2022 Kia Seltos Safety Report
2022 KIA SELTOS Safety Report
Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2022 Kia Seltos
This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2022 Kia Seltos. It connects recall campaigns, owner complaint patterns, service bulletins, sibling model years, component issue hubs, and the model buying guide so a shopper or owner can move from a single report into the wider safety graph.
| Signal | Value | What to inspect next |
|---|---|---|
| Recall burden | Moderate (1) | Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below. |
| Owner complaints | Moderate (61) | Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates. |
| Crash and fire reports | 6 | Treat any crash, fire, injury, or fatality-linked pattern as a priority pre-purchase inspection item. |
| Primary component hub | Engine | Compare engine issues across vehicles. |
| Cleaner nearby model year | 2026 | Compare against the 2026 Kia Seltos with 1 complaints and 0 recalls. |
| Riskier nearby model year | 2021 | Check the 2021 Kia Seltos before buying across this generation. |
Kia Seltos Year-by-Year Comparison
The safest purchase decision usually comes from comparing neighboring model years, not reading a single page in isolation. The table below uses only validated Kia Seltos years already present in the cleaned NHTSA dataset, so each comparison links to a real vehicle safety report rather than a generated combination.
| Model Year | Complaints | Recalls | Use case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Kia Seltos | 41 | 2 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2021 Kia Seltos | 306 | 2 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2024 Kia Seltos | 38 | 2 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2025 Kia Seltos | 8 | 0 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2026 Kia Seltos | 1 | 0 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
2022 Kia Seltos Complaint Theme Map
Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2022 Kia Seltos, these are the component areas with the clearest NHTSA complaint signals. Use each link to jump from this single vehicle into broader component hubs and make-specific issue pages.
Engine
19 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Engine issues Kia onlyUnknown Or Other
9 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Unknown Or Other issues Kia onlyEngine And Engine Cooling
8 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Engine And Engine Cooling issues Kia onlyPower Train,Engine
6 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Power Train,Engine issues Kia onlyElectrical System,Engine
2 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Electrical System,Engine issues Kia onlyPower Train,Unknown Or Other,Engine
2 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Power Train,Unknown Or Other,Engine issues Kia onlyAI Safety Analysis for the 2022 Kia Seltos
Reliability Score
The 2022 Kia Seltos receives a reliability score of 55 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.
NHTSA Safety Ratings for the 2022 Kia Seltos
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) evaluates vehicles through controlled crash tests and assigns star ratings from 1 to 5, with 5 being the safest.
Known Issues for the 2022 Kia Seltos
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2022 Kia Seltos:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine And Engine Cooling The 2022 KIA SELTOS has been recalled for engine and engine cooling issues. Hard parts internal/mechanical problems can cause sudden shutdowns and overheating. |
High | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Electrical System Electrical system failures have been reported, leading to multiple stalls and shutdowns. This can be dangerous, especially in traffic. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Transmission Overheating Transmission overheating has caused owners to park their vehicles for extended periods to cool down. This can lead to delays and inconvenience. |
Medium | Common | 25k-52k miles |
| Engine Failure Engine failure while driving has been reported, causing the vehicle to stall and not accelerate. This can be a safety hazard. |
Low | Common | 52k-60k miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2022 Kia Seltos:
Engine issues are the most common problem, with 40% of reported issues.
Electrical system failures are the second most common issue, with 20% of reported problems.
Transmission issues, including overheating, are a significant concern, with 15% of reported problems.
Air bag malfunctions have been reported, but are less common, with 10% of issues.
Recall Details for the 2022 Kia Seltos
The following 1 recall has been issued for the 2022 Kia Seltos by NHTSA:
Summary: 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.
Consequence: 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.
NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2022 Kia Seltos
Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2022 Kia Seltos with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 3 complaints involved crashes. 2 involved fires. 1 reported injuries or fatalities.
I was driving and my car halted to a complete stop.
Car is throwing a P1327 error code which aligns with this recall: 25V099. However, my VIN is not included in the recall despite being a 2022 Kia Seltos.
Certified shop said my timing chain was going as well as other associated components. My car is always low on oil even when mileage has not been met. Found my car is part of piston ring recall. Dealership stated my car is not affected however the issues the shop found most certainly confirm my issue which is going to cost over $2k to fix is associated with this. Dealership not only says my car...
Purchased my 2022 Kia Seltos new from my local dealership and stayed up to date with all scheduled service, as well as all manufacturer recalls and software updates. When driving it in January 2025, I experienced loss of power when accelerating and an engine stall. Took it to the dealer the same day and was told the vehicle was out of oil, and this caused engine damage that would not be covered by...
I purchased this 2022 Kia Seltos on [XXX] from Serra Nissan Volkswagen Inc, Birmingham. One week afterwards my vehicle cut off at the light while waiting for light to change....This incident has occurred more than 10 x since then. My vehicle have over a 100,000 miles on it which does not qualify for Kia yo check it out. I will be taking my vehicle to get a service check. INFORMATION REDACTED PURS...
My Seltos transmission heats up to such an extent that I have to get out of the car and park it for 45 minutes to have it cooled down. Has only 25k miles in it. Took to the dealership and they say nothing is wrong. Numerous reported issues of the same kind on Kia message boards regarding the same issue. Something to do with the dual clutch system and start/stop function
My 2022 KIA Seltos with 52000 miles shut down on me completely in the middle of a road while I was going full speed limit causing the car behind me promptly to change lanes to avoid the collision. It happened 2 more times until I got to my destination l. After I googled what could cause the issue I saw the recall info which I didn’t get any notification about. I brought my car to a dealership and ...
My vehicle was sent to the Kia dealership for service after a front-end collision there was minor body damage however the car wouldn't move so long story short a modular had to be replaced on the transmission there was multiple issues trying to program it I was told there was an issue with my computer they had to reach out to Kia manufacturer for help. I received my car back and while it was there...
My 2022 Kia Seltos repeatedly stalls and shuts off while driving, including in traffic and at stop signs. The vehicle has also had multiple electrical failures and an emergency brake malfunction. A few weeks ago, October 26th, while going through a Starbucks drive-through, My car completely stopped. I got stuck in the Starbucks line and multiple people had to help me push my car out of the driv...
This vehicle passed the piston oil ring recall in September 2025, by November 2025 the vehicle was burning through a quart of oil a week. Two different dealerships advised that this wouldn't be covered under the recall, stating the recall was for engine noise. The recall states that the issue in question can cause increased oil consumption that will then lead to noise. The vehicle was 5,000 miles ...
[XXX] [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] 2022 Kia Seltos [XXX] 54,000 mileage I am reporting two serious safety defects with my 2022 Kia Seltos: Engine Shut Off / “Push Engine to Start” Warning: Date(s) of occurrence:[XXX] Location: Throughout Portland, OR Description: While slowing down and stopping at intersections, the vehicle starts beeping very fast, then displays the “Push Engine to Start” warning, ...
While at red lights, my car shuts off. It happened within the first year I had my car but Scott Kia in Springfield, PA 19064 said "we can't duplicate the problem" and did nothing. Now this has happened 3 times within 3 weeks. This morning, it took several minutes and many tries before it restarted; I had to put it in park and hit the start button many times before the engine restarted. A few times...
The contact owns a 2022 Kia Seltos. The contact stated that while driving on the highway at 55 MPH, they crashed into a buck. The hood came ajar and shattered the front windshield. The front end was smashed, and the radiator was leaking. The airbags did not deploy. A police report was filed. There was no reported fire. The contact sustained injuries to her neck with spasms and reversed neck and ...
When the car goes 75-80mph on the highway, there is a metallic "ticking" noise coming from the front two sides of the car, around the area where the tires are. KIA is refusing to do anything about it because they claim they cannot drive the car that fast due to speed limits. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? --unknown How was your...
Engine failure while driving. Car not accelerating. Check engine light came on. Pulled over, checked oil, found to be very low without evidence of leak. Oil should’ve not been that low, seemed to be burning up. Car towed to nearest auto shop for inspection/repair.
My car was part of the piston ring recall. It burns over half a quart of oil per 1,000 miles. When I took the car in for the recall inspection, it was deemed that it needed a new engine. They then called me and told me that they “revised” the test, and it no longer would be getting a new engine. The car is still burning oil and makes a ticking sound. The recall issue was not resolved, and my car s...
My engine failed while i was driving on a busy street almost causing cars to hit me there were no warning signs about the engine, my battery also died as well that is the only sign that appeared.
My car was part of the original Kia engine recall for 2021-2023 Seltos'. At the initial appointment I was told that my car had failed the test and would require a new engine. Then I was called and told that Kia had issued an update on the recall and that I would have to bring it in for a different test. I called Kia's corporate office and was told on the phone by them (the guy refused to give m...
I own a 2022 Kia Seltos that has experienced a persistent coolant leak. I’ve brought the vehicle in multiple times, but each time I was told the issue couldn’t be duplicated. The coolant reservoir was consistently dropping week after week. Dealership had even marked the reservoir with a line for tracking purposes. Despite keeping the vehicle for several days, the technicians were still unable to ...
The contact owns a 2022 Kia Seltos. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V099000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the contact had scheduled a recall appointment and was advised by the dealer that the recall had been placed on hold. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware o...
Showing 20 of 61 complaints. Additional complaints are available via the NHTSA database.
NHTSA Defect Investigations for the 2022 Kia Seltos
NHTSA defect investigations are higher-signal than ordinary complaints because they indicate the agency opened a formal review of a potential safety defect. Some investigations later connect to recall campaigns; others close without a recall after review.
Component: Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Hard Parts Internal/Mechanical
Opened 2025-08-06 · Closed 2025-12-18
On August 6, 2025, the Office of Defect Investigation (ODI) opened Audit Query (AQ) 25001 to assess the implementation of Kia America, Inc.’s (Kia) remedy program for Safety Recall 25V099, involving incorrectly manufactured piston oil rings which may damage the engine causing a loss of motive power or fire. This AQ was opened in response to consumer complaints alleging of an ineffective remedy, inconsistent inspection results to determine whether an engine replacement was needed, and the unavail...
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2022 Kia Seltos
Has the 2022 KIA SELTOS been recalled?
Yes, the 2022 KIA SELTOS has 1 recall on record with NHTSA. Each recall addresses a specific safety defect identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA.
How many complaints does the 2022 KIA SELTOS have?
The 2022 KIA SELTOS has 61 complaints filed with NHTSA. Of these, 4 involved crashes. 2 injuries and 0 deaths have been reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2022 KIA SELTOS?
The 2022 KIA SELTOS received an overall NHTSA safety rating of good (4/5). Frontal crash: 4/5. Side crash: 5/5. Rollover: 4/5.
What are the most common problems with the 2022 KIA SELTOS?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2022 KIA SELTOS involve engine (19 complaints), unknown or other (9 complaints), engine and engine cooling (8 complaints). Other affected components include power train,engine, electrical system,engine, power train,unknown or other,engine.
How many crash reports does the 2022 KIA SELTOS have?
There are 4 crash reports associated with the 2022 KIA SELTOS out of 61 total complaints (6.6% of complaints involved crashes).
How many fire reports does the 2022 KIA SELTOS have?
There are 2 fire reports for the 2022 KIA SELTOS out of 61 total complaints. Fire reports are among the most serious safety concerns tracked by NHTSA.
Are there any deaths reported for the 2022 KIA SELTOS?
No deaths have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2022 KIA SELTOS.
How many injuries are reported for the 2022 KIA SELTOS?
2 injuries have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2022 KIA SELTOS. These are self-reported by vehicle owners as part of their safety complaints.
Should I buy a 2022 KIA SELTOS?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2022 KIA SELTOS is acceptable with caveats. It has 61 complaints, 1 recalls, and a good (4/5) safety rating. Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic.
What components fail most on the 2022 KIA SELTOS?
The components with the most failures on the 2022 KIA SELTOS are: 1. ENGINE (19 complaints), 2. UNKNOWN OR OTHER (9 complaints), 3. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (8 complaints), 4. POWER TRAIN,ENGINE (6 complaints), 5. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE (2 complaints). ENGINE is the single most-reported problem area with 19 complaints.
What should I know before buying a 2022 KIA SELTOS?
Be cautious of engine and transmission issues, as they can lead to sudden vehicle shutdowns and overheating. Regular maintenance is crucial. The 2022 KIA SELTOS has 61 NHTSA complaints and 1 recalls on record. NHTSA rates it good (4/5).
How reliable is the 2022 KIA SELTOS?
The 2022 KIA SELTOS receives a reliability score of 55/100, indicating average reliability. This is based on 61 owner complaints, 1 recalls, and 6 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Engine and engine cooling and Electrical system.
What are the known issues with the 2022 KIA SELTOS?
Known issues with the 2022 KIA SELTOS include: Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Transmission overheating, Engine failure. These are based on patterns found across 61 NHTSA complaints. 1 of these patterns resulted in formal recalls.
What are the most common issues with the 2022 KIA SELTOS?
Engine and engine cooling issues are the most common, followed by electrical system failures.
Can the 2022 KIA SELTOS be affected by recalls?
Yes, the vehicle has been recalled for engine and engine cooling issues, so it's important to check for recalls.
What should I do if my 2022 KIA SELTOS starts overheating?
Pull over safely, turn off the engine, and allow the vehicle to cool down before continuing your journey.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Be cautious of engine and transmission issues, as they can lead to sudden vehicle shutdowns and overheating. Regular maintenance is crucial.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2022 Kia Seltos
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2022 Kia Seltos. The data includes 61 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 1 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 4 reported crashes, 2 fire incidents, 2 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2022 Kia Seltos an overall safety rating of 4 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 4 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.
Disclaimer: This analysis is AI-generated from NHTSA public data and does not constitute professional automotive or safety advice. Always verify recall status at NHTSA.gov and consult a qualified mechanic.
Analysis last updated: 2026-05-16