Kia Seltos research: recalls, reliability and buyer's guide

The Seltos packs a lot of space and features into a small, boxy SUV and offers AWD on most trims. Most use a 146-hp 2.0L with a smooth CVT-type IVT (about 27/31 mpg with AWD); the turbo trims are notably quicker, especially 2024-and-later models with 195 hp and a conventional 8-speed automatic. 2021-2023 2.0L engines should be checked for the piston-ring recall.

Model years covered: 2021–2026. The Seltos arrived for 2021. The 2026 model is the last of the first generation; an all-new 2027 Seltos (2.0L and 1.6L turbo, hybrid to follow) went on sale during 2026 and is not covered here. Verify 2026 trims and equipment against current Kia data.

Last updated 2026-10-15.

Strengths

Roomy cargo area for the class
Available AWD
Strong standard equipment
Quick turbo option
Easy to park size
Long kia warranty if still in effect

Things to know before you buy

2.0 liter piston ring recall on 2021 2023
Dual clutch feel on 2021 2023 turbo
Base 2.0 liter is modest in power
2024 refresh is key dividing line
Warranty transfers differ for second owners
Recall status should be checked by VIN

Generations

Generation 1 (2021–2026)

The first U.S. Seltos (2021-2026) pairs a 146-hp, 132 lb-ft 2.0L four with an IVT, or a 1.6L turbo: 175 hp with a 7-speed dual-clutch for 2021-2023, then 195 hp with an 8-speed automatic after the 2024 refresh, which also brought new styling, dual 10.25-inch screens and an X-Line trim. AWD is standard on most trims and on every turbo.

Buyer takeaway: A 2024-2026 turbo is the most refined, quickest Seltos. For the 2.0L, any year works, but on 2021-2023 confirm the piston-ring recall work and check oil use. Choose AWD trims for snow; FWD is limited to certain 2.0L trims.

Kia Seltos by model year

2026 Kia Seltos

The 2026 Seltos is the last year of the first generation, with the 146-hp 2.0L IVT (about 27/31 mpg AWD) and the 195-hp 1.6L turbo with an 8-speed automatic in the SX. Reports indicate a slimmer trim lineup, so verify trim and drivetrain by VIN. A redesigned, larger 2027 Seltos replaces it during 2026.

Engines: 2.0 liter I4 146 hp 132 lb ft; 1.6 liter turbo I4 195 hp 195 lb ft
Transmissions: Intelligent variable transmission CVT; 8 speed automatic turbo only
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive; All wheel drive
Body style: 5 door subcompact crossover SUV

What changed:

Final year of the first generation
Trim lineup simplified verify x line availability
All new 2027 seltos follows

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; CVT smoothness on 2.0 liter; 8 speed automatic shift quality on turbo; Exact engine transmission and drivetrain by VIN; AWD system and matching tires if equipped; Driver assistance sensors and cameras; Infotainment screens and phone connectivity; Oil level and oil change history; Tire and brake condition.

2025 Kia Seltos

The 2025 Seltos is a light update to the refreshed model: rear parking sensors become standard on EX and SX, the SX and AWD EX gain a hands-free power liftgate, and EX offers a sunroof package. Engines carry over: 146-hp 2.0L with IVT or 195-hp 1.6L turbo with an 8-speed automatic and AWD.

Engines: 2.0 liter I4 146 hp 132 lb ft; 1.6 liter turbo I4 195 hp 195 lb ft
Transmissions: Intelligent variable transmission CVT; 8 speed automatic turbo only
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive; All wheel drive
Body style: 5 door subcompact crossover SUV

What changed:

Rear parking sensors standard on upper trims
Smart power liftgate on upper trims
New power sunroof package for mid trim

2024 Kia Seltos

The 2024 refresh updated the styling and cabin (available dual 10.25-inch screens) and added an X-Line trim. The turbo grew to 195 hp and swapped the dual-clutch for a conventional 8-speed automatic, AWD only (about 26 mpg combined); the 146-hp 2.0L IVT continues (about 27/31 mpg AWD). Trims: LX, S, EX, X-Line, SX.

Engines: 2.0 liter I4 146 hp 132 lb ft; 1.6 liter turbo I4 195 hp 195 lb ft
Transmissions: Intelligent variable transmission CVT; 8 speed automatic turbo only
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive; All wheel drive
Body style: 5 door subcompact crossover SUV

What changed:

Refreshed styling and new x line trim
Turbo rises to 195 hp with 8 speed automatic replacing dual clutch
Available dual panoramic displays
Turbo models all wheel drive only

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Idle stop and go oil pump recall status; Side curtain airbag recall status; CVT smoothness on 2.0 liter; 8 speed automatic shift quality on turbo; Exact engine transmission and drivetrain by VIN; AWD system and matching tires if equipped; Driver assistance sensors and cameras; Infotainment screens and phone connectivity; Oil level and oil change history; Tire and brake condition.

2023 Kia Seltos

The 2023 Seltos carries over: a 146-hp 2.0L with the IVT (FWD on the S, AWD on others) or a 175-hp 1.6L turbo with the 7-speed dual-clutch and AWD, in LX, S, EX, Nightfall and SX trims. It is the last year before the 2024 refresh. Some 2023 cars are in the 2.0L piston-ring and idle stop-and-go oil pump recalls, so check by VIN.

Engines: 2.0 liter I4 146 hp 132 lb ft; 1.6 liter turbo I4 175 hp 195 lb ft
Transmissions: Intelligent variable transmission CVT; 7 speed dual clutch turbo only
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive; All wheel drive
Body style: 5 door subcompact crossover SUV

What changed:

Largely carryover
Last year of the 175 hp turbo and dual clutch

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; 2.0 liter piston ring recall and piston noise sensing software status; Oil consumption or engine noise on 2.0 liter; CVT smoothness on 2.0 liter; Dual clutch low speed behavior on turbo; Idle stop and go oil pump recall status; Exact engine transmission and drivetrain by VIN; AWD system and matching tires if equipped; Driver assistance sensors and cameras; Infotainment screens and phone connectivity; Oil level and oil change history; Tire and brake condition.

2022 Kia Seltos

For 2022 the Seltos keeps the 146-hp 2.0L (IVT) and 175-hp 1.6L turbo (7-speed dual-clutch, AWD). A Nightfall turbo trim replaces the S Turbo, the 10.25-inch navigation screen becomes standard on all but the LX, and more driver aids such as lane following assist and driver attention warning became standard. Check the 2.0L piston-ring recall by VIN.

Engines: 2.0 liter I4 146 hp 132 lb ft; 1.6 liter turbo I4 175 hp 195 lb ft
Transmissions: Intelligent variable transmission CVT; 7 speed dual clutch turbo only
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive; All wheel drive
Body style: 5 door subcompact crossover SUV

What changed:

Nightfall turbo trim replaces former turbo trim
Larger navigation touchscreen standard above base trim
More standard driver assistance

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; 2.0 liter piston ring recall and piston noise sensing software status; Oil consumption or engine noise on 2.0 liter; CVT smoothness on 2.0 liter; Dual clutch low speed behavior on turbo; Exact engine transmission and drivetrain by VIN; AWD system and matching tires if equipped; Driver assistance sensors and cameras; Infotainment screens and phone connectivity; Oil level and oil change history; Tire and brake condition.

2021 Kia Seltos

The Seltos debuted for 2021 as Kia's boxy small SUV between the Soul and Sportage. LX, S and EX use a 146-hp 2.0L four with a CVT-style IVT; S Turbo and SX Turbo get a 175-hp 1.6L turbo with a 7-speed dual-clutch. AWD is standard on all but the FWD S 2.0L. Rated about 27/31 mpg (2.0L AWD) and 25/30 mpg (turbo AWD). Check the 2.0L piston-ring recall by VIN.

Engines: 2.0 liter I4 146 hp 132 lb ft; 1.6 liter turbo I4 175 hp 195 lb ft
Transmissions: Intelligent variable transmission CVT; 7 speed dual clutch turbo only
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive; All wheel drive
Body style: 5 door subcompact crossover SUV

What changed:

All new model slotted between soul and sportage
AWD standard on most trims
Available 1.6 liter turbo with dual clutch
Available larger navigation touchscreen

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; 2.0 liter piston ring recall and piston noise sensing software status; Oil consumption or engine noise on 2.0 liter; CVT smoothness on 2.0 liter; Dual clutch low speed behavior on turbo; Exact engine transmission and drivetrain by VIN; AWD system and matching tires if equipped; Driver assistance sensors and cameras; Infotainment screens and phone connectivity; Oil level and oil change history; Tire and brake condition.

Known issues and what to check

2.0L Piston Oil Ring Recalls (21V259 and 25V099) (2021–2023)
Two recalls cover piston oil rings in the 2.0L Nu MPI engine: 21V259 (2021 Seltos) for improperly heat-treated rings, and 25V099 (Kia SC336) for certain 2021-2023 Seltos built July 2020 to July 2022. Damaged rings can scuff the cylinder walls, raising oil use and, if ignored, causing engine noise, an oil-pressure light, seizure and loss of power. Dealers inspect, install Piston-ring Noise Sensing System software, and replace the engine if damage is found.
What to do: Confirm both piston-ring recalls are complete and ask for oil-change records on a 2021-2023 2.0L Seltos.
Idle Stop & Go Electric Oil Pump Recall (23V531) (2023–2024)
Certain 2023-2024 Seltos (along with some 2023 Soul and Sportage models) were recalled because the controller for the Idle Stop & Go electric oil pump can overheat and create fire risk. Owners were told to park outside until repaired; dealers replace the controller free.
What to do: Confirm the recall repair is complete before purchase.
Side Curtain Airbag Recall (23V830) (2023–2024)
Certain 2023-2024 Seltos were recalled because the side curtain airbags could deploy unexpectedly due to a manufacturing defect.
What to do: Check the VIN and confirm the airbag repair.
7-Speed Dual-Clutch Behavior (2021-2023 Turbo) (2021–2023)
2021-2023 turbo Seltos use a 7-speed dual-clutch. It shifts quickly but can feel hesitant or jerky creeping in traffic and on hills compared with a regular automatic. From 2024 the turbo uses an 8-speed automatic instead.
What to do: Test drive the turbo in traffic; if dual-clutch feel bothers you, look at a 2024-or-later turbo.
Intelligent Variable Transmission (CVT) Care (2021–2026)
The 2.0L Seltos uses Kia's IVT, a CVT-type transmission. It is generally smooth and efficient, but a used car should be checked for slipping, shudder or whining, and fluid service follows Kia's severe-use schedule for harder use.
What to do: Road test and review service records; budget for fluid service per Kia's schedule.
2.0L vs Turbo and FWD vs AWD Resolution (2021–2026)
The Seltos comes with a 146-hp 2.0L (IVT, FWD or AWD depending on trim and year) or a 1.6L turbo (175 hp with a dual-clutch for 2021-2023, 195 hp with an 8-speed automatic from 2024, always AWD). Recalls, fuel economy and driving feel differ by configuration.
What to do: Confirm engine and drivetrain before comparing prices.

Recalls

Recall applicability varies by model year, production date, engine and VIN. Check the VIN for open recalls and completed remedies, including the 2.0L piston-ring campaigns on 2021-2023 models.

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Questions this guide answers

What engine does this Seltos have?
Is this Seltos all-wheel drive?
What changed in the 2024 Seltos refresh?
Is the Seltos piston-ring recall done on this car?
What is the difference between the dual-clutch and 8-speed turbo?
What fuel economy does the Seltos get?
How does the Seltos compare to the Soul and Sportage?
What should I inspect on a used Seltos?
What is new in the 2027 Seltos?
What recalls should I check by VIN?