Years to avoid
Kia Seltos Years to Avoid
The 2021, 2022, 2023 model years stand out as the weakest in this Kia Seltos dataset. We only publish this page when at least four years are available and the score spread is large enough to make the comparison meaningful.
Data updated July 2026
- Weakest year
- 2021
- Model average
- 73/100
- Complaints, weakest year
- 346
- Recalls, weakest year
- 2
59/100 reliability
23-point range
12 crash · 5 fire reports
NHTSA campaigns on file
Bottom line
Why the 2021 Kia Seltos ranks last
The 2021 scores 59/100, rated mixed, versus a model average of 73/100. NHTSA data contains 346 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns for this model year.
Its most-reported problem areas are Engine (145), Power Train (61), Engine And Engine Cooling (39), Electrical System (36). Those counts are investigation leads, not proof that every vehicle has the problem.
Inspect the full 2021 Kia Seltos record →Evidence by year
The weakest Kia Seltos model years compared
2021 Kia Seltos
- Complaints
- 346
- Recalls
- 2
- Crash reports
- 12
- Fire reports
- 5
Top issues: Engine (145), Power Train (61), Engine And Engine Cooling (39)
View 2021 details →2022 Kia Seltos
- Complaints
- 69
- Recalls
- 1
- Crash reports
- 6
- Fire reports
- 3
Top issues: Engine (23), Unknown Or Other (12), Power Train (10)
View 2022 details →2023 Kia Seltos
- Complaints
- 44
- Recalls
- 2
- Crash reports
- 3
- Fire reports
- 0
Top issues: Electrical System (11), Unknown Or Other (9), Engine (6)
View 2023 details →Better alternatives
Stronger Kia Seltos years to put on your shortlist
Read this carefully
“Avoid” is a comparison signal, not a verdict on one VIN
A year qualifies here only when it trails the model average by at least five points, trails the best year by at least ten points, or falls below 60/100. The model also needs at least four scored years and a six-point spread. Age, sales volume and time on the road can affect raw complaint totals, so use the score and severity mix together.
Source trail
Where this Kia Seltos data comes from
VinExposed combines model-level research with the vehicle-specific history you get from a VIN. Reliability scores and complaint patterns come from Auto Reliability Index's Kia Seltos research, which analyzes NHTSA records and independent repair data.
Recall counts describe a model year, not the repair status of one car. Confirm the exact VIN with the official NHTSA recall lookup and a vehicle-history report before buying.
Buyer questions
Kia Seltos research FAQ
Which Kia Seltos years should I avoid?
2021, 2022, 2023 score materially below the strongest Kia Seltos years in this dataset. The 2021 is the weakest at 59/100, with 346 owner complaints and 2 recalls on file.
Does a low-scoring Kia Seltos year mean every car is bad?
No. Model-year data describes population-level patterns. A well-maintained vehicle with a clean title and completed recall work can be a better purchase than a neglected example from a higher-scoring year.
What should I buy instead of the worst Kia Seltos year?
The strongest alternatives in this dataset are 2026 (82/100), 2025 (79/100), 2024 (73/100). Compare price, mileage, equipment and the individual VIN before deciding.
Check the actual car
Model research narrows the list. The VIN confirms the car.
Check title brands, accidents, odometer history, auction records and recall status for the specific Kia Seltos you are considering.