MotorCaliberNHTSA Safety Index
NHTSA crash test of the 2024 Kia Seltos

NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED

2024 Kia Seltos

Federal crash-test performance, recalls, and complaints, scored into one NHTSA Safety Index.

2Recalls
41Complaints
0Investigations
ABOUT THE KIA SELTOS

The Kia Seltos is a subcompact crossover SUV that slots below the Sportage in Kia's lineup, targeting younger buyers and urban drivers who want a stylish, right-sized vehicle without sacrificing practicality. Now in its second generation for the US market, the Seltos competes directly against the Honda HR-V, Toyota Corolla Cross, and Chevrolet Trailblazer in one of the most contested segments in American showrooms.

VERDICT

Despite a strong crash-test showing, the 2024 Kia Seltos carries a park-outside or stop-driving recall, so read the recall section first. Both frontal and side crash protection reached the full 5 stars. It has 2 recalls on record, reflected in the score.

WHO IT IS FOR
  • urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
WHAT REVIEWERS SAY

Reviewers generally find the Seltos to be an appealing and well-rounded subcompact SUV, praising its distinctive styling, feature content relative to its price point, and composed driving manners for the class. Most consider it a competitive choice in the segment, though some note that cargo space and rear-seat room fall short of class leaders.

NCAP // CRASH TESTCrash-test breakdown

Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover
Rollover risk 15.1%

Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 19253

Index breakdown

Crash protection66/70
Avoidance tech5/10
Defect record11.5/20
Forward collision warning: Standard & OptionalLane departure warning: StandardStability control: Standard

NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images

Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.

NHTSA // RECALLSRecall record

Park outside / do not drive This vehicle has a recall advising owners to park away from structures or stop driving until repaired. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov.
AIR BAGS23V830000

Risk: An air bag that deploys unexpectedly can increase the risk of injury or crash.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace both side curtain air bag modules as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 31, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC289.

Reported 2023-12-22

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 // COMPLAINTSOwner complaints

41 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.

4reported crash
1reported fire
2reported injuries
0reported deaths
Most-reported systemsElectrical System 15Unknown Or Other 9Engine 5Power Train 4Forward Collision Avoidance 4Visibility/Wiper 3

Other Seltos years

Rivals in SUV (2024)

Last verified 2026-07-02. Sources: NHTSA SafetyRatings (VehicleId 19253), recallsByVehicle, complaintsByVehicle for Kia Seltos 2024. Class rank 107 of 144 in SUV 2024. Methodology · Disclosure