Hyundai Kona vs Kia Seltos: reliability compared
From 2021 to 2026, owners filed an average of 64 complaints per model year about the Hyundai Kona and 96 about the Kia Seltos.
Side by side
| Hyundai Kona | Kia Seltos | |
|---|---|---|
| Model years compared | 2021-2026 | 2021-2026 |
| Owner complaints | 381 | 573 |
| Complaints per model year | 64 | 96 |
| Recalls | 8 | 4 |
| Years to avoid | None stand out | 2021 |
| Best years | 20212022 | None stand out |
| Most common problem | Engine | Engine |
| Crash rating | No data | No data |
| Fuel economy | 26-31 mpg combined (2026) | 25-29 mpg combined (2026) |
A car that sells more collects more complaints, so the fairest test is the number of years to avoid, which compares each year with a typical year of the same car.
Complaints per model year
Problems compared
| Kona | Seltos | |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 134 | 361 |
| Electrical | 101 | 94 |
| Transmission | 51 | 88 |
| Driver assistance | 50 | 28 |
| Brakes | 29 | 14 |
| Acceleration | 27 | 16 |
| Fuel system | 13 | 33 |
| Visibility | 7 | 16 |
Questions about the Hyundai Kona vs Kia Seltos
Which is more reliable, the Hyundai Kona or the Kia Seltos?
Between 2021 and 2026, the Hyundai Kona has 0 years to avoid and the Kia Seltos 1. The Hyundai Kona has been more consistent from year to year. By raw volume, the Hyundai Kona drew fewer complaints per model year (64 vs 96), though sales volume affects that number.
Which has more recalls, the Hyundai Kona or the Kia Seltos?
From 2021 to 2026, the Hyundai Kona was covered by 8 recalls and the Kia Seltos by 4.
What years of the Hyundai Kona and Kia Seltos should you avoid?
Hyundai Kona: no year stands out. Kia Seltos: 2021.
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