42 of the 768 complaints filed about the KIA Seltos are about the driver-assist systems — 5% of everything owners reported. The worst model year for it is 2021.
42
Complaints
5%
Share of all complaints
12
Crashes
3
Fires
LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION
KiA started a system update while I was driving on a busy road which caused complete loss of engine power and all electrical. This is nuts. What if you’re on the highway driving 70 mph and this happens?
NHTSA complaint #11751360 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
KiA started a system update while I was driving on a busy road which caused complete loss of engine power and all electrical. This is nuts. What if you’re on the highway driving 70 mph and this happens?
NHTSA complaint #11751360 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
Driving 65mph on [XXX] and all the lights came on flashing and alerting me causing the emergency braking to occur while driving causing me to swerve on the road and lucky I didn’t crash but i had my [XXX] old in the car and it scared the hell out of me, on top of all that my horn gave out and hasn’t worked since that incident and now all the lights are off and I don’t even get the beeping for coming to close to another car anymore it’s like I lost all safety features plan to sell the car because I’m not dealing with this and Kia’s dealer services are horrible followed along by thee corporate being terrible too INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11724334 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION
Driving 65mph on [XXX] and all the lights came on flashing and alerting me causing the emergency braking to occur while driving causing me to swerve on the road and lucky I didn’t crash but i had my [XXX] old in the car and it scared the hell out of me, on top of all that my horn gave out and hasn’t worked since that incident and now all the lights are off and I don’t even get the beeping for coming to close to another car anymore it’s like I lost all safety features plan to sell the car because I’m not dealing with this and Kia’s dealer services are horrible followed along by thee corporate being terrible too INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11724334 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
Driving 65mph on [XXX] and all the lights came on flashing and alerting me causing the emergency braking to occur while driving causing me to swerve on the road and lucky I didn’t crash but i had my [XXX] old in the car and it scared the hell out of me, on top of all that my horn gave out and hasn’t worked since that incident and now all the lights are off and I don’t even get the beeping for coming to close to another car anymore it’s like I lost all safety features plan to sell the car because I’m not dealing with this and Kia’s dealer services are horrible followed along by thee corporate being terrible too INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11724334 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
During the incident in question, the vehicle’s lane‑assist system malfunctioned in a manner I have never previously experienced. As I approached an area with multiple lane markings, the system appeared to become confused—possibly due to low‑light conditions—and abruptly pulled the steering wheel with significant force. This deviation was severe enough that I temporarily lost control, causing the vehicle to drift toward the left-side ditch. When the steering suddenly released and became limp, I attempted to correct the trajectory, but the response window was too narrow to avoid impact. The vehicle struck a wooden signpost, resulting in damage to the right headlight assembly and the complete detachment of the right fog light. No lane‑departure warnings were issued at any point. Under normal circumstances, the vehicle provides audible alerts regardless of whether lane assist is active, and I am familiar with the areas where such alerts typically occur. Additionally, the forward‑collision warning system failed to activate, despite its usual tendency to trigger even in non‑hazard situations. This inconsistency has been present since I acquired the vehicle. Prior to this event, I had also been experiencing intermittent electrical issues. I attempted to seek service at the nearest Kia dealership; however, reaching it requires traveling through a national forest during winter conditions, which is unsafe unless absolutely necessary. I attempted to file an incident report with local law enforcement, but was informed that a report could only be taken if another motor vehicle was involved. I then attempted to file a report with the DMV, but the online system requires an Oregon‑issued driver’s license. I currently hold a valid Oklahoma license and have been unable to update it due to financial constraints and an anticipated move later this year. I have experienced neck pain between my shoulders since the incident.
NHTSA complaint #11713766 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST
During the incident in question, the vehicle’s lane‑assist system malfunctioned in a manner I have never previously experienced. As I approached an area with multiple lane markings, the system appeared to become confused—possibly due to low‑light conditions—and abruptly pulled the steering wheel with significant force. This deviation was severe enough that I temporarily lost control, causing the vehicle to drift toward the left-side ditch. When the steering suddenly released and became limp, I attempted to correct the trajectory, but the response window was too narrow to avoid impact. The vehicle struck a wooden signpost, resulting in damage to the right headlight assembly and the complete detachment of the right fog light. No lane‑departure warnings were issued at any point. Under normal circumstances, the vehicle provides audible alerts regardless of whether lane assist is active, and I am familiar with the areas where such alerts typically occur. Additionally, the forward‑collision warning system failed to activate, despite its usual tendency to trigger even in non‑hazard situations. This inconsistency has been present since I acquired the vehicle. Prior to this event, I had also been experiencing intermittent electrical issues. I attempted to seek service at the nearest Kia dealership; however, reaching it requires traveling through a national forest during winter conditions, which is unsafe unless absolutely necessary. I attempted to file an incident report with local law enforcement, but was informed that a report could only be taken if another motor vehicle was involved. I then attempted to file a report with the DMV, but the online system requires an Oregon‑issued driver’s license. I currently hold a valid Oklahoma license and have been unable to update it due to financial constraints and an anticipated move later this year. I have experienced neck pain between my shoulders since the incident.
NHTSA complaint #11713766 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
Was driving about 25 30 miles an hour coming to a stop and it stalled out all break power and everything cut out managed to get the car stopped and started again but looking it up not on nation recall list but it’s giving me the same problems on the recall list have replaced the battery starter they said flywheel and alternator are okey I haven’t made but one payment on the vehicle also chef oil and all that currently fine
NHTSA complaint #11690905 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
Was driving about 25 30 miles an hour coming to a stop and it stalled out all break power and everything cut out managed to get the car stopped and started again but looking it up not on nation recall list but it’s giving me the same problems on the recall list have replaced the battery starter they said flywheel and alternator are okey I haven’t made but one payment on the vehicle also chef oil and all that currently fine
NHTSA complaint #11690905 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING
I just bought the car in July used from Honda there rates on extended warranty for the car at the time were outrageous but since buying it it’s been stalling hard starting throwing engine codes after a month and throwing all the power train warning that we’re a part of the recall with it doing that even giving me all the driving assist warnings I don’t currently have a good picture of what’s going on or video but I’ve replaced the starter and battery an it didn’t fix the issue Honda is saying take it to Kia and Kia is saying take it to Honda and I’m not getting any answers with that either I just know from people I’ve talked to that’s had the car t a point said there’s was recalled and it fixed those issues with one of them mines just also not on that list
NHTSA complaint #11690469 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION
Traveling WB on SR100 approximately 60mph after picking up dinner in [XXX] , Before reaching the turn for 302, a deer jumped from the southbound side of the road to the northbound side of the road. When it jumped, the right side of the deer impacted the front of my vehicle which in turn ripped the vehicles hood up from locked down position and slammed it into the windshield. I saw the deers midsection from under the raised hood as the impact happened. I immediately put on my hazards and began to decelerate and pull off the road. I dont understand how my airbags didnt deploy with the damage that was incurred from the deer. In that instant, the side and front collision warning indicators never alerted and the airbags never deployed. The vehicle is being towed to Classic Colision in Daytona Beach FL from Roger's Towing in Bunnell FL Had this been a vehicle impacting another vehicle, my mother and I would not be here as the recalled repaired airbags did not deploy upon impact. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11689442 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The braking system appears to have failed. When I attempted to slow down for a stop sign, the brake pedal went straight to the floor and did not respond as expected. I began pumping the brakes out of panic, but they only engaged at the last moment—approximately one foot or less from the vehicle in front of me. The vehicle is currently totaled, but I believe the braking system could still be inspected upon request, pending insurance and tow yard access. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? My safety was significantly at risk. I had no control over stopping the vehicle despite repeated brake attempts. To avoid a direct collision, I was forced to swerve at the last second, hitting the rear edge of the truck ahead and deploying my airbag. Had I not swerved, the impact could have been more severe and potentially endangered the other driver. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Not yet. My insurance is working to determine whether an inspection is possible due to the extent of the damage. I intend to have the braking system inspected to confirm the failure if it can be safely accessed. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others? The accident has been reported to my insurance, and they are aware that I believe the brakes failed. I’m waiting to hear whether an inspection by their representatives or a third party will be conducted. To my knowledge, the manufacturer has not inspected the vehicle. Were there any warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No brake-related warning lights or messages appeared before or during the failure. However, the forward collision alert did pop up—but it only appeared a couple of seconds before the impact, far too late to help avoid.
NHTSA complaint #11673648 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The braking system appears to have failed. When I attempted to slow down for a stop sign, the brake pedal went straight to the floor and did not respond as expected. I began pumping the brakes out of panic, but they only engaged at the last moment—approximately one foot or less from the vehicle in front of me. The vehicle is currently totaled, but I believe the braking system could still be inspected upon request, pending insurance and tow yard access. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? My safety was significantly at risk. I had no control over stopping the vehicle despite repeated brake attempts. To avoid a direct collision, I was forced to swerve at the last second, hitting the rear edge of the truck ahead and deploying my airbag. Had I not swerved, the impact could have been more severe and potentially endangered the other driver. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Not yet. My insurance is working to determine whether an inspection is possible due to the extent of the damage. I intend to have the braking system inspected to confirm the failure if it can be safely accessed. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others? The accident has been reported to my insurance, and they are aware that I believe the brakes failed. I’m waiting to hear whether an inspection by their representatives or a third party will be conducted. To my knowledge, the manufacturer has not inspected the vehicle. Were there any warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No brake-related warning lights or messages appeared before or during the failure. However, the forward collision alert did pop up—but it only appeared a couple of seconds before the impact, far too late to help avoid.
NHTSA complaint #11673648 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION
Our vehicle was in an accident with extensive damage to the entire front end. The accident warning senors did not go off and the air bags did not deploy. The insurance adjuster said the entire engine was pushed back towards the driver area so it's surprising the air bags did not deploy. In our Kia Access app, only the "passenger turn signal" has a critical error detected. The car has been deemed totaled.
NHTSA complaint #11670573 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
Our vehicle was in an accident with extensive damage to the entire front end. The accident warning senors did not go off and the air bags did not deploy. The insurance adjuster said the entire engine was pushed back towards the driver area so it's surprising the air bags did not deploy. In our Kia Access app, only the "passenger turn signal" has a critical error detected. The car has been deemed totaled.
NHTSA complaint #11670573 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
i get my lane assist and almost wrecked bc it defaulted without warning. when i came up on a car to fast. it didn’t slow down and try to automatically brake.
NHTSA complaint #11668451 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST
i get my lane assist and almost wrecked bc it defaulted without warning. when i came up on a car to fast. it didn’t slow down and try to automatically brake.
NHTSA complaint #11668451 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING
i get my lane assist and almost wrecked bc it defaulted without warning. when i came up on a car to fast. it didn’t slow down and try to automatically brake.
NHTSA complaint #11668451 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
On 4 different occasions my vehicle applied the brakes forcefully on its own at high speeds. The dash flashed with the message "check forward collision avoidance assist system." as well as displayed the following icons: master warning light, hill climb assist, traction control, forward collision, and the Auto start/stop was flashing. These continued until I was able to stop and turn the car off. When I was trying to slow down and stop my brakes were not working correctly as I had to push the pedal all the way to the floor for a long period to stop all the way. When the car was put in park the engine was revving up until it was off. The car was towed to the dealership after first incident and the following codes were in the history: C164202 C161308. Dealership had my car for 6 days, opened a tech line case and without an answer of why this happened nor remedy, my car was released back to me resulting in 3 additional instances. It is now going to another dealership to hopefully get an answer and repair.
NHTSA complaint #11661689 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
I was going to park my car the second I went to change gears my car accelerated forward through a bakery I stepped on the brakes as fast as I could but it was too late
NHTSA complaint #11660541 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.