VehicleVerdict

2022 Kia Niro problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2022 Kia Niro sits mid-pack among Niro years: 40 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 48, with a single recall and one closed investigation.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across brakes (7), other (6), and electrical system (5), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

40

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

1

Investigations

7

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

6

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2022 compare to other Niro years?

Niro NHTSA complaints by model year, 2022 highlighted109 complaints2017: 109 complaints2018: 79 complaints2019: 83 complaints2020: 48 complaints2021: 12 complaints2022: 40 complaints2023: 65 complaints2024: 13 complaints2025: 19 complaints
Niro NHTSA complaints by model year, 2022 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Niro years to avoid →

What are the most common 2022 Kia Niro problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes718%
Other615%
Electrical System513%
Engine513%
Transmission410%
Driver Assistance38%
Airbags38%
Fuel System25%
Lighting25%
Speed Control25%
Visibility & Wipers13%

Does the 2022 Kia Niro 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.

“The contact owns a 2022 Kia Niro. The contact stated that the Hybrid Engine alarm activated and illuminated. The contact parked the vehicle for a few hours, and when restarting the vehicle, the alarm was no longer displayed. The contact continued to drive at approximately 5 mph. When pressing the…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · May 23, 2025 · crash

“I was turning into a parking spot when my brakes suddenly felt loose, as if they had lost hydraulic pressure, and my vehicle accelerated into a wall. I had my vehicle serviced 3 weeks ago, and my brakes were fine. The day before the incident, I was coming to a stop, and the car was lurching forward…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · September 17, 2025 · crash

“The incident, occurring on [XXX], was first submitted by phone, followed by email to [XXX] on 27 May with incident description and sketch. I was given the Complaint ID no ODI11663050. However, now when I search for that number, nothing shows up! I have not received any information that the…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · May 23, 2025 · crash

“Car keeps notifying me of an issue with my left break lights, it has been inspected twice to which both times, Kia services said it just needed a new light but yet this problem keeps happening. Nothing pops up on diagnostics and there are no recalls, this is a brand new car less than a year with no…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · June 1, 2023

“The contact's husband owns a 2022 Kia Niro. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V534000 (Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · July 1, 2023

2022 Kia Niro — common questions

Is the 2022 Kia Niro reliable?

It is close to typical for the Niro: 40 NHTSA complaints, 1 recall, and 1 investigation on file.

What are the most common 2022 Niro problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (7 complaints), other (6 complaints), electrical system (5 complaints).

Does the 2022 Kia Niro have recalls?

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

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

Which Kia Niro years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Niro years to avoid are 2017, 2019, 2018. The cleanest record among Niro 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.