NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2023 Kia Seltos Safety Ratings
The 2023 Kia Seltos scores 79 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Average), with a 4-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 2 recalls, and 44 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2023 Kia Seltos registers an Average safety performance this year, with a NHTSA Safety Index of 79/100. This score represents a five-point decline from the 2022 model's 84/100 Strong rating. While its crash-test hardware remains robust, the overall assessment is diminished by a weaker defect record.
The 2023 Kia Seltos received a four-out-of-five-star overall crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 79/100, based on NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 139 SUVs from 2023 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2023 Kia Seltos ranks 112 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 79 / 100 (Average) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 4 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 15.1% |
| Recalls on file | 2 (includes park-outside) |
| Owner complaints | 44 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 112 of 139 SUVs tested for 2023 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2023 Kia Seltos?
What separates the 2023 Kia Seltos from its immediate predecessor is a five-point Safety Index decline, from 84/100 in 2022 to 79/100 in 2023, pulling the vehicle from the Strong band down into Average. The primary driver of that slide is the defect record sub-score, which contributes only 12.75 of a possible 20 points, reflecting the weight of two recall campaigns issued against this specific model year. The park-outside transmission recall is the more consequential flag: it carries the strongest advisory language NHTSA attaches to a recall, signaling that the risk profile under certain conditions warranted keeping the vehicle out of an enclosed space. The engine piston oil ring campaign adds a second layer of concern for this year specifically. On the crash-test side, the picture is more favorable. The five-star side result is the clear high point, and the overall four-star rating is competitive. Avoidance technology scores only 5 of 10 points, reflecting a partial suite rather than a fully equipped safety package. Taken together, this is a year where strong structural performance is offset by a defect record that meaningfully depresses the overall index.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2023 Kia Seltos perform in crash tests?
The 2023 Kia Seltos achieved an overall four-star safety rating from NHTSA. While its frontal and rollover protection each earned four stars, the vehicle's side-crash performance was notably strong, securing a full five-star rating. The rollover risk was measured at 15 percent, with a dynamic tip-test result of No Tip.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 17075
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2023 Kia Seltos have any recalls?
Yes, the 2023 Kia Seltos carries two recall campaigns. The first, a park-outside or do-not-drive directive, involves the electronic controller for the Idle Stop system in the automatic transmission. The second targets incorrectly manufactured piston oil rings in the engine, affecting certain 2021-2023 Seltos and Soul vehicles. The transmission-related campaign is the more urgent of the two.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL25V099000
Risk: Engine damage can cause a vehicle stall or fire, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the engine as necessary, free of charge. Dealers will also install piston-ring noise sensing system (PNSS) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 4, 2025. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC336.
Reported 2025-02-17
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:FLUID/LUBRICANT:PUMP23V531000
Risk: An electric oil pump assembly that overheats increases the risk of a vehicle fire.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will inspect and replace the electric oil pump controller, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 28, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC275.
Reported 2023-07-31
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2023 Kia Seltos?
Owners have filed 44 unverified complaints with NHTSA for the 2023 Seltos. The most frequently alleged problem areas are Unknown or Other issues, the Electrical System, and the Engine, each drawing notable reports. Forward Collision Avoidance, Power Train, and Visibility have also generated unverified allegations. Three reported crashes and three reported injuries are included in that total.
44 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2023 Kia Seltos?
The 2023 Kia Seltos carries two active recall campaigns. Any prospective owner should verify recall compliance for a specific vehicle by checking its VIN with NHTSA's online lookup tool. The more significant of these recalls directs owners to park outside due to a transmission issue; the other addresses seat belt pretensioners. A Kia dealer can confirm whether these, or any other outstanding remedies, have been completed.
- The 2023 Seltos Safety Index dropped five points year over year, from 84/100 Strong in 2022 to 79/100 Average in 2023, with the defect record sub-score of 12.75/20 being the primary drag on the overall figure.
- A park-outside or do-not-drive recall targeting the Idle Stop electronic transmission controller was issued specifically for the 2023 Seltos, making it the most urgent safety action to verify as resolved on any individual used vehicle.
- A separate engine recall covering incorrectly manufactured piston oil rings affects certain 2021-2023 Seltos vehicles, meaning this model year carries two distinct open recall campaigns that a prospective buyer must check by VIN.
- The five-star NHTSA side-crash result is the strongest individual test score for this year, while the avoidance technology sub-score of 5/10 reflects a partial rather than comprehensive active-safety equipment package.
RANKINGSWhere the 2023 Kia Seltos places
The 2023 Kia Seltos qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2023 Kia Seltos safety questions
Was the 2023 Kia Seltos crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2023 Kia Seltos, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 79 out of 100, placing it in the Average band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2023 Kia Seltos crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2023 Kia Seltos earned 4 out of 5 stars for overall, 4 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 15.1%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2023 Kia Seltos have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 2 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2023 Kia Seltos, including a park-outside or do-not-drive campaign, which is the most serious class of recall. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2023 Kia Seltos?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 44 owner complaints are on file for the 2023 Kia Seltos. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Seltos years
Rivals in SUV (2023)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Tesla Model X Later Release | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y Later Release | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y Rwd Early Release | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y Rwd Later Release | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Buick Envision | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2023 Lexus Rz 450e | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 17075), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Kia Seltos 2023.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 112 of 139 in the SUV class for 2023.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.