What reliability score does the Kia Seltos get?

5.7 out of 10, scored from the 8 faults we document for this model and how severe each one is.

Is the 2021–2024 Kia Seltos reliable?

Scored from 8 documented faults · reviewed by the VehicleFaults Research Team

Quick answer

5.7/ 10

Mixed

On our documented-fault scoring the Kia Seltos rates 5.7 out of 10 · mixed. We hold 8 known faults for it and 1 are rated high severity, so the risk is real but contained. The weak points cluster around engine, transmission and electrical. A well-serviced example with evidence for the big-ticket items is usually a safe buy; the score describes the model, not the specific car in front of you.

Verdict · Negotiate · budget for the known faults

What the score is built from

Critical: 0
High: 1
Medium: 5
Low: 2

Weak points cluster around engine, transmission, electrical, body.

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The faults that decide it

Engine (2.0L MPI)High

Piston oil ring failure leading to severe oil consumption, misfires, or complete engine seizure due to improper factory heat treatment.

Typically appears: 15,000-40,000 miles
What to inspect: Pull the dipstick to check oil level and condition. Listen for abnormal bottom-end knocking when revving from cold. Check history for the piston ring recall.
Typical repair: Oil leak trace & seal / gasket · £180–£700

EngineMedium

1.6L turbo (S/SX) oil consumption and rare bearing concerns.

Typically appears: 50,000+ miles
What to inspect: Check oil level and listen for knock; confirm any engine recall.
Typical repair: Turbocharger replacement · £750–£2,200

TransmissionMedium

CVT on base cars can drone; DCT on turbo can hesitate.

Typically appears: Any
What to inspect: Test-drive both smoothness and low-speed take-up.
Typical repair: Turbocharger replacement · £750–£2,200

SteeringMedium

Clunking or clicking noise from the steering column when changing direction at low speeds, caused by premature wear of the MDPS flexible coupling.

Typically appears: 30,000-60,000 miles
What to inspect: With the engine running and vehicle stationary, rock the steering wheel rapidly left and right by a few inches. Listen for a distinct plastic-on-metal clunk.
Typical repair: Steering rack / column repair · £400–£1,500

HVACMedium

Air conditioning blows warm or cuts out intermittently due to a faulty evaporator temperature sensor or failing compressor clutch relay.

Typically appears: 20,000-50,000 miles
What to inspect: Set climate control to maximum cold with the engine running. Ensure the compressor engages (listen for a click under the bonnet) and vents blow ice-cold within 60 seconds.
Typical repair: Clutch & dual-mass flywheel · £700–£1,600

Costs are indicative UK independent-garage bands for budgeting and negotiation · never a quote.

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Quick answer

What the score is built from

The faults that decide it

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