NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2022 Kia Seltos Safety Ratings
The 2022 Kia Seltos scores 84 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 4-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 1 recall, and 67 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
A single active recall affects the 2022 Kia Seltos, a positive indicator for its safety profile. This SUV earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 84/100, placing it in the Strong band. This assessment is based on solid crash-test performance and a complete suite of standard crash-avoidance technology. The safety profile of the 2022 Seltos is competitive within its segment.
The 2022 Kia Seltos received a NHTSA Safety Index of 84 out of 100 and an NHTSA overall crash-test rating of 4 out of 5 stars, based on federal 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 Seltos ranks 74 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 84 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 4 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 15.1% |
| Recalls on file | 1 |
| Owner complaints | 67 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 74 of 135 SUVs tested for 2022 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2022 Kia Seltos?
The 2022 Kia Seltos marks a meaningful step forward in the model's safety standing. The NHTSA Safety Index climbed from 79/100 in 2021, which sat in the Average band, to 84/100 in 2022, reaching the Strong band. That five-point gain was driven by a near-perfect crash-protection sub-score of 61 out of 70 and a full 10 out of 10 for crash-avoidance technology, reflecting forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control all fitted as standard equipment across the lineup. The side-impact result of 5 out of 5 stars is the headline crash-test figure for this specific year and distinguishes it from many competitors in the compact SUV class. The defect record sub-score of 13 out of 20 is the softest component of the index, and the engine piston oil ring recall is the concrete reason: it spans three model years and targets an internal mechanical defect that could affect long-term engine function. The 67 owner complaints, led by 35 engine-related allegations, reinforce that the engine is the area warranting closest attention on this year's vehicle. The overall picture is a year in which crash protection clearly strengthened relative to the prior model year, while the engine category introduced a defined and active safety concern.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2022 Kia Seltos perform in crash tests?
The 2022 Kia Seltos achieved an overall safety rating of 4 out of 5 stars from NHTSA. Its side-impact protection was exemplary, earning a perfect 5 out of 5 stars. Both frontal crash protection and rollover resistance were rated at 4 out of 5 stars. The vehicle's rollover risk was determined to be 15 percent, with dynamic tip testing concluding in a No Tip result.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15956
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2022 Kia Seltos have any recalls?
One recall covers the 2022 Kia Seltos. The campaign, issued by Kia America, addresses engine hard parts: specifically, piston oil rings that may have been manufactured incorrectly. The recall spans certain 2021 through 2023 Seltos and Soul vehicles. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive appears in the available data, but owners should verify remedy status by VIN.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL25V099000
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.
Reported 2025-02-17
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2022 Kia Seltos?
Owners have filed 67 unverified complaints with NHTSA for this model year. The most frequently alleged problem area is the Engine, cited in 35 reports. Power Train and Electrical System follow. Separately, owners have alleged 5 crashes, 3 fire-related incidents, and 2 injuries. All are unverified consumer allegations, not established facts.
67 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2022 Kia Seltos?
For the 2022 Kia Seltos, a critical recall regarding the piston oil ring is active. This recall extends across several model years, making it imperative for prospective owners to verify its resolution. Before purchasing a used 2022 Seltos, buyers must check the vehicle's VIN against the NHTSA recall database and obtain written confirmation that any necessary repairs have been completed.
- The 2022 model year Safety Index of 84/100 represents a five-point increase over the 2021 Seltos score of 79/100, moving the vehicle from the Average band into the Strong band for the first time.
- The side-impact crash-test result of 5 out of 5 stars is the strongest individual rating in the 2022 NHTSA test suite for this vehicle, setting this year apart from the overall 4-star headline score.
- One active recall targets the engine: piston oil rings on certain 2021 through 2023 Seltos vehicles may have been manufactured incorrectly, and this campaign remains open for verification by individual VIN.
- Owner complaints filed with NHTSA total 67 for this model year, with 35 allegations focused on the Engine component alone, making it the single most reported area of concern for 2022 specifically.
RANKINGSWhere the 2022 Kia Seltos places
The 2022 Kia Seltos qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2022 Kia Seltos safety questions
Was the 2022 Kia Seltos crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2022 Kia Seltos, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 84 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 Seltos crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2022 Kia Seltos 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 15.1%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2022 Kia Seltos have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 1 vehicle recall is on file for the 2022 Kia Seltos. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2022 Kia Seltos?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 67 owner complaints are on file for the 2022 Kia Seltos. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash or a fire.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Seltos 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 15956), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Kia Seltos 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 74 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.