NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2024 Kia Seltos Safety Ratings
The 2024 Kia Seltos scores 83 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 2 recalls, and 41 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2024 Kia Seltos achieved a NHTSA Safety Index of 83/100, a score indicating Strong performance in our evaluation. This marks a meaningful four-point improvement over the 2023 model's 79/100 Average rating. Two federal safety recalls were issued, including one advising owners to park the vehicle outdoors. These recalls represent the primary caution for prospective buyers.
The 2024 Kia Seltos received a 5-star overall crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 83/100 based on NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 144 SUVs from 2024 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2024 Kia Seltos ranks 105 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 83 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 15.1% |
| Recalls on file | 2 (includes park-outside) |
| Owner complaints | 41 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 105 of 144 SUVs tested for 2024 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2024 Kia Seltos?
The 2024 Kia Seltos shows a four-point gain in its Safety Index, moving from 79/100 to 83/100, and is now rated in the Strong band. This improvement is primarily driven by a crash-protection score of 66 out of a possible 70 points and a 5-star NHTSA overall rating. These crash numbers are among the strongest contributors to the index within its segment. However, a critical safety flag emerges from the defect record. The 2024 Seltos has two open recalls, one of which carries a park-outside designation related to the Idle Stop powertrain controller. A second recall for the side curtain air bags adds to active safety concerns. These two recalls, coupled with 41 unverified owner complaints that include alleged crash and fire incidents, pull the defect record sub-score to 11.5 out of 20, preventing it from reaching its full potential. The avoidance-tech sub-score of 5 out of 10 also reflects that some collision-avoidance features are not universally standard.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2024 Kia Seltos perform in crash tests?
The 2024 Kia Seltos received a 5 out of 5 star overall safety rating from NHTSA. This strong performance included perfect 5-star scores in both frontal and side crash tests. The rollover assessment, while still solid, presented the vehicle's only non-perfect score at 4 out of 5 stars. Notably, NHTSA's dynamic tip test for the Seltos recorded no tip, with the measured rollover risk standing at 15 percent.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 19253
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2024 Kia Seltos have any recalls?
Yes, the 2024 Kia Seltos carries two NHTSA recall campaigns. The first involves side curtain air bags that may be affected by a manufacturing error. The second, a powertrain recall tied to the Idle Stop electronic controller, carries a park-outside designation, meaning owners should not park this vehicle in an enclosed space until the remedy is completed.
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 // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2024 Kia Seltos?
Owners have filed 41 unverified complaints with NHTSA, including alleged reports of 4 crashes, 1 fire, and 2 injuries. The most frequently cited components in these unverified allegations are the Electrical System with 15 reports, Unknown or Other with 9, and the Engine with 5.
41 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2024 Kia Seltos?
A critical first step for any prospective owner of a 2024 Kia Seltos is to verify the recall status of the specific vehicle via NHTSA's VIN lookup tool. The two active recall campaigns, particularly the "park outside" guidance related to the powertrain, require confirmation that remedies have been applied.
- The 2024 Seltos jumped four points on the NHTSA Safety Index compared to the 2023 model, moving from the Average band at 79/100 to the Strong band at 83/100, with crash protection accounting for 66 of a possible 70 index points.
- One of the two 2024 Seltos recalls carries a park-outside or do-not-drive designation, specifically the powertrain recall involving the Idle Stop electronic controller, which is an active safety concern until the remedy is verified on a specific VIN.
- The avoidance-tech sub-score of 5 out of 10 reflects that forward collision warning is listed as both standard and optional depending on trim, meaning not every 2024 Seltos configuration carries the same suite of crash-avoidance technology.
- NHTSA has received 41 unverified owner complaints for this model year, with the Electrical System as the top reported component at 15 allegations, and the complaint record includes unverified reports of 4 crashes, 1 fire, and 2 injuries.
RANKINGSWhere the 2024 Kia Seltos places
The 2024 Kia Seltos qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2024 Kia Seltos safety questions
Was the 2024 Kia Seltos crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2024 Kia Seltos, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 83 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2024 Kia Seltos crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2024 Kia Seltos earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 5 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 2024 Kia Seltos have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 2 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2024 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 2024 Kia Seltos?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 41 owner complaints are on file for the 2024 Kia Seltos. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash or a fire.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Seltos years
Rivals in SUV (2024)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 Lexus Rz 300e | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2024 Tesla Model Y Rwd | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2024 Subaru Forester Wilderness | 98/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2024 Lexus Rz 450e | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2024 Buick Encore GX | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 2 |
| 2024 Nissan Murano | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 19253), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Kia Seltos 2024.
- 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 105 of 144 in the SUV class for 2024.
- 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.