2023 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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Common 2023 Kia Seltos problems
The 2023 Kia Seltos has been reported to have several common problems based on complaints from its owners. Here are the details of the most frequently mentioned issues:
- ABS (Anti-Lock Braking System) Warning Light: This light indicates an issue with the anti-lock brakes, which could be caused by a faulty speed sensor, low brake fluid, or even total brake failure. It is crucial to have this checked out by a professional as soon as possible.
- Premature Brake Pad/Rotor Wear: Some owners have reported premature wear of the brake pads and rotors, which can lead to pulsation or vibration in the brakes. This issue can be caused by various factors, including driving habits, vehicle condition, and the quality of the brake components.
- Ride Quality: The ride quality of the 2023 Kia Seltos has been criticized by some owners, who have reported that the suspension is too firm, leading to a harsh ride over rough surfaces. This can be particularly noticeable on long journeys, where the lack of compliance can lead to discomfort and fatigue .
- Fuel Economy: The fuel economy of the 2023 Kia Seltos has been a point of contention for some owners, who have reported that the vehicle's real-world fuel consumption is lower than the manufacturer's claims. This can be due to various factors, including driving style, vehicle condition, and the use of optional features such as air conditioning and heated seats .
- Safety Tech: Some owners have reported issues with the safety technology in the 2023 Kia Seltos, including the adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist systems. These issues can range from minor glitches to more significant problems that can affect the vehicle's ability to maintain a safe following distance or stay centered in its lane .
- Interior Quality: Some owners have reported issues with the interior quality of the 2023 Kia Seltos, including rattles, squeaks, and other noises that can be distracting and annoying. These issues can be caused by various factors, including the quality of the materials used, the design of the interior, and the fit and finish of the components.
- Infotainment System: Some owners have reported issues with the infotainment system in the 2023 Kia Seltos, including problems with the touchscreen, the audio system, and the navigation. These issues can range from minor glitches to more significant problems that can affect the vehicle's usability and functionality.
These are some of the most common problems reported by owners of the 2023 Kia Seltos. It is important to note that not all vehicles will experience these issues, and some may not experience any problems at all. However, if you are considering purchasing a 2023 Kia Seltos, it is worth being aware of these potential issues and discussing them with your dealer or a professional mechanic before making a decision.
What are the disadvantages of the Kia Seltos 2023?
Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.
Are there problems with Kia Seltos?
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. The engine has also exhibited acceleration delays.
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.
Is the 2023 Kia Seltos good on gas?
You're not alone. Skip the Mansfield gas stations when you choose a 2023 Kia Seltos! The 2023 Kia Seltos mpg estimates can reach up to 29 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway, making it a great choice for your next fuel-efficient SUV.
2023 Kia Seltos car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Kia Seltos problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Electrical system problems
- Unknown or other problems
- Engine problems
- Visibility problems
- Visibility/wiper problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2023 Kia Seltos vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2023 Kia Seltos complaints
The NHTSA has received 22 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2023 Kia Seltos.
AIR BAGS,SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-30
- 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
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-11-25
- 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
WHEELS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-20
- 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.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-17
- 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.
VISIBILITY/WIPER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-04-08
- VIN: KNDERCAA1P7
- Components: VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Summary: "GLARE IN THE FRONT WINDSHIELD" AFTER I PURCHASED MY 2023 KIA SELTOS EX AWD I NOTICED A HAZARDOUS GLARE IN THE FRONT WINDSHIELD IT'S COMING FROM THE DASHBOARD PORTIONS OF THE DASHBOARD REFLECTS INTO THE WINDSHIELD MAKING IT VERY DIFFICULT TO SEE WHILE DRIVING IN DIRECT SUNLIGHT THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE THE LARGE GLARE MAKES IT DIFFICULT TO SEE OUT OF THE WINDSHIELD.
VISIBILITY/WIPER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-05-01
- VIN: KNDEPCAA4P7
- Components: VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Summary: After purchasing my 2023 KIA SELTOS, I noticed a very distracting glare in the front windshield. A large portion of the dashboard reflects into the windshield which is especially risky when driving while facing in the direction of the sunlight. I contacted the dealership almost immediately and explained that there is a terrible glare in the windshield. I asked if it's because the little black dots around the rear view mirror are predominantly on one side and he said, "No, that's how they all are". I've never driven a vehicle before with such a bad reflection that I felt it is not safe. This reflection was not noted during the test drive because it was overcast that day. The dealer never mentioned any distracting reflection.
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-03-24
- VIN: KNDEU2AA3P7
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
- Summary: The check engine light came on .. for a day then went off. Took it they said they couldn’t find anything.. 2 days later a symbol triangle with exclamation point. Not sure what it means but the orange warning lights wouldn’t come on if nothing is wrong 24 thousand miles on it . All factory warranty service has been done
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-01-20
- Number Of Injuries: 3
- Crash: 1
- VIN: KNDERCAA6P7
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: I was in a car crash [XXX]. My 8 year old child was buckled in the backseat on the driver's side. Her seat belt failed and let her be thrown across the car into the passenger side floorboard face down. She was unconscious and lifeless, I had to pull her from the vehicle. She was life flighted to Memorial Hermann Children's in Houston, TX. She has a concussion, fractured pelvis, had a bleeding/bruised spleen, knocked her lower teeth all loose, plus bleeding and bruised gums, sore neck from whiplash and just general body pains. The police officer came to the hospital and told me they tested all the seat belts and the two back seat belts in the Kia Seltos FAILED to engage. The pediatrician physicians said this could have killed her and I need to report this to prevent more tragedies from happening. There needs to be an immediate recall done to protect the backseat passengers in these cars. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-11-08
- VIN: KNDEPCAAXP7
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
- Summary: Issues with idle stop and go. On 11/8/23 was at a light and stop and go was on. Light turned green took my foot off of the break and nothing happened then engine staled. Check engine light came on and then all other panel lights. Took two tries to get engine started again. I was in a busy intersection at rush hour. This is a huge safety issue. It has clitched at other times where took foot off break and engine took a moment to restart, but this is first stall. I now have a note in car to turn off every time I drive. I live in a high density area with lots of stop and go traffic and lights and cannot afford to get stuck or worse in an accident because of this. Kia needs to address this issue.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-06-25
- VIN: KNDERCAA1P7
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
- Summary: When the stop/ go is on .. it some times stalls and will not move when pressing petal.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-05-05
- VIN: KNDEU2AA7P7
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: The horn in my 2023 Kia Seltos started glitching and then went out completely. After a google search this appears to be a very big problem with the Seltos, and here in Florida it is against the law to drive without one. They need to recall these in for a fix. I have had a few near misses with other vehicles because I couldn't alert them with my horn. Kia of Clermont is refusing to provide a loaner car while they diagnose and resolve the issue, and I cannot afford to be without transportation while they do so. Please look into this because it is very dangerous not having a horn while driving. This IS a safety issue.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-05-12
- Crash: 1
- VIN: KNDERCAA4P7
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: The contact owns a 2023 Kia Seltos. The contact stated that while parallel parking her vehicle, the vehicle independently accelerated backward while in the reverse(R) position and crashed into a barrier. The contact did not sustain any injuries as a result of the failure. A police report was filed at the scene. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to a dealer where it remained in the dealer's possession. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-05-10
- VIN: KNDETCA24P7
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: The analog speedometer stopped working on 5/10/2023.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-02-02
- VIN: KNDERCAAXP7
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: When driving the 2023 Kia Seltos on several occasions, it lunges / jerks / lurching forward frequently. At times, when I’m at a stop the car seems as if it’s going to stop by jerking, or lunging or not getting enough gas. I took it to the Napleton Kia in Calumet City, IL on 2/4/2023 but they say they didn’t find anything. It has occurred: 2/9/2023; 2/16/2023; 2/22/2023; 2/27/2023; 3/3/2023; 3/7/2023; 3/13/2023. The lunges / jerking / not getting enough gas has occurred when the weather seems to be damp and or wet ( rain or snow).
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-02-01
- VIN: KNDERCAAXP7
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2023 Kia Seltos. The contact stated that while at a complete stop with her foot on the brake pedal, the vehicle independently lunged forward without warning. The contact also stated that while the vehicle was parked, the engine revved uncontrollably without warning. The contact had taken the vehicle to a dealer however, the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 300.
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-02-13
- VIN: KNDEUCAA9P7
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: Driver side rear door glass exploded spontaneously at 65mph for no reason, sending glass all over the interior. Was on a two lane highway in a remote area with no other traffic. Outside temperature was about 15 degrees. With no other underlying cause apparent. Stopped at the dealer immediately afterwards to have a warranty claim submitted. Kia denied the claim.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,LANE DEPARTURE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-12-01
- VIN: KNDEU2AA0P7
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,LANE DEPARTURE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
- Summary: My car sensors go off when they aren’t supposed to. My front collision sensor goes off when cars are 2 cars in front of me. My side sensors will go off when I’m im the only one on a street. My console has electrical issues… internal issues. This car qualifies for Lemon Law. That’s how many times I sent it in and they were unable to repair it. Please investigate Kia 2023 seltos. Thanks
VISIBILITY/WIPER,VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-01-17
- VIN: KNDETCA20P7
- Components: VISIBILITY/WIPER,VISIBILITY
- Summary: Was driving very early in the morning, there were no other vehicles close to me when my windshield suddenly spontaneously cracked up in the upper driver's side corner. The crack started at the upper edge of the windshield and it is expanding. An internet search indicates this is a problem experienced my many other KIA owners.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-12-24
- VIN: KNDEUCAA4P7
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER,VISIBILITY
- Summary: On Saturday, December 24th of 2022, the right driver passenger window randomly shattered, the car windows were perfectly fine on Friday, December 23rd . The had been sitting parked in the parking lot in front our house, off and unharmed; which was confirmed by our cameras. The right driver passenger window is composed of tempered glass, and currently the shattered glass is being held together by the tint that was on the window.Yes, the car is available for inspection upon request. As of now my Kia Seltos 2023, is inoperable due to the window being shattered. My safety is impacted because, I do not feel comfortable driving a vehicle were the Widows can shatter randomly. I do not feel comfortable driving the car until all of the windows are inspected for defects. This is unfortunate given that this is what I use for my primary transportation to work and school. I can confirm that this phenomenon has occurred multiple times by various Kia consumer car owners. In addition, Kia is aware of this phenomenon. However, to my knowledge, I have not read anything about this phenomenon being reproduced or confirmed by a Kia or an independent Service center. This component has not been inspected by the manufacturer nor has it been inspected Police. A claim has been filed on the insurance to replace the shatter window, but they have yet to replace the window due to having trouble finding a replacement window. No there were no symptoms, messages, or other indication prior to the failure of the driver passenger window shattering.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-09-01
- VIN: KNDEUCAA4P7
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: Areas of the console, mainly the frame around the gps/media display, as well as the interior doors are highly reflective. At certain times of the day, the sun reflects off them and causes extreme visibility problems. I actually had to pull off the road one day because I got a bright light in the eyes that produced an effect similar to a camera flash, and I was unable to see. I really scared me, as I almost ran off the road when it happened. During daytime driving, I'm often driving with one hand trying to shelter my eyes, and the other on the steering wheel, as even when wearing sunglasses, the reflection is blinding. Those surfaces, because of the angle, and the visibility to the driver (and passengers) should be more of a muted, or textured surface to prevent this danger. Although it may sound trivial, to me it is a true safety concern.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,BACK OVER PREVENTION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-11-17
- VIN: KNDEU2AA0P7
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,BACK OVER PREVENTION
- Summary: I have been having issues with my touch screen in my car. I bought my car new and the console has not worked correctly. I’ve had this issue with the console since 7/22… have been begging KIA America to fix it. Today I was driving backwards and my backup camera was on. Then when I drove forward the backup camera was still on after i put my car in drive. “Ford issued a recall for 47,046 Bronco SUVs from the 2021 and 2022 model years with 8-inch center display screens because their backup cameras might still display a camera image even after the vehicle is no longer backing up. As a result, these vehicles are not in compliance with federal motor vehicle safety standards. “(Google accessed 11/17/22) This car is a safety hazard and it should be recalled
VISIBILITY,STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-08-30
- VIN: kndeu2aa3p7
- Components: VISIBILITY,STRUCTURE
- Summary: when driving in sun or lighted areas the dash board reflects off the window glass making the driver impaired . the dash board and window glass is not properly installed especially with the visibility of the reflection
2023 Kia Seltos recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 2023 Kia Seltos.
- 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.
Negative 2023 Kia Seltos car reviews
Positive 2023 Kia Seltos car reviews
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The infotainment system is fantastic and offers a plethora of features. The touchscreen is one of the largest I've seen in a car, making it easy to use. The Apple CarPlay feature works flawlessly, and the safety features are top-notch without being intrusive while driving. The interior is made of synthetic leather, which gives this small SUV a luxurious feel. Additionally, the exterior appearance of the vehicle is stunning. The audio quality is excellent, even though it's not the Bose system. Despite the car's size, the cargo space is ample. However, there is some wind and road noise while driving, and the acceleration is lackluster, but that's to be expected when you don't get the turbocharged engine. The front seats can be a bit uncomfortable on long rides, especially for your lower back.
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I really appreciate this SUV. It's fully loaded and easy to figure out all the bells and whistles.
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I traded in my 2019 Kia Rio sedan for a yellow 2022 Kia Seltos LX and I don't regret it at all. I loved it from the very beginning.
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I recently purchased the S 2022 for my daughter and we were all impressed with the design. The price was also very reasonable, which made it an even better choice. My daughter loves it and I must say, I'm quite comfortable in it too, despite being bigger in size. Although the backseat could be a bit more comfortable, it's not a major issue since I won't be sitting there often. I'm so impressed with this vehicle that I'm planning to buy another one when we need to replace our company sales vehicle. Unfortunately, they are hard to come by at the moment, but we were lucky enough to purchase ours while it was on the delivery truck at the dealer. I'm happy to report that we haven't experienced any issues with the car even after driving it for 4000 miles.
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I love everything about this car. It feels like a luxury vehicle without the luxury price tag!
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2023 Kia Seltos problems:
Don't Buy A Kia Seltos Before Watching This (Long-Term Review ...
Nov 8, 2023 ... Verdict and final update for our 2023 Kia Seltos GT-Line 1.6 turbo AWD long-term review vehicle: what we liked and what we disliked.
The Most Common 2022 Kia Seltos Problems: A Comprehensive ...
Nov 3, 2023 ... The 2022 Kia Seltos, a popular subcompact SUV, offers affordability and features but faces common problems like engine stalling, transmission ...
Most Improved!? Did Kia Fix a BIG Problem With The NEW 2024 Kia ...
May 12, 2023 ... 11:59 · Go to channel · Kia Seltos 2023 review | Fresh design and a price hike, but is this small SUV more competitive? CarsGuide•121K views.
Kia Seltos problems : r/kia
Jul 10, 2023 ... We're driving on a hot summer day. roads have never been less slippery. The traction control indicator starts flashing. Car starts tugging/weird ...
Three months with our 2023 Kia Seltos | long-term review update ...
Feb 21, 2023 ... What we're liking (and what we're hating) about our long-term 2023 Kia Seltos GT-Line. You might be surprised by one feature we love.
Other years of Kia Seltos
Are you having problems with your 2023 Kia Seltos?
Clark Daugherty 2025-01-06
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. Unfortunately, by the time she is able to bring the car in, the controls are working again, and she is told that nothing can be done until they malfunction again. This has been a frustrating and time-consuming process, especially since the dealership is unable to provide a rental vehicle. However, we remain confident that a solution can be found to address these issues.
Shawn Schumm 2024-11-18
Pros: This car has a lot of up-to-date interior tech and comes with standard safety features and wireless apple carplay. It is also very spacious and can fit a lot of work equipment or groceries. The MPG is higher than what the specs specified. Cons: The car handles poorly and struggles to take small curves at more than 20mph. It can only handle around 800lbs of weight inside the car, which can make it difficult to accelerate with a full car. Maintenance can be challenging, especially with the oil dipstick. The engine is not very reliable and can start sounding like an old diesel engine with less than 10000 miles. The built quality under the hood is poor. Conclusion: This car is decent for city driving, but not recommended for highways or country roads. It is not a comfortable or practical ride for longer distances. I ended up trading it for a Subaru Forester!
Grady VonRueden 2024-07-24
Hi there! I hope you're doing well. I understand that you're looking for a smaller car to replace your Sante Fe. The dealer suggested a Seltos and compared it to a Hyundai Tucson, but it seems like you weren't too impressed with the Seltos. You mentioned that it felt very tiny, narrow, and underpowered, even after test-driving a turbo. It sounds like the Seltos might not be the right fit for you. Is there anything else I can help you with?
Orion Walsh 2024-07-17
Not too bad of an SUV! However, the back seat is quite useless unless you have no legs. My 10-year-old couldn't even fit his feet in. I recently purchased the 2023 redesigned Sportage and I am very happy with it!
Jakob Feil 2024-03-01
Hi there! I hope you're doing well. I wanted to share my experience with my Seltos 2022. I've had it for two months now and it's been great overall. However, I have noticed some noise coming from the passenger seat area. It's a ticking sound that comes and goes, and I'm not sure if it's the seat itself or just some wiring. Additionally, I've noticed some noise coming from the back when I close the door. I took it to the Kia dealership, but they said there's nothing wrong with it. Overall, I think the features are pretty good compared to other brands on the market. Thanks for listening!