YearToAvoid

2022 Kia Niro Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls

Caution The 2022 Kia Niro has 31 NHTSA complaints, a complaint index of 63, and ranks 4th worst of 9 model years, earning a Caution verdict. Brakes and electrical issues each account for 26% of complaints, and one transmission recall covers the year.

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

YearToAvoid Scorecard

Complaint Index
63/100
#4 of 9 Niro years
Verdict
Caution
vs. other years of this model
Complaints
31
unique NHTSA reports
Recalls
1
distinct NHTSA campaigns
Crashes
5
reported in complaints
Fires
0
Injuries
4
Top issue
Brakes
Best nearby year
2021
rated Best
NHTSA overall rating
Not rated
EPA combined MPG
49
51 city / 46 hwy
Injuries / deaths
4 / 0

Top 2022 Kia Niro problems

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

  1. Brakes8 (26%)
  2. Electrical System8 (26%)
  3. Engine7 (23%)
  4. Other6 (19%)
  5. Transmission & Powertrain4 (13%)
  6. Airbags3 (10%)
  7. Fuel System3 (10%)
  8. Collision Avoidance & Cameras2 (6%)
  9. Lane Departure1 (3%)
  10. Structure & Body1 (3%)

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

What owners report

  • Brake pedal reportedly loses pressure or floors out with warning lights like ABS and regenerative braking illuminated.
  • Passenger airbag "OFF" indicator activates unexpectedly, disabling airbag deployment even with a properly seated occupant.
  • Driver-side airbag reportedly failed to deploy in a T-bone collision while the passenger airbag deployed.
  • Vehicle reportedly loses motive power while driving, with check engine and Hybrid System warning lights coming on and the vehicle unable to restart, tied to a hydraulic clutch actuator failure.
  • Owners report recall parts for the transmission fix were unavailable for extended periods after notification.
  • Left brake light issue recurs despite repeated dealer inspections finding no diagnostic fault.
2022 Kia Niro complaints: complaints filed per month3Apr 2022Jul 2023Mar 2024May 2025Nov 2025Mar 2026Jun 2026Sep 2026
31 complaints filed with NHTSA from Apr 2022 to Sep 2026; peak Dec 2023 (3).

2022 Kia Niro recalls

1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.

  1. 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

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)0255075100201720182019202020212022202320242025
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2020Good3838149
2021Best09149
2022Caution6331149
2023Avoid10044251
2024Caution509153

All Kia Niro years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2022 Kia Niro reliable?
NHTSA lists 31 complaints for the 2022 Niro with a complaint index of 63, ranking it 4th worst among the 9 model years with data. It carries a Caution verdict relative to other Niro years.
What problems does the 2022 Kia Niro have?
The top problem areas are Brakes and Electrical System, each making up 26% of complaints, followed by Engine at 23%. Median mileage at failure across all reported issues is 75,000 miles.
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 hydraulic clutch actuator fluid leak that can cause an engine compartment fire. It is not a do-not-drive recall.
Which Kia Niro model years should be avoided?
Based on complaint index and recalls, 2017 (88), 2019 (75), and 2023 (100) carry Avoid verdicts, while 2021 and 2025 rate Best. The 2022 Niro sits in between with a Caution verdict.
How is the 2022 Kia Niro's fuel economy?
EPA rates the 2022 Niro at 49 mpg combined (51 city/46 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $1,300.

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.