NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2022 Kia Niro Safety Ratings
The 2022 Kia Niro scores 83 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 4-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 1 recall, and 27 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2022 Kia Niro Hybrid SUV posted a single recall, a clean record for a vehicle of its type. This contributes to its NHTSA Safety Index of 83/100, a score that places it in the Strong band. While its crash-test results are solid, this 2022 model year did register a two-point dip in its overall Safety Index from the preceding 2021 model.
The 2022 Kia Niro Hybrid SUV received an overall 4-out-of-5-star crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 83 out of 100, based on NHTSA 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 ranks 80 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 83 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 4 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 12.1% |
| Recalls on file | 1 |
| Owner complaints | 27 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 80 of 135 SUVs tested for 2022 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2022 Kia Niro?
The 2022 Kia Niro Hybrid achieved a Safety Index score of 83 out of 100. This two-point reduction from the 2021 model's 85 score primarily reflects a shift in its safety technology offerings. Crash protection remains strong, contributing 61 of a possible 70 points. This is supported by a 5-star side-crash rating and consistent 4-star ratings in both frontal impact and rollover evaluations. The vehicle's rollover risk is 12 percent, with a "no-tip" dynamic test result. The decline in the overall Safety Index stems from the avoidance technology category, which earned only 6 of a possible 10 points. Both forward collision warning and lane departure warning are optional features for the 2022 model year, not standard. Electronic stability control is standard on all units. The defect record contributed 15.5 out of 20 points, based on a single recall concerning transmission fluid intrusion into the circuit board. The NHTSA data shows 27 owner complaints, with no reported fires or fatalities, although complaints related to brake and electrical systems are present.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2022 Kia Niro perform in crash tests?
The 2022 Kia Niro achieved a strong 5 out of 5 stars for side-impact protection, a notable result in its NHTSA crash-test evaluations. Its overall safety rating is 4 out of 5 stars. Frontal crash protection also garnered 4 stars. The Niro's rollover risk was assessed at 12 percent, with the dynamic tip test recording no tip, contributing to its 4-star rating in that category.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 16600
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 have any recalls?
One recall covers the 2022 Kia Niro. Kia America identified that fluid may leak into the printed circuit board area of the automatic transmission, affecting the internal clutch and solenoid actuators. The campaign spans certain 2017 to 2022 Niro and 2018 to 2022 Niro Plug-in Hybrid vehicles. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive appears in the available data.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:INTERNAL:CLUTCHES/BANDS:ACTUATORS/SOLENOIDS23V534000
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.
Reported 2023-07-31
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2022 Kia Niro?
NHTSA has logged 27 unverified owner allegations for this model year. The most frequently reported components are Service Brakes with 7 reports, followed by Unknown or Other at 6, and Electrical System and Engine each with 5 alleged reports. These are unverified consumer allegations, not established defects.
27 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2022 Kia Niro?
The 2022 Kia Niro was subject to a significant recall involving its transmission fluid and circuit board. Prospective buyers of used models should prioritize checking the vehicle's VIN through the NHTSA recall lookup tool. An open recall remains with the vehicle upon sale; verifying the remedy's completion is a critical safety measure for any new owner.
- The 2022 model year Safety Index of 83 out of 100 represents a two-point decline from the 2021 score of 85, driven in part by the optional rather than standard status of forward collision warning and lane departure warning.
- The single recall for this model year targets fluid intrusion into the automatic transmission's printed circuit board affecting clutch solenoid actuators, spanning a broad range of 2017 to 2022 Niro vehicles.
- Side-crash protection earned a perfect 5 stars from NHTSA, the highest result in the 2022 Niro's crash-test profile and the clearest structural strength this specific model year demonstrates.
- Twenty-seven unverified owner allegations are on file with NHTSA, with Service Brakes generating the highest single-component report count at 7, making brake system inspection a practical priority when evaluating a specific used unit.
RANKINGSWhere the 2022 Kia Niro places
The 2022 Kia Niro qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2022 Kia Niro safety questions
Was the 2022 Kia Niro crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2022 Kia Niro, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 83 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2022 Kia Niro crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2022 Kia Niro earned 4 out of 5 stars for overall, 4 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 12.1%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2022 Kia Niro have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 1 vehicle recall is on file for the 2022 Kia Niro. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2022 Kia Niro?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 27 owner complaints are on file for the 2022 Kia Niro. 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 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 16600), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Kia Niro 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 80 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.