Used Car Checklists

2026 Kia Seltos: What to check before buying

Only 3 owner complaints are on file with NHTSA for this car, so this sheet is short. Problems reported on other Seltos years with the same design are listed below the checklist.

Kia Seltos2026
Owner complaints
3
Recalls
0
Crashes reported
1
2 injuries
Reliability
Excellent
82/100 on Auto Reliability Index

Run the VIN before you go

A history report shows accidents, title brands, odometer readings, and open recalls for this 2026 Kia Seltos. Ask the seller for the VIN; it is also on the dash at the base of the windshield.

Your inspection sheet

Tick items off on your phone at the car, or print it. Ticks stay on this device.

0/7 checked

1

Paperwork and questions

Before you go, or before you touch the car0/1

2

Walk-around and cabin

Engine off, key in hand0/1

3

Cold start, engine bay, and underside

Ask the seller not to warm the car up first0/2

4

Test drive

At least 20 minutes, with some highway0/3

These checks are specific to this model year. For tires, body panels, fluids, and the other basics every used car needs, use the general inspection guide.

Reported on other Seltos years with the same design

Few owners have reported problems with this year yet. These years share the 2026's design and most of its parts, so their problems are the ones to look for on this car too.

2025 Seltos

12 owner complaints
  • Electrical 3
  • Exterior lights 2

Worth adding to your 2026 checks

  • Cold-start the car several times and confirm the instrument cluster lights up fully every time.
  • Drive at night and watch that dash lights stay on and headlights never dim.
  • Check at night whether the low beams light up roadside signs and reach well ahead of the car.
Open the 2025 checklist

2024 Seltos

41 owner complaints
  • Electrical 12
  • Engine 5
  • Transmission 4

Worth adding to your 2026 checks

  • Start the car cold and confirm the instrument cluster fully lights; ask whether it has ever gone dark in freezing weather.
  • Press the horn several times and confirm it sounds; ask whether the horn has been replaced.
  • Check the dipstick and request oil change records for low oil readings or dealer oil consumption tests.
Open the 2024 checklist

2023 Seltos

44 owner complaints
  • Electrical 11
  • Engine 8
  • Wipers and visibility 5

Worth adding to your 2026 checks

  • Sit through several red lights with auto start/stop on and confirm the engine restarts cleanly every time.
  • Watch the tailpipe for white or gray smoke during hard acceleration and when resuming cruise control.
  • Check the dipstick and ask for oil change records; low oil between changes points to oil burning.
Open the 2023 checklist

Why these checks: what owners reported

NHTSA complaints for the 2026 Kia Seltos, grouped by the part owners named. Open a row to read what goes wrong.

  • Brakes2No crashes

    In one report, the brake pedal sinks to the floor during a low-speed turn and the car accelerates on its own. That is a clear loss-of-control risk. The dealer found a loose brake line and low brake fluid at about 1,322 miles. The other complaint filed here mostly describes different problems: the heater blows cold air because of a loose radiator cap, the engine makes a ticking sound the dealer linked to the fuel injectors, and the car hesitates when pulling away from a stop. With only 2 complaints, no broader pattern shows yet.

How the 2026 compares with other Seltos years

Complaints for this year next to the average for the other model years, area by area.

The 2026 has the fewest owner complaints of the 6 Seltos years we cover, well under the average of the others. Newer years have had less time to collect complaints, so compare like with like.

2026 Average of other years
  • Brakes20

Where the 2026 fits in the Seltos's history

Redesigns and mid-cycle updates change what can go wrong.

The 2026 is the sixth model year of the Seltos's first generation (2021–2026).

It includes the 2024 update.

What changed for 2024

  • Updated front and rear design
  • New infotainment system

Also looking at these instead of a Seltos?

Cars shoppers compare with the Kia Seltos, with their own 2026 checklists.