2024 KIA Seltos electrical problems

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

My 2024 Kia Seltos (leased, approximately 19,800 miles) received an over-the-air (OTA) software update on [07/03/2026]. The vehicle's screen prompted me to approve the update and stated it would complete with the ignition off. I approved it and exited the vehicle as instructed by Kia's on-screen directions and owner's manual. Immediately after this update, the vehicle developed an intermittent no-start condition, and the 12V battery went completely flat, accompanied by an ESC (Electronic Stability Control) warning. The vehicle had no electrical or starting problems of any kind before the update. The vehicle was disabled and could not be started without a jump start, which is a safety concern — this could strand a driver in an unsafe location or in extreme weather. The dealer (Car Pros Kia Glendale, RO #531279, dated 07/25/2026) performed a full system scan, found no DTCs, and confirmed the 12V battery failed testing. The dealer's repair order documents the customer complaint as "intermittent no start condition and battery went completely flat after the software update." The battery was replaced at my expense. The vehicle's software version after the update was NNK-02-0118 (previous resident version NNK-02-0108). Kia America has acknowledged partial responsibility by approving a 50% goodwill reimbursement. I am reporting this because a manufacturer-initiated OTA update that discharges the battery and disables the vehicle is a safety defect that may affect other vehicles.

NHTSA complaint #11753039 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Under extremely cold temperatures, approx 10° the main display does not work. The MPH & other vehicle information will not display. KIA service requires the vehicle to be brought to the facility while condition exists in order to troubleshoot, however once the vehicle warms up, the non functioning display begins to operate normally and the problem does not exist. Speaking with the service advisor and service manager in charge, they are aware of the problem and know of other vehicles with this display problem.

NHTSA complaint #11735970 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

While driving in traffic, my 2024 Kia Seltos suddenly shut down without warning again. I lost propulsion while the vehicle was in motion with passengers inside, creating an immediate safety hazard. The issue appears electrical or powertrain-related. This occurred during normal operation and could result in a serious crash. My vehicle shutting down in active traffic with passengers is unacceptable, and there is no recall remedy in place to correct this hazard. I am requesting a manufacturer-level resolution under Ohio Lemon Law and the Magnuson–Moss Warranty Act.

NHTSA complaint #11717634 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The dashboard goes completely black and will not work when it is really cold outside. This is a dangerous problem because I cannot see my speedometer, how much gas I have in my car, or the engine temperature. I have been to the Kia dealership 3 or 4 times for this problem and have them report it to Kia. They always tell me that they cannot replicate the problem so they cannot fix it. I have video evidence of this happening and have showed it to the dealership. This has happened now for 2 winters. There have been no warning messages or anything before this happens.

NHTSA complaint #11714925 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

When the temperature is around zero my dashboard will not come on. I have been to the dealership 5 times for this issue. It takes me an hour to get to the dealership and by the time I get there it comes on. Dealership (Ken Ganley) states they can’t find the problem if it’s on. This is total bullshit, they know they have an issue and can fix it. Bought the car brand new. I believe it’s a safety hazard when I have no speedometer, gas guage or indicator lights. This has been going on since I purchased the vehicle in July 2024.

NHTSA complaint #11714763 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

When the stop and go feature re-enables the engine to go. Causes all clusters/ infotainment to shut off and reset. It remain black for a 10-15 seconds

NHTSA complaint #11710459 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Electrical control unit car just shuts off in drive completely goes black no matter what within seconds even on freeway going 70 mph car tune off loss of control then starts back up very dangerous

NHTSA complaint #11706681 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

See attached document for complaint.

NHTSA complaint #11696416 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

On July 9 while waiting at a red light car randomly turned off, had to put car in park and restart On July 19 while driving about 55mph on an extremely busy interstate highway car shut down completely. I could not restart or shut the car off, car was in drive and we had full power, no issue with battery, no warning signs, we were nearly killed by an 18-wheel truck traveling at normal high speed on this highway. We were eventually pushed off to the side where we sat for 2 hours until family members came. In the car were 2 seniors, 1 battling dementia and another anxiety and a young man who suffers from paranoia schizophrenia. Both trying to recover. In addition, Kia roadside assist wanted to tow us 2 hours past our dealership and home and charge us $661 when we were fully covered. Kia dealership said if they could not repeat the stall they could not really determine what is wrong. This is the 3rd serious issue I have had with this vehicle and each occurrence I was made to feel like the issues did not exist. 1 week into ownership I complained about a knocking noise, was told that the struts came from the factory loose, a month ago the differential gear box needed to be changed. I am now told that it could take a very long time to repair, and I would need to rent a car at my expense and if approved will be reimbursed at some point. I am terrified to drive my new car.

NHTSA complaint #11676008 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:HORN

The contact owns a 2024 Kia Seltos. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH and attempting to depress the horn there was no sound coming from the horn. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that the failure began in 2023. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed; however, the dealer was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The contact stated that the horn was previously replaced, and the vehicle was repaired three times for the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 11,000.

NHTSA complaint #11667141 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The cruise control only works properly on level roads. When going downhill the car can go as much as 8 mph faster than the cruise control is set at. Going uphill the speed varies back and forth with the tachometer fluctuating up and down. I use cruise control to control my speed as well as reduce gas consumption. This cruise control system does neither. I believe this is unsafe. I did take the vehicle back to the dealer and showed him exactly what it is doing. He took a test ride in another Seltos and it did the same thing. The manufacturer said this is the way it is supposed to work. I have owned many vehicles in my 76 years and no other vehicle with cruise control worked like this. I believe this makes the vehicle unsafe when using cruise control.

NHTSA complaint #11646065 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

On Wednesday [XXX], at [XXX]. I started to drive to work. I noticed the instrument cluster on my 2024 Kia Seltos SX was completely dark. I couldn't see the speedometer, fuel gauge, engine temperature, or any other function that should show on the instrument cluster. I turned around and returned home. I called the Kia dealer's service department and got an appointment for the car to be checked that afternoon. This service center is about 30 miles from my home. I drove there with a totally black screen for the instrument cluster--not able to see my speed or any other information about the car. I left the car running when I arrived at the service center. The service manager confirmed the issue. I also told her I'd been getting warnings that the key fob batteries were drained. She checked the key fobs and told me the batteries were sending strong signals. She also told me the odometer mileage had been deleted and that it was illegal to drive the car in that condition. She said that the instrument cluster unit had to be replaced but there wasn't a replacement unit anywhere in the U.S. She gave me a loaner vehicle but warned me she had no idea when she could get a new instrument cluster. I notice in online searches that instrument cluster failures for Kias are not unusual. I also notice that some Kia models have been recalled for this reason. Why isn't the Seltos on the list of recalled vehicles? It doesn't appear that Kia knows how to correct the problem. My instrument cluster screen has been repeatedly dimming and brightening for no obvious reason. That problem is longstanding and intermittent. When the car was restarted at the Kia dealership on Wednesday, the screen suddenly came back up with the service manager with me. I am unwilling to drive the car if it is not reliable or safe to drive. It has about 34,000 miles on the odometer and is less than two years old. Is this a design problem or the result of faulty components? INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOI

NHTSA complaint #11638644 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:HORN

The contact owns a 2024 Kia Seltos. The contact stated that the horn failed to produce a sound while being pressed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the horn needed to be replaced. The horn had been replaced. The failure occurred twice; however, the contact stated that the failure only occurred in freezing temperatures. The vehicle had not been taken to the dealer. The vehicle had not been repaired a second time. The manufacturer had not been made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA complaint #11637877 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Junction box malfunction. This part is available for inspection upon request. My safety was at risk because my car was locked on Park, power steering lost, windows locked closed, decrease in acceleration after manually over riding the Park shift. Problem has not confirmed by the dealer. The component has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representative. All the warning lamps lit up when the car was manually overridden by the Park shift lock. This problem appeared 5 weeks after purchase as a brand new vehicle.

NHTSA complaint #11610962 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The contact owns a 2024 Kia Seltos. The contact stated that while stopped at a red light, the vehicle shut off with several messages displayed. The contact was able to restart the vehicle despite the failure. The dealer was notified of the failure but initially offered no assistance. The contact recently stated that a "Low Oil" warning light was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it remained in dealer possession. The vehicle was not serviced or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 300.

NHTSA complaint #11576563 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

All systems failed, including all lights, speedometer, ALL ADAS - this happened in more than one occasion. When I put the car in park it still registered to be in drive mode. Safety of myself and others at risk- the headlights and brake/taillights went out while driving in the dark. Brake assist went out while I was on a steep downgrade, the speedometer went out completely. Also the car indicated that my air bags were off and my seat belt malfunctioned. This occurred on snow and ice covered roads and in the fog. I took it to the dealership 3 times and it registered the failures within the computer but not as an incident. I demanded a new vehicle and the dealership charged me more money and created a trade in- when it was a manufacturer issue and not because I didn’t want the car. I only had the vehicle for 3 months 6339 miles on the odometer. I also detected dragging brakes and the smell of burning oil that again, the dealership said wasn’t happening. I have detailed videos and photos of the entire vehicle malfunctioning.

NHTSA complaint #11560018 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.