NHTSA Data Explorer

Kia Niro

Data refreshed September 6, 2026

Select a model year to filter results to that year of the Kia Niro.

Complaints

514

Active records

Recalls

12

Active records

TSBs

266

Active records

Filing history

Monthly totals over the last 20 years. Click a legend item to show or hide that series.

Reported severity

Based on consumer complaints filed since 2000. Recalls and TSBs do not include severity data.

Deaths

1

Injuries

36

Crashes

46

Fires

10

Top reported issues — Kia Niro

Click a category to expand its values.

Operating state

177

Reporting mechanism

147

Condition issue

115

Electrified system issue

86

Performance issue

63

Thermal issue

62

Fluid issue

61

Engine behavior

54

Noise

52

Driver assistance issue

50

Braking behavior

49

Transmission/drivetrain behavior

45

Electrical issue

41

Safety restraint issue

30

Vibration/harshness

23

Safety restraint behavior

19

Starting behavior

16

Steering behavior

16

Powering on/off behavior

14

Access/entry issue

13

Infotainment behavior

11

Lighting behavior

11

HVAC behavior

9

Smell

9

Charging behavior

8

Recent change

6

Ride/handling behavior

4

Communication/network issue

2

Wiper/washer behavior

2

Recent filings

The 10 most recent filings for each type.

2018 KIA NIRO

Filed Sep 3, 2026


Crash

My kia niro 2018 backup camera takes a few seconds to start up when the vehicle is put in reverse. the time it takes differs from a second to sometimes 5 seconds. I know of accident caused in a McDonalds drive through where someone was backing up but the cam didn't turn on right away and they got in a small accident.

2023 KIA NIRO

Filed Sep 3, 2026


When stopping for a traffic sign or light, the car announces that it is shifting into park and does so. The car then will not shift into drive or reverse and is essentially disabled. Turning off the car completely and turning it back on will not return it to Ready to Drive mode. Jump starting the car, provided it is jump started twice, will clear the problem and move the car to Ready to Drive mode. The car has been towed to dealers on three occasions with the technicians reporting they…

2023 KIA NIRO

Filed Sep 2, 2026


After sitting 2 weeks at airport parking. 12 volt Battery dead . Unsafe to repeatedly have to take out emergency key and pull handle cover off and get in car hit 12v button to start. The dealer we took it to refuses to replace the 12 volt integrated battery. It has happened multiple times. They checked battery and said it was okay. Repeated having to push 12 volt button unacceptable and unsafe.

2020 KIA NIRO

Filed Aug 31, 2026


The contact owns a 2020 Kia Niro. The contact stated that while driving 79 MPH, the thermostat displayed that the engine was running hot and there was white smoke coming from the front of the vehicle, with the check engine warning light illuminated. Upon inspection, the contact became aware that a hose underneath the radiator was disconnected, and coolant was leaking from the hose, and the dipstick had dislodged into the engine. The contact stated that while accelerating from a complete stop or…

2017 KIA NIRO

Filed Aug 27, 2026


My 2017 Kia Niro has developed a serious hybrid system failure that causes the vehicle to shut off unexpectedly while driving. For about a month, the car would only start using the “12V Battery Reset” button. Now it starts, but after driving a short distance, the vehicle loses power and shuts off without warning. The only way to restart it is by pressing the reset button again. The AC and accessories continue to run, and the high‑voltage battery appears to charge normally, but the car cannot…

2022 KIA NIRO

Filed Aug 25, 2026


2022 Kia Niro EX Premium Hybrid was sold as Kia Certified Pre-Owned on August 12 2026 with an active check engine light present at time of purchase. Dealer Calavan Kia West in Lithia Springs GA represented the vehicle as passing a 165-point CPO inspection. Dealer attributed the light to a gas cap issue and cleared the code to complete the sale. Six days later approximately August 18 2026 the check engine light returned. Dealer attempted one repair which failed. As of August 25 2026 the defect…

2020 KIA NIRO EV

Filed Aug 23, 2026


I am submitting a complaint regarding a safety issue with the rearview camera on my 2020 Kia Niro EV. VIN # [XXX] The rearview camera display has stopped functioning properly. Based on technical research and driver community reports, this issue appears to stem from an electrical surge that causes the camera circuit to malfunction. Upon checking owner forums, I became aware of an active manufacturer campaign/recall (Kia Recall SC342) related to this fault. However, I have not received any…

2018 KIA NIRO

Filed Aug 18, 2026


The contact owns a 2018 Kia Niro. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the temperature gauge became elevated, and the vehicle stalled. The message Check Hybrid System - Turn Engine Off was displayed. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V534000 (Power Train). The dealer was contacted and stated that the vehicle was serviced under the recall; however, the vehicle was still inoperable, and additional diagnostic tests were needed. The vehicle…

2025 KIA NIRO EV

Filed Aug 17, 2026


I was slowly driving in the parking lot of the Meadowmeer Golf course on [XXX] today, Monday XXX at about 11:30AM. As I began the turn to pull into a parking space, at about 5 miles an hour, the car rapidly and unexpectedly accelerated. I immediately slammed on the brakes, leaving skid marks on the payment. Before the car stopped it drove into a curb around a flower garden. The i-pedal was not engaged. Myself and the passengers were frightened but not injured. No one has inspected the car as…

2025 KIA NIRO

Filed Aug 14, 2026


The vehicle began shaking violently on the Florida Turnpike, and the factory-installed tire completely separated from the factory rim at highway speeds. This was a life-threatening equipment failure on a brand-new vehicle fully covered under Kia’s 5-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty. The vehicle is at the dealership awaiting repairs. The tire size is 205/60R16

Data sourced from NHTSA's public datasets. Issue classifications are generated by Repair Surge. About this data.

Updated September 6, 2026. Refreshed nightly.