Short answer: The biggest problems with the 2022 Kia Seltos are engine problems, transmission issues, and electrical system problems.
Engine problems are by far the most common while transmission issues and electrical system problems aren’t as common. Kia has issued a recall for this vehicle for possible engine damage.
Most 2022 Kia Seltos are reliable and gas-efficient, but some vehicles come out of the factory and onto dealership lots with manufacturing defects.
When consumers purchase those defective cars and begin experiencing issues, they often report them to online platforms.
In this article, we summarize those reports so that you can be a more informed vehicle owner or buyer.
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Common 2022 Kia Seltos Problems
2022 Kia Seltos Engine Problems
For the 2022 Kia Seltos, consumers mainly mentioned engine stalling and failure.
Kia has issued a recall for an engine issue relating to piston oil rings that were manufactured incorrectly, potentially leading to engine damage. The NHTSA Recall ID # for this recall is 25V-099.
Engine Stalling and Failing
- Severity: Moderate to severe; engine stalling can increase crash risk if it occurs while driving, particularly at higher speeds or in traffic.
- Manufacturer’s Response: Kia issued Recall 25V-099 due to defective piston oil rings that may cause engine damage, excessive oil consumption, engine stalling, or fire risk.
- Fix: Dealers will inspect the engine and replace it if necessary, and install piston-ring noise sensing system software, free of charge.
2022 Kia Seltos Transmission Issues
In the 2022 Kia Seltos, consumers mainly mentioned their transmissions overheating, especially while in traffic.
Overheating Transmission
- Severity: Moderate; transmission overheating may cause reduced performance or temporary loss of propulsion, particularly in stop-and-go traffic.
- Manufacturer’s Response: Kia has not issued a TSB or recall for this issue for this vehicle; however, Kia TSB SA424 is the same issue for older Kia vehicles.
- Fix: Dealers will inspect transmission fluid level and condition, check for cooling system restrictions, and update transmission control module software if applicable; component repair or replacement may be required if damage is present.
2022 Kia Seltos Electrical System Problems
2022 Kia Seltos owners mentioned getting many warning lights on their dashboard, seemingly unconnected to any actual issue.
Dashboard Lights Going On
- Severity: Light to moderate; warning lights may indicate an underlying issue but are not inherently dangerous by themselves.
- Manufacturer’s Response: There is no specific recall for random dashboard warning lights on the 2022 Seltos. However, Kia has issued diagnostic TSBs covering MIL illumination and various sensor-related fault codes.
- Fix: Dealers will scan for diagnostic trouble codes, update software if applicable, and repair or replace faulty sensors or modules as needed.
2022 Kia Seltos Owner Complaints
“This vehicle passed the piston oil ring recall in September 2025, by November 2025 the vehicle was burning through a quart of oil a week. Two different dealerships advised that this wouldn’t be covered under the recall, stating the recall was for engine noise. The recall states that the issue in question can cause increased oil consumption that will then lead to noise. The vehicle was 5,000 miles out of warranty.”
“Tried to remote start vehicle and it would not work. Went and manually started car so it could warm up and returned to house. Went back outside and car was backed into a ditch with all warning lights illuminated on dash.”
“Vehicle stalled and shut completely off then back on. Vehicle shut down during an attempted left turn almost causing deadly collision with oncoming traffic. Vehicle did a completely hard brake, shut off then back on in the middle of a left turn.”
How to Assert Your Lemon Law Rights
Lemon laws are consumer protection statutes created to address situations where a vehicle develops serious, recurring defects that the manufacturer cannot successfully repair.
When a defect arises during the warranty period and continues after reasonable repair attempts, the law may require the manufacturer to take responsibility by offering a buyback, replacement, or monetary compensation. These laws focus on defects that substantially affect a vehicle’s safety, reliability, or overall value.
Many consumers do not realize their vehicle may qualify even if it still drives or the dealer claims repairs were completed.
Ongoing warning lights, repeated system failures, or extended time in the repair shop can all be indicators of a potential lemon law claim. Understanding these rights early can help prevent prolonged frustration and unnecessary financial loss.
| Affected Model | Average Lemon Law Settlement |
| 2022 Kia Seltos | $43,977 |
*Please note, the figures presented in the chart are approximations based on past case results and should not be interpreted as a prediction or guarantee. Each case is unique and requires personalized legal guidance.
Connect with the Lemon Law Experts Today
If your vehicle continues to have serious problems and you’re unsure where to turn, contact the Lemon Law Experts today.
Our team will evaluate your claim and help you take steps to protect your rights if you choose that path. Reach out by calling (877) 885-5366 or by filling out an online contact form here on our website.
