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: 2021
I drive an S-Touring which gets an impressive 51+MPG even in the heavy traffic of DC. The entertainment system is a must-have for me, and the comfortable seats and overall interior design are top-notch. Since trading in my RX350, I've saved $1300 a year on gas and have all the capacity I need with my roof-box and hitch cargo carrier. The car has been incredibly reliable with 40k on the odometer and the same tires and brakes. The DTC is a real gem and the suspension with 18-inch wheels makes driving on curvy roads a lot of fun. Overall, the Niro has made me a better driver behind the wheel.
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Vehicle year: 2020
We purchased a Niro LX for $21,000 plus tax. Here are some of the highlights and lowlights. The MPG is amazing - I'm getting over 60 mpg. The price without leather was great at $21,000. The sports mode turns this car into a super-fast sports car. No kidding, it will blow almost anything away for 20 yards. I couldn't believe it. Now for the not-so-great parts. The front seat is not very comfortable, but a good cushion will fix it. The ride is a bit sporty, but it's not horrible and could be better. The stereo speakers are okay, but you might want to upgrade. That's all for now. My wife loves the car, but she still loves her 2014 Prius. I would give it a 4 out of 5. Also, Kia has a super warranty. nnUpdate after 3 months: I've driven about 2200 miles and am getting over 600 miles on a fill-up. That's really nice. I can connect my phone with a YouTube app and play thousands of songs through the media button, so I won't need SiriusXM. That's good. The car is easy to wash and takes about 20 minutes by hand. The car handles very nicely around town and is agile. I'm 6'4
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Vehicle year: 2018
This little miracle car has crossed the 40K barrier with nary a squeak or rattle. I have to admit that the Niro is now sharing a garage with a Hyundai Kona Ultimate EV, and the Hyundai has stolen some of its thunder. Still, when I fill up the Niro and it shows over 500 miles of range, it is in a category that all EVs will only aspire to for a while. And when you drive them side by side, sure, the EV is smoother, faster, and quieter... but there's no range anxiety with the Niro. Given that gas stations will be with us for quite some time, and batteries and charging remain at least somewhat problematic, our Niro will still see plenty of service as our long-distance champion. Approaching 30K miles, still zero problems. Mileage is going up, now averaging 46-48 mpg under all driving conditions. Everything is holding together nicely. No squeaks or rattles, and no deterioration of controls or interior surfaces. We're very, very happy. At 20K miles, there were zero problems! Mileage is consistent at 43-44 mpg in all conditions. We're now at nearly 8K miles, and the Niro has been flawless - zero recalls, zero software updates, and no initial quality problems. My complaints with the Niro are remarkably minor; our Grand Touring model has shiny black surfaces around the gear shift, and when the sun hits it, there can be glare in my eyes. The solution is to keep a baseball cap over the shifter in sunny weather (this may not affect others who are a different height.) And some of the sensors are a bit sensitive; for instance, if the nose of the car is pointing down (say, after crossing a curb) the front parking sensors might start beeping. No biggie.You can easily turn off the sensors with the switch located in the center shifter area. On the positive side, these sensors will alert you if you're about to scrape the bottom of the car or run over a concrete barrier at the front of a parking space. After several extended road trips, we have found that our mileage for both city and highway driving is consistent at around 45 to 47 mpg, even when driving at 70mph or above for long intervals. The comfort factor has held up, and back seat passengers have not complained. While the cargo capacity is not immense, the nicely rectangular trunk has few intrusions and can hold a lot of wine boxes. The seats go down easily when you need to maximize hauling. We only use Sport mode for entering highways or other The seats are surprisingly comfortable and the ride is pretty quiet, especially in the Touring model which has more sound proofing. The wheelbase is stretched out with the wheels at the corners, providing a more supple ride than you might expect. Car Play, which also has Android Auto, delivers Apple and Google Maps, Spotify, and more. While not a powerful automobile, the Niro offers a substantial boost when needed via a flick of the gear lever to the side in Sport mode, making it great for entering freeways or for a burst of passing power. In summary, the Niro is the ideal solution if you're tired of burning through tons of gas and having to visit the station more often than you'd like. It provides enough comfort and utility to cover most of the bases for singles, couples, and small families. Although it's not really an SUV so much as a
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Vehicle year: 2017
Not every car is suitable for everyone, but I found this car to be a great fit for my needs. I recently traded in my Chevy Traverse for this car, as I realized that I prefer smaller cars. The back seat is incredibly spacious, with plenty of headroom, which is perfect for my tall child. Additionally, the price was very reasonable. I opted for the Touring model, which has slightly lower mileage than the other models, but I find that it drives well, is easy to handle, and easy to park, especially in the city. Recently, we took a long road trip from WA to Idaho and Yellowstone for the eclipse, and I spent most of the trip in the back seat, which was very comfortable. The car handled well over several mountain passes. While I am still getting used to the keyless entry/start, which is not my favorite feature, my husband loves driving the car too. Overall, I highly recommend this car.
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Vehicle year: 2023
I previously owned the 2018 Niro LX and drove it for 100K miles without any issues besides regular oil changes. As a rideshare driver, I put on about 1,000 miles per week and decided to trade it in for the new model. Overall, I give it 5 stars because my complaints are minor. For anyone interested in buying one, here are the highlights: I usually keep mine in eco mode with normal regenerative braking and get around 60mpg, sometimes up to 64 depending on where I'm driving. It comes with all the safety features that the old one didn't, including blind spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and lane departure warning. The back area is bigger than the old one and the dash looks amazing. There are charging ports on the sides of the front seats, making it easy for passengers in the back to charge their devices. However, there are a few things that bug me, such as the beeping from the lane departure warning and the auto steering on the freeways. But overall, these are minor issues. I would definitely consider buying another one in the future.I had a frustrating experience with dealers who were advertising a car for $5K over MSRP due to inflation and labor costs. However, I was able to negotiate and get the car I wanted for a fair price. Although I didn't need all the features that came with the higher trim, the dealer was willing to work with me and give me a good deal. The intermittent wipers feature could use some improvement, as it doesn't always work properly. I would prefer a dial to control the speed. Additionally, the knob that controls the volume/temperature is a bit small and can be difficult to use without accidentally pressing other buttons. Overall, I think the car could benefit from some upgrades, especially in terms of the radio power on the stock unit. I recently added an underseat sub to my car to enhance the audio experience, but I noticed that the unit needs its own amp to be turned up loud enough to hear over the road noise. Since I drive rideshare, I don't play music too loudly anyway, but having a 50-watt per channel boost would definitely help. As for the sideblade thing, it's just a design choice that doesn't really affect wind resistance or mpg. Most of the ones I've seen for sale already have the panel in the body color, and it only comes in gray or black anyway. It's not really functional and just ends up being a place for debris to get stuck in. The EX model comes with a glossy black interior which looks sleek but shows dust and fingerprints easily. I personally prefer the matte surface of the LX model, which also has a larger screen. However, the LX has fake leather seats which may not be as durable as cloth. My biggest complaint about the car is its lack of power. Compared to our Camry hybrid, it's much slower and louder when going up hills. It struggles to get out of second gear and sounds like a semi truck when it gets close to 3,000 RPM. It just doesn't have the power needed to easily merge onto the freeway.I understand that it may seem like I am complaining, but I want to assure you that I am actually very satisfied with my car. In fact, I am even considering purchasing a third one in the future. Of course, if the Seltos becomes hybrid or if another AWD hybrid becomes more affordable, I may consider those options as well. I will have to see what is available in a couple of years.
Are you having problems with your Kia Niro?
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.
Zane Wilderman 2025-03-27
Vehicle year: 2022
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!
Mustafa Pollich 2025-03-26
Vehicle year: 2019
Last Thursday, while driving home from work, my 2017 Kia Niro instructed me to immediately pull over and call Kia's roadside assistance. Unfortunately, this has happened at least three times in as many years, forcing me to pull over and get my car towed to my local Kia dealer. However, I am grateful that each time, the repairs have been covered under warranty. Despite this, I have been left stranded on the side of a hazardous and busy freeway during warm weather. As the original owner of my Niro, driving less than 10,000 miles each year, I am disappointed that this has happened repeatedly. I believe that my car is a lemon. I have patiently believed the Kia service departments when they tell me that my car has been fixed, only to be stranded once again. I hope that Kia can understand my situation and provide me with a solution that is fair for both parties.