Last updated: 2026-07-26
2022 KIA Seltos Reliability Report
The 2022 KIA Seltos scores 72/100 ("Good"). With 1 recall and 69 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.
Recalls
1
Complaints
69
Complaint Rate
15.4per 10,000 sold
Est. Repair Cost
N/A
Detailed Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
The Verdict
Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.
Top Issues to Watch
- ENGINE (23)
- POWER TRAIN (10)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (8)
Generation & Refresh (US)
2022 received a first facelift update for the First generation (SP2).
- Changes: Updated Kia badge; Introduction of Nightfall Edition.
- Year 2 in this generation (2021–2026).
- 1st generation Seltos (US).
What this means for buyers
Refresh years bring updates but can also introduce new issues. Check early recall data before buying.
2021: First generation (SP2) Launch
Generation start — new platform.
2022: This Model Year (Refresh)
2022 received a first facelift update for the First generation (SP2).
2024: Mid-Cycle Refresh
Updated features and styling tweaks.
Should You Buy the 2022 KIA Seltos?
At 72/100, the 2022 KIA Seltos lands in "Good" territory — acceptable, but not class-leading. 2022 received a first facelift update for the First generation (SP2).
Owners log 69 complaints on this model year — enough to suggest attention is needed, but no single failure mode dominates yet.
Get a pre-purchase inspection on any used example, with extra attention to engine (23). An extended warranty is worth pricing out.
Compared to the 2023 KIA Seltos, which scored the same. See also the 2021 KIA Seltos for an earlier comparison.
Pros
- +Acceptable reliability score
- +Low recall count
- +Below-average complaint rate for SUV
Cons
- −ENGINE issues reported (23 complaints)
- −UNKNOWN OR OTHER: Owners of the 2022 Kia Seltos frequently report issues related to engine... (12 complaints)
Compare 2022 KIA Seltos With
Common Problem Categories
Safety
LOW RISK- 1 manufacturer recall issued
Other
HIGH RISK- ENGINE (23)
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER (12)
Recall Overview
1
recall on record
The 2022 KIA Seltos carries 1 recall — a low count. Authorized dealers repair any open recall free of charge, regardless of warranty status.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
15.4
per 10,000 soldSegment avg: 13.5
Safety Incidents
6
Crashes
3
Fires
2
Injuries
0
Deaths
NHTSA 4/5 Stars
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2022 KIA Seltos Recall Details
1 recall has been issued for the 2022 KIA Seltos. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
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.
Buying a used 2022 KIA Seltos? Check its history first
Every 2022 KIA Seltos has a different past. A VIN check reveals hidden accidents, title problems, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls that reliability scores can't show you.
- Accidents
- Open Recalls
- Title History
- Odometer Rollback
2022 KIA Seltos NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 16.9%
Safety Technologies
KIA SeltosRepair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
3.5Maintenance rating: 3.5 out of 5Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.
Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.
Used Buying Checklist
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2022 KIA Seltos.
Check for excessive oil consumption by inspecting oil level and consumption history
Test for engine stalling or shutdown during a test drive, especially at idle or low speeds
Inspect for any engine knocking noises or abnormal sounds
Verify recall completion for engine and piston ring issues
Check for any signs of white smoke from the exhaust
Test Idle Stop & Go (ISG) feature for proper functionality
Inspect for any signs of transmission overheating or shuddering
2022 KIA Seltos Common Problems by Component
69 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
ENGINE
23 complaintsOwners of the 2022 Kia Seltos frequently report issues with excessive oil consumption, often without visible leaks or dashboard warnings. Complaints commonly describe engines consuming oil rapidly, with some vehicles requiring additional oil every 1,000 miles. Many reports involve engine stalling, loss of power, or complete engine failure, typically occurring around 44,000 to 84,000 miles. Several owners mention their vehicles shutting down unexpectedly while driving, posing potential safety risks. These issues are often linked to a recall related to piston rings, with some owners expressing dissatisfaction with recall handling and resolution.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
12 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2022 Kia Seltos frequently report issues related to engine performance and unexpected vehicle shutdowns. Symptoms described include the engine stalling, losing power, and sudden halts, often accompanied by low oil levels without visible leaks and burning smells. Several complaints involve the vehicle shutting off at traffic lights or while driving, sometimes requiring multiple attempts to restart. These issues are reported across various mileage ranges, with some occurring as early as 2,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, with reports of crashes and one instance of an engine fire. Additional complaints mention sunroof explosions and wireless CarPlay connectivity issues, which may distract drivers.
POWER TRAIN
10 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2022 Kia Seltos frequently report issues related to the power train, particularly concerning excessive oil consumption and transmission overheating. Symptoms described include engines burning oil rapidly, often accompanied by check engine lights, and transmission temperature warnings leading to power loss. These issues appear to occur across various mileage ranges, with some reports around 60,000 miles. Safety implications are noted, with one report involving a crash and others mentioning risks of stalling in traffic and potential engine fires. Buyers considering this model should be aware of these reported concerns, particularly the potential for significant engine and transmission issues.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (8 complaints)
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
8 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report several issues with the electrical system of the 2022 Kia Seltos, with multiple complaints highlighting problems with the Idle Stop & Go (ISG) feature. This feature sometimes fails to restart the engine after stopping, leading to stalling, particularly at intersections. Additionally, there are reports of the vehicle's navigation system causing erratic behavior in the instrument panel, and instances of the vehicle shutting off unexpectedly, which in one case led to a crash. Another serious issue includes a vehicle fire, which one owner describes as occurring without warning and resulting in significant damage. These issues often emerge at various mileages, with one report mentioning around 30,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, with reports of loss of control, a crash, and a fire.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (8 complaints)
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
8 complaintsOwners of the 2022 Kia Seltos frequently report issues related to engine performance, particularly linked to a recall that has been placed on hold, leading to parts distribution disconnects. Common symptoms include engine stalling at various speeds, hesitation while accelerating, and excessive oil consumption, with some vehicles requiring additional oil every few days. White smoke from the exhaust and abnormal knocking sounds are also noted, often without warning lights. These issues are reported at mileages ranging from approximately 36,000 to over 200,000 miles. No incidents of crashes or fires are mentioned, but the potential for engine failure and stalling may pose safety risks. Used car buyers should be aware of these recurring engine issues and the ongoing delays in recall repairs.
AIR BAGS (3 complaints)
AIR BAGS
3 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2022 Kia Seltos report issues with airbag non-deployment in crash situations. Two complaints involve frontal crashes where airbags failed to deploy, resulting in injuries, including neck spasms and a severe head concussion. Both incidents describe significant front-end damage, with one vehicle deemed a total loss due to extensive damage. One report notes the vehicle had approximately 100,000 miles at the time of the incident. These complaints highlight potential safety implications for occupants in the event of a collision, which prospective buyers should consider.
SUSPENSION (1 complaints)
SUSPENSION
1 complaintWhen 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 safety or the safety of others put at risk? It is unknown what is causing the issue since KIA is refusing to look further into the issue. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? - There is audio and video recording of the noise. However, the dealer is refusing to reproduce the issue. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? - No Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? - No
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (1 complaints)
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
1 complaintSafety-relatedSummary: Failure of Vision system causes unpredictable computer behavior, and such failure may not be known by vehicle operator. 3 Separate Incidents on same car . Occurance 1, 10/22: Brakes locked (with smoke) and stalled in heavy traffic; fortunately traveling only 5MPH so no accident. Restart allowed car to run, although rough. NOTE: Front collision Avoidance turned OFF but computer reset system anyway on camera failure. Kia towed to nearest dealer, admitting that it is NOT SAFE to drive. Once computer went blind, the front vision system reset defaults-including braking control. The Camera system was replaced, seamingly fixing situation. *Occurance 2, 12/29/22 HOA cruise control set at 65, traffic moving 50- car started to accelerate, not seeing car in advance. Braking put up a dashboard message "HOA Disabled, Radar blocked", then "Conditions not met, radar blocked". I also discovered that Front Collision Avoidance was not functional. NOTE THERE IS NO CONSISTANT WARNING TO OPERATOR, only periodically, a "FCA disabled, Radar Blocked" message appeared, but would disappear within 5-10 minutes (but system was still offline). visit 1, 1/10 > No problem found, reset default settings visit 2, 1/17 > took back to dealer again- problem replicated, camera ordered visit 3, 1/24 > vehicle dropped off for camera replacement *Occurance 3, 1/24, System failed on test drive after repair. Dealer did not provide details. Dealer arranged rental "This car is not safe to drive"
WHEELS (1 complaints)
WHEELS
1 complaintI had a flat tire and replaced it with the spare tire that came with the car. Because the vehicle is AWD, the tires need to be the same size, however, the spare tire was smaller. As a result, the car started smoking and driving very rough within 10 miles of the spare being put on. It turns out that the differential went out because the spare tire was rotating faster than the others.
BACK OVER PREVENTION (1 complaints)
BACK OVER PREVENTION
1 complaintThe backup camera has failed twice in two months. When vehicle was put in reverse the camera would flash off and on and stated no signal for the backup camera. The problem clears when next trip is made. Dealer said they are not aware of this problem and cannot diagnose unless it is happening. This is a fairly common problem as a number of others have reported this on the Facebook Seltos owner's page. This creates a hazard when in reverse.
When Do 2022 KIA Seltos Problems Start?
Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.
Best & Worst KIA Seltos Years
Comprehensive reliability analysis based on NHTSA data, owner complaints, and historical performance.
Best KIA Seltos Years to Buy
Based on reliability index scoreThe best KIA Seltos year is 2026 with a reliability score of 82/100, rated excellent. Other strong picks include 2025 (79/100) and 2024 (73/100).
KIA Seltos Years to Avoid
The worst KIA Seltos year is 2021 with a score of 59/100, primarily due to engine (145) issues.
KIA Seltos Reliability Score Trend
KIA Seltos reliability has improved in recent years, with newer models scoring an average of 78/100 compared to 68/100 for older years.
Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 59/100 | Mixed |
| 2022 | 72/100 | Good |
| 2023 | 72/100 | Good |
| 2024 | 73/100 | Good |
| 2025 | 79/100 | Good |
| 2026 | 82/100 | Excellent |
KIA Seltos Reliability Compared to Other Years
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2022 KIA Seltos reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2022 KIA Seltos?
How many recalls does the 2022 KIA Seltos have?
Is the 2022 KIA Seltos expensive to maintain?
Don’t buy a 2022 KIA Seltos without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
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How We Calculate Reliability Scores
Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.
Key Ranking Factors
Complaint Severity
NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
Recall Impact
Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.
Issue Diversity
Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.
Scores are grouped into four tiers:
- 80–100: Excellent— Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
- 60–79: Good— Reliable with some minor concerns
- 40–59: Mixed— Notable issues, research before buying
- 0–39: Risky— Significant problems, proceed with caution
Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.
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