Kia Seltos problems
The Kia Seltos (Korean: 기아 셀토스) is a subcompact crossover SUV manufactured by Kia. Introduced in mid-2019, the Seltos is positioned between the smaller Stonic, Soul, or Sonet and the larger Sportage in Kia's global SUV lineup.
The Seltos is designated as a global product with three variations introduced for different markets. The first variation is the largest version of the Seltos, which is manufactured in South Korea (codename: SP2) mainly aimed at developed markets, including North America and Australasia. The two other variations are the Indian-made Seltos (codename: SP2i) and the closely related Chinese version badged as the Kia KX3 (codename: SP2c). The SP2i and SP2c models are the low-cost versions of the Seltos to penetrate emerging markets, built on the Hyundai-Kia K2 platform and closely related to the second-generation Hyundai Creta/ix25. Despite being a globally marketed model, the Seltos is not sold in the European market.
The name "Seltos" is derived from "Celtos", the son of Hercules and Celtine in Greek mythology. According to Kia, the Seltos will be marketed to millennials.
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Kia Seltos model years
Common Kia Seltos problems
The Kia Seltos, a popular subcompact SUV, has been reported to have several common problems by its owners. These issues range from engine stalling to transmission overheating, and they can significantly impact the safety and reliability of the vehicle.
One of the most common problems with the Kia Seltos is engine stalling. The engine is prone to stalling while stopped and even during acceleration, which can create a significant safety hazard for the driver and other motorists, especially if it occurs on the highway. The exact cause behind these engine problems is not well understood, but they are closely linked to the fuel-saving features of the vehicle. The engine has also exhibited acceleration delays, which can be dangerous during transitions such as merging into traffic or navigating a busy intersection.
Another issue that has been reported by Kia Seltos owners is transmission overheating. Many buyers have complained that they are getting a message on the MID (multi-information display) that says "Transmission temperature is high. Stop Safely." This problem has been experienced by both manual and automatic transmission variants of the Seltos. If the transmission temperature becomes too high, it can cause the vehicle to go into "limp mode," which significantly reduces its power and speed.
In addition to engine and transmission problems, the Kia Seltos has also been reported to have issues with its fuel-saving feature. The Seltos is equipped with a popular but problematic feature that is designed to save fuel by stopping the engine when the vehicle is idle and restarting it when the driver releases the brake. However, this feature has been known to cause the engine to shut off unexpectedly, leaving the driver stranded. In some instances, drivers are unable to turn their vehicles back on, which can be a significant safety hazard.
Furthermore, some Kia Seltos owners have reported problems with the vehicle's infotainment system. In some cases, the infotainment system has been known to go off completely, while in other cases, it has displayed incorrect information. This can be a significant inconvenience for drivers, as the infotainment system is responsible for controlling many of the vehicle's functions, such as the radio, navigation, and climate control.
Lastly, there have been reports of quality concerns with the Kia Seltos. Some owners have reported issues with the vehicle's paint, trim, and interior materials. These issues can significantly impact the vehicle's appearance and overall quality, and they can be costly to repair.
In conclusion, the Kia Seltos has been reported to have several common problems by its owners. These issues include engine stalling, transmission overheating, problems with the fuel-saving feature, issues with the infotainment system, and quality concerns. While the Seltos is considered to be reliable by most of its owners, these issues can significantly impact the safety and reliability of the vehicle. If you are considering purchasing a Kia Seltos, it is important to be aware of these common problems and to have them addressed by a qualified mechanic if they occur.
Does Kia Seltos have any problems?
Kia Seltos engine problems include stalling. The Kia Seltos engine is prone to stalling while stopped and even during acceleration. That can create a significant safety hazard for you and other drivers, especially if you are cruising down the highway and your engine suddenly stalls out.
Is the Kia Seltos a reliable car?
The 2024 Kia Seltos has a predicted reliability score of 87 out of 100. A J.D. Power predicted reliability score of 91-100 is considered the Best, 81-90 is Great, 70-80 is Average and 0-69 is Fair and considered below average.
What is the disadvantage of Kia Seltos?
For 2024, the uplevel 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine gained 20 hp and is now paired with an eight-speed automatic. Front-wheel drive is standard, and all-wheel drive is optional. The stiff ride and loud cabin are two significant drawbacks.
How many miles will a Kia Seltos last?
How long do Kia Seltoses last? You can expect a typical Kia Seltos to last around 200,000 miles, placing the high mileage point at 150,000 and the good mileage point at 125,000. While this number isn't exceptional, the Kia Seltos is still a solid offering if you're hunting for decent longevity on the market.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Kia Seltos years
We have researched Kia problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Kia Seltos cars and compiled the top 4 most problematic Kia Seltos model years:
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Kia Seltos model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Kia Seltos years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Kia Seltos car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Kia Seltos , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Engine problems
- Electrical system problems
- Power train problems
- Unknown or other problems
- Forward collision avoidance problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Kia Seltos vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by Seltos model years
A total of 9 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by Seltos model years
There were a total of 6 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by Seltos model years
There were a total of 5 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
The NHTSA has received 206 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Kia Seltos . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Kia Seltos vehicles.
Latest 25 complaints
Kia Seltos 2022
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-13
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-15
- VIN: KNDETCA24N7
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: I was stopped in traffic for about 40 minutes and the over heating transmission came on. warnned to pull over and wait to cool off.
Kia Seltos 2022
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-09
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-09
- VIN: KNDETCA29N7
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: The contact owns a 2022 Kia Seltos. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed with the Navigation system activated, the instrumental panel started behaving erratically and failed to display pertinent vehicle safety information, prompting the contact to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway to turn the vehicle off. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. The contact stated that several warning lights were illuminated and flashing. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was able to duplicate the failure but was unable provide a cause for the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 30,000.
Kia Seltos 2021
- Date Of Incident: 2023-05-09
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-09
- VIN: KNDERCAA3M7
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2021 Kia Seltos. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact heard an audible pinging sound. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and an oil change was performed. The contact was informed that the oil level was low; however, there was no indication of an oil leak. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. In addition, the contact stated that again the oil consumption was unusually high and again there was no indication of an oil leak. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not repaired or diagnosed by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 59,000.
Kia Seltos 2023
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-30
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-06
- Crash: 1
- VIN: KNDEU2AA6P7
- Components: AIR BAGS,SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
- Summary: Went to stop at a red light and I had no breaks pushed break pedal all to the floor and nothing hit another car no air bags seat belt never tightened no collision warning nothing I was was at fault and charge wreck less driving and ticked. And Kia wants to charge me 200 for a diagnostic fee to figure out what happened I just had the oil changed 2 months ago
Kia Seltos 2021
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-14
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-02
- VIN: KNDEUCAA8M7
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2021 Kia Seltos. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving 65-70 MPH on the highway, the engine was revving but the vehicle failed to respond as needed before shutting down. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer and was diagnosed with transmission failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, opened a case, but provided no additional assistance. The contact called the SAG Office and was referred to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 77,000.
Kia Seltos 2023
- Date Of Incident: 2023-11-25
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-30
- VIN: KNDEU2AA5P7
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
- Summary: Unknown. Was told there was a recall when i took it in for my first oil change over a year ago, was told that they would call me when the part came in, then never heard from anyone. Just took it back in couple months ago and mentioned it again and nothing was ever said. They did confirm that it had a recall but werent too concern about it
Kia Seltos 2024
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-23
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-24
- VIN: KNDEUCAA5R7
- Components: VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Summary: Issue Description: I am reporting a crack that has suddenly appeared in the windshield of my vehicle. This crack aligns with the rearview mirror and has spread quickly. Details: Date of occurrence: The crack was first noticed on the morning of [XXX]. Recent vehicle use: We recently drove the car to Dallas (7 hours from home) and Lake Charles (1 hour from home), and during that trip, we thoroughly cleaned the windshield, which was covered in bugs. At that time, we inspected it closely and noted no cracks or damage. Location of crack: The crack is located very high up on the windshield, making it highly improbable that it resulted from any fault of our own. Impact on Safety: The crack obstructs my view and poses a safety concern while driving. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Kia Seltos 2023
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-20
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-21
- VIN: KNDERCAA3P7
- Components: WHEELS
- Summary: I was driving the car & instantly started losing air on my left front tire. No explanation. The tires on have 16000 miles on them.
Kia Seltos 2021
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-16
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-16
- VIN: KNDEU2AA6M7
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
- Summary: I was at a stop light and when the light turned green the car i took my foot off the brake and placed it on the gas pedal, but the car wouldn't move. Almost like it shut down. I had to restart it to make it go. It ran but not the same.
Kia Seltos 2021
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-14
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-14
- VIN: KNDEPCAA2M7
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: Hello, I received the anti theft software update on my Kia last year part of the nationwide recall. Today, I had to use my steel key to open the car door and when I did, it started ringing the alarm. The car was unable to start without pressing the open button in my key fob. I had to replace the key fob battery in order for me to get into my car and drive it. I have a steel key, not push to start.
Kia Seltos 2021
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-01
- Date Complaint: 2024-08-26
- VIN: KNDEUCAA6M7
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: Engine oil burning to quickly. Have replaced two quarts between oil changes.
Kia Seltos 2024
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-17
- Date Complaint: 2024-08-26
- VIN: KNDEPCAA4R7
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: Junction box malfunction. This part is available for inspection upon request. My safety was at risk because my car was locked on Park, power steering lost, windows locked closed, decrease in acceleration after manually over riding the Park shift. Problem has not confirmed by the dealer. The component has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representative. All the warning lamps lit up when the car was manually overridden by the Park shift lock. This problem appeared 5 weeks after purchase as a brand new vehicle.
Kia Seltos 2022
- Date Of Incident: 2024-05-01
- Date Complaint: 2024-08-15
- VIN: KNDEUCAA8N7
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: A few months ago noise was coming from the engine. I could not find the noise so I just happened to check the oil level and it was down 3 quarts of oil. I put the 3 quarts of oil in and the noise stopped. Now it down almost another quart. I went to Taca Kia and talk to a lady that works in service told me it was normal for the SUV to burn a quart of oil every 1,000 miles. I never heard of a new car burning oil that much. I Heard that Kia put the wrong oil ring in some makes a models.
Kia Seltos 2023
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-17
- Date Complaint: 2024-08-15
- VIN: KNDEU2AA4P7
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: When I change gears the gears get stuck from drive to park. I have to give it a push to put vehicle on park.
Kia Seltos 2022
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-30
- Date Complaint: 2024-08-14
- VIN: KNDERCAA4N7
- Components: AIR BAGS,LANE DEPARTURE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
- Summary: This is a problem that has occurred in several Kia models. While driving all of a sudden all the warning lights from every safety related item come on and at the same time the power steering goes off as well as the air conditioner. Sometimes if you stop the car and restart the engine everything returns to normal other times it does not and occasionally the shifter locks itself in park. I have taken it to the Kia dealer twice and they "repaired" it one time and the problem continued. The second time no problem codes were shown in the OBD and they said there was nothing they could do. We have limited our driving this car because it is a ticking time bomb. A quick look at the Seltos forum shows that many owners have reported this problem. Please go to this link below. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Recalls Kia Seltos
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 4 recalls for different components of the Kia Seltos.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Kia Seltos 2024
- Report Received Date: 2023-12-07
- Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023 Soul and 2024 Seltos vehicles. Due to a manufacturing error, the side curtain air bags may deploy unexpectedly.
- Consequence: An air bag that deploys unexpectedly can increase the risk of injury or crash.
- Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace both side curtain air bag modules as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 31, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC289.
- Model: Kia Seltos 2023
- Report Received Date: 2023-07-31
- Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
- Park Out Side: 1
- Park Out Side: 1
- Components: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:FLUID/LUBRICANT:PUMP
- Summary: Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023 Soul, Sportage, and 2023-2024 Seltos vehicles. The electronic controller for the Idle Stop & Go oil pump assembly may contain damaged electrical components that can cause the pump to overheat.
- Consequence: An electric oil pump assembly that overheats increases the risk of a vehicle fire.
- Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will inspect and replace the electric oil pump controller, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 28, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC275.
- Model: Kia Seltos 2024
- Report Received Date: 2023-07-31
- Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
- Park Out Side: 1
- Park Out Side: 1
- Components: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:FLUID/LUBRICANT:PUMP
- Summary: Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023 Soul, Sportage, and 2023-2024 Seltos vehicles. The electronic controller for the Idle Stop & Go oil pump assembly may contain damaged electrical components that can cause the pump to overheat.
- Consequence: An electric oil pump assembly that overheats increases the risk of a vehicle fire.
- Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will inspect and replace the electric oil pump controller, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 28, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC275.
- Model: Kia Seltos 2021
- Report Received Date: 2021-04-13
- Manufacturer: Kia Motors America
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Soul, and 2021 Seltos vehicles equipped with 2.0L Nu MPI engines. The piston oil rings may not have been properly heat-treated, which may result in engine damage.
- Consequence: A damaged engine may stall, increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, oil may leak onto hot exhaust components, increasing the risk of a fire.
- Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the engine, free of charge. In addition, Kia will deploy Piston Ring Noise Sensing System (PNSS) software. The recall began June 11, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC209.
Latest negative Kia Seltos car reviews
Latest positive Kia Seltos car reviews
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Vehicle year: 2023
Bought for short commutes. Easily gets 31mph on trips of 20 miles or more. Great size for parking. Neat vehicle! 2 years with no issues. Except to drive it many years.
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Vehicle year: 2022
Hey there! I'm excited to share my experience with the 2021 Kia Seltos. I live in rural central Illinois and have a 35-minute commute. After researching for a while, I test drove the Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-5, and Hyundai Kona in July 2020. To my surprise, I stumbled upon the Seltos at the dealership and it checked all my boxes with its price, features, and long warranty. I've driven it for about 4,000 miles now, including two 12-hour trips, and I must say, I really like this car. It's not a luxury vehicle, but it's comfortable enough with good seats and a quiet ride. The acceleration is excellent, even in SMART mode, and the gas mileage is impressive. On my daily commute, I average about 37 MPG and can achieve 41 MPG if I drive carefully. The lane assist/warning is a nice feature for long trips, and I'm looking forward to seeing how it handles on ice/snow. I do have a few suggestions for the next model year, though. Firstly, it would be great if they could provide tilt steering in addition to the existing steering height and telescoping features. This would help with arm fatigue on long trips and improve visibility of the center instrument cluster. Secondly, raising the rear-view mirror attachment point higher and making the mirror easier to adjust would be helpful. Also, getting rid of the black plastic shroud behind the mirror would provide more front windshield visibility, especially when turning right and going downhill. Thirdly, reducing the width of the center console (or lowering it) slightly would give the driver just a bit more room for the right knee. A wide center console is the main reason I flat-out rejected the Ford Escape and the Mazda CX-5. Lastly, getting rid of the analog speedometer (which is blocked by the steering wheel anyway) and redesigning the instrument panel so you can easily see the digital display for speed, Avg MPG, miles to empty, etc. would be a great improvement. Thanks for reading!Give the front passenger the ability to raise their seat just like the driver can. The headlight auto bright/dimming feature needs some improvement as it sometimes flicks on and off, which can be quite annoying. Additionally, the flip-out key does not always slide into the ignition smoothly. Have you considered getting rid of the traditional key altogether?
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Vehicle year: 2023
Upgraded to this and it's the perfect size up from the Kia Soul I had. It's big enough but not too big.
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Vehicle year: 2023
I recently purchased a 2023 Kia Seltos SX and overall, it's a great vehicle. However, I did notice a few areas that could use some improvement. For example, the 7 Speed DCT could be better and the 175 HP version sometimes lacks power and has wicked turbo lag. Additionally, the sound quality on the Bose audio system could be improved and it would be nice to have an adjustable passenger seat. Despite these minor issues, I am still very happy with my purchase.
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Vehicle year: 2024
I'm so glad to hear that you're enjoying all the safety features, and that it even drives itself! It's great to know that both you and your husband, who is 6'9
Are you having problems with your Kia Seltos?
Rigoberto Hettinger 2025-07-08
Vehicle year: 2022
I'm a big fan of KIA and have all of my kids driving different models. Recently, my wife and I purchased the 2021 KIA Seltos EX model. The interior is great, and it has excellent gas mileage and overall space. However, we've had some issues with the stereo and wireless setup. Despite providing video and photos, we were told that they need to wait for more people to have similar issues. Unlike most other manufacturers, KIA decided to go with Bluetooth-only instead of a wired CarPlay. Although the car has two USB ports, they're mostly just charging ports. We've had issues with phone calls getting kicked out of the system, not being able to see maps, and music freezing. The system even starts over at times. It would have been better if KIA had given the option to use either wired or Bluetooth. Another issue is that to go to the next song using your steering wheel buttons, you have to go down instead of up. The dealership informed us that this is how their newer models are for K5, Stinger, Sportage, and Seltos. Overall, we feel that KIA missed the boat on this one, especially for a company that is trying to showcase luxury.
Arely Reichert 2025-06-04
Vehicle year: 2022
My daughter has experienced numerous issues with her 2022 Kia Seltos, particularly with the controls in the vehicle. They often stop working, leaving her unsure if the lights, blinker, horn, and other features are functioning. Fortunately, she is able to use her cell phone to monitor her speed. Despite her reliance on the vehicle for her daily commute, it has been difficult to schedule appointments with the dealership for repairs. Even when she is able to secure an appointment, the controls are often working again by the time she arrives, making it challenging to diagnose and fix the issue. Additionally, as a single mother with only one vehicle, it is not feasible for her to leave the car for an extended period of time without access to a rental. However, I am confident that we will be able to find a solution to these issues and ensure that the vehicle is functioning properly for her daily needs.
Tavares Sanford 2025-06-03
Vehicle year: 2021
Avoid purchasing a Kia vehicle. Despite purchasing a car with only 36 miles on it, I experienced several issues with the car's performance. Despite contacting the dealership, they were initially dismissive of my concerns. However, after conducting my own research, I discovered that the issues were related to the transmission computer software. Unfortunately, even after two updates, the problems persisted and it became clear that the transmission and engine needed to be replaced. Due to these ongoing issues, I made the decision to sell the car. It is advisable to consider other options when purchasing a vehicle.
Mathias Pollich 2025-05-27
Vehicle year: 2021
I'm a big fan of KIA and have all of my kids driving different models. Recently, my wife and I purchased the 2021 KIA Seltos EX model. The interior is great, and it has excellent gas mileage and overall space. However, we have had some issues with the stereo and wireless setup. Despite providing video and photos, we were told that they need to wait for more people to have similar issues. Unlike most other manufacturers, KIA decided to go with Bluetooth-only instead of a wired CarPlay. Although the car has two USB ports, they are mainly just charging ports. We have experienced issues with phone calls getting kicked out of the system, not being able to see maps, and music freezing, causing the system to restart. It would have been better if KIA had given the option to use either wired or Bluetooth. Another issue is that to go to the next song using the steering wheel buttons, you have to go down instead of up. The dealership informed us that this is how their newer models are designed, including the K5, Stinger, Sportage, and Seltos. Overall, while KIA is trying to showcase luxury, they missed the mark on this one.
Devonte Ortiz 2025-05-22
Vehicle year: 2022
I was really excited about this car and even put down a deposit while waiting for it to be delivered. Unfortunately, after about 8 weeks, I started experiencing some strange electrical and display issues. The display above the steering wheel has gone black and reset twice while I was driving, the radio has turned on by itself, and the entertainment display has changed screens without anyone touching it. Additionally, the light bar system lights up at random times. Although the service department has been unable to replicate some of these issues, I have video evidence of them happening. When I brought this to their attention, they asked for the videos to be sent, but then claimed that they had been edited and were not proof. Despite having purchased a wrap warranty from the dealership, they have refused to work on my car any further. It's been a frustrating experience, but I'm hopeful that Kia Customer Assistance will be able to help me resolve these issues. I would caution anyone against buying a car from Earnhardt Peoria Kia in Peoria, AZ.