Kia Niro problems
The Kia Niro (Korean: 기아 니로) is a compact crossover SUV (C-segment) manufactured by Kia since 2016. It is an electrification-focused vehicle, offering three versions: hybrid, plug-in hybrid and battery electric variants.
First generation (DE; 2016)
The first-generation Niro was introduced in 2016. Based on the same platform as the Hyundai Ioniq, Kia opted to use dual-clutch transmission instead of the more traditional continuously variable transmission found in most other hybrids to offer a more engaging driving experience.
The size is between the Stonic and Sportage, and very close to the XCeed. In Europe, the Niro was launched in a choice of seven colours and either 16- or 18-inch wheels. It was the first Kia model to feature Android Auto, available from its launch, while Apple CarPlay was made available towards the end of 2016. Seven airbags were included as standard, along with other safety features including autonomous braking, smart cruise control and lane departure warning to name a few. Noise reduction was a key development focus, with Kia achieving a quieter cabin by use of increased front structure insulation and the use of acoustic windshield glass.
Full production started in May 2016 in Hwaseong, Gyeonggi, South Korea, with European sales from the third quarter of 2016.
A plug-in version was launched in the United Kingdom in the end of 2017, and in the United States in the beginning of 2018, with an electric version launched in 2018. Towards the end of 2018 and start of 2019, sales of the Niro PHEV ranked highly in Denmark and Sweden in a list of top plug-in car sales.
The Niro received a facelift in 2019 which included changes to the front and rear bumpers, as well as new headlights and color choices. Unlike the prototypes, no production version was ever offered with four wheel drive.
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Kia Niro model years
Common Kia Niro problems
The Kia Niro, a popular hybrid model, has been subject to a significant recall affecting over 120,000 vehicles, primarily targeting the hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants produced between 2017 and 2022. The recall is critical due to the risk of engine fires caused by fluid leakage onto electrical components within the hydraulic clutch actuator. This defect not only increases the risk of fires but also poses a significant safety threat while driving. Kia is proactively addressing this problem through their recall procedures, which include inspections and necessary repairs at authorized dealers at no cost to the vehicle owner.
In addition to the recall, there are other common problems with the Kia Niro based on complaints from owners. These issues include:
- Electrical relay overheating: Some Niros built between November 2016 and September 2017 have a possible risk of an electrical relay overheating. Owners are advised to contact their local dealer to find out if their car is affected, and if it is, the dealer is to inspect the area for any heat damage and replace the relay with a modified part.
- Burrs in the hydraulic clutch actuator housing: Burrs produced during the manufacturing process have been found in the hydraulic actuator housings of some Niros produced between 1 November 2016 and 11 September 2017. The burrs can damage the oil seal and allow oil to seep out or, in extreme circumstances, cause a short circuit and a potential fire.
- Transmission problems: Several owners have reported transmission issues, including a loud jerking noise when starting from a full stop and transmission problems from stop to start.
- Battery coverage and general warranty questions: Some owners have expressed concerns about battery coverage and the general warranty for the Niro PHEV.
- Backup rear camera malfunction: A few owners have reported issues with the backup rear camera not coming on.
- Bluetooth popping and clicking noises: Some owners have experienced Bluetooth popping and clicking noises.
- Trunk/liftgate shows open even when closed: A small number of owners have reported that the trunk or liftgate shows as open even when it is closed.
These problems, along with the recall, highlight the importance of vehicle safety and the manufacturer's commitment to addressing critical issues. If you are a Kia Niro owner, it is essential to stay informed about any ongoing recalls or issues related to your vehicle.
Is the Kia Niro a reliable car?
Based on our 2017 Annual Auto Survey, the Kia Niro is one of the 10 most reliable cars today.
Are there any problems with the Kia Niro?
Earlier this year, Kia issued a recall for Niro hybrid and plug-in hybrid (Kia Niro PHEV) models due to a potential short circuit that could result in engine fires, as announced by the NHTSA on Monday.
What are the disadvantages of the Kia Niro?
While the Niro's electric efficiency and stylish design are definite advantages, there are also some drawbacks to consider, such as slow charging speed, limited cargo space, and a less powerful engine than some of its competitors.
What is the life expectancy for a Kia Niro battery?
The battery lifespan in a Kia Niro, including its electric and hybrid versions, typically depends on various factors such as usage, maintenance, and environmental conditions. However, a general expectation for modern electric and hybrid vehicle batteries is that they can last between 100,000 and 150,000 miles.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Kia Niro years
We have researched Kia problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Kia Niro cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Kia Niro model years:
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Kia Niro model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Kia Niro years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Kia Niro car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Kia Niro , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Unknown or other problems
- Electrical system problems
- Power train problems
- Forward collision avoidance problems
- Service brakes problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Kia Niro vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by Niro model years
A total of 11 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by Niro model years
There were a total of 9 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
The NHTSA has received 82 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Kia Niro . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Kia Niro vehicles.
Latest 25 complaints
Kia Niro 2022
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-11
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-12
- VIN: KNDCE3LG4N5
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: I received a recall notice for my 2022 Kia Niro EV regarding the safety plugs of the high-voltage battery. I have now scheduled three different appointments with Kia of Lincolnwood to perform this recall, and each time I have been turned away with a different excuse (lack of part, lack of tools, performing recall will take too many hours). The last time I asked to speak with the service manager, who assured me he would take care of this and I would be able to come in on Friday 10/11. Given how many times I've been turned away, I called the day before to confirm, and the manager said he would call me back and never did. Repeated attempts to contact him or the dealership that day went unanswered. I would like help getting this dealership to perform the recall. Given the risk of fire or crash, I am not comfortable driving this vehicle or charging it. I am attaching copies of both the recall and the last work order I was given, where it shows once again I was asked to come back another day.
Kia Niro 2023
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-10
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-11
- VIN: KNDCT3L15P5
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: While driving on freeway, at a speed of 65-70MPH. Vehicle appeared to lose power. Navigation screen turned off, dash display dimmed and vehicle seemed to coast and not accelerate. Speed did drop down a bit, but then powered came back on, screen turned on and was able to accelerate again. No warning lights or error messages appeared on screen.
Kia Niro 2022
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-04
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-05
- VIN: KNDCE3LGXN5
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: In re: Manufacturer Recall Number SC314, NHTSA Recall Number 24V358 The Kia dealership (Aloha Kia Leeward, Waipahu, Hawai‘i) is imposing an unreasonable delay for this safety recall. Dealer was contacted in mid-July to schedule recall service. Dealer said it had to order the part. After not hearing from the dealer for two weeks, dealer was contacted on August 2 and recall service was scheduled for August 27 (claiming that was the first available appt.) Dealer kept the vehicle for 5 hours that day, then said the service could not be performed. Dealer said it would contact me to reschedule. After leaving messages and not hearing back from dealer, I went in person on 9-4-24. Dealer could not schedule recall service until October 7. Because this is a recall for safety issues, this repeated delay is unacceptable. I wish to put this complaint in the record regarding the disregard for vehicle safety by Aloha Kia Leeward of Waipahu, Hawai‘i. Thank you.
Kia Niro 2023
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-01
- Date Complaint: 2024-08-20
- VIN: KNDCT3LE3P5
- Components: POWER TRAIN,WHEELS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: Car makes "clicking noises" when accelerating or braking that appears coming from engine bay or front wheels. Other users reported similar issue on consumer forum: [XXX] ) Car dealership does not have availability to diagnose the issue until next month. Car currently has 55,000 miles. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Kia Niro 2023
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-24
- Date Complaint: 2024-08-01
- VIN: KNDCR3LE7P5
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: The air-conditioning compressor failed internally sending debris into the condenser. I have read Kia owners online forums and this is a known problem to Kia, but they have not issued a recall. See: [XXX] I was at the Dealer today and saw another Niro EV with the same AC not working problem. I have attached a picture. My car was repaired under warranty. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Kia Niro 2023
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-13
- Date Complaint: 2024-07-15
- VIN: KNDCR3LE7P5
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: Engine light indicating error code P040100. Dealership noted excessive buildup in emission tube, cooler plugged and needs replaced, EGR valve needs replaced. Car has less than 35k miles.
Kia Niro 2021
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-08
- Date Complaint: 2024-07-10
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: KNDCB3LC7M5
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: I was backing out of a tandem parking spot in a private garage and got too close to a pillar, and tried to pull forward into the spot. It felt like the car got snagged on the pillar, but while pulling forward slowly, the gas pedal snapped off and the car accelerated quickly and uncontrollably. I was able to avoid hitting other cars but drove straight into a concrete wall despite immediately braking. I'm relatively uninjured, but if it had happened in a less controlled environment and/or I hadn't reacted as quickly, there could have been serious injuries to myself or others. There was no indication of an issue prior, and the car is currently in storage with my insurance company and will be appraised next week. I have photos of the broken pedal.
Kia Niro 2023
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-10
- Date Complaint: 2024-06-29
- VIN: KNDCT3LE7P5
- Components: STEERING,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
- Summary: Last year, I purchased a new 2023 Kia Niro Hybrid and had a 24-month lease contract on it. After 9 months (5,700 miles), my car started having problems (Forward Collision Warning, random loss of power steering). My car had to be towed twice to a KIA dealership, where I was told nothing was wrong with my car. They finally agreed to run a scan on the electric syste, where they found a few communication issues. After doing a system update, KIA told me the problems were fixed, however, the car kept having the same problems plus a new one (random Automatic Emergency Braking). At this point, the car was too unreliable to drive so I returned it to my KIA dealership. Although the car clearly had problems that Kia couldn’t fix, I had to pay to get out of my lease and ended up buying another car, not a KIA. I am reporting the issues with the 2023 KIA Niro Hybrid to make sure people are aware of the issues on this particular car in case it is put on the pre owned market. I believe we’ve been very lucky not to get into an accident, my [XXX] drove it in the city and on the highway and I can't imagine what would have happened if the Automatic Emergency Braking would have gone off then. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Kia Niro 2024
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-24
- Date Complaint: 2024-06-25
- VIN: KNDCT3L10R5
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: Emergency stop blocked by a piece of the bottom dash panel under the steering column. There are castings in the underside of the panel covering the steering column that prevent the right foot of a driver with a larger foot/shoe to operate the brake pedal. I have a size 11 shoe and my foot catches on this plastic casting and interferes with the brake operation. Last night a car pulled out of a parking spot in front of me and the protuberance block my foot from applying the brakes. This has happened multiple times and I am forced to drive without my right shoe for safety sake !
Kia Niro 2023
- Date Of Incident: 2024-03-01
- Date Complaint: 2024-06-21
- VIN: KNDCR3L12P5
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: When slowing with regenerative braking, there is a ticking sound and shaking until the car stops.
Kia Niro 2022
- Date Of Incident: 2024-05-01
- Date Complaint: 2024-05-23
- VIN: KNDCB3LC2N5
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: 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
Kia Niro 2023
- Date Of Incident: 2024-05-04
- Date Complaint: 2024-05-07
- Crash: 1
- VIN: KNDCT3LE7P5
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: My car drives forward when in reverse. This happened twice. Second time I was able to get it on video. Car Is currently at dealership
Kia Niro 2023
- Date Of Incident: 2024-04-24
- Date Complaint: 2024-04-25
- Crash: 1
- VIN: KNDCR3LE0P5
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: While entering into a parking spot at minimal speed, the vehicle experienced an unexpected spontaneous acceleration, causing it to lunge forward, climb onto the curb, and collide with the adjacent building. This resulted mainly in damage to the front end and front passenger door, and the shattering of a large tempered glass window that cushioned the impact. Thankfully, there were no pedestrians on the sidewalk, and the impacted office space was unoccupied at the time of the incident. It is important to note that I was not utilizing the cruise control at the time of the spontaneous acceleration incident and that the vehicle had only been driven 1760 miles since it was purchased, further highlighting the totally unexpected nature of the occurrence. This alarming event of the car accelerating on its own, when it had come to an almost full stop, leads me to believe that the car could pose a significant safety risk. I am deeply troubled by the potential consequences of this spontaneous acceleration; no warning light or collision safety feature turned on. I consider that it is imperative for Kia to conduct a thorough investigation and retrieve the vehicle data to determine the root cause of the incident.
Kia Niro 2023
- Date Of Incident: 2024-04-16
- Date Complaint: 2024-04-17
- VIN: KNDCR3L14P5
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,WHEELS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: I pulled the vehicle out of my garage yesterday and drove it out and turned it around and put it in reverse to park it on a very slight incline on my driveway close to the garage to clean it, put it in park, and shut if off. I spent a couple hours vacuuming and cleaning it. I then went to turn it on to back it into my garage for the night and it lurched backwards in an alarming scary way - I rolled my passenger window down and asked my husband who was right there if there was something in the way that I had just tried to run over with my car. He assured me there was nothing in the way so I put the car in drive and tried to go forward and it did the same thing. It was like I was trying to go over a log or something. (My husband said the same thing had happened to him when he also had it parked on the slight incline and he said to shut it off and try again). I then shut it off, put it in drive and as soon as I took my foot off the brake it flew forward without me ever touching the gas peddle. I slammed on the brakes and it stopped. It was like the cruise control was set to 60mph and it was accelerating without me in control. I tried another time to get it to operate correctly and the next time the rear wheels locked and it flew forward with the wheels locked, leaving a skid mark on my driveway. My husband then took over trying to figure it out and had the same things happen to him. We left it parked outside in our yard and called Kia. It was towed to Berlin City Kia in Williston VT today. This was all recorded on my ring camera. It also did it when the tow truck driver came. He said "I've been doing this for 23 years and I've never had an experience like this".
Kia Niro 2023
- Date Of Incident: 2024-03-04
- Date Complaint: 2024-03-14
- Number Of Injuries: 2
- Crash: 1
- VIN: KNDCR3LE2P5
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: I was driving when another vehicle hit my driver side tire area. Car was totaled but no airbags deployed. It is not available since it has been towed to the salvage yard. I have back pain, however we were fortunate not to have more injuries. It was inspected but not sure if they found anything wrong with the airbags.
Latest 5 recalls Kia Niro
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 12 recalls for different components of the Kia Niro.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Kia Niro 2017
- Report Received Date: 2023-07-31
- Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
- Components: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:INTERNAL:CLUTCHES/BANDS:ACTUATORS/SOLENOIDS
- Summary: Kia 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.
- Consequence: 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.
- Model: Kia Niro 2018
- Report Received Date: 2023-07-31
- Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
- Components: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:INTERNAL:CLUTCHES/BANDS:ACTUATORS/SOLENOIDS
- Summary: Kia 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.
- Consequence: 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.
- Model: Kia Niro 2019
- Report Received Date: 2023-07-31
- Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
- Components: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:INTERNAL:CLUTCHES/BANDS:ACTUATORS/SOLENOIDS
- Summary: Kia 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.
- Consequence: 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.
- Model: Kia Niro 2020
- Report Received Date: 2023-07-31
- Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
- Components: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:INTERNAL:CLUTCHES/BANDS:ACTUATORS/SOLENOIDS
- Summary: Kia 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.
- Consequence: 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.
- Model: Kia Niro 2021
- Report Received Date: 2023-07-31
- Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
- Components: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:INTERNAL:CLUTCHES/BANDS:ACTUATORS/SOLENOIDS
- Summary: Kia 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.
- Consequence: 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.
Latest negative Kia Niro car reviews
Latest positive Kia Niro car reviews
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Vehicle year: 2020
I helped my daughter select her first car and she absolutely adores it! She was insistent on getting a hybrid, so we test drove a few options including the Honda Insight, Accord, and Clarity, as well as the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, my 2014.5 Camry hybrid, and an ICE RAV4 from 2007. While they all had their pros, the main con was that they felt too big for her 5'6
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Vehicle year: 2024
I run long haul auto parts delivery, so my 2023 car has already clocked over 45,000 miles as of May, and I'm adding about 2500 miles every week. In warm weather, I get about 43mpg on my mostly highway route and about 48 at lower urban speeds. Although these figures are lower than the rating of 53 city/54 highway, it's important to note that hybrids always suffer at higher speeds. To put things into perspective, here's how it compares to other vehicles I've driven on this same 500-mile-per-day route: 2022 Sienna Hybrid: rated 36 hwy, actual 32-35, avg 33 (best ever 36); 2017 Pacifica non-hybrid: rated 28, actual 27-30, avg 28 (best ever 31mpg); 2007 Prius: rated 51 hwy, actual 42-44 (best 46); 2023 Niro: rated 54 hwy, actual 42-45 (best 49). These figures are fairly accurate and were calculated using the same pump refills, dividing gallons replenished into trip miles, which were cross-referenced with Garmin trips. I can get 54mpg city, but only if I hyper-mile, and 55hwy only if I stay below 55mph. This car is a bit more boxy than a Prius and has a drag of .31 to the Prius .27, so it will obviously not get the same fuel economy. There are a few quirks to note: The piano black console looks dirty constantly. Auto makers, please stop using this stuff! There's a rattling sound emanating from the turn signal stalk, but it's mild and only at 15-25mph. If I hold the stalk, the sound stops. The passenger side B pillar door trim clicks like a button if you push on it. My 2022 Toyota Sienna had that same piece of trim fly off the van with less than 10k miles on it, so we're improving with this Kia! The rear doors and hatch tend to need considerable follow-through to close. I drive Lyft part-time on top of my auto parts route, and passengers constantly have to reopen and shut the door harder to latch. If you change your oil, the filter and drain plug both have little doors that you have to carefully remove and painstakingly reattach using those push/pry fasteners.I had some trouble with the doors and the filter wrench during my first oil change, but now I just hand tighten/loosen and hope for the best. The dual purpose auto climate/radio feature can be a bit tricky, but I've found that keeping it on climate and using the steering wheel up/down to slowly adjust works best for me. The touch screen can be a bit sensitive, but with a little patience, it's easy to get everything back to normal. There's a nifty feature that has the recirculate come on automatically when you enter a tunnel, but it can come on randomly sometimes. Just keep an eye on it, especially at night, so your windscreen doesn't start to fog. Adjusting the controls can be a bit of a hassle, but once you get the hang of it, it's not too bad. Overall, I've found that this car is a joy to drive, even on long trips.The original tires only lasted 25k, which is unusual for me since I drive 90% on the highway and usually get 50k+ out of my tires. Unfortunately, one of the tire pressure sensors has been reading 7lbs low since the new tires were installed. It's possible that the tire shop damaged it, but the dealer wants $400 to replace it, which seems a bit steep. However, the biggest issue I have with this car is the lack of an interrupt feature for the wipers. It can be frustrating when it's lightly raining and you have to manually bump the stalk to clear the rain if you want to see without having the wipers slide across dry glass. The auto setting where the sensor decides how often to wipe is not very reliable, and it can be especially annoying when driving in winter and there is a light salt sheen forming. Despite these issues, I am mostly happy with the car. The ride is decent, the seats are comfortable and supportive, and the adjustable lumbar support is a nice touch. As someone who is 6'0Not as good as my Pacifica, but still as good as my Outback. I find the brake regeneration feature interesting. You can utilize the full regen feature by pushing the brake a little without engaging it. I know this because I don't see the brake lights come on at night, but I see full bars on the regen meter. Sometimes, I can charge the battery to full if I have a long 5% grade and then go electric-only for over 3 miles when I get to the bottom if it's relatively flat. I've occasionally gone 4-5 miles like this before the motor kicked back on. And mine is the standard hybrid, not the plug-in. The best feature of this car is the lane centering feature. You can turn on lane assist or whatever Kia's version is and take your hands off the wheel for anywhere from 15 seconds if you are going fast and the highway has harder curves to up to 2 minutes if the road is straight. Then the dash flashes, and you just tug the wheel to reset. I used to attach a 1lb exercise ankle weight to the side of the wheel on my '23 Outback, which would trick the sensor into thinking a human was applying a slight pull input, and the car would self-drive for a really long time. I once did over an hour with the cruise set, completely hands-free. Could have taken a nap!! Okay, don't try that, you'll wake up dead! The weight doesn't work on the Kia, but it's better than my Sienna (15 sec every time). Overall, I am happy with this car. No car is perfect, but I am crossing my fingers that this one lasts to the half-million-mile mark on its original engine like my 2017 Pacifica did (YouTube).
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Vehicle year: 2018
I've purchased 35 cars in my lifetime, ranging from Fords to Infinitis. The Niro is adorable, rides well, and has fabulous gas mileage. As someone who commutes 50 miles a day for work, I absolutely love only having to fill up every two weeks instead of once a week. Adapting to the rhythm of driving a hybrid was no problem for me, especially since my first car was a manual transmission. If you have experience with manual transmissions, you'll likely adapt well to the hybrid rhythm, which is different from a regular car. It's also easy to park, and the extra features are fantastic. I hope to keep this car for its entire lifetime!
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Vehicle year: 2018
I'm so glad to hear that you're enjoying your car! It sounds like the sport mode is really awesome and provides plenty of passing acceleration. It's great to hear that you're also getting excellent gas mileage, especially on non-freeway trips. The car's comfort and 500 mile range are also impressive features. I'm glad to hear that you're enjoying the adaptive cruise as well. Overall, it sounds like you're having a great experience with your new car!
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Vehicle year: 2022
Hi there! We received our Kia Niro on December 29th, 2018 and after looking at some other hybrids, we found that the Kia Niro was the best fit for us. We've only driven about 200 miles so far, so this is just a review on how we're getting used to it. Back in 2012, we leased a Kia Soul and since we're in our late 60s, leasing works well for us since we don't drive too much. However, we understand that leasing isn't for everyone. As for the Niro, we love the laid-back driving experience. It's not a sports car, but it's a great hybrid car with plenty of room in the back. We think it handles very well and is a nice city car. We're planning on taking some short trips soon, but so far it fits our needs perfectly. We give it 4 and a half stars! ☆☆☆☆½
Are you having problems with your Kia Niro?
Charley Barton 2025-05-29
Vehicle year: 2021
This car has a known issue where it does not start in temperatures below 10 degrees, and unfortunately, Kia has not yet provided a solution. Despite this issue, Kia has not offered a refund or replacement for the vehicle. Additionally, I have experienced difficulties communicating with Kia consumer affairs, which has been frustrating. I have had to pay out of pocket for rental and cab expenses to get to work, which should have been reimbursed according to the contract. Overall, I believe Kia needs to take responsibility for this issue and provide better customer service. Thank you for considering my experience.
Robbie Lakin 2025-05-28
Vehicle year: 2020
I purchased the NIRO in 2019 and have been thoroughly enjoying it. However, I have recently experienced some issues with the android auto cutting out and the USB port sounding warped when using the flash drive. It is important that these issues are addressed promptly and effectively to avoid any potential damage to the dashboard. I would appreciate a timely resolution to this matter. Thank you for your attention to this issue.
Gust Auer 2025-04-06
Vehicle year: 2021
I'm so glad to hear that you own a 2020 Soul EX and love it! When looking for a small SUV, it's great that your Kia dealer was your first stop. It's amazing to think that the same manufacturer makes both vehicles. The Soul EX has so many great features, including ventilated seats, tons of safety features, a stylish interior, and solid all-around performance. While it's unfortunate that you've experienced some sluggishness with the dual clutch, I'm confident that Kia can do better. Thank you for sharing your experience with us!
Adrien Stracke 2025-04-04
Vehicle year: 2024
Pros- The car looks great, is economical, and has enough power. Cons- Unfortunately, there is no spare tire of any kind, and the cargo area is limited. Additionally, I have had issues with the dash light screen going out, which can be frustrating. It's like driving with a turned off TV screen. So far, the dealer has been unable to locate the problem. Despite these issues, I still think Kia is a great brand, although there are many other brands available!
Jules Hilpert 2025-04-02
Vehicle year: 2019
I purchased the NIRO in 2019 and have been thoroughly enjoying it. However, I have recently experienced some issues with the android auto cutting out and the USB port sounding warped when using the flash drive. It is important that these issues are addressed promptly and effectively to avoid any potential damage to the dashboard. I would appreciate a timely resolution to this matter. Thank you for your attention to this issue.