2022 Kia Seltos Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
CautionComplaint Index
50/100
#3 most-complained of 5 Seltos years
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
The 2022 Kia Seltos has 72 NHTSA complaints and a Complaint Index of 50, ranking 3rd-worst of 5 model years with a "Caution" verdict. Engine problems dominate at 64% of complaints, with one recall for incorrect piston oil rings.
- Complaints
- 72
- Recalls
- 1
- Crashes / fires
- 6 / 3
- Injuries / deaths
- 2 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- 4 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 29
- 27 city / 31 hwy
Top 2022 Kia Seltos problems
NHTSA owner 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%)
What owners report
- Engine loses power or stalls suddenly while driving on the highway, sometimes accompanied by burning smell or smoke.
- Some engines have caught fire after smoking heavily and losing power, with drivers unable to see out the windshield.
- Transmission has overheated in traffic, causing the engine to lose power until it cools down.
- Backup camera intermittently loses signal when the vehicle is put in reverse, then clears on its own.
- Electric stability control and lane keeping assist have triggered warning codes with no prior incident.
- Airbags have failed to deploy in frontal and animal-strike crashes despite significant front-end damage.
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 carries a Complaint Index of 50 and ranks 3rd-worst among the 5 model years with data, earning a "Caution" rating relative to other Seltos years.
- What is the biggest problem with the 2022 Kia Seltos?
- Engine issues make up 64% of the 72 complaints filed with NHTSA, including reports of power loss and stalling, with a median failure mileage of 57,000 miles.
- Does the 2022 Kia Seltos have an engine recall?
- Yes. Recall 25V099000 covers 2021-2023 Seltos and Soul vehicles for piston oil rings that may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can cause engine damage. Dealers inspect and replace the engine as necessary.
- How does the 2022 Seltos compare to other model years?
- The 2022 Seltos (Complaint Index 50) is worse than the 2023 (25, "Good") and 2025 (0, "Best") model years, but better than the 2021 (100, "Avoid") and 2024 (75, "Avoid") model years.