Problems · NHTSA complaints

2025 Kia Seltos problems

Owners filed 13 complaints about the 2025 Kia Seltos with NHTSA between Nov 2024 and Sep 2026. The most-cited component is forward collision avoidance (3).

Complaints
13
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
1
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
0
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
01 —By component

Complaints by component

One complaint can cite several components
  1. Forward collision avoidance3
  2. Exterior lighting3
  3. Electrical system3
  4. Lane departure2
  5. Suspension1
  6. Structure1
  7. Service brakes1
  8. Steering1
  9. Engine1
  10. Other / unknown3

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 28, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Trend

When complaints were filed

Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
View as table
Model yearComplaints filed per calendar year
20242
20255
20266

Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.

03 —Owner reports

Top problems in owners’ words

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first

Forward collision avoidance

3 reports1 crash
“KiA started a system update while I was driving on a busy road which caused complete loss of engine power and all electrical. This is nuts. What if you’re on the highway driving 70 mph and this happens?”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 19, 2026Unknown or other, Lane departure, Forward collision avoidanceODI 11751360

Exterior lighting

3 reports
“While driving at night with the Headlights on Low Beam the light that is projected onto the road is a dull yellowish color, not a bright white color. When the High Beam Lights are turned on there is no difference of the light being projected onto the road. While driving from [XXX] to [XXX] on [XXX] I noticed that I was unable to see or read the Exit Signs for any of the Exit Off Ramps or even the Mileage Signs the show the mileage to the next Towns. When I switched from Low Beam to High Beam it made no difference on Illuminating the Road Signs. When I returned to my home I took the car into the Kia Dealer with the complaint that the Headlights were not working properly. They adjusted the Headlights up higher, so now the Low Beam did Illuminate the Road Signs, but they seemed to High and still had the yellowish color. When the High Beams were turned on it still made no difference in Illuminating the Road. Again I took the car back to the Kia Dealer and they Readjusted the Headlights back to what they said was the Factory Settings. I was then told that if I was not satisfied I could try purchasing some Aftermarket Headlight Bulbs from an Independent Parts Store.…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 16, 2026Exterior lightingODI 11744606

Electrical system

3 reports
“Instrument cluster does not turn on upon ignition, when in cold weather. this has been a repeating incident, first of which started only 2 months after the purchase. even after 7 separate incidents, and handful dealer visits, car was deemed "okay" because they could not replicate the issue. employees at the dealership have taken pictures and videos but have yet to find a solution to fix this issue, and they further "ask" that if the incident happens again, drive as is so they can see the issue. this is a serious safety issue since nothing is visible including speedometer, rev meter and gas tank indicator, etc. the most recent incident will be dated on the report, but i will attache multiple pictures from different dates as i can recall and recollect.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 21, 2026Electrical systemODI 11712544

Lane departure

2 reports
“i get my lane assist and almost wrecked bc it defaulted without warning. when i came up on a car to fast. it didn’t slow down and try to automatically brake.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 22, 2025Lane departure, Forward collision avoidanceODI 11668451

Suspension

1 report
“The camber bolts in front struts moved from original location causing uneven tire wear and steering issues. When replacing tires mechanic showed me marks where bolts were originally and where they are now. Mechanic said he has seen multiple of same vehicles with the same issue. Mechanic said most likely poor roads and improperly torque of bolts is causing the issue with this make and model. Caught issue just in time tires were down to threads and wouldn't of lasted much longer. A blowout on a front steer tire would most likely cause an accident or rollover.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 23, 2026SuspensionODI 11752285

Structure

1 report
“The contact owns a 2025 Kia Seltos. The contact stated that while driving in snowy, inclement weather; the entire rear end of the vehicle would become covered in snow. The contact stated snow would become to heavy for the rear windshield wiper which would obstruct his vision while driving in the snow. In addition, the contact stated that the rear tail lights would also become covered in snow which made it difficult for fellow motorist to see his tail lights. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and suggested that the contact purchase an aftermarket spoiler. The contact was also given a case number. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 8,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 29, 2026StructureODI 11740799
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 28, 2026

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.