NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2022 Kia Niro Electric Safety Ratings
The 2022 Kia Niro Electric scores 90 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Exceptional), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 0 recalls, and 28 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2022 Kia Niro Electric achieves a five-star overall NHTSA crash rating, contributing to its NHTSA Safety Index of 90/100, which positions it in the Exceptional band. Notably, this model year carries zero recalls on file with federal regulators, a significant factor in its strong defect-record sub-score. This absence of recalls, combined with its top-tier crash-test performance, presents a compelling safety profile for the 2022 Niro Electric.
The 2022 Kia Niro Electric SUV FWD received a five-star overall NHTSA crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 90/100, sourced from NHTSA crash-test, recall, and complaint data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 135 SUVs from 2022 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2022 Kia Niro Electric ranks 38 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- families prioritizing rollover safety
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 90 / 100 (Exceptional) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 5 stars |
| Rollover risk | 10.1% |
| Recalls on file | 0 |
| Owner complaints | 28 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 38 of 135 SUVs tested for 2022 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2022 Kia Niro Electric?
What distinguishes the 2022 Kia Niro Electric specifically is the combination of a spotless recall record and a near-ceiling NHTSA crash performance arriving together in the same model year. The 90/100 Safety Index earns the Exceptional band, with crash protection contributing 65 of a possible 70 points, a figure anchored by that five-star overall NCAP result. The frontal score of four stars is the only place where the vehicle did not reach the top mark, and shoppers should weigh that against the five-star side and rollover results. Avoidance technology adds 7.5 of 10 index points: lane departure warning and electronic stability control are standard equipment, while forward collision warning is listed as optional, meaning not every 2022 Niro Electric on the used market will carry it. The defect-record sub-score of 17.75 out of 20 reflects the zero recalls, though the 28 unverified complaints, particularly the 10 alleged electrical-system reports, are worth monitoring as the vehicle ages. Because no prior-year Safety Index is on file, a year-over-year comparison cannot be made, but the 90/100 score stands on its own as a strong result within the broader NHTSA dataset.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2022 Kia Niro Electric perform in crash tests?
The 2022 Kia Niro Electric achieved a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA. This strong performance was underscored by perfect five-star scores in both side impact and rollover protection. The vehicle exhibited a low 10 percent rollover risk, with no dynamic tip recorded during testing. Frontal crash protection earned a solid four out of five stars, representing the only category where the Niro Electric did not reach the maximum rating.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 16602
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2022 Kia Niro Electric have any recalls?
The 2022 Kia Niro Electric has zero recall campaigns on file with NHTSA. No components have been flagged, and there are no park-outside or do-not-drive advisories associated with this model year. That clean recall record directly supports the 17.75 out of 20 defect-record sub-score within the Safety Index.
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2022 Kia Niro Electric?
NHTSA has logged 28 unverified owner complaints for this model year. Alleged issues are concentrated in Unknown or Other categories (13 reports), the Electrical System (10), and the Power Train (5). These are unverified consumer allegations, not confirmed defects, and include reported claims of 4 crash events and 1 injury.
28 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2022 Kia Niro Electric?
Before purchasing any used 2022 Kia Niro Electric, run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup tool to confirm no new campaigns have opened since this data was compiled. Verify that forward collision warning is installed if that feature matters to you, as it was optional on this model year.
- The 2022 Kia Niro Electric recorded zero NHTSA recall campaigns, a clean defect record that directly boosted its 17.75/20 defect-record sub-score within the 90/100 Safety Index.
- NHTSA's NCAP testing gave this specific model year a four-star frontal rating against five-star results in side and rollover categories, so frontal protection is the one measurable gap in an otherwise top-tier crash performance.
- Forward collision warning was optional equipment on the 2022 Niro Electric, meaning used examples may or may not include it. Confirming its presence matters because avoidance technology carries a 10-point weight in the Safety Index calculation.
- Twenty-eight unverified NHTSA complaints have been filed for this model year, with 10 alleged electrical-system reports representing the most specific component cluster. These are unverified consumer allegations and no recall has been issued in connection with them.
RANKINGSWhere the 2022 Kia Niro Electric places
The 2022 Kia Niro Electric qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2022 Kia Niro Electric safety questions
Was the 2022 Kia Niro Electric crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2022 Kia Niro Electric, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 90 out of 100, placing it in the Exceptional band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2022 Kia Niro Electric crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2022 Kia Niro Electric earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 4 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 5 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 10.1%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2022 Kia Niro Electric have?
According to NHTSA recall data, no vehicle recalls are on file for the 2022 Kia Niro Electric as of Oct 1, 2026. Equipment recalls, if any, are excluded from the Safety Index. Run your VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm the status is current.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2022 Kia Niro Electric?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 28 owner complaints are on file for the 2022 Kia Niro Electric. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Niro Electric years
Rivals in SUV (2022)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 Tesla Model Y 5-Seat | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2022 Infiniti Qx55 | 99/100 | not rated | 1 |
| 2022 Buick Encore GX | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2022 Buick Envision | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2022 Nissan Murano | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2022 Buick Enclave | 94/100 | 4 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 16602), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Kia Niro Electric 2022.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 38 of 135 in the SUV class for 2022.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.