2025 Kia Seltos

13 complaints on file, page 1 of 1.

1. Filed Sep 19, 2026Failure Sep 17, 2026Bloomfield, NJUnknown or other

   I am reporting multiple safety concerns involving my leased 2025 Kia Seltos, which currently has approximately 22,000 miles. I first reported an unusual smell coming from the vehicle in June 2025. The vehicle has been taken in for service multiple times, most recently on September 5, 2026, but the concern has not been satisfactorily resolved. During the September 5 service visit, I also informed the dealership that I had experienced an acceleration problem. The vehicle felt as though cruise control had been activated even though I had not intentionally activated it. After that service visit, the acceleration problem occurred again while I was driving in traffic. This was frightening because I did not feel that the vehicle was responding normally or that I had full control over its acceleration. The vehicle’s horn has now also stopped working. The lack of a functioning horn prevents me from warning other drivers or pedestrians during an emergency. I have also noticed unusual brake noises, even though the dealership’s service inspection indicated that the brakes were in satisfactory or “green” condition. I have repeatedly sought service for this vehicle, but these concerns remain unresolved. I am especially concerned about the acceleration problem recurring in traffic, combined with the nonworking horn, unexplained smell, and brake noises. I am requesting that NHTSA document and investigate these potential safety defects involving my 2025 Kia Seltos.

   NHTSA complaint 11765477
2. Filed Jul 23, 2026Failure Jul 17, 2026Madison, NYSuspension

   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.

   NHTSA complaint 11752285
3. Filed Jul 19, 2026Failure Jul 19, 2026Bristol, WIWarnings, Blind spot detection, Unknown or other

   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?

   NHTSA complaint 11751360
4. Filed Jun 16, 2026Failure May 21, 2026Golden Valley, AZExterior lighting

   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. This is an Unsafe Condition because I can't see obstructions that may be in the roadway and have enough time to safely maneuver around it. Since this happens at Night the Dealer doesn't have personal to replicate the problem due to the Dealer Service Department is only open during daylight hours. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

   NHTSA complaint 11744606
5. Filed May 29, 2026Failure Dec 1, 20258,000 milesWilliamstown, NYStructure

   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.

   NHTSA complaint 11740799
6. Filed Jan 21, 2026Failure Jan 19, 2026Elk Grove Village, ILElectrical system

   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.

   NHTSA complaint 11712544
7. Filed Jul 15, 2025Failure Jul 12, 2025Muskegon, MIAutomatic emergency braking, Warnings, Service brakesCrash

   What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The braking system appears to have failed. When I attempted to slow down for a stop sign, the brake pedal went straight to the floor and did not respond as expected. I began pumping the brakes out of panic, but they only engaged at the last moment—approximately one foot or less from the vehicle in front of me. The vehicle is currently totaled, but I believe the braking system could still be inspected upon request, pending insurance and tow yard access. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? My safety was significantly at risk. I had no control over stopping the vehicle despite repeated brake attempts. To avoid a direct collision, I was forced to swerve at the last second, hitting the rear edge of the truck ahead and deploying my airbag. Had I not swerved, the impact could have been more severe and potentially endangered the other driver. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Not yet. My insurance is working to determine whether an inspection is possible due to the extent of the damage. I intend to have the braking system inspected to confirm the failure if it can be safely accessed. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others? The accident has been reported to my insurance, and they are aware that I believe the brakes failed. I’m waiting to hear whether an inspection by their representatives or a third party will be conducted. To my knowledge, the manufacturer has not inspected the vehicle. Were there any warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No brake-related warning lights or messages appeared before or during the failure. However, the forward collision alert did pop up—but it only appeared a couple of seconds before the impact, far too late to help avoid.

   NHTSA complaint 11673648
8. Filed Jun 22, 2025Failure May 12, 2025Mantachie, MSAutomatic emergency braking, Assist, Warning

   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.

   NHTSA complaint 11668451
9. Filed Mar 20, 2025Failure Mar 18, 2025Terrell, TXUnknown or other

   My Seltos was sitting in my driveway and a crack appeared this morning. It wasn't there two days ago when I last drove it.

   NHTSA complaint 11649477
10. Filed Feb 15, 2025Failure Jan 15, 2025Brunswick, OHElectrical system, Exterior lighting

    Car delivered [XXX] since then we have had 3 incidents of the dash control lights going out along with the head lights going dim making it very dangerous to drive in the dark. Car had about 1200 miles on it when it started and it had 1823 miles on it when they had a appointment for me to get the car in. We are going on a 3 week trip south at the end of march and based on my experience with the Saltos, the dash lights go out and the head lights either go out or go very dim. How do I know, I had a 2023 Seltos that had the same problem, answer from Ganley Kia, could not duplicate, another Kia I owned when I lived in Georgia, Dash llights and head lights went out in the mountains in the dark. Dealer replaced this car INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

    NHTSA complaint 11642950
11. Filed Jan 9, 2025Failure Jan 2, 2025Concord, MAElectrical system

    The main instrument cluster will not illuminate on initial start ups. The screen will not illuminate on it's own, a vehicle restart is required after a extended period of driving/engine running. Speedometer, tachometer and fuel gauge are not visible. It is a recurring problem. The vehicle was taken to the dealership and the service department said it is a known problem with the Seltos and other models. They said Kia hasn't identified the problem.

    NHTSA complaint 11635043
12. Filed Nov 27, 2024Failure Nov 26, 2024Bishopville, MDExterior lighting

    When I drive this vehicle at night it seems like the low beam headlights are not aimed correctly. It seems like they are angled too far down on the road as I feel like I could not see more than 15-20 feet in front of the vehicle without my high beams on, also the low beams are angled so far down towards the road that it did not illuminate any traffic signs on the side of the road so I could not make them out either. It was scary not being able to see far out as I’m used to.

    NHTSA complaint 11627634
13. Filed Nov 10, 2024Failure Nov 8, 2024Chicago, ILEngine, Steering

    I just bought 2025 kia seltos EX for 5 days. oil cooler already leaking oil, car running fine no lights on. And another issue is when I moved steering to left or right, even on slow speed make any turn, I heard 'dot dot dot' mental sounds under passage wheel, can't believe it happened in new car.

    NHTSA complaint 11624432