2026 Kia SeltosRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 4 owner complaints for the 2026 Kia Seltos. Most complaints involve vehicle speed control (2) and service brakes, hydraulic (2). The EPA rates it 25–29 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.
Safety recalls
Owner complaints by component
- Vehicle speed control2
- Service brakes, hydraulic2
- Engine1
- Fuel/propulsion system1
- Air bags1
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
What owners report most
Vehicle speed control
“I purchased this new 2026 Kia Seltos with approximately 32 miles. The vehicle now has fewer than 600 miles and has experienced two incidents of sudden, intermittent, complete loss of accelerator response. During one incident in highway traffic, the vehicle unexpectedly began decelerating and pressing the accelerator pedal produced no acceleration or meaningful propulsion. I could not maintain speed or accelerate to move out of surrounding traffic. The vehicle became unable to move normally until it was turned off and restarted. An oil-pressure warning light illuminated during the failure. There was no meaningful warning before the loss of acceleration. After the first incident, an authorized Kia dealer found diagnostic code U200300 only in the vehicle’s history. The dealer attributed the condition to a loose right battery cable, repaired or tightened the connection, and returned the vehicle as fixed. The same loss-of-acceleration condition occurred again after that repair. On July 13, 2026, an authorized Kia dealership technician personally reproduced the failure during a 30-mile test drive. The technician documented that the vehicle felt as though it died…”
Service brakes, hydraulic
“The contact owns a 2026 Kia Seltos. The contact stated that while driving 25 MPH and depressing the brake pedal to make a right turn, the brake pedal went to the floorboard and the vehicle accelerated independently. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was towed to the dealer to be diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the brake line needed to be tightened and the brake fluid reservoir needed to be topped off. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed that there was no warranty for the repair. The manufacturer denied the buyback request. The approximate failure mileage was 1,322.”
Engine
Engines, transmissions & drive
- EPA class
- Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl · 1.6L 4-cyl turbo
- Transmissions
- Automatic (AV-S8) · Automatic (S8)
- Drive
- All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
EPA fuel economy by version
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seltos AWD Auto (AV-S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L · All-Wheel Drive | 27 | 31 | 29 | $2,200 | 309 |
| Seltos AWD Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive | 24 | 27 | 25 | $2,550 | 350 |
- 29mpg comb.
- 25mpg comb.
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
- Frontal crash
- 5 of 5
- Side crash
- 5 of 5
- Side pole
- 5 of 5
- Rollover
- 4 of 5
- Rollover risk
- 15.1%
- Frontal crash
- 5 of 5
- Side crash
- 5 of 5
- Side pole
- 5 of 5
- Rollover
- 4 of 5
- Rollover risk
- 16.9%
Maintenance basics
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
- Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
6–12 months - Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
Every oil change - Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
1–2 years - Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
1–2 years - Brake fluid—
2–3 years - Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
5–10 years - Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
— - 12V battery—
3–5 years
2026 Seltos questions
How many recalls does the 2026 Kia Seltos have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Oct 30, 2026.
What are the most common 2026 Kia Seltos problems?
Owners filed 4 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are vehicle speed control (2), service brakes, hydraulic (2), engine (1). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2026 Kia Seltos get?
The EPA rates the 2026 Kia Seltos at 25–29 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).
How safe is the 2026 Kia Seltos?
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2026 Kia Seltos 5 out of 5 stars overall.