Based on the same platform as the Kia Soul, the Kia Seltos was unveiled for the 2021 model year. The Seltos underwent two small overlap frontal tests, one by the Institute and the other by Hyundai-Kia as part of the verification of frontal crash tests. The vehicle parameters listed below are based on the Institute’s test, while ratings are based on results from both tests.
After the crash test, the dummy’s location in respect to the door frame, steering wheel, and instrument panel shows that the driver’s survival room was kept in good condition.
Together, the frontal and side curtain airbags did a good job of preventing the head from getting too close to any brittle structures or dangerous outside items.
The risk of injury to the dummy’s legs and feet was minimal because the driver’s space was kept in good condition.
In This Article...
Are Kia Seltos vehicles secure?
The safety rating for the Kia Seltos is excellent. In the Global NCAP Crash Test, the SUV was given three stars. A 360-degree camera, electronic stability control, up to six airbags, ABS with EBD, front and rear parking sensors, and other safety features are included.
Do Kia Seltos frequently experience issues?
The 2021 Kia Seltos receives an average dependability rating from customers. There are 24 complaints about the Kia Seltos’ engines, 13 about early transmission failure, and one about inadequately heat-treated oil piston rings that might result in engine stall, fire, and damage.
Does the Kia Seltos Have Transmission Problems?
Numerous owners claim that the transmission in their Kia Seltos broke down at or below 6,500 miles. Transmission shake, loss of acceleration or power at 70 mph, engine shut-off, and the inability to reverse are among the NHTSA complaints. According to one owner, the timing chain on the CVT broke after 8,800 miles, causing metal shavings to appear in the engine oil.
In India, how safe is the Kia Seltos?
The Global NCAP gave the Made-in-India Kia Seltos a 3 star safety grade for adult occupancy in the crash test conducted as part of the #SaferCarsForIndia initiative. For kid safety, it has a 2 star rating. The tiny SUV’s body shell is considered fragile. Due to the footwell’s instability, the driver’s legs and feet were injured. While the child occupant protection was rated inadequate, the SUV offers decent head protection.
What is the safety rating of the Kia Seltos?
The Kia Seltos received a four-star overall safety certification from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in 2023. In the frontal crash and rollover tests, the Seltos scored four stars, while in the side crash test, they scored five stars.
Are Seltos worth purchasing?
Purchasing a Seltos is a wise decision. It provides many first-in-segment features, a wide range of engine and transmission choices, plush interiors, all at very affordable prices. We were so thrilled with the Seltos that our only complaints were the absence of under-thigh support and the ride’s stiffness. The Kia Seltos is a terrific option if you want a family vehicle that is comfortable, has excellent ride quality, a long list of useful features, is reasonably priced, and has improved fuel economy. It has three available engines: a 1.5-liter gasoline engine with 115 horsepower and 144 pound-feet of torque, a 1.4-liter gasoline turbocharged engine with 140 horsepower and 242 pound-feet of torque, and a 1.5-liter diesel engine with 115 horsepower and 250 pound-feet of torque All three engines come standard with a 6-speed manual transmission. Additionally, it comes with three optional automatic transmissions: a 6-speed torque converter unit, a 1.5-liter gasoline CVT, and a 7-speed DCT (1.4-liter turbo-petrol) (1.5-litre diesel). A 6-speed iMT (clutchless manual transmission) is also included with the 1.5-liter gasoline engine. In addition, we advise you to test drive the vehicle to get a greater sense of its comfort and performance. Select the dealership’s preferred city by clicking the link.
Why is Seltos in trouble?
The 2021 Kia Seltos features two engine options, just to give you some background information. A 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 146 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque serves as the standard model. A 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with 175 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque is an upgrade option. Decide on the second choice, then, without a doubt. A little underpowered is the first.
Also, a recent recall involved the 2.0-liter engine. Consumer Reports claims that the 2.0-liter engine in 147,249 20202021 Kia Soul and Seltos cars was recalled. The engine could be harmed by an uneven heat-treating procedure for the piston oil rings.
The SUVs can consequently encounter an abrupt loss of power and an elevated fire risk. Dealers, however, fixed the problem by checking the engines and installing software that sends alerts when issues are found. Also replaced were certain engines. But did this mean the story was over?
What drawbacks are there to buying a Kia Seltos?
Seven common issues that Kia Seltos owners and potential buyers encounter in India
- An incorrect delivery commitment
- No Time Appears To Exist For Accident Repairs:
- Embarrassingly Poor Mileage (1.4 DCT):
- Delivered defective vehicle:
- Technical Errors:
- DCT performance issues and overheating:
- Infotainment System Frequently Hangs:
What caused Kia Seltos to fail?
According to pictures posted on social media, the SUV was split between the C pillar on the driver’s side and the B pillar on the passenger side. It is not often possible to see devastation of this magnitude.
It would be dangerous for rescue personnel to cut into the floor because the gasoline tank is right underneath the seat and the fuel lines also run below. According to reports, the Kia Seltos was moving quickly at the time of the collision on the two-lane NH-547.
Local police officials reportedly believe the Seltos was being driven very quickly. Additionally, it has been alleged that the driver is the subject of a FIR.
The split in the SUV was caused by a unique confluence of elements. The tremendous kinetic energy generated from the high-speed impact in a small space caused the Kia Seltos’ monocoque construction to entirely break into two pieces. The SUV appears to have been destroyed by a powerful force in the image.
The upgraded electronic stability control in the Kia Seltos’ most recent iteration helps the car maintain stability even during maneuvers at high speeds. The SUV that was involved in the collision is an earlier model of the Anniversary Edition, which is no longer available. It lacked the ESC feature.
According to reports, a motorcycle rider suddenly crossed in front of the SUV as it transitioned from a gravel lane to the main road.
In an effort to save the motorcycle rider, the SUV’s driver swerved and made a U-turn. The SUV then returned to the road and abruptly made a right turn in anticipation of a bridge. However, the maneuvers were unsuccessful, and the Seltos struck the bridge. The impact caused the SUV’s floor and roof torn off, causing the SUV to split in half.
The SUV’s rear seat occupants perished in the collision. Despite suffering severe injuries, those in the first row were able to survive thanks to the airbags and seatbelts.
Prior to this, the Kia Seltos received a 5-star rating in both the ANCAP and Global NCAP crash tests. Six airbags and safety aid systems were included as standard equipment in the ANCAP test vehicle. Dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, and rear parking sensors are all standard on the vehicle built for India. Up to six airbags, blind-spot monitoring, a head-up display, and a 360-degree camera are included in the model.
Is Kia’s body flimsy?
The Kia Seltos was crash-tested by the Global New Car Assessment Programme (NCAP) and earned an average three stars for adult safety and a dismal two stars for kid passenger safety despite having a body made of 73 percent high-tensile steel. The vehicle’s body shell integrity was deemed unstable during a collision test at 64 kph. It was also thought that the footwell area was unstable.
The Kia Seltos’ failure in India: why?
Currently, one of India’s most popular SUVs is the Kia Seltos. It has already made it to the top-selling automobiles list for the previous two months and is priced from Rs 9.69 Lakhs up to Rs 16.99 Lakhs (Ex-showroom).
Within a few months of the debut, the number of reservations has surpassed 60,000 units. However, the waiting duration is mostly under your control because the longest you must wait is three months. A longer waiting period was required for its price challenger, the MG Hector.
However, a lot of SUV owners have taken their issues to social media. Numerous consumers have reported having issues with Kia Seltos, which have been pooled together.
1. Transmission Overheating
Many customers have complained that they frequently receive the notice “Transmission temperature is high” on the MID. Stop Sensibly. One customer operated the Seltos GTX+ for approximately 100 kilometers before the overheating message appeared on the MID. Within a few weeks of purchase, another customer who purchased the DCT model encountered the same issue.
2. The delivery of a faulty vehicle
A Kia Seltos Diesel HTK 6-speed AT owner has spoken about her issues. She claimed in the lengthy post that the infotainment started working after just 20 days of purchase. After 2-3 days of going from dealer to dealer, she was able to get the car fixed. But after just a short while of driving once more, the issue reappeared. The owner then noticed the AC was emitting white smoke and a foul odor. Within 20 days of the car’s acquisition, all of these issues had arisen.
3. A motorist involved in an accident receives no response
The Kia service centers are giving many users problems. Within three days of purchasing the vehicle, one owner was involved in an accident. However, the Kia service center has been silent for more than two months on the problematic vehicle. Similar to the previous buyer, another customer has his Seltos parked in the service center for 15 days because there aren’t any replacement components or helpful staff.
4. Incorrect Delivery Time Frame
Many customers have voiced their dissatisfaction over the fact that they still haven’t received their Seltos. For one customer, the GTX DCT model has been reserved for more than 100 days and no delivery information has been provided. It has been 93 days since the booking, and another customer is experiencing the same problem. Customers believe that Kia dealerships have a preference system in place.
5. Minimal Miles
One particular owner asserted that the GTX DCT only gets 7.7 km per gallon even after traveling more than 450 kilometers at a speed of 40 km/h on a traffic-free road. Additionally, despite always using the eco mode, the person got poor mileage. The business states that the DCT model offers 16 km/l.
Are Kia automobiles secure?
Safety Rating for Kia For the purpose of displaying to Rogers drivers which automobiles provide the best levels of protection, the NHTSA and IIHS both conduct a rigorous battery of crash-test simulations. The 2021 Kia Sportage received a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA, which includes: 4-Star front star rating overall. 4-Star Rollover Star Rating.
Which Kia Seltos are subject to a recall?
A select number of 20202021 Soul and 2021 Seltos vehicles with 2.0L Nu MPI engines are being recalled by Kia Motors America (Kia). Engine damage could come from improper heat treatment of the piston oil rings. Tip: Not all vehicles from the same year, make, and model are subject to recalls.