VehicleVerdict

2022 Kia Niro Phev problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 16 complaints on file for the 2022 Kia Niro Phev — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

16

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

1

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2022 compare to other Niro Phev years?

Niro Phev NHTSA complaints by model year, 2022 highlighted33 complaints2018: 24 complaints2019: 33 complaints2020: 5 complaints2021: 1 complaints2022: 16 complaints2023: 10 complaints2024: 3 complaints2025: 4 complaints
Niro Phev NHTSA complaints by model year, 2022 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Niro Phev years to avoid →

What are the most common 2022 Kia Niro Phev problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission638%
Electrical System319%
Visibility & Wipers319%
Other213%
Brakes16%
Engine16%

Does the 2022 Kia Niro Phev have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

23V534000TransmissionJuly 31, 2023 · 121,411 units

Defect

Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2022 Niro and 2018-2022 Niro Plug-in Hybrid vehicles. Fluid may leak into the printed circuit board inside the hydraulic clutch actuator, which can result in an engine compartment fire.

Consequence

A fire increases the risk of injury.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect and replace the hydraulic clutch actuator as necessary and install a new fuse, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 29, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC276.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“On four separate occasion I shifted it the car into park and a car computer did not register it in the correct mode. Video of lst event upload to Google photos https://photos.app.goo.gl/Ty4AYfnUiF9EX6oE6”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · July 4, 2022

“The dash chrome trim running across the dashboard reflects the sun and blinds the driver. It is so reflective it makes driving almost impossible. This needs to be addressed by Kia as it blinds the driver bad enough that it's only a matter of time till this will cause an accident that will cause…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · July 25, 2022

“The contact owns a 2022 Kia Niro PHEV. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, the HEV warning light illuminated. The contact called the local dealer, who informed her to bring the vehicle in for service. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and informed her that the failure was due to…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · September 5, 2023

“The car is equipped with an excessively loud and obnoxious backup alert that deploys whenever the car is shifted into reverse gear, whether or not the vehicle is moving. The dealer tells me this is a "safety" feature and that therefore the alert cannot be disconnected and the volume cannot be…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · July 20, 2022

“The contact owns a 2022 Kia Niro. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there were exhaust fumes inside the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. After…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · November 22, 2023

2022 Kia Niro Phev — common questions

Is the 2022 Kia Niro Phev reliable?

The record is thin — 16 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2022 Niro Phev problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (6 complaints), electrical system (3 complaints), visibility & wipers (3 complaints).

Does the 2022 Kia Niro Phev have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2022 Kia Niro Phev. 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 Phev under NHTSA investigation?

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

Which Kia Niro Phev years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Niro Phev years to avoid are 2019. The cleanest record among Niro Phev years belongs to 2021.

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.