Kia Canada is recalling 48,070 units of its popular Seltos SUV across the 2024, 2025 and 2026 model-years due to a potential electrical fire hazard. According to a safety notice published by Transport Canada, the issue specifically affects all-wheel-drive (AWD) variants of the subcompact model.
The problem
The safety defect stems from the 4WD control unit located beneath the driver’s seat. Over time, road salt and winter moisture tracked into the cabin can contaminate the module, leading to internal corrosion. This corrosion can cause a short circuit, creating a fire risk even when the vehicle is turned off and parked.
As a precaution, Kia Canada strongly advises affected owners to park their vehicles outdoors and away from homes, garages and other structures until dealer repairs are performed.
The solution
Kia will contact impacted owners by mail, directing them to bring their Seltos to a dealership for inspection. Technicians will inspect the 4WD control unit, replace affected components as necessary, and install a protective cover over the module to prevent future contamination.
This action follows a similar fire-related recall issued by Kia Canada in July, which affected over 20,000 Telluride SUVs from the 2020-to-2024 model-years. In that case the issue related to overheating power-seat motors.
Note that the recall does not impact the newly redesigned second-generation 2027 Kia Seltos, which launched earlier this summer with overhauled mechanicals and updated interior packaging. Nor has there been an equivalent recall issued in the U.S. over the problem, which is a rare occurrence. That could still change, of course.