VehicleVerdict

2022 Kia Niro Ev problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 45 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.9 times the median Niro Ev year — the 2022 model ranks #1 of 7 Niro Ev years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

Other leads the complaint categories with 13 reports (29% of the total).

45

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

1

Investigations

5

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2022 compare to other Niro Ev years?

Niro Ev NHTSA complaints by model year, 2022 highlighted45 complaints2019: 24 complaints2020: 27 complaints2021: 2 complaints2022: 45 complaints2023: 30 complaints2024: 8 complaints2025: 0 complaints
Niro Ev NHTSA complaints by model year, 2022 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Niro Ev years to avoid →

What are the most common 2022 Kia Niro Ev problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Other1329%
Electrical System1022%
Transmission511%
Driver Assistance49%
Engine49%
Brakes24%
Visibility & Wipers24%
Speed Control24%
Fuel System12%
Airbags12%
Seat Belts12%

Does the 2022 Kia Niro Ev have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

25V426000Driver AssistanceJune 20, 2025 · 11,327 units

Defect

Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Niro EV vehicles. The circuit board for the rearview camera may become damaged and cause the rearview camera image not to display. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Consequence

A rearview image that does not display reduces the driver's view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the rearview camera, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 7, 2025. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC342.

24V358000Electrical SystemMay 21, 2024 · 2,209 units

Defect

Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2022 Niro EV vehicles. The high voltage battery safety plug may overheat and melt, which can cause a loss of drive power or fire.

Consequence

A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash, and a fire increases the risk of injury.

Remedy

Owners are advised not to charge their vehicle in a garage or any other covered structure until the recall repair is completed. Dealers will replace the safety plug, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 19, 2024. Kia's number for this recall is SC314.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“This vehicle was involved in an accident caused by unintended acceleration. The vehicle is not available for inspection as we sold it back to the dealer. I was going very slow with my foot on the brake when the car jumped a curb where I was trying to park, then ran over some shrubbery, and then…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · February 22, 2022 · crash

“I wanted to go to the store and when I pressed the Start button I got the message: Stop car and check regenerative brakes. Soon after the lights dimmed and the message showed up that key fob was not detected even though it was in my hand. It then no longer took a charge and is completely dark. I…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · July 28, 2025

“I have now had 8 instances of the Low Power warning coming on while driving, which reduces available power, and when coming to a stop, car cannot go forward. This has happened at highway speeds as well as city street speeds. This happened 4 times on a 50 mile drive today, creating a very dangerous…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · September 19, 2023

“The chrome colored plastic strip that runs along the dash reflects the sun into your eyes and is blinding. Sometimes I have to drive with my hand blocking the beams of light because it’s that blinding. This happens mostly in the summer but has happened in other seasons. I was going to paint it or…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Driver Assistance · July 6, 2023

“Car has broken down, not started, battery dead when fully charged MULTIPLE TIMES. It has been in the Kia service department since March 2024 (9 months) and they can’t figure out where the parasitic drain is from. This is the third time this year getting towed to the Kia dealership with no…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · April 28, 2024

2022 Kia Niro Ev — common questions

Is the 2022 Kia Niro Ev reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 45 complaints put the 2022 model at #1 of 7 Niro Ev years. It is one of the Niro Ev years to avoid.

What are the most common 2022 Niro Ev problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are other (13 complaints), electrical system (10 complaints), transmission (5 complaints).

Does the 2022 Kia Niro Ev have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2022 Kia Niro Ev. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2022 Kia Niro Ev under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Kia Niro Ev years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Niro Ev years to avoid are 2022. The cleanest record among Niro Ev years belongs to 2025.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.