2022 Kia Seltos Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Avoid The 2022 Kia Seltos ranks 2nd-worst of 5 model years, with a complaint index of 75 and 72 NHTSA complaints, 64% of them engine-related. It carries an Avoid verdict, tied to one engine recall and a median failure mileage of 50,000 miles.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 75/100
- #2 of 5 Seltos years
- Verdict
- Avoid
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 72
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 1
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 6
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 3
- Injuries
- 2
- Top issue
- Engine
- NHTSA overall rating
- 4 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 29
- 27 city / 31 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 2 / 0
Top 2022 Kia Seltos problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine46 (64%)
- Other17 (24%)
- Transmission & Powertrain10 (14%)
- Electrical System8 (11%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras4 (6%)
- Airbags3 (4%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires3 (4%)
- Lane Departure2 (3%)
- Fuel System1 (1%)
- Structure & Body1 (1%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Engine loses power or stalls suddenly while driving on the highway, sometimes at a red light before restarting in park.
- Engine develops unusual noises, burning smell, and dropping oil level along with warning lights.
- One vehicle reportedly began smoking, lost power and braking, then caught fire in the engine bay.
- A vehicle experienced a transmission overheating warning that led to a loss of engine power in traffic.
- Backup camera intermittently loses signal when shifting into reverse.
- Airbags failed to deploy in frontal crashes, including one at highway speed after hitting an animal.
2022 Kia Seltos recalls
1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.
- NHTSA 25V099000Feb 17, 2025Engine137,256 vehicles
Engine and engine cooling:engine:hard parts internal/mechanical
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.
Risk: 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.
2022 Kia Seltos fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 27 MPG
- Highway
- 31 MPG
- Combined
- 29 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,250
- 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 Seltos years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2022 Kia Seltos reliable?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2022 Seltos has a complaint index of 75 and ranks 2nd-worst among 5 model years, earning an Avoid verdict relative to other Seltos years.
- What is the main problem with the 2022 Kia Seltos?
- Engine problems dominate, making up 64% of complaints (46 of 72), with a median failure mileage of 57,000 miles for engine issues overall and 50,000 miles for the model year as a whole.
- Does the 2022 Kia Seltos have an engine recall?
- Yes. Recall 25V099000 covers 2021-2023 Seltos and Soul vehicles for incorrectly manufactured piston oil rings that can cause engine damage; dealers inspect and replace the engine as necessary.
- Which Kia Seltos model years should I avoid?
- NHTSA data shows 2021 and 2022 both carry an Avoid verdict, with 2021 having the highest complaint index at 100 versus 75 for 2022; 2025 currently rates Best with a complaint index of 0.