2022 Kia Niro PHEV Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
CautionComplaint Index
71/100
#3 most-complained of 8 Niro PHEV years
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
The 2022 Kia Niro PHEV has 12 NHTSA complaints, a Complaint Index of 71, and ranks 3rd worst out of 8 model years, earning a Caution verdict. Its main issue is transmission and powertrain problems, including a hydraulic clutch actuator recall.
- Complaints
- 12
- Recalls
- 1
- Crashes / fires
- 0 / 0
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- —
Top 2022 Kia Niro PHEV problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Transmission & Powertrain6 (50%)
- Electrical System3 (25%)
- Visibility & Wipers3 (25%)
- Other2 (17%)
- Brakes1 (8%)
- Engine1 (8%)
What owners report
- Owners report the shifter and transmission computer sometimes fail to register park correctly after shifting.
- Some vehicles show an HEV warning light while driving around 45 mph, tied to a port component that Kia dealers repaired but which recurred, with failures showing up at a median of 14,000 miles.
- Drivers describe exhaust fumes entering the cabin along with an illuminated check engine light, a complaint linked to the recall campaign, at a median of 10,500 miles for engine-area failures.
- The chrome trim strip on the dashboard reflects sunlight and blinds drivers, a recurring visibility complaint.
- Owners waiting for the hydraulic clutch actuator recall repair report parts were not available, leaving the fix delayed.
2022 Kia Niro PHEV recalls
1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.
- NHTSA 23V534000Jul 31, 2023Transmission & Powertrain121,411 vehicles
Power train:automatic transmission:internal:clutches/bands:actuators/solenoids
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.
Risk: 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.
2022 compared with other Niro PHEV years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2022 Kia Niro PHEV reliable?
- NHTSA lists 12 complaints for the 2022 Niro PHEV with a Complaint Index of 71, ranking it 3rd worst among 8 model years and earning a Caution verdict relative to other Niro years.
- What is the main problem with the 2022 Kia Niro PHEV?
- Transmission and powertrain issues make up 50 percent of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 14,000 miles, making it the top problem area.
- Does the 2022 Kia Niro PHEV have a recall?
- Yes, one recall (campaign 23V534000) covers a hydraulic clutch actuator that can leak fluid onto the circuit board and cause an engine compartment fire risk; Kia replaces the actuator and installs a new fuse free of charge.
- How does the 2022 Niro PHEV compare to other years?
- It ranks better than the 2019 Niro PHEV (Complaint Index 100, Avoid) but worse than the 2020 (Complaint Index 14, Best) and 2023 (Complaint Index 43, Good) model years.
- Were there any crashes, fires, or injuries reported for the 2022 Niro PHEV?
- No. NHTSA data shows zero crashes, zero fires, zero injuries, and zero deaths reported for this model year.