2023 Kia Seltos: engine stalls while driving

Filed Jun 26, 2026 · Electrical · PA

To the federal safety agency, I am writing to formally submit a safety complaint regarding my 2023 Kia Seltos, which exhibits a recurring, dangerous defect involving the engine stalling without warning. This defect results in a total loss of power while the vehicle is in operation or attempting to accelerate, posing a critical safety risk. The failure manifests in two primary scenarios: * **Remote Start Failure:** The vehicle frequently stalls immediately after utilizing the remote start feature when shifting into drive. * **Auto Start/Stop Instability:** The Auto Start/Stop system contributes to the engine shutting down unexpectedly when lifting off the brake or attempting to accelerate from a stop. When this occurs, the dashboard illuminates multiple warning lights (e.g., battery, oil, "key not in vehicle"), and the vehicle loses all forward propulsion. On inclines, this defect causes the vehicle to roll backward, forcing the driver to rely solely on emergency braking to prevent a collision. ### Evidence of Widespread Concern My research indicates this is not an isolated incident; numerous Kia owners report identical, dangerous symptoms: * Drivers across various models report the engine shutting down and the vehicle rolling backward on hills, requiring a full power cycle to resume operation. * Some owners report losing all ability to accelerate at traffic lights, accompanied by critical dashboard warnings. * Others report the vehicle shutting off on its own while driving or refusing to start despite the dashboard indicating it is running. I have attached evidence documenting these experiences: **image.png**, **image_2.png**, **image_3.png**, **image_4.png**, and **image_5.png**. Given the frequency of these reports, I urge the federal safety agency to launch a formal investigation into this apparent software or engineering failure. Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Aug 27, 2025 · Engine · MI

The contact owns a 2023 Kia Seltos. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was gray smoke coming from the exhaust pipe. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, no cause for the failure was found. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled on the drive back to the residence. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that the RPM fluctuated, and the engine revved with gray smoke coming from the exhaust pipe. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to coast to the side of the road and waited ten minutes before restarting the vehicle; however, the failure reoccurred a short distance afterwards, with the vehicle vibrating abnormally, and the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was pulled into a parking lot and stalled. The vehicle was restarted and driven to the workplace where the vehicle stalled after being parked. After work, the contact drove the vehicle to the residence. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle jerked and vibrated, and gray smoke was coming from the exhaust pipe, and the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The RPM fluctuated, and the engine revved. The contact was able to arrive at the residence, and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the oil level was low and that there was a misfire in the engine. The vehicle remained at the dealer unrepaired. The contact was informed that an unknown part was clogged. The dealer changed the oil. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but denied assistance in covering the cost of the repair. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Aug 9, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · OH

Car has stalled 3 times after driving short or long distances in hot weather (near Great Lakes, not even southern heat). Twice in 2024 and once in 2025. It is 2023 Kia Seltos with only 10,000 miles. Dealer inspected it 2024 (possibly not knowing of other recalls) and said nothing wrong. It’s the turbo engine, while I see the regular engine versions have a recall. Could be the rings, crankshaft sensor, ISG, electric oil pump controller, etc. It stalls while at a red light or stop, and is dangerous if on a hill as it does not accelerate and starts to roll backwards when take foot off brake and step onto gas pedal. It has also stalled in traffic on a bridge and then needed to be restarted.

Filed Nov 10, 2023 · Electrical, Engine · NJ

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.

Filed Aug 4, 2023 · Engine · MO

When the stop/ go is on .. it some times stalls and will not move when pressing petal.