine to melted spark plugs at 33,000 miles. Another owner describes significant oil loss over several oil changes, with a dealership attributing it to piston rings but finding them within specifications; they express concern about potential engine fires. A third owner notes loud engine valve noise shortly after acquiring the vehicle, fearing an oil leak. These issues appear in vehicles with varying mileages, from brand new to over 30,000 miles, and may pose safety risks such as engine fires or catastrophic engine damage.
Owner complaints3
VISIBILITY/WIPER
Owners of the 2024 KIA Seltos report issues with visibility related to the rearview camera and windshield. Common complaints include rain collecting on the rearview camera, obstructing visibility during wet conditions, and windshields that are easily chipped by gravel, bugs, and small rocks. Some owners describe sudden cracks appearing in the windshield, particularly near the rearview mirror, which may obstruct the driver's view and pose a safety concern. These issues are reported within the first year of ownership, though specific mileage is not consistently mentioned. Buyers should be aware of these visibility-related concerns when considering this vehicle.
Owner complaints2
STRUCTURE
Owners of the 2024 Kia Seltos report issues related to the vehicle's structure. One complaint describes a catastrophic wheel failure leading to a crash, where the rim cracked completely, resulting in tire separation, axle and suspension damage, and body damage. This incident occurred while driving, with the owner noting no prior impact with any object. Another complaint involves visibility issues caused by black plastic strips on the steering wheel and dashboard, which impair the driver's and passenger's vision. The reported mileage for these issues is approximately 118 miles. Safety implications are significant in the first case due to the crash resulting from the wheel failure.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports
Owner complaints2
STEERING
Owners of the 2024 KIA Seltos report issues with the vehicle's steering and related systems. One complaint describes a malfunction in the lane-assist system, which in low-light conditions, pulls the steering wheel abruptly and causes a loss of control, leading to a crash and injury. Another owner reports the vehicle shutting down completely while driving at highway speeds, posing a severe safety risk as they were nearly struck by a truck. Both complaints highlight issues with electronic systems and a lack of adequate warning signals. These incidents occur relatively early in the vehicle's life, with one owner experiencing problems within the first few months of ownership. Potential buyers should be aware of these serious safety implications, including the risk of crashes and unexpected vehicle shutdowns.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 1 injury reports
Owner complaints2
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Owners report issues with the engine and engine cooling system of the 2024 Kia Seltos, particularly involving oil leaks. Complaints frequently mention instances of the vehicle dumping oil, which can lead to smoke emission from the engine area. In one case, a vehicle with approximately 10,000 miles experienced a significant oil leak that resulted in engine damage, requiring a potential engine replacement. This incident also involved a reported fire risk, as the vehicle began smoking and needed to be towed. Safety implications are noted, as the oil loss occurred while driving on a highway, posing a potential hazard to the driver and other road users.
Severity signals: 0 crash, 1 fire, 0 injury reports
