YearToAvoid

2022 Kia Niro EV Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls

Avoid The 2022 Kia Niro EV has a Complaint Index of 100, the worst among the 7 model years with data, and ranks #1 for reported problems. It has 30 complaints, 2 recalls, and no Good or Best years exist for the Niro EV among the years shown here, but 2022 is rated Avoid.

Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology

YearToAvoid Scorecard

Complaint Index
100/100
#1 of 7 Niro EV years
Verdict
Avoid
vs. other years of this model
Complaints
30
unique NHTSA reports
Recalls
2
distinct NHTSA campaigns
Crashes
4
reported in complaints
Fires
0
Injuries
1
Top issue
Electrical System
Best nearby year
2019
rated Good

Top 2022 Kia Niro EV problems

Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Other13 (43%)
  2. Electrical System12 (40%)
  3. Engine6 (20%)
  4. Transmission & Powertrain6 (20%)
  5. Collision Avoidance & Cameras3 (10%)
  6. Brakes2 (7%)
  7. Fuel System2 (7%)
  8. Visibility & Wipers2 (7%)
  9. Airbags1 (3%)
  10. Lane Departure1 (3%)

A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.

What owners report

  • Owners report sudden loss of drive power or 'turtle mode' at highway speed, forcing the vehicle to limp off the road.
  • Some describe the high voltage battery dropping charge rapidly, sometimes losing power while driving.
  • Owners report the vehicle rolling forward or backward after being shifted into park, even with the parking brake not engaged.
  • One owner reported unintended acceleration at low speed that led to a crash after the brakes failed to stop the car immediately, with airbags not deploying.
  • Adaptive cruise control has reportedly sped up unexpectedly when it loses radar contact with a vehicle ahead in stop-and-go traffic.
  • Owners describe the vehicle failing to start multiple times, requiring jump-starts, with dealers unable to identify a cause.
2022 Kia Niro EV complaints: complaints filed per month3Sep 2021May 2022Sep 2022Jul 2023Dec 2023Oct 2024Jun 2025Jul 2026
30 complaints filed with NHTSA from Sep 2021 to Jul 2026; peak Feb 2022 (3).

2022 Kia Niro EV recalls

2 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.

  1. NHTSA 25V426000Jun 20, 2025Collision Avoidance & Cameras11,327 vehicles

    Back over prevention: sensing system: camera

    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."

    Risk: 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.

  2. NHTSA 24V358000May 21, 2024Electrical System2,209 vehicles

    Electrical system:propulsion system:shock protection

    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.

    Risk: 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.

2022 compared with other Niro EV years

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)02550751002019202020212022202320242025
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2020Caution50192—
2021No verdict021—
2022Avoid100302—
2023Avoid83153—
2024Caution6762—

All Kia Niro EV years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2022 Kia Niro EV reliable?
Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2022 Niro EV has a Complaint Index of 100, the highest of all 7 model years with data, and it ranks #1 worst. It carries an Avoid verdict relative to other Niro EV years.
What problems does the 2022 Kia Niro EV have?
The top problem area is the Electrical System, making up 40% of complaints, followed by Engine and Transmission & Powertrain at 20% each. Owners also reported issues with collision avoidance cameras, brakes, and the fuel system.
Does the 2022 Kia Niro EV have a recall?
Yes, NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2022 Niro EV: one for a rearview camera circuit board that can fail to display an image, and one for a high voltage battery safety plug that may overheat, melt, and cause loss of drive power or fire.
What year Kia Niro EV should I avoid?
Among the Niro EV years with data, 2022 has the highest Complaint Index at 100 and is rated Avoid, along with 2023 at a Complaint Index of 83, also rated Avoid.
At what mileage do 2022 Niro EV problems occur?
The median mileage at failure across all reported issues for the 2022 Niro EV is 9,500 miles, based on NHTSA complaint data.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.