NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2025 Kia Seltos Safety Ratings
The 2025 Kia Seltos scores 91 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Exceptional), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 0 recalls, and 10 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2025 Kia Seltos presents an exceptional safety profile, earning a NHTSA Safety Index of 91/100. This strong showing is supported by a clean recall record, with no safety recalls issued to date. Furthermore, owner complaints remain notably low, with only ten filed. Federal metrics indicate robust safety performance for the 2025 Seltos.
The 2025 Kia Seltos received a five-star overall crash rating and zero recalls from NHTSA, supporting a NHTSA Safety Index of 91 out of 100.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 153 SUVs from 2025 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2025 Kia Seltos ranks 53 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 91 / 100 (Exceptional) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 15.1% |
| Recalls on file | 0 |
| Owner complaints | 10 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 53 of 153 SUVs tested for 2025 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2025 Kia Seltos?
The 2025 Kia Seltos marks a meaningful step forward in measured safety performance. Its NHTSA Safety Index climbed eight points to 91/100, moving from the Strong band of the 2024 model year to the Exceptional band, one of the larger single-year index gains in this segment. The crash protection sub-score of 66 out of a possible 70 anchors that improvement, supported by a sweep of five-star frontal and side ratings from NHTSA. The rollover score of four stars with a 15 percent risk figure is the one area short of a perfect result, consistent with the physics of a compact SUV body style. The defect record sub-score of 19.5 out of 20 reflects the zero-recall standing, which is notable for a model year that has been on the road long enough to accumulate ten owner complaint filings. The avoidance tech sub-score of 5 out of 10 is the index's clearest signal of where this vehicle leaves points on the table. Forward collision warning is listed as both standard and optional depending on trim, lane departure warning is standard, and electronic stability control is standard, but the overall tech score suggests the suite does not yet reach the top tier. For a one-year-old vehicle, the combination of no open recalls and an Exceptional index band is a genuinely strong safety starting point.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2025 Kia Seltos perform in crash tests?
The 2025 Kia Seltos earned a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, with top marks in both frontal and side impact protection. Its rollover performance was rated at four out of five stars, reflecting a 15 percent rollover risk. This assessment included a "No Tip" result in the dynamic tip test.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 20716
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2025 Kia Seltos have any recalls?
The 2025 Kia Seltos has zero recall campaigns on file with NHTSA. No park-outside advisories and no do-not-drive orders have been issued for this model year. Shoppers should still run a VIN check before purchase, as recall filings can be added at any time.
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2025 Kia Seltos?
NHTSA has received ten unverified owner complaints for the 2025 Seltos. The most frequently alleged problem areas are Exterior Lighting and the Electrical System, each with three reported allegations, followed by two unverified reports involving Forward Collision Avoidance. All are unconfirmed consumer allegations, not established defects.
10 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2025 Kia Seltos?
Before purchasing a used 2025 Seltos, run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup tool to confirm no new campaigns have been filed since this data was compiled. Verify that any remedy work is documented if a recall does appear. No open recalls are currently on file, but that status can change.
- The 2025 Seltos Safety Index of 91/100 represents an eight-point jump from the 2024 model year's 83/100, the largest single-year gain reflected in MotorCaliber's Exceptional band designation for this vehicle.
- NHTSA awarded five stars in both frontal and side crash protection for this model year, with the only sub-five result being a four-star rollover rating accompanied by a 15 percent rollover risk figure and a No Tip dynamic result.
- Zero recall campaigns are on file for the 2025 model year, contributing directly to the near-perfect defect record sub-score of 19.5 out of 20 in the Safety Index breakdown.
- Ten unverified owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA, with Exterior Lighting, Electrical System, and Forward Collision Avoidance representing the most frequently alleged concern areas, none of which have produced a recall action for this model year.
RANKINGSWhere the 2025 Kia Seltos places
The 2025 Kia Seltos qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2025 Kia Seltos safety questions
Was the 2025 Kia Seltos crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2025 Kia Seltos, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 91 out of 100, placing it in the Exceptional band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2025 Kia Seltos crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2025 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 2025 Kia Seltos have?
According to NHTSA recall data, no vehicle recalls are on file for the 2025 Kia Seltos as of Oct 1, 2026. Equipment recalls, if any, are excluded from the Safety Index. Run your VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm the status is current.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2025 Kia Seltos?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 10 owner complaints are on file for the 2025 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 (2025)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Lexus GX 550 | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2025 Lexus Rz 300e | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2025 Tesla Model X | 96/100 | not rated | 3 |
| 2025 Acura ADX | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2025 Buick Envision | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 20716), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Kia Seltos 2025.
- 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 53 of 153 in the SUV class for 2025.
- 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.