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.
In This Article...
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.
Are Kia Selto vehicles dependable?
The 2022 Seltos is predicted to be significantly less dependable than the typical new car. Based on information from 2021 model data, this forecast. To view reported concerns with earlier models that are similar, select the model year of the used automobile.
Do Kia Seltos make good investments?
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.
The reason Kia Selto failed.
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.
What drawbacks are there to buying a Kia Seltos?
- Long Waiting Time: Depending on the version, the Kia Seltos is subject to a waiting period that might last up to 6 months, according to our dealer sources. The semiconductor problem is the main cause of the delivery delay.
- Doesn’t Get Panoramic Sunroof: Indian consumers are enamored with large sunroofs, and competitors in the segment include the Hyundai Creta and MG Astor, among others. Even the top-end model of the Kia Seltos has a single glass sunroof.
- No AWD System: The Kia Seltos is only available as a front-wheel drive vehicle. The 2017 Kia Seltos doesn’t even have an optional all-wheel drive (AWD) system, even in the X-Line model.
Seltos: Is it a failure?
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?
Do Kia Seltos have issues with the transmission?
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration receives consumer complaints about sudden transmission failure. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has 62 complaints and one recall related to the 2021 Kia Seltos, just 13 of which are related to powertrain problems.
Styling and Presence
Hyundai and Kia have extremely comparable vehicle lineups. Though it’s important to note that Hyundai has established a luxury branch named Genesis that largely addresses those gaps, Kia does provide a few vehicles that Hyundai doesn’t. Hyundai’s aesthetic is generally much more restrained and understated, with slender curves and unobtrusive round forms making up the majority of the design elements. However, compared to their Hyundai cousins, Kia vehicles have sportier style that gives them a more aggressive and dynamic appearance. In a similar vein, compared to the Hyundai model, Kia SUV vehicles have a more robust, off-road oriented look. In general, Hyundai automobiles are more likely to blend in with the crowd, but Kia styling is more angular and futuristic, designed to grab attention and make a statement.
Performance and Handling
Although Hyundai and Kia share platforms and drivetrains, we already established that each company maintains its own independent engineering divisions. This is significant because it enables individual ride and handling characteristics to be tuned for each brand of car. It’s risky to generalize given the large range of vehicles available, including hatchbacks, sedans, crossovers, and vans. In contrast, a comparable Hyundai vehicle is probably going to prioritize a smoother, but disconnected-feeling ride, whilst you will probably find that Kia vehicles provide more dynamic, engaging handling qualities. Both have advantages and disadvantages, but in our opinion, Kia automobiles’ special chassis tuning significantly increases fun.
Price and Value
Kia automobiles are typically less priced than their Hyundai counterparts. The comparable Hyundai Elantra starts at $19,850, while the Kia Forte starts at $17,890. Although the Forte is less priced, Kia didn’t scrimp on quality or features. Like Hyundai, Kia provides one of the best warranties in the industry, which is ten years and 100,000 miles. Both companies offer quality that is unmatched in the industry and stand behind their products. In the J.D. Power U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study*, Kia placed third for 2021, ahead of brands like Toyota, Chevrolet, and even Mercedes-Benz. Even Hyundai’s luxury division, Genesis, ended behind Kia. Only Porsche and Lexus were ranked higher among mass market brands in terms of quality than Kia. At the top of that list, Kia is, in our opinion, in good company. It’s also important to note that J.D. Power named the Kia Optima, Sorento, and Sportage as the top models in each of their respective classes.
The Kia Advantage
In conclusion, Kia cars offer greater value and better quality, with bolder style and a more dynamic driving experience, even though Kia and Hyundai offer comparable vehicles. Simply put, no matter what you value most in a car, Kia automobiles are better overall. Of course, it is ultimately up to you to decide. We recognize that purchasing a new car is a significant investment. We advise you to test drive both brands since we are certain that you will ultimately decide on a Kia. Any way you look at it, it’s unquestionably the better option. Please forgive me, Hyundai.
What are a Kia’s benefits and drawbacks?
In the late 1990s and early 2000s, Kia had a rather bad reputation. However, they have significantly improved the quality and consumer satisfaction of their vehicles during the past ten years. So are Kia vehicles reliable?
The answer depends on who is buying the car and what they need. When it comes to acceleration and fuel efficiency, Kias are good vehicles. They are a fantastic choice for someone who wants to spend money on the less expensive end of the spectrum. When purchasing a new vehicle, they offer one of the best warranties available, but many people choose to lease rather than buy because the resale value is subpar when compared to other models from manufacturers like Toyota and Honda.
If you’re seeking for a car with more opulent features, don’t buy a Kia. Overall, many Kia cars have firm suspensions, which makes driving less comfortable. The car interiors are likewise lacking in quality. The navigation systems and entertainment features are rife with issues, and the seating is less comfortable than some of their rivals’. When you take into account their resale value, Kias are also not the best choice as a vehicle to buy.
Overall, the answer to the question of whether Kias are decent cars or not is that, with the exception of the Optima, older models might not be a prudent purchase. We advise against purchasing a Soul in any model year and to stay far away from Kia hybrid and electric cars.
Although Kias are less expensively built, they aren’t being offered at significantly lower prices in 2020. Ten years ago, these automobiles were incredibly inexpensive in comparison to their rivals, but they also had a far poorer level of general quality and had several electrical problems.
The fact that Kia’s sales are rising is probably due to the fact that the company spends a lot of money on advertising, but it is also because the company has made major improvements to its vehicles.
How reliable are Kia automobiles?
To obtain their overall reliability ratings, the RepairPal team considers a number of different variables. Simply put, your out-of-pocket ownership expenditures will be cheaper the more dependable your car is. The cost, frequency, and severity of repairs are some of these variables. In order to calculate an individual brand’s total RepairPal reliability rating, these categories are averaged.
In the RepairPal reliability rankings, Kia came in at number three, including second place when only non-luxury brands were included. The Kia Reliability Rating is 4.0 out of 5.0, placing it third among all car brands out of 32. This evaluation is based on the average of 345 different models.
“Kia had three well-liked models, including the Soul, Rio, and Forte, in the top 30 with Excellent ratings. The Optima and Sorento, two of its most well-liked cars, kept their Excellent rankings within the top 100.
Do Kia vehicles have issues?
bulletins for numerous vehicles that have had engine issues. among the most
Owners and tenants frequently report the following Kia engine issues:
- power loss or stalling
- A knocking noise
- Seizing
- Overheating
- Leaks
- Non-collision flames
- Unpredictable engine failure [1]