Common Issues in Kia Seltos: Causes and Solutions

The Kia Seltos made a strong entry into the Indian market with its sporty design language, feature-packed cabin, modern dashboard layout, and a range of engine options. However, being a machine, it has its fair share of recurring problems over time. Here we aim to address the most common issues in the Kia Seltos, along with their possible causes and solutions to help owners resolve them effectively.

Common Issues Faced by Kia Seltos Owners

The common problems with the Kia Seltos include DCT transmission issues, DPF issues, RPM fluctuation, high-beam adjustment issues, and more.

DCT and Automatic Gearbox Problems in Kia Seltos

Some owners of Seltos equipped with the 7-speed DCT (Dual-Clutch Transmission) variant have reported experiencing jerky gear shifts, particularly at low speeds or during gear transitions between 1st, 2nd, and 3rd gears.

In addition, concerns of jerks in automatic (Torque Converter) variants while accelerating from low speeds or when downshifting at mid-range RPMs.

Probable Cause

• Overheating of the dry clutch system
• Wear and tear of clutch plates
• TCU software glitches
• TC Software calibration issues
• Torque converter misbehaviour

How to Identify the Issue

• Sudden jerks during slow acceleration in DCT
• Hesitation or lag while shifting gears
• A clunking noise while moving off from a stop
• Mild jerking during gradual acceleration in TC Automatic
• Noticeable lag when overtaking

Professional Assistance

• Update TCU software
• Replace clutch plates if worn (covered under warranty in many cases)
• Avoid stop-and-go traffic when possible to reduce strain on DCT
• TC recalibration
• Check transmission oil for DCT and TC, and replace it if necessary

DPF Issues in Diesel Variants

Several diesel Seltos owners have raised concerns regarding the issues related to the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF), particularly in urban driving conditions.

Probable Cause

• Incomplete DPF regeneration due to short city drives
• Poor fuel quality or adulterated diesel

How to Identify the Issue

• The check engine light turns on
• Noticeable power drop or limp mode activation

DIY Solutions

• Drive on highways at constant speeds (above 60 km/h) to allow DPF regeneration

Professional Assistance

• Get the DPF cleaned or replaced under warranty if it is clogged
• Use high-quality diesel and follow periodic maintenance strictly

Suspension Stiffness and Ride Quality Concerns

Many Seltos owners have reported a stiff suspension, leading to a bumpy and uncomfortable ride on rough roads, potholes, and speed breakers.

Probable Cause

• Firm suspension tuning for better handling
• Tyre pressure is set too high

How to Identify the Issue

• Noticeable thuds or crashes over uneven surfaces
• Occupants experience discomfort while driving on rough roads

DIY Solutions

• Maintain tyre pressure between 32-33 psi for comfort
• Avoid overloading the vehicle

Professional Assistance

• Inspect the suspension system at the service centre
• Check for any worn-out suspension components and replace it if necessary
• Explore aftermarket suspension components if ride comfort is a priority

RPM Fluctuation at Idle

Some owners of Kia Seltos have noticed erratic RPM behaviour when the vehicle is idling, which can be unsettling.

Probable Cause

• Throttle body issues
• Fuel injector or spark plug malfunction

How to Identify the Issue

• RPM needle moves up and down without throttle input
• Occasional engine vibrations when stationary

Professional Assistance

• Perform an OBD diagnostic scan
• Clean the throttle body and injectors
• Replace spark plugs if found to be worn out

AC Vibration or Reduced Cooling in Reverse Gear

Kia Seltos is known to have a strong Air Conditioner. However, some owners have observed higher vibration when the car is stationary in reverse gear with the AC on, and a few have noticed weak AC performance.

Probable Cause

• Engine load fluctuation while reversing
• AC compressor or condenser inefficiency

How to Identify the Issue

• Vibration through the steering or pedals when reversing
• Delayed cabin cooling on hot days

Professional Assistance

• Inspect the AC compressor and refrigerant lines
• Adjust engine idle RPM via ECU update

Infotainment and Sound System Limitations

Several Seltos owners have reported that the default infotainment settings affect the rear speaker volume and overall sound clarity.

Probable Cause

• Poor stock audio tuning from factory settings

How to Identify the Issue

• Rear speakers sound underpowered
• Low bass and weak surround feel

DIY Solutions

• Adjust infotainment settings (Set audio mode to "Lounge" in Android Auto)
• Use the equaliser to fine-tune balance and bass levels

Professional Assistance

• Request a firmware update at the service centre for improved media performance

High Beam Adjustment and Visibility Concerns

The high beam adjustment in the Kia Seltos is either ineffective or misaligned, resulting in visibility issues at night.

Probable Cause

• Factory headlight alignment is not tailored to individual driving preferences

How to Identify the Issue

• Low beams feel fine, but high beams appear too high or scattered

Professional Assistance

• Manually adjust headlamp levelling screws
• Request a beam alignment check during servicing

Preventive Maintenance Tips for Kia Seltos Owners

• Follow Kia’s recommended service schedule for optimal performance.
• Maintain correct tyre pressure for optimal ride comfort
• Use high-quality fuel and avoid unknown fuel stations for diesel refuelling
• Drive on highways regularly for diesel variants to allow proper DPF regeneration
• Follow scheduled servicing strictly, especially for DCT and TC automatic variants
• Keep an eye on ECU, TCU or other software updates

Conclusion

The Kia Seltos is among the best-selling compact SUVs in the Indian market. It delivers impressive styling and features, but certain common problems can affect the ownership experience. It is essential to stay aware of these common issues in your car, and taking timely action can help you enjoy a smoother drive. For major concerns, it is always advisable to visit an authorised Kia service centre or a fully equipped modern car workshop, such as FourDoor, for proper diagnosis and repairs.

FAQs

Q. Why does the DPF cause issues in my Kia Seltos?

In Bharat Stage 6 diesel engines, the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) helps eliminate soot and unburnt hydrocarbons in exhaust gases, thereby reducing air pollution. However, the DPF requires regeneration, which can be achieved by driving long distances at highway speeds. Frequent short city drives can cause DPF issues in the Kia Seltos.

Q. Why does the DCT cause issues in my Seltos?

The dual-clutch transmission (DCT) of the Kia Seltos tends to overheat during prolonged periods of stop-and-go traffic. The best way to prevent overheating is to avoid prolonged driving in stop-and-go traffic. Other issues can be due to wear and tear of clutch plates and TCU software glitches.

Q. Why is my Seltos’ cabin noisy?

The cabin noise in the Kia Seltos can be due to stiff suspension while driving on rough patches of roads, higher vibrations due to defective or worn-out engine mounts, and vibrations caused by DCT jerks.

Q. What are the best service intervals to prevent issues with Seltos?

The recommended service interval for the Kia Seltos is 1 year or 10,000 kilometres, whichever comes first. It is always prudent to report your car’s problems to the service centre during scheduled services, allowing them to rectify the issues in a single visit.

Q. What common issues should I check before buying a used Kia Seltos?

The common issues to check before buying a used Kia Seltos are:

• DCT and TC Automatic issues
• DPF issues in the Diesel variants
• RPM fluctuations
• Infotainment system calibration
• High Beam adjustment