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2025 Kia Seltos Report

Known issues, recalls, running costs, and what to check before you buy.

Updated Jun 10, 2026·Daniel Wilson
2025 Kia Seltos Report

Overall Score

8.1/ 10
Our Verdict
Recommended

Key Takeaways

  • The 2025 Seltos earns top marks in NHTSA crash tests, including 5 stars for frontal and side impacts.
  • Its 1.6-liter engine paired with an 8-speed automatic and All-Wheel Drive provides competent performance for its class.
  • With 0 recalls and 0 complaints, the initial ownership record is clean.
  • Nine Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) indicate potential for minor, non-safety-critical issues that buyers should verify have been addressed.
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OverviewWho This Car Is ForReliability & ProblemsVehicle SpecsUnlock Full ReportFAQ
Overview

2025 Kia Seltos

The 2025 Kia Seltos enters the used market with a strong safety profile, boasting a 5-star overall NHTSA rating. Its standard All-Wheel Drive and efficient 1.6-liter inline-4 engine, producing between 146-195 horsepower, offer a practical package for daily driving. While the absence of recalls and consumer complaints is a positive indicator, the 9 TSBs suggest Kia has identified areas for technical attention, which could translate to minor ownership concerns as mileage accumulates.

Critical Failure Risk

While no major failures are reported, 9 Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) indicate Kia has identified potential areas for minor adjustments or software updates. These could manifest as subtle drivability issues, minor electronic glitches, or specific component noise.

Early detection can help you avoid a $100-$300 repair.

Open Maintenance Analysis →

Safety & Bulletins

Open Recalls0
Service Bulletins0
Full Recall History →

Owner Complaints

0

No primary complaint themes found.

Detailed Issue Breakdown →

Performance & Efficiency

Horsepower
146–195HP
Torque
132–195 lb–ftLB-FT
Fuel Efficiency
Combined
25
MPG
City
24
MPG
Highway
27
MPG
Full Vehicle Specifications ↓

Reliability

8.9/ 10

Practicality

5.5/ 10
Buyer Fit

Who This Car Is For

Best for

Commuters seeking a safe and reliable all-wheel-drive vehicle.

+2 more buyer-fit notes in the full report

Avoid if

Buyers unwilling to research or verify TSB completion.

+2 more buyer-fit warnings in the full report

2025 Kia Seltos Reliability Analysis

Explore comprehensive reliability data including official safety recalls, consumer complaints, and common mechanical failures for the 2025 Kia Seltos.

  • Recall TimelineOfficial safety notices
  • Owner ComplaintsReal driver reports
  • Failure AnalysisKnown part defects
Specs

Vehicle Specs

Fuel Type
Regular
Seating Capacity
5
Horsepower
146-195 hp
Torque
132-195 lb-ft
Transmission
Automatic (S8)
Drivetrain
All-Wheel Drive
Body Style
Suv
MSRP Range
$24,690 - $31,190
EPA Combined MPG
25

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Most Common Issues

1. TSB-Related Minor Drivability Concerns

Most reported

Usage data observed

See all common issues in the maintenance guide

First Service Interval

- Oil Change (5W-30 Synthetic) (Parts: 5W-30 Synthetic Oil, Oil Filter, Drain Plug Washer) - Tire Rotation and Inspection - Cabin Air Filter Replacement

Est. shop cost: $100 - $200

7,500 mi

Unlock the full maintenance guide for every scheduled service interval and cost forecast.

Full pre-purchase inspection checklist
Complete maintenance schedule (4 service intervals)
Repair forecasts with mileage and cost context
Full buyer-fit guidance and who should avoid it
Full specs and trim-level context
Full safety recall details
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FAQ

FAQ

Is the 2025 Kia Seltos reliable?▾

The CarFocal Reliability Score for the 2025 Kia Seltos is 8.9/10. Reliability score is 8.9/10. NHTSA recalls: 0. Owner complaints: 0.

How practical is the 2025 Kia Seltos for daily use?▾

Practicality score is 5.5/10. EPA combined economy is 25 MPG. Seating capacity is 5. 4 passenger doors are listed. Boot capacity is 447 litres.

What is the overall score for the 2025 Kia Seltos?▾

The CarFocal Overall Score for the 2025 Kia Seltos is 8.1/10. Overall score is 8.1/10 (Strong). Confidence 85%. Maintenance 9.2/10. Practicality 5.5/10.

What does it cost to own and maintain a 2025 Kia Seltos?▾

Based on Carfocal's data, First listed service: - Oil Change (5W-30 Synthetic) (Parts: 5W-30 Synthetic Oil, Oil Filter, Drain Plug Washer) - Tire Rotation and Inspection - Cabin Air Filter Replacement at 7,500 miles. Estimated first-year maintenance: $400 - $700. Repair prediction highlight: Brake Pads and Rotors (typical at 60,000 miles, estimated cost Min: $400 • Max: $700).

What is the MSRP range for the 2025 Kia Seltos?▾

MSRP range is $24,690 - $31,190.

What engine is in the 2025 Kia Seltos?▾

Engine specs list Inline-4 • 4 • 1.6. Output is 146-195 hp • 132-195 lb-ft.

What transmission does the 2025 Kia Seltos use?▾

According to CarFocal's specs for the 2025 Kia Seltos, transmission is Automatic (S8). The paired drivetrain is All-Wheel Drive.

What is the combined EPA MPG for the 2025 Kia Seltos?▾

EPA combined estimate is 25 MPG.

What driver assistance and safety features are available on the 2025 Kia Seltos?▾

15 standard driver assistance features. Key features include Anti-lock Braking System, Electronic Stability Control, Traction Control.

What is the fuel economy range for the 2025 Kia Seltos?▾

According to CarFocal's specs for the 2025 Kia Seltos, fuel economy range is 24-34 mpg combined.

How many people fit in a 2025 Kia Seltos?▾

According to CarFocal's specs for the 2025 Kia Seltos, seating capacity is 5.

What body style is the 2025 Kia Seltos?▾

According to CarFocal's specs for the 2025 Kia Seltos, body style is suv.

What drivetrain does the 2025 Kia Seltos use?▾

According to CarFocal's specs for the 2025 Kia Seltos, drivetrain is All-Wheel Drive. Transmission is Automatic (S8).

What are the NHTSA safety ratings for the 2025 Kia Seltos?▾

NHTSA ratings: Overall 5/5 • Frontal 5/5 • Side 5/5 • Rollover 4/5.

Start Here

Maintenance guide

Costs + intervals

Recall report

Campaigns + remedy notes

Owner complaints

Issue volume + categories

In this guide

  1. 01Overview
  2. 02Who This Car Is For
  3. 03Reliability & Problems
  4. 04Vehicle Specs
  5. 05Unlock Full Report
  6. 06FAQ

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