What are the most common Kia Seltos problems?
According to Au7o's analysis of 234+ owner reports, the 2025 Kia Seltos has 4 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: CVT Hesitation and Jerking Under Load, 1.6L Turbo 7-Speed Dry DCT Overheating, Shudder and Hesitation, Thin Clear Coat and Premature Paint Chipping on Hood, Fenders and Roof. None are rated critical, but regular maintenance is recommended.
Is the Kia Seltos reliable?
The 2025 Kia Seltos has 4 known issues documented across 234+ owner reports. No issues are rated critical, suggesting generally good reliability. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
How much does it cost to fix common Kia Seltos problems?
Repair costs for known Kia Seltos issues range from $0 to $4,500, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
What is the 2021-2025 Kia Seltos CVT Hesitation and Jerking Under Load?
The Seltos equipped with the 2.0L engine and CVT (IVT) exhibits hesitation, jerking, and poor acceleration response, particularly when merging or climbing hills. The CVT struggles under load and can enter limp mode. Owners report the transmission feels sluggish compared to tradit… Repairs typically run $0-$4,500. Severity: medium.
What is the 2021-2025 Kia Seltos 1.6L Turbo 7-Speed Dry DCT Overheating, Shudder and Hesitation?
The SX / GT-Line / X-Line turbo Seltos uses a 7-speed dry dual-clutch transmission (the base 2.0L uses an IVT/CVT). With no fluid bath to cool the clutch packs, the dry DCT can overheat in stop-and-go traffic, trigger a transmission-overheat warning, and enter a protect/limp mode… Severity: medium.
What is the 2021-2025 Kia Seltos Thin Clear Coat and Premature Paint Chipping on Hood, Fenders and Roof?
Seltos owners report an unusual rate of paint chipping and clear-coat failure on low-mileage cars. Chips appear on the leading edge of the hood and the front fenders within weeks to a few thousand miles of delivery — one owner documented multiple hood and driver-fender chips at 5… Repairs typically run $150-$1,800. Severity: low.
What is the 2021-2025 Kia Seltos LED Headlight / DRL / Fog Lamp Internal Condensation?
Seltos owners across model years report moisture and water droplets forming inside the front LED headlight, DRL, and fog-lamp assemblies, often most visible after night driving when the lamps heat and then cool. Heavy fogging looks like a defect and is reported to reduce output a… Severity: low.
