To the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), I am writing to formally submit a safety complaint regarding my 2023 Kia Seltos, which exhibits a recurring, dangerous defect involving the engine stalling without warning. This defect results in a total loss of power while the vehicle is in operation or attempting to accelerate, posing a critical safety risk. The failure manifests in two primary scenarios: * **Remote Start Failure:** The vehicle frequently stalls immediately after utilizing the remote start feature when shifting into drive. * **Auto Start/Stop Instability:** The Auto Start/Stop system contributes to the engine shutting down unexpectedly when lifting off the brake or attempting to accelerate from a stop. When this occurs, the dashboard illuminates multiple warning lights (e.g., battery, oil, "key not in vehicle"), and the vehicle loses all forward propulsion. On inclines, this defect causes the vehicle to roll backward, forcing the driver to rely solely on emergency braking to prevent a collision. ### Evidence of Widespread Concern My research indicates this is not an isolated incident; numerous Kia owners report identical, dangerous symptoms: * Drivers across various models report the engine shutting down and the vehicle rolling backward on hills, requiring a full power cycle to resume operation. * Some owners report losing all ability to accelerate at traffic lights, accompanied by critical dashboard warnings. * Others report the vehicle shutting off on its own while driving or refusing to start despite the dashboard indicating it is running. I have attached evidence documenting these experiences: **image.png**, **image_2.png**, **image_3.png**, **image_4.png**, and **image_5.png**. Given the frequency of these reports, I urge the NHTSA to launch a formal investigation into this apparent software or engineering failure. Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11746839 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Weeki Wachee, FL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Paint bubbling and chipping off. Dull blotches
NHTSA complaint #11745820 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Green Cove Springs, FL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The gages fall all the way down, I’m not able to accelerate, engine light, traction light, tire pressure light, crash detection light, and other lights come on and prevents me from being able to drive. This happened on the interstate and almost caused an accident.
NHTSA complaint #11727703 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cape Vincent, NY
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
In April 2025 my vehicle had a recall (1: SC336 or 25V099), I brought it into a Kia dealership, they said it failed the test, and needed a new engine (i was without a vehicle for weeks, dealership said they did not have any loaners until after 14 days). They then call back weeks later saying the test was faulty, and i could have my car back. They said to keep an eye on it if there are any issues regarding the recall to come back. One morning i started my car, and was driving luckily in a 30mph, my car started to shake, would not speed up/move much, the check engine light came on, almost coming to a complete stop in the middle of a busy road. I was able to move it to the side, turn it off for a bit, once turned back on it was fine. My father who has a background in automotive mechanics checked the oil and noticed there was barely in it- (although just having it been changed) which looks like the oil consumption is fast and going somewhere. I immediately took it to a Kia dealership and they said I would have to go through a whole oil consumption test but it would not be a guarantee fix for engine replacement due to me not going to a dealership, or oil change business. Although my father who changes it, has all the receipts of oil purchase and capability of changing it himself. My oil is changed always in the proper timeline/miles. Which i have a alert on my car to notify me of this. I have noticed the kia does not give an alert when there is "low" oil. I have to drive around with extra oil, and check it almost daily just incase. I am worried that it will stop again but on a busy highway and result in a accident. I am concerned that the recall test was faulty and is resulting in major car issues, for something that is not even that old. As of yesterday i turned my car on and it was shaking and the engine light came on. I have not turned it on since, i will be returning to the dealership today.
NHTSA complaint #11719832 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Morrison, CO
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Incident Date: October 26, 2025 Summary: On October 26, 2025, while merging onto a highway at high speed, the vehicle experienced a sudden and total electronic safety system failure. Without driver input, the Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) system engaged the brakes (phantom braking), causing a dangerous, unprompted deceleration in active traffic. Simultaneously, the Electric Power Steering (EPS) assist failed, making the steering wheel extremely heavy and difficult to maneuver while trying to merge. Dashboard Alerts: The instrument cluster displayed a "Check Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist system" message, and the following warning lights illuminated: Master Warning, ABS, Traction Control (ESC), and Forward Safety. Attempted Remediation: I pulled the vehicle over and let it cool down for over an hour, but the warning lights and system failures persisted upon restarting. Per manufacturer-recommended troubleshooting found online, I thoroughly cleaned all exterior sensors and was forced to manually disable the collision-avoidance and alert systems via the vehicle's computer settings just to be able to drive the car home safely. Current Safety Concern: Since this event, the vehicle has exhibited increased skidding and inconsistent traction during normal driving conditions. This instability occurs on any road at any time, specifically when performing routine turning maneuvers, and is not limited to winter conditions. This suggests a deeper mechanical or software failure within the ABS/ESC/AWD control modules that cannot be resolved by the driver. This VIN currently shows no active recalls, but the symptoms match the known defects in the SC275 and SC336 campaigns exactly.
NHTSA complaint #11720048 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kenosha, WI
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
One night I started my car and my screen on my Kia seltos had a bunch of gibberish on the screen and then I went to power off the radio and tried to power back on and screen wouldn’t turn on and one usb won’t work. Tried to hard reset and check fuses and still no luck. I keep reading a bunch of people saying how they had same issues as I did on my radio . My friend is sales guy at car dealer and he told me not first time a radio on a Kia took a poop. So how comes there is no recall yet on this part of the car. It’s crappy because warranty on radio is only up to 36,000 . And my car I have only had for 3 years almost and I have 50,000 miles on it now . After disconnecting the battery and plugging back in like the dealer told me to do and now I have a loading symbol behind my wheel on the dash
NHTSA complaint #11694349 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Elko New Market, MN
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
3 times in the last 24 hours my vehicle has completely stopped while in motion. Once on the highway and twice in residential areas. There was no precursor problem to let me know this would happen, no strange noises and no check engine light. It just fails and the engine stops while I’m driving. It’s extremely dangerous and quite frankly very scary. When I called kia today to tell them what happened all they said to me was that since the check engine light wasn’t on, that it was safe to drive and they couldn’t get my car in for several weeks. Then the other kia dealership in the area said they would get me in next week but again that my car was safe to drive. It is most certainly NOT safe to drive!! This is happening while I’m driving and in motion. Twice at about 10 mph and once going 60 (thank god nobody was behind me)
NHTSA complaint #11681485 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lakewood, OH
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Car has stalled 3 times after driving short or long distances in hot weather (near Great Lakes, not even southern heat). Twice in 2024 and once in 2025. It is 2023 Kia Seltos with only 10,000 miles. Dealer inspected it 2024 (possibly not knowing of other recalls) and said nothing wrong. It’s the turbo engine, while I see the regular engine versions have a recall. Could be the rings, crankshaft sensor, ISG, electric oil pump controller, etc. It stalls while at a red light or stop, and is dangerous if on a hill as it does not accelerate and starts to roll backwards when take foot off brake and step onto gas pedal. It has also stalled in traffic on a bridge and then needed to be restarted.
NHTSA complaint #11679495 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Collinsville’s, IL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I purchased my vehicle in mid June 2024 used from the dealership. I purchased extended warranty although my vehicle still had original warranty. On [XXX], my parents 50th anniversary party. I packed my car and left my house. Vehicle drove fine, but my husband called me worried stated that after I left our driveway that there was an oil puddle on the drive that concerned him. He took my vehicle down the road to a service place. They don’t want to touch my vehicle saying it was low on oil and needed towed. We were in Missouri and had to have it towed back to the dealership in Illinois. $400 or more tow bill. Anyway, no one could tell us why the oil leaked and said I must have hit a rock just right that cracked my oil filter. They replaced and said it was just that. This did not satisfy me nor when I spoke to multiple people who knew cars. Said that something was fishy. I had not even gotten to a first oil change. 2nd incident happened four months later. I was driving to work early morning, dark and raining. I pulled up behind a car leaving plenty of space between vehicles. I had my foot on the break when all of a sudden I noticed my car rolling forward despite my foot being down. I pressed harder and I almost rolled into the car in front of me. Finally my brakes caught and I was freaked out. I was fully stopped. I took my car immediately to the dealership the next day, missing half a day at work and had the car inspected. They told me everything looked great on my car and the brakes were fine. They could not replicate the issue. I know what happened. But I was told it was probably a mirage like experience where I felt the car rolling. I have never had another incident, but I just feel like that is too incidents too many for such a new car. I am not satisfied with the explanations to these experiences. An oil filter does not just crack and drain oil out randomly six weeks after buying my car. Please help INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 55
NHTSA complaint #11646115 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Leesville, LA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The vehicle acts like it is trying to change gears when I am driving. This is the third time I have noticed this on the last few weeks. Maybe power train ?
NHTSA complaint #11624388 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Birmingham, AL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The recall issue has not been resolved in a timely manner since first appointment was made on October 9, 2023 at Riverchase Kia Dealership located in Pelham, Alabama after being promised to communicate via phone when part came in. Customer of vehicle contacted dealership on 10/14/24 and was informed a the part was in under recall and was instructed to schedule an appointment. Customer scheduled an appointment for 10/17/24. On 10/17/24 when customer arrived for appointment at dealership, customer was informed the part was not for a Kia Seltos and the part would have to be ordered. Riverchase Kia dealership ordered part on 10/17/24 and informed customer the part would arrive between 10/19-10/22/24. Customer contacted dealership on 10/23/24 via text message and a representative of dealership messaged back "... It is still showing on order." Customer has been waiting over a year's time to get recall part fixed.
NHTSA complaint #11623269 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lyndhurst, NJ
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Issues with idle stop and go. On 11/8/23 was at a light and stop and go was on. Light turned green took my foot off of the break and nothing happened then engine staled. Check engine light came on and then all other panel lights. Took two tries to get engine started again. I was in a busy intersection at rush hour. This is a huge safety issue. It has clitched at other times where took foot off break and engine took a moment to restart, but this is first stall. I now have a note in car to turn off every time I drive. I live in a high density area with lots of stop and go traffic and lights and cannot afford to get stuck or worse in an accident because of this. Kia needs to address this issue.
NHTSA complaint #11554519 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Monett, MO
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
When the stop/ go is on .. it some times stalls and will not move when pressing petal.
NHTSA complaint #11536432 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Winter Garden, FL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The horn in my 2023 Kia Seltos started glitching and then went out completely. After a google search this appears to be a very big problem with the Seltos, and here in Florida it is against the law to drive without one. They need to recall these in for a fix. I have had a few near misses with other vehicles because I couldn't alert them with my horn. Kia of Clermont is refusing to provide a loaner car while they diagnose and resolve the issue, and I cannot afford to be without transportation while they do so. Please look into this because it is very dangerous not having a horn while driving. This IS a safety issue.
NHTSA complaint #11524008 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chicago, IL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
When driving the 2023 Kia Seltos on several occasions, it lunges / jerks / lurching forward frequently. At times, when I’m at a stop the car seems as if it’s going to stop by jerking, or lunging or not getting enough gas. I took it to the Napleton Kia in Calumet City, IL on 2/4/2023 but they say they didn’t find anything. It has occurred: 2/9/2023; 2/16/2023; 2/22/2023; 2/27/2023; 3/3/2023; 3/7/2023; 3/13/2023. The lunges / jerking / not getting enough gas has occurred when the weather seems to be damp and or wet ( rain or snow).
NHTSA complaint #11512259 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Laurel, MD
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
On Saturday, December 24th of 2022, the right driver passenger window randomly shattered, the car windows were perfectly fine on Friday, December 23rd . The had been sitting parked in the parking lot in front our house, off and unharmed; which was confirmed by our cameras. The right driver passenger window is composed of tempered glass, and currently the shattered glass is being held together by the tint that was on the window.Yes, the car is available for inspection upon request. As of now my Kia Seltos 2023, is inoperable due to the window being shattered. My safety is impacted because, I do not feel comfortable driving a vehicle were the Widows can shatter randomly. I do not feel comfortable driving the car until all of the windows are inspected for defects. This is unfortunate given that this is what I use for my primary transportation to work and school. I can confirm that this phenomenon has occurred multiple times by various Kia consumer car owners. In addition, Kia is aware of this phenomenon. However, to my knowledge, I have not read anything about this phenomenon being reproduced or confirmed by a Kia or an independent Service center. This component has not been inspected by the manufacturer nor has it been inspected Police. A claim has been filed on the insurance to replace the shatter window, but they have yet to replace the window due to having trouble finding a replacement window. No there were no symptoms, messages, or other indication prior to the failure of the driver passenger window shattering.
NHTSA complaint #11499723 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Winston Salem, NC
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I have been having issues with my touch screen in my car. I bought my car new and the console has not worked correctly. I’ve had this issue with the console since 7/22… have been begging KIA America to fix it. Today I was driving backwards and my backup camera was on. Then when I drove forward the backup camera was still on after i put my car in drive. “Ford issued a recall for 47,046 Bronco SUVs from the 2021 and 2022 model years with 8-inch center display screens because their backup cameras might still display a camera image even after the vehicle is no longer backing up. As a result, these vehicles are not in compliance with federal motor vehicle safety standards. “(Google accessed 11/17/22) This car is a safety hazard and it should be recalled
NHTSA complaint #11493905 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.