2022 Kia Niro Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
AvoidComplaint Index
75/100
#3 most-complained of 9 Niro years
The 2022 Kia Niro ranks 3rd worst of 9 model years, with a Complaint Index of 75 and an Avoid verdict. NHTSA lists 31 complaints, 8 involving brakes, plus 1 recall for a hydraulic clutch actuator fluid leak that can cause engine compartment issues.
- Complaints
- 31
- Recalls
- 1
- Crashes / fires
- 5 / 0
- Injuries / deaths
- 4 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 49
- 51 city / 46 hwy
Top 2022 Kia Niro problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Brakes8 (26%)
- Electrical System8 (26%)
- Engine7 (23%)
- Other6 (19%)
- Transmission & Powertrain4 (13%)
- Airbags3 (10%)
- Fuel System3 (10%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras2 (6%)
- Lane Departure1 (3%)
- Structure & Body1 (3%)
What owners report
- Brake pedal reportedly goes to the floor with no resistance after warning lights illuminate, leaving drivers unable to stop.
- Owners describe the vehicle inadvertently losing motive power while driving, with the check engine and Hybrid System lights coming on and the car failing to restart afterward.
- Passenger airbag "OFF" indicator reportedly stays lit under certain seat conditions, deactivating the airbag.
- Drivers involved in crashes report airbags failing to deploy on their side of the vehicle.
- Some owners report waiting extended periods for recall parts related to the hydraulic clutch actuator repair to become available.
- Recurring left brake light warnings reappear despite repeated dealer inspections and light replacements.
2022 Kia Niro 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 Kia Niro fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 51 MPG
- Highway
- 46 MPG
- Combined
- 49 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $1,300
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2022 compared with other Niro years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2022 Kia Niro reliable?
- NHTSA data gives the 2022 Niro a Complaint Index of 75, ranking it 3rd worst among 9 model years, so it carries an Avoid verdict relative to other Niro years.
- What problems does the 2022 Kia Niro have?
- NHTSA lists 31 complaints for the 2022 Niro, with brakes and electrical system each making up 26% of complaints (8 each), followed by engine issues at 23%.
- Does the 2022 Kia Niro have a recall?
- Yes, one recall (campaign 23V534000) covers 2017-2022 Niro and 2018-2022 Niro Plug-in Hybrid vehicles for a fluid leak into the hydraulic clutch actuator's circuit board.
- What is the median mileage for brake failures on the 2022 Niro?
- NHTSA complaint data shows a median mileage of 90,000 miles at failure for brake-related complaints on the 2022 Niro.
- How does the 2022 Niro compare to other Niro years?
- The 2022 Niro's Complaint Index of 75 is higher than the 2018 (25), 2019 (50), 2020 (13), 2021 (0), and 2025 (38) model years, but lower than the 2023 (100) and 2024 (88) years.