VehicleVerdict

2022 Kia Seltos problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Worth extra scrutiny

The 2022 Kia Seltos sits mid-pack among Seltos years: 95 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 70, with a single recall and one closed investigation.

The trouble concentrates in one system: engine issues account for 45% of all reports (43 of 95), far ahead of other at 17. In government crash testing it earned 4 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

95

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

1

Investigations

8

Crash-involved

8

Fires reported

2

Injuries

0

Deaths

4

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2022 compare to other Seltos years?

Seltos NHTSA complaints by model year, 2022 highlighted473 complaints2021: 473 complaints2022: 95 complaints2023: 78 complaints2024: 63 complaints2025: 16 complaints2026: 4 complaints
Seltos NHTSA complaints by model year, 2022 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Seltos years to avoid →

What are the most common 2022 Kia Seltos problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine4345%
Other1718%
Transmission1011%
Electrical System99%
Driver Assistance88%
Airbags33%
Tires & Wheels22%
Body & Structure11%
Fuel System11%
Suspension11%

Does the 2022 Kia Seltos have recalls?

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

25V099000EngineFebruary 17, 2025 · 137,256 units

Defect

Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Seltos and Soul vehicles. The piston oil rings may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can result in engine damage.

Consequence

Engine damage can cause a vehicle stall or fire, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect and replace the engine as necessary, free of charge. Dealers will also install piston-ring noise sensing system (PNSS) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 4, 2025. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC336.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“My 2022 Kia Seltos out of nowhere started smoking, losing power, total control and braking. There were no lights on the dashboard warning of any kind complete stall than a little bit of power hesitation stall no brakes. I managed to coast it into a parking space at a hotel with it smoking so bad I…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · May 26, 2026 · fire

“A flapping sound started in the engine, then no acceleration when I used the gas pedal. Pulled to the side of the road and black smoke and sparks began coming from the engine. I exited the car and it burst into flames. The was no warning icons that appeared to alert me to any problems. Car was…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · November 2, 2023 · fire

“My vehicle was sent to the Kia dealership for service after a front-end collision there was minor body damage however the car wouldn't move so long story short a modular had to be replaced on the transmission there was multiple issues trying to program it I was told there was an issue with my…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · August 23, 2025 · crash

“Tried to remote start vehicle and it would not work. Went and manually started car so it could warm up and returned to house. Went back outside and car was backed into a ditch with all warning lights illuminated on dash. ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · October 30, 2023 · crash

“Summary: Failure of Vision system causes unpredictable computer behavior, and such failure may not be known by vehicle operator. 3 Separate Incidents on same car . Occurance 1, 10/22: Brakes locked (with smoke) and stalled in heavy traffic; fortunately traveling only 5MPH so no accident. Restart…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Driver Assistance · October 4, 2022 · fire

2022 Kia Seltos — common questions

Is the 2022 Kia Seltos reliable?

It is close to typical for the Seltos: 95 NHTSA complaints, 1 recall, and 1 investigation on file.

What are the most common 2022 Seltos problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (43 complaints), other (17 complaints), transmission (10 complaints).

Does the 2022 Kia Seltos have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2022 Kia Seltos. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2022 Kia Seltos under NHTSA investigation?

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

Which Kia Seltos years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Seltos years to avoid are 2021. The cleanest record among Seltos years belongs to 2026.

How safe is the 2022 Kia Seltos?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2022 Kia Seltos earned an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars.

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.