Kia Seltos: Common issues and how to fix them 

Updated Jul 27, 2021 | Same topic: Handy Maintenance Tips

The Philippine-spec Seltos IVT only has few problems.

Released on November 6, 2019, the Kia Seltos is a relatively new entry into the Philippine car market. And so far, there are no significant reports regarding the crossover’s reliability. However, one or two might have popped up since its release more than a year ago. 

A picture of the Kia Seltos for the Philippine market

The Philippine-spec Kia Seltos IVT

So, what are the possible common issues of the Kia Seltos? Are there any at all? Well, let’s talk about those, as well as some advice on how to fix them. 

Kia Seltos: Common Problems 

Like most of the components of your car, its batteries have a finite lifespan. That said, a faulty battery will cause one or two starting issues for the Kia Seltos. To fix this, it might be as easy as cleaning the battery terminals or replacing the battery. One should also check the spark plugs and clean/replace them as needed. 

A picture of the Kia Seltos' 2.0-liter engine

As of the moment, there are no reports regarding the 2.0-liter mill

However, problems with turning on your car can also stem from a busted-up starter motor or alternator.  

If it’s the starter motor that’s faulty, you’re either getting weird sounds, difficulty starting, or the dashboard comes to life but it won’t crank. For alternator issues, one sure sign of this is a dead battery. Well, provided that one knows that the battery is in healthy condition. Furthermore, this issue can be detected with dim car lights, flickering lights, stalling, and difficulty starting.  

Just like in most cars, one has to go underneath the Seltos to access these parts. In removing them, one also needs to ease the tension on their belts. 

Being a new model, an owner of a Seltos with an erring alternator or starter motor should immediately take it to the nearest dealership. It is highly likely, after all, that it is still under warranty. 

A picture of the front of the Kia Seltos

The top-spec Seltos SX comes standard with LED headlamps

Another that we’ve heard about is the Kia Seltos’ headlight issue. To clarify this, the entry-level LX and the mid-spec EX received poor ratings from the US-based Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Specifically, these trims provide “inadequate illumination on curves.”  

Of note, the Philippine-spec Seltos LX and EX are also fitted with projector halogen bulbs. So, if you are also experiencing similar illumination issues, it might be a good idea to upgrade the halogen bulbs to LEDs. Or maybe you can opt for the top-spec Seltos SX instead. 

However, be reminded that aftermarket modifications might affect your car’s warranty. So before screwing in a pair of LED headlamps on your Seltos LX or EX, consult with your Kia dealership first. Also, this rating and car observation was given to and recorded by using a foreign version of the Seltos. As such, it might not affect the Philippine-spec models at all. 

A picture of the Seltos DCT variant for the Indian market

The Seltos DCT for the Indian market

The last possible issue for the Kia Seltos is a heating issue. If you’ve come across this on the internet, then you’ll know that it is linked with the India-spec Kia Seltos’ dual-clutch transmission. To this end, this issue does not affect the Philippine-spec Seltos, which exclusively uses an intelligent variable transmission. 

For the Seltos DCT for the Indian market, however, it was reported that the said tranny overheated in bumper-to-bumper traffic. It even skipped gears. However, this was remedied by Kia in 2020 with a software update. 

For more tips on how to fix cars, keep reading here on Philkotse.com.

Know more about Kia Seltos 2024

Kia Seltos

The Kia Seltos 2024 is a subcompact crossover that is designed to appeal to young car buyers. It is available in the Philippines in three variants, with a price ranging from Php 1,198,000 to Php 1,688,000. Under the hood, this model is powered by a 2.0-liter inline-4 DOHC D-CVVT gasoline engine capable of generating 147 horsepower and 179 Nm of torque. Only an Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT) is paired to the engine.

When it comes to the dimensions, the Seltos spans 4,370 mm in length, 1,800 mm in width, and 1,615 mm in height (1,610 mm excluding roof rails). It also gets a wheelbase and Kia Seltos ground clearance rated at 2,630 mm and 170 mm, respectively. In the local market, this Korean subcompact crossover competes against the likes of the Geely Coolray, Mazda CX-3, and MG ZS.

>>> New and used Kia Seltos 2024 for sale in the Philippines

WHAT'S NEW in 2024 KIA SELTOS? | Philkotse Quick Look

Kia Seltos Launch

The Kia Seltos got its name from “Celtos,” Hercules’ son in Greek Mythology. Kia Motors developed this car for millennials who want a head-turning automobile that perfectly merges modern and striking looks with innovative features.

Globally, it was launched in South Korea in July 2019, in India in August 2019, and in Indonesia in January 2020. Kia Motors is known as one of the pioneers in introducing crossover-type automobiles in the Philippines. With this, the Kia Seltos was made available in the Philippines in November 2019.

Kia Seltos Exterior

This athletic and stylish crossover measures 4,370mm long, 1,800mm wide, and 1,610mm tall. On the front, the Kia Seltos 2024 bears fiercely shaped LED headlights with LED daytime running lights and position lamps. Its bold, dark tiger-nose grille looks aggressively modern, providing the vehicle an edge among competitors. Its beefy body has subtle lines designed to enhance its overall aerodynamic capabilities.

Kia Seltos

On the front, the Kia Seltos 2024 bears fiercely shaped LED headlights with LED daytime running lights and position lamps

At the top, higher variants are designed with a contrasting roof color with a pair of sturdy rails. The rear, on the other hand, is affixed with modern-looking LED taillights. To complete the overall look of the Kia Seltos, it wears a set of 17-inch 215/55R17 alloy wheels.

Kia Seltos Interior

Seltos Interior

As it is made for young professionals, you can expect a youthful and classy vibe inside the Kia Seltos Philippines. Its all-black interior looks premium. Highlights include a three-spoke steering wheel, ambient lighting, automatic climate control, 60:40 rear seats that can be reclined, and a heads-up display. In terms of cargo loading, it can carry a maximum of 433 liters and can be doubled when the rear seats are folded.

Technology and Safety Features

All variants of the Kia Seltos are generously affixed with a touchscreen infotainment system. It comes with Apple Carplay and Android Auto compatibility. Top-spec models are equipped with cruise control, rear parking sensors, keyless entry, front proximity sensors, and a  reverse camera.

Seltos touchscreen

All variants of the Kia Seltos are generously affixed with a touchscreen infotainment system.

Safety is guaranteed as the Kia Seltos comes with a good number of SRS airbags, anti-lock braking system, three-point seatbelts, and ISOFIX child seat anchors. Higher variants are furnished with hill-start assist, stability control, and dynamic brake control.

Platform and Chassis

For suspension, it is built with a Macpherson Strut and coil spring at the front and a coupled torsion beam axle with coil spring at the back. The Kia Seltos is manufactured using Advanced High Strength Steel (AHSS). It is designed to provide the utmost protection to its riders, efficiently control the vehicle, and guarantee excellent performance on roads and tough terrain.

Engine and Drivetrain

Kia Seltos engine

This five-door, five-seater subcompact crossover runs using a 2.0-liter gasoline engine paired with Continuous Variable Transmission. The Kia Seltos can produce 147 hp with a torque of 179 Nm.

Available colors for the Kia Seltos 2024 Philippines are Starbright Yellow, Gravity Gray, Iron Gray, Dark Ocean Blue, Mars Orange, two-tone Starbright Yellow with Cherry Black, and two-tone Clear White with Cherry Black.

The Kia Seltos is a well-rounded subcompact crossover thanks to its various features. One can say that it has the best color package locally as compared to rivals such as the Mazda CX-3 and Geely Coolray.

Kia Seltos 2024 Price List

Let's check out the Kia Seltos 2024 price in September in the Philippines.

 Variants Price
Kia Seltos 1.5 LX AT ₱1,198,000
Kia Seltos 1.5 EX AT ₱1,288,000
Kia Seltos 1.4 SX AT ₱1,688,000

Kia Seltos Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Well-integrated tiger nose grille
  • A wide array of flashy color options
  • Refined powertrain

Cons

  • Only one engine option is brought locally
  • Not many amenities are available for second-row passengers
  • Interior is not as plush as exterior

Kia Seltos FAQs

1. How many seats does the Kia Seltos 2024 have?

The Kia Seltos 2024 provides a two-row vehicle with 5 seats.

2. What is a highlight of the Kia Seltos 2024?

One of the highlights of the Kia Seltos 2024 provides outstanding inside space and practicality for moving cargo for such a small, inexpensive SUV.

3. Is the Kia Seltos Philippines a reliable car?

Yes, the Seltos is definitely a good car. Expect safety, versatility, and overall excellent performance from this well-made automobile.

4. Is the Seltos worth buying?

Yes, it absolutely is. Because the Seltos is definitely a good car. Expect safety, versatility, and overall excellent performance from this well-made automobile.

5. Is the Kia Seltos automatic?

Yes, all Kia Seltos variants come with automatic transmission.

6. What type of vehicle is Kia Seltos 2024?

Type of the Seltos 2024 is SUV.

 

₱ 1,208,000 - ₱ 1,580,000

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Cesar G.B. Miguel

Cesar G.B. Miguel

Author

Cesar Guiderone B. Miguel was born and raised in Iligan City, Lanao Del Norte. He graduated in 2010 with a Bachelor of Arts in English degree from Mindanao State University - Iligan Institute of Technology. He previously worked as a freelance writer for various websites, as a member of the Iligan City Disaster Risk Reduction Management's training staff, and as a medical sales representative.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/goridus.goridus

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