Engine
1.6L 4-cyl
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.
Fault profile
Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.
When it fails
The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.
Vehicle age when the failure occurred
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 74 of 74 complaints with a usable failure date.
Known issues
The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.
Engine & cooling
48 complaint records1 fire report2 crash reports
"Car is throwing a P1327 error code which aligns with this recall: 25V099. However, my VIN is not included in the recall despite being a 2022 Kia Seltos...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse engine & cooling parts in the directory →
Power train
10 complaint records1 crash report
"I was stopped in traffic for about 40 minutes and the over heating transmission came on. warnned to pull over and wait to cool off...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse power train parts in the directory →
Electrical system
9 complaint records1 fire report1 crash report
"Tried to remote start vehicle and it would not work. Went and manually started car so it could warm up and returned to house. Went back outside and car was backed into a ditch with all warning lights illuminated on dash...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse electrical system parts in the directory →
Federal defect investigations
Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.
| Investigation | Status | Component | Subject |
|---|---|---|---|
| AQ25001 opened Aug 2025 | closed Dec 2025 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Kia 25V099 Piston Oil Ring Recall Effectiveness On August 6, 2025, the Office of Defect Investigation (ODI) opened Audit Query (AQ) 25001 to assess the implementation of Kia America, Inc.’s (Kia) remedy program for Safety Recall 25V099, involving incorrectly manufactured piston oil rings which may damage... |
Recall campaigns
Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.
| Campaign | Component | Summary | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25V099000 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Seltos and Soul vehicles. The piston oil rings may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can result in engine damage. | Normally free |
Transport Canada recalls
Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.
| Recall | System | Units (CA) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025083 2025-02-18 | Engine | 25,279 | Issue: On certain vehicles, the piston oil rings may not have been manufactured properly and could damage the cylinder walls. As a result, the engine could make abnormal noises, and a warning light may turn on. |
| 2024549 2024-08-15 | Label | 647,384 | Issue: On certain vehicles, the compliance label may be missing information in French. The words listed on the label for "Tires", "Rims", "Front" and "Rear" appear in English only, when they should be listed as "Tires/Pneus",... |
| 2024093 2024-02-14 | Electrical | 44,478 | Issue: On certain vehicles, the 4WD control unit under the driver's seat may become contaminated by a mixture of salt and moisture inside the vehicle. Over time, this can lead to corrosion that could cause a short circuit. |
Service bulletins and warranty extensions
Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| WTY038_DP Jul 2024 | WARRANTY EXTENSION | Electrical System | WARRANTY EXTENSION CAMPAIGN: DEALER PRINCIPAL MEMO (WTY038) - This document is the announcement to the dealer principals advising that Kia is extending the New Vehicle Limited Warranty coverage, to all owners, for repairs related to the horn assembly in 2021-2024 MY Seltos... |
| WTY038_DPSM Jul 2024 | WARRANTY EXTENSION | Electrical System | WARRANTY EXTENSION CAMPAIGN: DEALER PARTS AND SERVICE MANAGER MEMO (WTY038) - This document is the announcement to the dealer Parts and Service Managers that Kia is extending the New Vehicle Limited Warranty coverage, to all owners, for repairs related to the horn assembly in... |
| WTY038_QA Jul 2024 | WARRANTY EXTENSION | Electrical System | WARRANTY EXTENSION CAMPAIGN: QUESTION AND ANSWER (WTY038) - This document is the Question and Answer Guide containing the most frequently asked questions regarding the Warranty Extension Campaign WTY038. |
| WTY038_OWNR Jul 2024 | WARRANTY EXTENSION | Electrical System | WARRANTY EXTENSION CAMPAIGN: OWNER NOTIFICATION (WTY038) - This document is the owner notification advising that Kia is extending the New Vehicle Limited Warranty coverage, to all owners, for repairs related to the horn assembly in 2021-2024 MY Seltos vehicles from 5 years /... |
| WTY038_REIMB Jul 2024 | WARRANTY EXTENSION | Electrical System | WARRANTY EXTENSION CAMPAIGN: REQUEST FOR REIMBURSEMENT FORM (WTY038) - This document is a Reimbursement Request form that was mailed with the customer letter advising them to submit the form if they had paid for repairs for this same matter prior to the warranty extension... |
| WTY038_TSB Jul 2024 | WARRANTY EXTENSION | Electrical System | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: WARRANTY EXTENSION CAMPAIGN: HORN ASSEMBLY INSPECTION/REPLACEMENT (WTY038) - This bulletin provides information associated with the ‘Warranty Extension Program’ (WTY038) to inspect and, if necessary, replace the horn assembly on 2021-2024MY Seltos... |
| WTY038_TSB_R1 Oct 2025 | WARRANTY EXTENSION | Electrical System | WARRANTY EXTENSION CAMPAIGN: TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: HORN ASSEMBLY INSPECTION/REPLACEMEN (WTY038) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. |
Show 53 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| CS2312_TSB_R2 Jun 2026 | Structure | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: THEFT DETERRENT IGNITION CYLINDER PROTECTOR AND DECAL INSTALLATION (CS2312) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. | |
| TSB_ELE422 May 2026 | Electrical System | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM SOFTWARE UPDATE USING UPDATE.KIA.COM - This bulletin provides information and service procedures for updating the infotainment systems on applicable Kia vehicles using the Kia Navigation Updater available at update.kia.com. | |
| TSB_CS2312 Dec 2025 | Structure | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: THEFT DETERRENT IGNITION CYLINDER PROTECTOR AND DECAL INSTALLATION (CS2312) - This bulletin provides information to install a Theft Deterrent Ignition Cylinder Protector on certain 2010-2022MY Kia vehicles outlined on page 19,... | |
| CS2312_OWNR Dec 2025 | Structure | CUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN: OWNER NOTIFICATION (CS2312) - This document is the owner notification advising that Kia is conducting Customer Satisfaction Campaign. | |
| PS797 Dec 2025 | Back Over Prevention | PITSTOP: TECHNICAL OPERATIONS: EXTERNAL DAMAGE TO ULTRASONIC SENSOR: This Pitstop provides information related to Parking Distance Warning (PDW) alerts and repairs involving ultrasonic sensors. | |
| TSB_ELE382_R1 Oct 2025 | Electrical System | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: IBU LOGIC IMPROVEMENT: This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. | |
| SC336YZ_TSB Sep 2025 | Engine | This bulletin provides information related to the Technical Service Bulletin previously published under SC336 titled “Engine Inspection/Replacement and ECM Logic Improvement”. | |
| SST082_R1 Sep 2025 | Engine | This bulletin provides instructions to perform an engine vibration inspection using the Kia Diagnostic System (KDS) tablet on certain Kia engine/model vehicles. The piston oil ring(s) in certain Kia engines may, over time, damage the surface of the engine cylinder wall. | |
| TSB_ELE382 Aug 2025 | Electrical System | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: IBU LOGIC IMPROVEMENT - This bulletin provides information to upgrade the Integrated Body Control Unit (IBU) software on some 2021-2025MY Seltos (SP2) vehicles produced from November 20, 2019 through January 13. 2025. | |
| TSB_TRA046_R5 Apr 2025 | Power Train | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. | |
| TSB_SST082 Apr 2025 | Engine | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: PISTON NOISE SENSING SYSTEM (PNSS) INSPECTION - This bulletin provides instructions to perform an engine vibration inspection using the Kia Diagnostic System (KDS) tablet on certain 2020 - 2023 MY Kia Soul (SK3) 2021 - 2023 MY Seltos (SP2) Kia... | |
| SC297_OWNR_201 Apr 2025 | SERVICE CAMPAIGN | Power Train | VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN: OWNER RENOTIFICATION (SC297) - This document is the owner renotification advising that Kia conducting a Voluntary Service Campaign to inspect and, if necessary, replace the AWD Control Unit in certain 2021-2023 MY Seltos all-wheel drive (AWD) vehicles... |
| TSB_ELE378 Mar 2025 | Electrical System | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: SERVICE ACTION: KIA CONNECT MODEM RESET (SA611) - This bulletin outlines the procedure for resetting the modem in certain 2016-2025MY Kia vehicles listed on page 3 that are equipped with Kia Connect Services. | |
| TSB_ELE338_R1 Jan 2025 | Electrical System | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: SERVICE ACTION: DISPLAY AUDIO 2.0/AVN5WSOFTWARE UPDATE (SA569) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. | |
| TSB_ELE347_R1 Dec 2024 | Electrical System | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: DISPLAY AUDIO 2.0V/AVN5W SOFTWARE UPDATE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. | |
| TSB_ELE303_R3 Nov 2024 | Electrical System | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: AVN 5.0 WIDE NON-RESPONSIVE RADIO ICON (AM, FM, SXM) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. | |
| TSB_CHA121_R2 Sep 2024 | Suspension | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: FRONT STRUT BEARING & SPRING PAD REPLACEMENT - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. | |
| TSB_CHA121_R1 Jul 2024 | Suspension | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: FRONT STRUT BEARING & SPRING PAD REPLACEMENT - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. | |
| TSB_ELE347 Jul 2024 | Electrical System | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: DISPLAY AUDIO 2.0V/AVN5W SOFTWARE UPDATE - This bulletin provides information to update the software on Display Audio 2.0 (D2V) and 5th Generation AVN Wide (AVN5W) head units on certain 2021-2023MY Kia vehicles. | |
| TSB_TRA109 Jul 2024 | Power Train | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: IVT OIL PRESSURE SENSOR REPLACEMENT: This bulletin provides information to replace the Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT) Oil Pressure Sensor (OPS) on some 2018-2024MY vehicles listed on page 3 equipped with IVT. | |
| CS2309_TSB_R3 Jun 2024 | Electrical System | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: ANTI-THEFT S/W LOGIC UPGRADE & DECAL INSTALLATION (CS2309) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. | |
| TSB_TRA046_R4 May 2024 | Power Train | This bulletin provides information relating to the correct transmission fluid type and fill quantity requirement for each Kia model. A flush is required ONLY when a transmission is replaced. | |
| TSB_ELE338 Apr 2024 | Electrical System | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: SERVICE ACTION: DISPLAY AUDIO 2.0/AVN5W SOFTWARE UPDATE (SA569) - This bulletin provides information to update the software on Display Audio 2.0 (D2V) and 5th Generation AVN Wide (AVN5W) head units on certain 2022-2023MY Kia vehicles (refer to model... | |
| SC297_TSB Apr 2024 | Power Train | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN: 4WD ECU INSPECTION/REPLACEMENT (SC297) - This bulletin provides information to inspect and, if necessary, replace/repair the 4WD Electronic Control Unit (ECU) and wire harness and also to install a protective cover over the... | |
| SC297_OWNR Apr 2024 | Power Train | VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN: OWNER NOTIFICATION (SC297) - This document is the owner notification advising that Kia is conducting a Voluntary Service Campaign to inspect and, if necessary, replace the AWD Control Unit in certain 2021-2023 MY Seltos all-wheel drive (AWD) vehicles... | |
| SC297_DP Mar 2024 | Power Train | VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN: DEALER PRINCIPAL MEMO (SC297) - This document is the announcement to the dealer principals that Kia is conducting a Voluntary Service Campaign to inspect and, if necessary, replace the AWD Control Unit in certain 2021-2023 MY Seltos all-wheel drive... | |
| SC297_DPSM Mar 2024 | Power Train | VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN: DEALER PARTS & SERVICE MANAGER MEMO (SC297) - This document is the announcement to the dealer Parts and Service Managers that Kia is conducting a Voluntary Service Campaign to inspect and, if necessary, replace the AWD Control Unit in certain... | |
| SC297_QA Mar 2024 | Electrical System | VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN: QUESTION AND ANSWER (SC297) - This document is the Question and Answer Guide containing the most frequently asked questions regarding the Voluntary Service Campaign SC297. | |
| TSB_ELE303_R2 Feb 2024 | Electrical System | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: AVN 5.0 WIDE NON-RESPONSIVE RADIO ICON (AM, FM, SXM) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. | |
| TSB_CHA121 Jan 2024 | Suspension | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: FRONT STRUT BEARING & SPRING PAD REPLACEMENT - This bulletin provides information to replace the front strut bearing and upper spring pad on both front (LH and RH) strut assemblies on certain 2019-2024MY Forte (BDm) vehicles produced from July 09,... | |
| TSB_ELE325 Dec 2023 | Electrical System | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CLUSTER UPGRADE FOR INTERMITTENT DISPLAY RESTARTING - This bulletin provides information to upgrade the Cluster (CLU) software logic on certain 2021-2023MY Seltos (SP2) vehicles equipped with a 7 in. | |
| TSB_ELE320 Dec 2023 | Electrical System | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: AVN 5.0 WIDE SCREEN FREEZING OR MAP DELAY WITH WIRED APPLE CARPLAY - This bulletin provides information to update the software on 5th Generation AVN wide on certain 2020-2023MY Kia vehicles to remedy an inaccurate map location, freezing AVN screen, or... | |
| TSB_ELE314 Oct 2023 | Electrical System | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: UNEVEN/SLIPPERY ROAD WARNING DISPLAYED ON INSTRUMENT CLUSTER - This bulletin provides information to update the software on 5th Generation AVN wide on certain 2020-2023MY Kia vehicles (refer to model list on page 3) to remedy a warning sound... | |
| TSB_ELE303_R1 Sep 2023 | Electrical System | This bulletin provides information to update the software on 5th Generation AVN wide on certain 2020-2024MY Kia vehicles (refer to model list on page 3) to remedy a 'non-responsive' or 'inoperative' radio (FM, AM, SXM, etc. ) concern. | |
| PS750 Sep 2023 | Steering | PITSTOP: AWD SYSTEM CONCERN DUE TO TIRE CIRCUMFERENCE - This Pitstop provides information regarding potential concerns with the All-Wheel-Drive (AWD) system due to tire sizes of differing circumference. | |
| TSB_ELE303 Aug 2023 | Equipment | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: AVN 5.0 WIDE NON-RESPONSIVE RADIO ICON (AM, FM, SXM) - This bulletin provides information to update the software on 5th Generation AVN wide on certain 2020-2023MY Kia vehicles to remedy a 'non-responsive' or 'inoperative' radio (FM,... | |
| CS2309_OWNR2 Aug 2023 | Electrical System | CUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN: OWNER RE-NOTIFICATION - This document is the owner re-notification advising that Kia has developed a software upgrade that can be installed on the vehicle to restrict the operation of the vehicle's ignition system should a locked vehicle be the... | |
| CS2310_TSB_R1 Aug 2023 | Electrical System | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: KIA GENUINE REMOTE START CONTROL MODULE UPGRADE FOR ANTI-THEFT LOGIC COMPATIBILITY (CS2310) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. | |
| CS2309_TSB_R2 Jul 2023 | Electrical System | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: ANTI-THEFT S/W LOGIC UPGRADE & DECAL INSTALLATION (CS2309) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. | |
| TSB_ELE250_R2 Jul 2023 | Equipment | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: SERVICE ACTION: DA 2.0V SOFTWARE UPDATE FOR WIRELESS APPLE CARPLAY FUNCTION (SA492) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. | |
| CS2310_TSB Jul 2023 | Electrical System | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: KIA GENUINE REMOTE START CONTROL MODULE UPGRADE FOR ANTI-THEFT LOGIC COMPATIBILITY (CS2310) - This bulletin provides information to update the software logic in the Kia Genuine Remote Start Control Module on certain 2012-2022MY... | |
| CS2309_TSB_R1 May 2023 | Electrical System | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: ANTI-THEFT S/W LOGIC UPGRADE & DECAL INSTALLATION (CS2309) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. | |
| CS2309_OWNRSP2 May 2023 | Electrical System | CUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN: OWNER NOTIFICATION - This document is the owner notification advising that Kia has developed a software upgrade that can be installed on the vehicle to restrict the operation of the vehicle's ignition system should a locked vehicle be the subject... | |
| CS2309_TSB Apr 2023 | Electrical System | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: ANTI-THEFT S/W LOGIC UPGRADE & DECAL INSTALLATION (CS2309) - This bulletin provides the procedure to upgrade the software logic of the Integrated Body Control Unit (IBU) or Body Control Module (BCM) system on certain 2021-2022MY... | |
| TSB_CHA117 Dec 2022 | Service Brakes | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: ABS/ESC LOGIC IMPROVEMENT FOR DTC C1626 - This bulletin provides the procedure to update the software logic of the Anti-Lock Brakes/Electronic Stability Control (ABS/ESC) systems on some 2021-2023MY Seltos vehicles, which may experience multiple dash... | |
| TSB_TRA046_R3 Nov 2022 | Power Train | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - This bulletin provides information relating to the correct transmission fluid type and fill quantity requirement for each Kia model. | |
| TSB_ENG219_R1 Sep 2022 | Engine And Engine Cooling | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: MAINTENANCE REMINDER FEATURE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area.This bulletin provides information on setting the "Service Interval... | |
| SC242_OWNR Aug 2022 | Electrical System | VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN: OWNER NOTIFICATION - This document is the owner notification advising that Kia is conducting a Voluntary Service Campaign to inspect and, if necessary, repair the transfer case oil seal and to perform the All-Wheel Drive Electronic Control Unit ("AWD... | |
| SC242_DP Aug 2022 | Power Train | VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN: DEALER PRINCIPAL MEMO - This document is the announcement to the dealer principals that Kia is conducting a Voluntary Service Campaign on certain All-Wheel Drive 2021-2023 MY Seltos vehicles equipped with 2.0L engines manufactured from November 20,... | |
| SC242_DPSM Aug 2022 | Electrical System | VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN: DEALER PARTS AND SERVICE MANAGER MEMO - This document is the announcement to the dealer Parts and Service Managers that Kia is conducting a Voluntary Service Campaign on certain All-Wheel Drive 2021-2023 MY Seltos vehicles equipped with 2.0L engines... | |
| SC242_QA Aug 2022 | Power Train | VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN: QUESTION AND ANSWER - This document is the Question and Answer Guide containing the most frequently asked questions regarding the Voluntary Service Campaign (SC242). | |
| SC242_TSB Aug 2022 | Power Train | VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN: TRANSFER CASE LEAKAGE/OVERHEATING WHEN USING SPARE TIRE (SC242) - This bulletin provides the procedure to inspect the front wheel transfer assembly for oil leakage and update the 4-Wheel Drive (4WD) (also referred to as All-Wheel Drive [AWD]),... | |
| TSB_ELE209_R3 Aug 2022 | Electrical System | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: SERVICE REMINDER SETTING RESET PROCEDURE - This bulletin provides the procedure to turn OFF the service reminder lamp, at the first service interval reminder alert that will display on the instrument cluster. |
Showing 60 of 82 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.
Before you buy this vehicle
A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.
- Cold-start it yourself and listen for the first thirty seconds.Knocking, ticking that fades as it warms, or blue or white smoke on startup are the sounds of this vehicle's engine cluster. Check the oil level and the coolant color, and ask whether the engine or its head gaskets have ever been out.
- Drive it from a dead stop, twice, on a hill if you can.Shudder, hesitation, or a lurch under light throttle is how this vehicle's largest complaint cluster shows itself. Then ask for the transmission service history in writing; repeat repairs are a pattern, not a fluke.
- Sit in it with the engine off and test everything that has a switch.Windows, locks, lights, the cluster, the radio. Electrical faults are this vehicle's story and the hardest to see on a drive: an intermittent no-start waits for the second week of ownership. Ask for the battery's age and whether any control module has been replaced.
- Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 1 recall campaign on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
- Ask the dealer whether the warranty extension on file still applies to this VIN.The manufacturer issued 7 warranty extensions for this vehicle (see the service bulletins section). Extended coverage often runs by years or miles from the original sale, and a repair the seller paid for may have been free.
- Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.
Parts search directory
The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.
Open the parts directory for this Kia Seltos →