NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2026 Kia Seltos Safety Ratings
The 2026 Kia Seltos scores 90 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Exceptional), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 0 recalls, and 3 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2026 Kia Seltos achieved an Exceptional rating in the NHTSA Safety Index, scoring 90 out of 100. This result reflects a strong safety profile, supported by its clean recall record and robust NHTSA crash-test performance. While the score represents a slight one-point decrease from the 2025 model year, the overall assessment remains positive. The limited number of owner complaints for this model year suggests a stable early record.
The 2026 Kia Seltos received a 5-star overall crash-test rating and a Safety Index of 90 out of 100 according to NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 143 SUVs from 2026 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2026 Kia Seltos ranks 58 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 90 / 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 | 3 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 58 of 143 SUVs tested for 2026 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2026 Kia Seltos?
The 2026 Kia Seltos achieved a 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA's NCAP program, securing maximum scores in both frontal and side protection. This strong performance in crash protection contributes to a computed Safety Index of 90 out of 100, placing the Seltos in the Exceptional band. While this is a one-point decrease from the 2025 model's 91, the vehicle's crash-protection sub-score of 66 out of 70 remains near perfect. The rollover assessment yielded a 4-star rating, with a 15 percent rollover risk. However, the dynamic tip test concluded with a No Tip outcome, which is a favorable result for that particular test. The avoidance technology sub-score of 5 out of 10 is the primary factor limiting the Seltos's overall Safety Index. A zero-recall count is a significant positive for a vehicle in its early model year production. This indicates a solid initial manufacturing quality. Further supporting this, the defect-record sub-score stands at 19 out of 20, reflecting only 3 owner complaints logged, with no reported deaths or fires.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2026 Kia Seltos perform in crash tests?
The 2026 Kia Seltos achieved 5 out of 5 stars in overall crash protection from NHTSA, demonstrating strong performance in its core safety evaluations. Frontal and side impact assessments each returned a perfect 5-star rating. The rollover category, however, presented a comparative weakness, earning 4 out of 5 stars with a 15 percent rollover risk. In the dynamic tip test, the Seltos recorded a "No Tip" result.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 21180
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2026 Kia Seltos have any recalls?
The 2026 Kia Seltos has zero recall campaigns on file with NHTSA. No components have been flagged, and there are no park-outside or do-not-drive advisories associated with this model year. Shoppers should still run a VIN check through NHTSA's recall database, as campaigns can be issued at any time after a model enters the market.
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2026 Kia Seltos?
NHTSA has received 3 unverified owner complaints for the 2026 Seltos. Alleged problem areas include Service Brakes and Hydraulic systems, each cited twice, and Air Bags and Vehicle Speed Control each cited once. These are unverified consumer allegations, not confirmed defects, and the sample is very small.
3 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2026 Kia Seltos?
With no recalls on file for the 2026 Seltos as of this analysis, prospective owners must still perform their due diligence. Any buyer should run the specific VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup tool prior to purchase. Confirm that no remedy is pending before taking delivery, as recall campaigns can be announced at any time.
- The 2026 Seltos scores 90 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index, one point below the 2025 model's 91, with the avoidance-tech sub-score of 5 out of 10 being the primary drag on the overall figure.
- NHTSA's NCAP program awarded the 2026 Seltos 5 stars overall, 5 stars for frontal protection, and 5 stars for side protection, with the rollover category coming in at 4 stars and a 15 percent rollover risk.
- This model year carries zero NHTSA recall campaigns, a clean defect-record sub-score of 19 out of 20, and only 3 unverified owner complaints on file, making the current defect picture unusually quiet for a new model year.
- The 3 unverified complaints logged with NHTSA cite Service Brakes and Hydraulic systems most frequently, and while the sample is too small to indicate a pattern, these components are worth monitoring as additional reports may be filed over time.
RANKINGSWhere the 2026 Kia Seltos places
The 2026 Kia Seltos qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2026 Kia Seltos safety questions
Was the 2026 Kia Seltos crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2026 Kia Seltos, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 90 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 2026 Kia Seltos crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2026 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 2026 Kia Seltos have?
According to NHTSA recall data, no vehicle recalls are on file for the 2026 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 2026 Kia Seltos?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 3 owner complaints are on file for the 2026 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 (2026)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Lexus GX 550 | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Lexus Rz 350e BEV | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Lexus Rz 550e BEV | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander MHEV | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid | 99/100 | not rated | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 21180), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Kia Seltos 2026.
- 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 58 of 143 in the SUV class for 2026.
- 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.