Kia Seltos Common Problems

The Kia Seltos is a small SUV sold here since late 2019, and every local car so far is the SP2 generation. Most have a 2.0-litre Nu MPi petrol engine with a CVT (Kia calls it an IVT) and front-wheel drive. The 1.6-litre T-GDi turbo comes with all-wheel drive, paired with a seven-speed dry dual-clutch until the 2023 facelift and an eight-speed torque-converter automatic after it. Trims run S, Sport, Sport+ and GT-Line. Kia's seven-year warranty means many used Seltos still have factory cover. The reputation is good overall, but early 2.0 engines have a documented piston ring problem and the turbo's dual-clutch draws complaints in traffic, so the build year and the service paperwork matter.

Piston ring defects and engine failure (2.0 MPi, 2019 to 2022)

Some Seltos 2.0 engines were built with piston rings that may not meet specification. The damage starts quietly: oil use between services, then a tapping or knocking noise, and in bad cases stalling, oil leaks or engine failure.

Kia recalled 2019 and 2020 Seltos 2.0 cars in 2022, then a larger group of 2020 to 2022 Seltos and Cerato 2.0 cars in 2025. The remedy is a dealer inspection, an engine control software update that watches for early signs of failure, and a new engine if damage is found, all free. Out of recall and warranty, a replacement engine could cost roughly $6,000 to $10,000.

Dual-clutch jerkiness at low speed (1.6 T-GDi, seven-speed DCT, 2019 to 2023)

Pre-facelift turbo models use the same seven-speed dry dual-clutch as the Kona and Cerato GT. Some owners describe a jerky take-off, awkward behaviour when reversing or parking, and a delay before drive arrives. Long periods creeping in traffic slip the clutches and build heat, which can glaze the clutch plates or wear the actuator.

The first fix is a dealer clutch relearn and any transmission software update, often free or cheap. A worn clutch pack or actuator outside warranty could cost roughly $2,500 to $4,500. Post-facelift turbo models use an eight-speed torque-converter automatic, which has no dry clutches to wear.

CVT rev flare and hesitation (2.0 MPi, 2019 to 2026)

The 2.0 uses Kia's CVT. Some owners report revs climbing when cruise control re-engages on a downhill run and a sluggish feel when overtaking, and one owner reported a replacement gearbox that failed again months later. Dealers have described the rev behaviour as a normal trait of the CVT.

We found no wide pattern of CVT failures, but a CVT that shudders, slips or whines is expensive to fix: a replacement out of warranty could run to roughly $5,000 or more. Ask whether the CVT fluid has been changed on a high-kilometre car.

Infotainment and driver-assist glitches (all models, 2019 to 2026)

A frequent owner complaint is the speed sign alert, which beeps at small overages and resets every time the car starts. Some owners also report Apple CarPlay stopping after a software update and front parking sensors that only work once a gear is selected. Most are fixed with software updates or settings, though some owners report repeat dealer visits for sensor faults.

Recalls and safety

Seltos recall themes include the 2.0 piston rings (2019 to 2022), a steering column anti-theft lock not fitted at the factory on some 2019 to 2020 cars, instrument cluster software that could fail to show the seatbelt warning on 2022 to 2023 cars, and side curtain airbags on some 2023 cars that could inflate without warning. Have a Kia dealer check the VIN for open recalls, and see our recalls page.

Buying a used Kia Seltos? What to check

• Engine recall: On a 2019 to 2022 2.0, ask for proof of the piston ring inspection, the software update or an engine replacement.
• Cold start: Start the car from cold and listen for tapping or knocking that does not fade as it warms.
• Oil level: Check the dipstick and ask when the last service was. A low level soon after a service is a warning sign on both engines.
• Dual-clutch test: In a pre-2023 turbo, creep in traffic, reverse up a driveway and pull away gently. Judder or a clunk means clutch wear or missing updates.
• CVT feel: On a 2.0, accelerate gently and firmly from 60 km/h. Shudder, slipping or a whine needs a dealer check.
• Electronics: Pair your phone, test the parking sensors in drive and reverse, and check no warning lights stay on.
• Airbag and cluster: On 2022 and 2023 cars, ask whether the curtain airbag and cluster software campaigns were completed.
• Warranty left: Check the first registration date. Kia's seven-year warranty passes to the next owner, and a full service record makes any claim much easier.

Before you buy, run a VIN check on the car and work through our Kia Seltos buying checklist.

The verdict

The safest Seltos buys are 2023 and later facelifted cars: the 2.0 sits outside the recall window, and the turbo gets the eight-speed automatic instead of the dual-clutch. A 2019 to 2022 2.0 is still worth buying if the piston ring recall work is documented and the engine runs quietly with a steady oil level. Be more careful with a pre-2023 turbo GT-Line or Sport+ AWD: test the dual-clutch in traffic and check the service record. With warranty left on many cars, a full Kia service history is the best protection.