VIN REPORT

KNDCC3LC6N55458222022 KIA NiroTouring Special Edition

16of 100
Low Risk
Buyer Risk Score
Recalls
1
1 campaign found
Safety Grade
C
73/100 composite
Complaints
27
NHTSA filed
Vehicle Age
4 yrs
Made in SOUTH KOREA
BUYPurchase Verdict

2022 KIA Niro was analyzed across NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, crash test data, and public auction records. There is 1 open recall on record — verify these have been repaired before purchase. 27 owner complaints include 4 reported injuries, indicating real-world safety incidents beyond normal wear.

49 MPG
Verdict & Risk Assessment
📄

Executive Summary

2022 KIA Niro

2022 KIA Niro was analyzed across NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, crash test data, and public auction records. There is 1 open recall on record — verify these have been repaired before purchase. 27 owner complaints include 4 reported injuries, indicating real-world safety incidents beyond normal wear.

  • 1 open recall — verify these have been repaired before purchase
  • 4 injuries reported across 27 owner complaints
  • Common owner-reported issues: check engine light, electrical problems
  • Complaint rate is accelerating — issues appear to be getting worse, not better
  • Engine/Powertrain is flagged in both recalls and owner complaints — double-confirmed failure pattern
  • Component failure cascade detected — a known defect pattern that typically leads to more severe downstream damage
Owner Complaint Intelligence

27 owner complaints filed — top areas: Engine/Powertrain (26%), Electrical (22%), Other (22%). Common issues: check engine light, electrical problems. 5 crashes reported.

16
of 100
Low Risk
Low risk profile — minor signals only, likely routine.
LOWMODERATEHIGHCRITICAL
3 Contributing Risk Factors
Elevated fire risk signals detected
+7
Accelerating complaint trend — problems increasing over time
+6
1 model-wide recall on record
+3
Critical Alerts

Title Brand Check

Mined from auction damage fields and listing titles — not a DMV title history pull

No auction records available. Title brand status could not be verified — request title history from seller or state DMV.

Vehicle

Vehicle Specifications

Decoded from NHTSA vPIC database

Make
KIA
Model
Niro
Year
2022
Trim / Series
Touring Special Edition
Body Style
Sport Utility Vehicle [SUV]/Multipurpose Vehicle [MPV]
Vehicle Type
MULTIPURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLE (MPV)
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Engine
4-cyl 1.6L 104 hp
Transmission
Automatic
Manufacturer
KIA CORPORATION
Assembly
HWASUNG, SOUTH KOREA
GVWR
Class 1C: 4,001 - 5,000 lb (1,814 - 2,268 kg)
Electrification
Strong HEV (Hybrid Electric Vehicle)

Assembly Plant Quality

Plant: HWASUNG, SOUTH KOREA

CQuality55/100
Standard📍 HWASUNG, SOUTH KOREA

No specific quality data available for this plant. No documented recall or complaint concentrations on record.

Safety

Safety Intelligence

Composite analysis from NHTSA recall, complaint, and crash data

C
Score: 73/100
Crash Test Rating20/40
Recall Safety28/30
Complaint History25/30
5/100Low

✓ No high-risk recall components found

86/100
Comprehensive
14 of 20 safety features detected
Elevated
  • 1 recall(s) involve fire or ignition risk
  • Electric/hybrid vehicle — monitor for battery thermal events
Moderate
  • 27 complaints on a 4-year-old vehicle — unusually high

Lemon law eligibility depends on state law, number of repair attempts, and days out of service. Consult an attorney for actual eligibility.

The same components appear in both official NHTSA recalls and owner-filed complaints — a double-confirmed failure signal.

Engine/Powertrain
1 recall7 complaints

Driver Assistance Features

ADAS equipment data from NHTSA vPIC database

Forward Collision WarningStandard
Automatic Emergency BrakingStandard
Pedestrian AEBStandard
Rear AEB?Unknown
Lane Departure WarningStandard
Lane Keep AssistStandard
Lane Centering AssistStandard
Blind Spot MonitoringStandard
Rear Cross Traffic AlertStandard
Adaptive Cruise ControlStandard
Adaptive Headlights?Unknown
Auto High BeamStandard
Parking Assist?Unknown
Backup CameraStandard
Electronic Stability ControlStandard
Tire Pressure Monitoring?Direct
Event Data Recorder?Unknown
Crash Notification?Unknown
Dynamic Brake Support?Unknown
Keyless IgnitionStandard
Recalls1

NHTSA Safety Recalls

1 RECALL
1found

NHTSA VIN-specific recall lookup returned no data for this VIN. The 1 recall below are model-wide and may or may not apply to this exact vehicle depending on production date. Verify at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Estimated Repair Completion (Statistical)

Average repair completion across 1 recall is ~70%. Always ask the seller for dealer service records confirming each repair.

70%
avg repaired

Statistical model based on recall age, component type, and manufacturer. Not a repair confirmation. Demand dealer service records.

KIA Recall Completion Rate — Industry Context
86%Fair

KIA completes recalls at a fair rate (86%). If this vehicle has open recalls, follow up with a dealer — average remedy time is ~20 months.

Avg time to remedy open recall: ~20 months · Source: NHTSA Recall Completion Rate Reports

Avg Fix Time
20mo
#23V534000
Invalid Date

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:INTERNAL:CLUTCHES/BANDS:ACTUATORS/SOLENOIDS

SummaryKia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2022 Niro and 2018-2022 Niro Plug-in Hybrid vehicles. Fluid may leak into the printed circuit board inside the hydraulic clutch actuator, which can result in an engine compartment fire.
Read full details...
ConsequenceA fire increases the risk of injury.
Est. Repair Completion~70%

~30% chance this recall was never fixed

Moderate Risk

Source: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type

Recall Intelligence

Detailed analysis of recall history and severity

Engine/Powertrain
1
Part Replacements
0
Software/OTA Updates
0
Buyback/Refund
0
High-Effort Repairs
1 in 7

4 injuries reported across 27 complaints — elevated injury rate for this class of vehicle.

Complaints27

Complaint Intelligence

27 complaints analyzed across 6 system categories

Engine/Powertrain
1 crash1 inj7
Electrical
6
Other
1 crash1 inj6
Brakes
1 crash1 inj4
Safety Systems
2 crash1 inj3
Visibility
1
2022
3
2023
4
2024
5
2025
8
2026
7
90% trend in recent years (increasing complaints)
Accelerating +143%
17
Last 24 months
7
Prior 24 months

⚠ Complaint rate is accelerating — issue may be getting worse

PEAKS SPRING (MAR–MAY)

38% of complaints filed in May & Dec — may indicate temperature-sensitive or weather-related failures.

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Fire/smoke3
Engine stalling3
Brake failure2
Electrical failure1
Sudden acceleration1
Conditions Reported
Parking/low-speed (3)Rain/wet (3)Highway/high-speed (2)Cold weather (1)Startup (1)

Owner Complaints

HIGH VOLUME

27 safety complaints filed with NHTSA

27found
5
Crashes
4
Injuries
ODI #11743136AIR BAGSCRASH1 INJURY

The contact owns a 2022 Kia Niro. The contact stated that while driving from a complete stop at 5 MPH, the vehicle was T-boned on the passenger's side by a Jeep Grand Cherokee driving at high speed. Due to the impact, the contact's head struck the dashboard. The other vehicle fled the scene of the crash. The airbag deployed on the passenger side but did not deploy on the driver's side. No warning light illuminated. There was no reported fire. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot, where the contact was informed that the vehicle would be destroyed. The contact sustained an eye and face injury, body aches, and a detached ear. Medical attention was received at the hospital, where the contact was stabilized and referred to the Primary Care Physician for future care. The contact called both an unknown local dealer and an independent mechanic, but there was no response. The manufacturer was not contacted. The contact called the auto finance company and was referred to the insurance company. The failure mileage was unknown.

ODI #11740374ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,LANE DEPARTURE

Problem 1, Check Engine Light: I purchased the used car on Jan 9 2025, around 23,400 miles from Kia Dealership, capitol Expy in San Jose. Today 05/27/2026, the odometer reads 26, 407 miles. My car is used only twice a week - 20 miles on Fridays, 12 miles on Wednesdays. My car has less than minimum wear and tear and is barely used. I completed my 25K service after Thanksgiving in Nov 2025. I have not even driven 1500 miles and the car is back in for service. Prior to this, within a month of purchasing my car Kia replaced the battery in my car. Around Mar 15, 2026, the Check Engine Light displayed. I called the Kia Dealership on Capitol Expy in San Jose 3-4 times, but they Kia dealership don't call back. On 05/15/2026, for the first time I drove about 50 miles return trip. While driving North on I-280 from [XXX] to [XXX] , over rolling hills that had some incline, the Check Engine Light came on.I scheduled service. I experienced that the vehicle struggle to climb the incline of rolling hills, after the battery charge was exhausted and the engine was running only on gas. The gas was 3/4 full. This is a safety hazard for me to be interrupted by Check Engine Light twice while driving and that too when my car has not even completed 30K miles. My car is sin Service on 05/26/2026 and in the shop for 3 days diagnosis. The Kia Dealership has yet to determine the problem. I have had to rent my own rental car even though I purchased Extended Warranty on the car. Problem 2, Blind Spot Warning Light on right side mirror: On 05/13/2026 and on 05/22/2026, the Blind Spot warning light on right side mirror does not display oncoming traffic when my car is parallel to the lane markings. On 05/13/2026, I was driving at 30mph and on 05/22/2026 I was stationary in the center divider. In both instances, the passing driver had to honk at me really loud -- to avert an accident. Both problems are severe safety hazards. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

ODI #11736000UNKNOWN OR OTHER

am writing to formally request assistance regarding my Kia vehicle which I purchased used at approximately 38,000 miles. Shortly after purchase, the vehicle became undrivable and has since required repeated repairs without resolution. To date, the vehicle has been presented for repair on six separate occasions for the same issue and has remained out of service for a significant period of time. Based on these repeated failures and lack of resolution, the vehicle may reasonably be considered defective at this point. Despite being unable to use the vehicle, I have continued to make monthly payments, resulting in considerable financial hardship. In an effort to resolve this matter, I consulted with a Maryland MVA investigator, who advised me to contact Kia directly and report that the vehicle appears to have been sold with a pre-existing defect. I have also communicated with the selling dealership, Eastern Motors; however, I was informed that due to changes in management, they are unable to provide further assistance and consider the matter outside of their control. Additionally, I have previously reached out regarding this issue and have not received a response. Given the timing of the failure, the repeated unsuccessful repair attempts, and the extended period the vehicle has been out of service, I respectfully request that Kia conduct a thorough review of this matter. I am respectfully requesting Kia’s assistance in resolving this matter. Specifically, I would like to explore options such as a replacement vehicle, repurchase (buyback), reimbursement of payments made, or other goodwill support. I remain open to a fair and reasonable resolution. Please advise what documentation or additional information is required to proceed. I am prepared to provide all relevant records, including purchase documentation and complete service history. Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter. I look forward to your response.

ODI #11733667FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Intermittent warning to "Refill Inverter Coolant" displays on the dash screen. This is a known issue pursuant to SA512 (ELE 270 Rev 3) due to faulty coolant that crystallizes and interferes with the sensor. However, per Kia, it is only covered under standard warranty (5 years/60k miles) and while my vehicle is within the year warranty, it is over the mileage. Quote was to replace "Chiller, water pump and flush coolant system" at a cost of $2369.02 including parts and labor. Dealership will not perform recommended maintenance of coolant flush (every 37k miles) without replacing these parts. If this was a known defect why is there a limitation to the SA? It should be covered as a recall, not a voluntary service alert. I am unable to properly monitor the in-dash warnings regarding coolant levels until this problem is fixed

ODI #11728234ENGINE

The vehicle has a recurring P0420 code (“Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold Bank 1”). A boroscope inspection at Ricardo Caballero Kia Santa Isabel (invoice #[XXX] dated December 5, 2025) confirmed internal disintegration of the catalytic converter, with physical pieces of the catalyst falling out when the exhaust pipe was removed. This failure appears related to Recall 23V534 (SC276) and TSB PS709 (overheating / coolant boiling issues in 2017-2022 Niro Hybrid models). Motorambar, Inc. (official Kia distributor in Puerto Rico) has ignored my warranty claim since December 2 and December 22, 2025 (more than four months). Motorambar is now refusing to authorize a courtesy loaner vehicle at the dealer Ricardo Caballero Kia Santa Isabel, claiming the tests will take less than 5 days. This leaves me without transportation. The catalytic converter is fully covered under the Federal Emissions Warranty (8 years / 80,000 miles). I request that NHTSA investigate this as a potential safety and emissions defect and require Kia / Motorambar to: 1. Immediately repair or replace the catalytic converter under warranty at no cost. 2. Provide a courtesy loaner vehicle during the repair. 3. Reimburse previous diagnostic costs of $449.17. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

ODI #11712922ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,BACK OVER PREVENTION

The contact owns a 2022 Kia Niro. The contact stated that the rearview camera displayed a distorted image while the vehicle was in reverse(R). The failure obstructed the driver's visibility, preventing the driver from safely operating the vehicle. Additionally, there was a delay with the image appearing on the screen when the vehicle was in reverse(R). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but it was unknown if the vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, the vehicle failed to start up, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the battery terminals were loose. The vehicle was repaired; however, when the contact arrived to retrieve the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The dealer inspected the vehicle; however, no cause for the failure was found. The contact was informed by the dealer that the vehicle had an open recall, NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V426000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION). The vehicle remained at the dealer unrepaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000.

ODI #11711969ENGINE

Vehicle with code p0420, Kia dealership technician say: the problem was the spark, proceeded to change it and clear code. Check engine turn on again, the same person say: it’s a ring piston, the car was leaked engine oil to exhaust and he see blue smoke, no evidence for part of dealership and dealership never mention the car was consuming excessive engine oil. I mentioned the law of emission to change the catalyst and the boss say: I can’t change it but the problem will be come but never do anything to change it. In other dealership Kia the technician dismantle the exhaust and see ceramic part coming from the catalyst, his recommendation is change it. Dealership make a formal petition to motorambar distributor official ok Kia in PR and motorambar refuse to change the part with the evidence provide by dealership: technician report and photos. I call motorambar in 2 times and the only thing motorambar do is creating ticket to escalated to technician, never received call from this ticket, this occurred on fort week of December 2025 and today is 19 January of 2026 and not received any call from motorambar.

ODI #11703967EXTERIOR LIGHTING,SERVICE BRAKES

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? -I have received a "Check Brake Light" warning several times now, even after replacing the bulbs. I have replaced them twice now in the past 6 months and the issue persists. I believe it to be a faulty sensor or something similar. Yes, it is available to inspect upon request. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? I do not know if my brake light is functioning properly as this warning indicator comes on intermittently even though the light has been replaced and even when it seems there is nothing wrong with the light. It is very stressful. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? I took my car to the dealership in November 2025 and they couldn't find any issue. The indicator light did not come on at the dealership but came on again later in the week. They even replaced both brake lights hoping that would help. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? The dealership service center Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No other symptoms.

ODI #11703599AIR BAGSCRASH

I was driving on a 70mph hwy and traffic came to a full and sudden stop due to a car cutting across lanes a few cars ahead of me. There was no time for me to stop and I couldn’t see the traffic stopped. The car in front of me was able to stop without hitting anyone but I could not. Airbags did not deploy and this concerned me even though I was not injured.

ODI #11701647VISIBILITY/WIPER

Spontaneous combustion of the Sunroof. The Kia Niro is garage held in Colorado. While the temperature was in the teens the car has been driven and kept in much lower temps. No, Snow was on top of the car. When parking the car in the garage a loud noise was heard and the entire sunroof shattered

ODI #11699174ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

This car was purchased certified pre-owned from a Kia Dealership with 46,227 miles in October 2024. Within a month (Nov 2024), the electrical system would die overnight and we would require a jump start. This seemed to align with colder temperatures. After the first or second jump start, a headlight blew out. We replaced it. Then a tail light blew out and we replaced that one too. It seemed that there must be a connection between the electrical failure and the headlights / tail lights burning out. We took it in for a software update to see if that solved it, we also had them check the hybrid battery and the 12V battery. No other issues were detected. Eventually the problem just stopped happening. Now in Nov 2025, a year later, the problem has returned. The car's electrical system dies overnight and we have to jump start the car. And another tail light / turn signal has burned out. This time, we called a dealership to ask about any recalls or pending software updates and they said there was nothing showing in their system. We are now driving without a turn signal, which is a significant safety hazard. We will have to go back and replace the tail light / turn signal bulb. But what about the situation recurring? How do we get the car to stop 'dying' overnight in cold weather?

ODI #11688712UNKNOWN OR OTHERCRASH1 INJURY

I was turning into a parking spot when my brakes suddenly felt loose, as if they had lost hydraulic pressure, and my vehicle accelerated into a wall. I had my vehicle serviced 3 weeks ago, and my brakes were fine. The day before the incident, I was coming to a stop, and the car was lurching forward as I was trying to stop. This isn't the first time the issue has occurred, and I had previously mentioned it to the dealership, but they found nothing upon checking. I was going to take it into the dealership, but I got into the accident.

ODI #11666923UNKNOWN OR OTHER

express my concern regarding a persistent and unresolved defect in the 12-volt battery of my 2022 Kia Niro, which I purchased from Hanlees Kia in 2022. In 2023, I brought my vehicle back to Hanlees Kia due to the battery dying prematurely. At that time, the dealership informed me of a battery jump start button on the dashboard. It was later revealed to me by Kia service in Stockton—after the vehicle was held for over two weeks—that the issue originates from the 12-volt battery located under the driver’s seat, which is defective. Despite this discovery, I was told by the dealership that even though the battery is defective that I should have brought the vehicle in earlier—specifically before 2025—to qualify for any warranty or replacement coverage. This is simply not true, as I did bring the car in promptly when I noticed the battery issues in 2023, but unfortunately, this did not result in a satisfactory resolution. Further, I am not alone in facing this issue. Several Kia Niro owners in have shared similar experiences on social media platforms, including Facebook. These owners have reported the same battery problems during their warranty period and were repeatedly told by dealerships that the cause of the issue was unknown, leaving them frustrated and without a solution. It is concerning that Kia engineers appear to have been aware of this defect for some time, as evidenced by the installation of the dashboard battery bypass button. This workaround indicates that Kia has acknowledged the problem internally but has not adequately addressed it for customers under warranty. As a loyal Kia customer, I respectfully request a full investigation and resolution of this battery defect issue, including an official acknowledgment of the defect and a replacement or repair under warranty. The inconvenience, safety concerns, and ongoing costs caused by this defect are unacceptable for a vehicle of this quality and price point. Thank you

ODI #11665549VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINECRASH1 INJURY

The incident, occurring on [XXX], was first submitted by phone, followed by email to [XXX] on 27 May with incident description and sketch. I was given the Complaint ID no ODI11663050. However, now when I search for that number, nothing shows up! I have not received any information that the complaint has been investigated and dismissed! In order to publicize this event as much as possible to warn the public about this dangerous safety issue, I have posted the following on my X account ( [XXX] ) and have asked family and friends to spread the information as much as possible. Appreciate you contacting me at [XXX] and/or [XXX] about this. Post 1: Hybrid Car Warning! If you drive a hybrid and get a Hybrid Motor Failure warning, STOP IMMEDIATELY and seek help! My 2022 Kia Niro Hybrid flashed this warning—I drove straight to an auto shop nearby. What happened next was terrifying… ( 1/3) Post 2: As I tried braking to park, the brakes failed, and the car accelerated instead! I barely avoided the shop, parked cars & trees—but I jumped a curb, went in & out of a ditch, and stopped across a major road. A red light saved me from being hit! ( 2/3) Post 3: The airbag deployed, hitting my chest hard. My chest is in pain. I had a major lumbar surgery in 2021 and my back is a mess ChatGPT indicates several possible causes, but the most relevant is a hybrid motor failure may cause unintended acceleration & brake issues. Post 4: Drivers, take these warnings seriously! ️ Stay safe! #HybridCar #Safety INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

ODI #11663050SERVICE BRAKESCRASH1 INJURY

The contact owns a 2022 Kia Niro. The contact stated that the Hybrid Engine alarm activated and illuminated. The contact parked the vehicle for a few hours, and when restarting the vehicle, the alarm was no longer displayed. The contact continued to drive at approximately 5 mph. When pressing the brake pedal to park, the brake pedal floored with no resistance, and the vehicle began to accelerate. The contact immediately turned the vehicle towards the left to avoid crashing into a nearby building, jumped a curb into a ditch, causing the vehicle to bounce several times, and landed on the main street where it came to a stop. The air bags were deployed when the vehicle jumped the curb, landing in the ditch. The contact received bruises and cuts to their right leg and femur, chest, and back injuries. Medical attention was needed. The vehicle was damaged on the front end and was towed. It was not determined if the vehicle was totaled as of yet. A police report was filed. The dealer was not informed of the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

ODI #11626261FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Vehicle has been submitted for repair under recall RCRIT-23V534-0846. DTC P17ED - Engine clutch system EOL fault, is set and has never gone away. Initially the dealership did the recall in the spring of 2024. It was taken to the dealership after an accident and returned with the same DTC. I believe the DTC was never repaired; it is a non-MIL light so it is easy to miss. It was taken back, and they claimed to bleed a clutch. DTC is still present. Taken back again, wiring harness was ordered and replaced, DTC is still present. The dealership (Serra Kia, 12300 30 Mile Rd, Washington Twp., MI 48095, 586-281-2800) has failed to fix this issue. The attached invoice is a 3rd attempt to fix the recall and they refused to do it at no cost.

ODI #11625827VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

I got my oil changed and since I picked it up, I have an EPB light on and my “auto-hold” is orange, I also can’t set my cruise control. This disables safety features on my car- adaptive cruise control.

ODI #11590360SERVICE BRAKES

My right brake light keeps going out and it was “fix” before my the Kia dealership and they said it was just a lose harness but months later it has happened again, the warning light constantly comes on and the power to the light is intermittent. It is currently back into the shop to run another diagnostic

ODI #11576918ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I took my car to the Dublin California Kia dealer because my car would not start or allow me to open the doors. When I had it towed to the dealer they said that the lithium ion battery under the rear seat had swollen. They said they would first address the recall for the (HCA) recall number 23V534. They completed the recall and was given the okay to replace the battery. Car was in the shop for 2 weeks. When I got the car back I didn't drive for 4 days. When I went to drive the car it would not start again. I had the car towed to Kia Vacaville, California shop. They informed me that the recall was performed incorrectly at the first dealer and that the new battery under the rear seat was swollen. The car has been in the shop for 2 weeks again. I am very concerned that this is a dangerous problem and do not feel safe driving this vehicle.

ODI #11563231POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2022 Kia Niro. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V534000 (Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact recently received a recall notice that stated that parts were now available. The dealer was notified of the letter but stated that parts remained unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

ODI #11560736POWER TRAIN

The contact's husband owns a 2022 Kia Niro. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V534000 (Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

ODI #11558404POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2022 Kia Niro. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. The check engine and Hybrid System warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the hydraulic clutch actuator. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V534000 (Power Train). The VIN was included but parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. VIN tool confirms parts not available. The failure mileage was 60,000.

ODI #11557904POWER TRAIN,ENGINE

Kia issued a recall warning dated September 29, 2023 regarding a fire hazard in our car. The recall stated that remedy was not available. After two months of no remedy from Kia and failure of Kia's Customer Care Center to respond to our requests for help, we went to the Kia dealer in Van Nuys, California to inspect the car to ascertain if it was still safe. The dealer refused to inspect or take any remedial action. To date there has been nothing from Kia to correct the problem. However, the 2023 and 2024 Kia Niro Hybrids do not have the fire hazard problem; these years were NOT in the recall warning. Kia should have offered a remedy by now since the problem was obviously corrected in the next two years.

ODI #11531915ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES

Car keeps notifying me of an issue with my left break lights, it has been inspected twice to which both times, Kia services said it just needed a new light but yet this problem keeps happening. Nothing pops up on diagnostics and there are no recalls, this is a brand new car less than a year with no history of accidents. It’s a safety issue now because it could be a wiring issue.

ODI #11467170UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The silver accent bar on the center console below the air vents creates a major glare when the sunlight hits it. It reduces visibility by causing a distraction and feels as if you're staring into the sun. The photo doesn't do it justice but this has happened multiple times and I have to hold up my arm to block the glare. Additionally when the sunlight hits the screens on the dashboard and center console they become unreadable.

ODI #11464534AIR BAGS

We discovered the passenger airbag "OFF" indicator was illuminated during while driving. My wife needs an orthotic cushion in the seat for anything other than a 10 minute trip. When the orthopedic cushion is placed in the seat the air bag does not activate. I went to the dealership and we tested a my and another 2022 Niro, a 2022 Sportage and a Telluride. The air bag in the Telluride was the only one that activated. The owners guidance was to contact KIA Consumer Assistance. A call to Kia Consumer Assistance (800-333-4542) options 2,5 & 2 yeilded a 30 minute wait with no indication of the remaining wait time and jazz music. Additionally, the external backup horn is so loud you cannot hear the collision alert alarm if the driver window is down.

ODI #11462521SERVICE BRAKES

Just over 2 weeks after purchase of new Kia Niro the brakes failed completely. The regenerative brake light appeared in red along with the ABS light and several others. I was driving in a major highway and had no pressure in the brake pedal, leaving me completely unable to brake. I dropped the car to “manual” second gear” and rode (very fortunately on a straightaway) until I was able to apply the emergency brake. The Niro was towed to the dealership who has had the vehicle ever since. They are uncertain of the cause, have opened a tech case with Kia, and reportedly order parts. I have initiated a buyback with Kia as I am not willing to out my family’s life at risk.

Component Failure Cascade Risk

Known patterns where one defect leads to more severe downstream failures

HighTRANSMISSION issue detected

Complete transmission failure — repair costs $3,000–$8,000+; vehicle may become undriveable

Complaint & Reliability Timeline

Annual complaints (blue) vs. composite reliability score (amber) — recall years marked in red

Annual complaints and reliability score for KIA Niro — recall years marked in red
04805010020222023202420252026Complaints/yrReliability (0–100)
Annual complaints (left axis)
Reliability score 0–100 (right axis, higher = safer)
Crash-involved complaints that year
Chart Analysis

The blue line shows 27 total NHTSA complaints filed over 5 years, with the worst year being 2025 (8 complaints, including 4 crash reports).

The amber reliability line is declining — recent years score around 88/100, lower than earlier in the vehicle's life. This pattern indicates issues are accumulating over time rather than being resolved, which is a concern for used buyers.

Notably, despite 27 complaints on file, no recall has been issued — either the defect pattern has not met NHTSA's threshold for a formal campaign, or a recall may be forthcoming.

Red dots on the amber line flag 2 years (2025, 2026) where complaints included crash events — these are the highest-severity incidents in the dataset.

Details & Analysis
Financial

5-Year Ownership Cost Estimate

Based on EPA fuel data, standard depreciation, and US average insurance/maintenance costs

$1,250
Annual Fuel
EPA estimate
$1,800
Annual Insurance
US average
$1,100
Annual Maintenance
4-yr-old vehicle avg
$0
Annual Depreciation
Current period
Estimated 5-Year Total Cost
Fuel + Insurance + Maintenance + Depreciation
$20,750

Estimates use EPA fuel economy data, AAA 2024 national averages for insurance and maintenance, and a standard depreciation curve. Actual costs vary by location, driving habits, and vehicle condition.

5-Year Total Cost of Ownership

Estimated based on EPA fuel data, risk-adjusted maintenance, and depreciation

$28,834
~$481/mo over 5 yrs
$0.6/mi
cost per mile
Fuel (hybrid)
$6,250
Insurance (est.)
$7,500
Maintenance
$5,000
Repair Risk Buffer
$3,000
Depreciation
$7,084

Estimated 5-year cost of ownership: $28,834 (~$481/mo). Repair risk buffer is standard due to vehicle risk profile. Hybrid powertrain reduces fuel costs via regenerative braking.

Negotiation Ammunition

Use these data-backed findings to negotiate the price down

1 open recall (unverified repair status)−$500
Total recommended deduction−$500

Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Tailored for the 2022 KIA Niro — specific failure modes your mechanic must check, not a generic list

HIGH
Inspect for transmission issue detected — ask for repair records
Complete transmission failure — repair costs $3,000–$8,000+; vehicle may become undriveable
HIGH
Verify recall POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:INTERNAL:CLUTCHES/BANDS:ACTUATORS/SOLENOIDS has been repaired
Recall on record for: Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2022 Niro and 2018-2022 Niro Plug-in Hybrid vehicles. Fluid may leak
MEDIUM
Test drive and inspect: AIR BAGS
Multiple owner complaints filed for this component — verify it functions correctly during test drive.
MEDIUM
Test drive and inspect: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,LANE DEPARTURE
Multiple owner complaints filed for this component — verify it functions correctly during test drive.
MEDIUM
Test drive and inspect: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Multiple owner complaints filed for this component — verify it functions correctly during test drive.
MEDIUM
Get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic
For any used vehicle with a risk score above Low, a $100–$150 independent inspection is always worth it.
MEDIUM
Run a VIN check on NHTSA.gov to confirm all recalls are closed
Free at nhtsa.gov/vehicle-safety/recalls — enter the VIN and confirm all campaigns show as completed.
MEDIUM
Verify title is clean and check for salvage/rebuilt brands at your state DMV
Title washing across state lines is common — confirm with your state DMV before finalizing purchase.

Recall Probability Forecast

Estimated likelihood of a new recall in the next 18 months based on NHTSA signals

20%
18-month
36%
2-year
Moderate Probability
Cumulative 2-year risk: 36%

20% estimated recall probability — some indicators present but not alarming.

  • Accelerating complaint rate — increasing pressure on NHTSA to act

Maintenance Schedule

OEM-specified service intervals for this vehicle

Maintenance intervals vary significantly by make, model, year, engine, and driving conditions. Always follow the manufacturer's official schedule — not generic industry estimates.

Tip: Request the seller's service records and compare against the manufacturer schedule. Missing intervals are a negotiation point.

History & Auctions

Auction History

Public sale records from Copart, IAAI, and auction aggregators

Searching Public Auction Records

Checking Copart, IAAI, BidFax, and other sources for KNDCC3LC6N5545822. Results appear automatically when found.

Insurance Cost Estimate

Estimated annual premiums based on vehicle profile, theft data, and NHTSA safety ratings

Full Coverage
$1,770–$2,250/yr
~$148–$188/mo
Liability Only
$560–$710/yr
~$47–$59/mo
Category: Standard Vehicle

Based on 2024 national avg ($2,011/yr full coverage). Individual rates vary by driver, location & insurer. Always compare 3+ quotes.

Manufacturer NHTSA Penalty History

Federal fines issued for recall delays and safety violations

KIA has been fined $27M+ by NHTSA. Most recently in 2020: Failure to promptly conduct recalls for Theta II engine defect.

2020$27MFailure to promptly conduct recalls for Theta II engine defect

State-Specific Legal Protections

What consumer laws apply to this vehicle purchase in your state

Select your state to see what consumer protection laws, lemon law coverage, and title disclosure requirements apply to this vehicle purchase.

Complete Data Table

All decoded fields in a single flattened view

Vehicle Identity

VINKNDCC3LC6N5545822
Model Year2022
MakeKIA
ModelNiro
TrimTouring Special Edition
SeriesWagon Body Style
Vehicle TypeMULTIPURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLE (MPV)

Body & Configuration

Body StyleSport Utility Vehicle [SUV]/Multipurpose Vehicle [MPV]
Seat Rows5
Fuel TypeGasoline
TransmissionAutomatic

Engine

Engine Cylinders4
Displacement (L)1.6
Horsepower104

Manufacturer

ManufacturerKIA CORPORATION
Assembly CityHWASUNG
Assembly CountrySOUTH KOREA

VIN Structure

WMI (Chars 1–3)KND
Check Digit (Char 9)6
Model Year Code (Char 10)N
Plant Code (Char 11)5
Sequence (Chars 12–17)545822

Safety Data

NHTSA Recall Count1
NHTSA Complaint Count27

VIN Structure Decode

ISO 3779 character-by-character breakdown of this Vehicle Identification Number

K
1
N
2
D
3
C
4
C
5
3
6
L
7
C
8
6
9
N
10
5
11
5
12
4
13
5
14
8
15
2
16
2
17
WMI (1–3)
VDS (4–8)
Check Digit (9)
Model Year (10)
Serial (11–17)
K
World Manufacturer
Country & region of manufacture
Position 1
N
Manufacturer
Specific manufacturer identifier
Position 2
D
Vehicle Type
Division or vehicle type
Position 3
CC3LC
Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS)
Body style, engine type, restraint system
Position 4–8
6
Check Digit
Mathematical validation character
Position 9
N
Model Year
Year of manufacture
Position 10
5
Assembly Plant
Where the vehicle was assembled
Position 11
545822
Production Sequence
Unique serial number for this vehicle
Position 12–17
Country of Manufacture
South Korea
From VIN position 1 (K)
Model Year Character
"N" → 2022
Could also be 1992
Check Digit (Pos 9)
✓ Valid
ISO 3779 weighted-sum algorithm
Research This Model

Disclaimer: Data sourced from NHTSA public APIs and scraped auction listings. For informational purposes only. Not a substitute for a paid vehicle history report. Retrieved: 7/3/2026, 1:19:05 PM.