Kia Niro hybrid 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 hybrid model years
Common Kia Niro hybrid problems
The Kia Niro Hybrid is a popular choice among car buyers due to its impressive fuel efficiency, spacious interior, and advanced technology features. However, like any other car, the Kia Niro Hybrid is not without its common problems. Here are some of the most frequently reported issues by Kia Niro Hybrid owners:
- Electrical Relay Overheating: On some Kia Niros produced between November 2016 and September 2017, there is a risk of an electrical relay overheating. This issue can cause heat damage and potentially lead to a fire. Owners are advised to contact their local dealer to inspect the relay and replace it with a modified part if necessary.
- Burrs in the Hydraulic Clutch Actuator Housing: Some Kia Niros produced between 1 November 2016 and 11 September 2017 may have burrs in the hydraulic actuator housings. These burrs can damage the oil seal and cause oil to seep out or, in extreme circumstances, cause a short circuit and a potential fire. A warning light may appear on the dashboard if this issue occurs.
- Interior Quality Issues: Some Kia Niro Hybrid owners have reported issues with the interior fixtures and fittings, including scuffs, cracks, and stains. It is important to thoroughly inspect the interior of any used Niro to ensure that it has been well cared for.
- Exterior Damage: It is also important to inspect the exterior of any used Niro for scrapes, kerb grazes, and other signs of damage. Minor damage is to be expected, but major damage may indicate that the car has not been well cared for.
While these issues are concerning, it is worth noting that the Kia Niro Hybrid has a strong reputation for reliability. In fact, it came first out of 12 cars in a rundown of the most reliable used electric and hybrid cars in 2023, with not a single owner reporting a fault.
In conclusion, while the Kia Niro Hybrid is not without its common problems, it is generally considered to be a reliable and well-built car. Owners are advised to thoroughly inspect any used Niro for signs of damage or wear and to address any issues promptly to ensure the longevity and safety of the vehicle.
Is the Kia Niro hybrid a reliable car?
The Kia Niro came first out of 12 cars in our rundown of the most reliable used electric and hybrid cars in 2023. Not only did it top the table with a 100% score, but not a single owner reported a fault with their car.
Does Kia Niro have engine problems?
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 hybrid?
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.
How long does the battery on the Kia Niro hybrid last?
Kia Niro batteries usually last between 3-5 years, but this is variable depending on the type of battery, driving habits, weather conditions, and more. You can prolong the life of your Niro battery by: Starting your Kia Niro regularly is necessary. Don't let your battery go unused for long periods of time.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Kia Niro hybrid years
We have researched Kia problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Kia Niro hybrid cars and compiled the top 1 most problematic Kia Niro hybrid model years:
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Kia Niro hybrid model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Kia Niro hybrid years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Kia Niro hybrid car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Kia Niro hybrid , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Engine problems
- Unknown or other problems
- Power train problems
- Electrical system problems
- Fuel/propulsion system problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Kia Niro hybrid vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by Niro hybrid model years
A total of 4 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 fire by Niro hybrid model years
There were a total of 5 complaints that resulted in a fire. 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 hybrid model years
There were a total of 5 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 72 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Kia Niro hybrid . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Kia Niro hybrid vehicles.
Latest 25 complaints
Kia Niro hybrid 2017
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-01
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-21
- VIN: KNDCE3LC7H5
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: My Kia Niro 2017 began losing antifreeze back in January of 2024. Upon inspection by Folsom Lake KIA they determined that the EGR needed to be replaced. The dealership made the repair under my third-party warranty that I purchased when I bought the car preowned in 2020 (22,000 miles). In August 2024 the engine began to overheat triggering and engine light. The car had approximately 90,000 miles on it at the time. The antifreeze was gone, and I filled it up and took it to the dealership a few weeks later when they had an available appointment. They were not able to diagnose the issue during that visit. They said that I had to schedule a multiday appointment to get a diagnostic done. In the meantime, I was adding antifreeze every few days to keep the reservoir full. I took the car back to Folsom Lake KIA on October 14th and received a diagnostic on the 17th that the vehicle's heat exchange recover system was leaking the antifreeze into the exhaust which burns off as a white smoke. The recommendation was to replace the entire heat exchanger. I decided to do some research and found find out what exactly this part does. I discovered that it simply warms up the antifreeze faster using the engine exhaust and shuts off when the coolant temperature reaches a setpoint. After further research on the internet, it became clear to me that this is a systemic issue with these vehicles, but no recall has been made. My warranty claim was denied due to the part not being covered. When I took it to an independent shop, they said that the part was not available from anyone, but KIA and they said that there was no price listed, and you had to contact KIA for the part. KIA quoted 3,000.00 for the part and labor to replace the heat exchanger. All of this just seems very suspect. I believe KIA knows this is a systemic problem but refuse to recall the part. Instead, they are making a bundle replacing this part. Any help would be appreciated. Thank you.
Kia Niro hybrid 2017
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-12
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-14
- VIN: KNDCB3LC4H5
- Components: ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: I had some lurching when trying to accelerate for a month before the check engine and HEV warning beeping came on. Kia Niro EGR (Gas Recirculated Cooler) failed at 105K miles. It leaked on to the engine causing it to overheat. My children and I got smoked out and my child had an asthma attack from this issue. We were also stressed, thinking the engine would catch fire. Kia says there are no recalls for my 2017, yet the 2023 has a recall on this exact item. I would like this complaint to be filed due to a part failing 5K miles after a warrenty. The problem was diagnosed by the Kia Dealer. Quote is $1875.
Kia Niro hybrid 2017
- Date Of Incident: 2020-03-01
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-18
- VIN: KNDCB3LC6H5
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: I have had ongoing electrical issues with my 2017 Kia Niro. First, the back passenger (driver side window) was working intermittently. The back windows from the day I bought the car brand new are rarely used, but when it was used for the 3rd or 4th time I had already gone over the miles where it would have been covered. The dealership was going to charge me almost $300, so I never fixed it. I just don't use the back windows. Then, the driver side low beam bulb kept going out. Erlich Kia in Longmont kept replacing the bulb despite my concerns of it being an electrical issue. Finally, the dealership was transitioned to Fowler Kia. By that time the issue was no longer going to be covered. Fowler eventually determined that the socket and harness assembly needed to be replaced. That was last year. Now, the passenger side headlight is having the same exact issue. I find it extremely frustrating that there are so many electrical issues that I have had with this car, and the dealership just doesn't care to try and connect any of the other issues. I also had to have my car towed twice to fix issues with it in the past. I have never had a car that I bought brand new have so many issues with it.
Kia Niro hybrid 2017
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-17
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-18
- VIN: KNDCC3LC1H5
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
- Summary: I received a warning indication that the engine temperature is too hot while driving the vehicle to work. I opened the hood of my vehicle and discovered the vehicle’s coolant reservoir was empty which led me to believe there was a coolant leak. I took the vehicle to be inspected and diagnosed by an independent repair shop (non-dealership) and it was explained that there was in fact a coolant leak and it’s because the exhaust heater exchanger is failing. This is a serious safety concern because if there is a coolant leak the vehicle’s engine can overheat causing further and extensive damage to the engine which could result in a fire. Based on research, there have been other cases where this particular year/model vehicle has had or is experiencing issues with the exhaust heater exchange failing. This faulty system is causing customers who own the same year/model vehicle that I drive to either bypass the exhaust heater exchange all together—which I don’t believe is safe to do—or customers are being made to pay a huge bill just to repair the faulty system. My vehicle only has 73,000 miles and this is something that I should not be experiencing especially since Kia is aware of the fault with the exhaust heater exchange on these particular year/model vehicles. Kia should be recalling these vehicles with the faulty system for diagnosis and repair as this is a major safety concern on the road not only for the driver, but also for other motorists as well.
Kia Niro hybrid 2017
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-21
- Date Complaint: 2024-07-24
- VIN: KNDCB3LC1H5
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: Niro had been exhibiting increasingly frequent "crunching" noises in the steering mechanism at lower speeds, like backing up and in-town driving. Issue started in late June 2024 at about 67K miles. A few times the steering wheel grabbed on turning and I had to fight it back. I called the dealer for a diagnostic appointment and they said they couldn't see it until mid-August 2024. I then took the car in to a local mechanic two times, who said they could feel the crunching on backing up, but weren't able to reliably reproduce the condition and refused to open up the steering column in the absence of a defined problem. I continued to drive car the throughout July. On 7/20/24, the crunching noise in the steering column got markedly more frequent, was witnessed and felt by passenger, and continued intermittently throughout the day through a number of short in-town drives at low speeds on typical city roads. The next day, 7/21/24, after about 1.5 hours of continuous highway, then local driving on curvy mountain road, a series of loud crunching noises suddenly came from the steering column, the EPS warning light came on, and I experienced a total loss of power steering, making the car extremely difficult to control. The failure occurred in a triple s-curve at the top of a hill with an approaching, very steep drop-off embankment and I was very scared I would not be able to keep it on the road, even at the low speed I was driving. It took both hands and considerable effort to wrest control of the wheel and to keep the car on the road, and I managed to drive the remaining two miles home with considerable effort and both hands forcefully steering the car through turns. Definitely NOT safe to drive in this condition. The car was towed to the dealer for diagnosis. Dealer confirmed "total failure of steering mechanism"
Kia Niro hybrid 2017
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-07
- Date Complaint: 2024-06-20
- VIN: KNDCB3LC9H5
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE,LANE DEPARTURE
- Summary: I am unsure of what to say about my car. I saw a check oil light flicker and it went away. The car had oil when I checked on it so it didn't seem to be a problem. There was no sign of leakage and no sign of burning oil or fuel. Several days later, the check oil light came on permanently. Before I could get the car anywhere, the car started making a strange sound. I took it to my usual shop. They said it had sprung a spontaneous leak. They said it was a large oil pressure switch leak. They replaced the sensor and added oil. They said there was some damage but that the car was still drivable. I drove the car for a week and then when I was on the highway, the car starting roaring and shaking like I was in an earthquake. The check engine light started blinking. I could not accelerate properly and had to coast to safety on the electric. I was able to use my friends scanner and found 4 misfire codes: PO300-303. My neighbor (a mechanic) looked at the vehicle and said that was damage was internal and was going to need extensive work or a new engine. He didn't have the time to take the vehicle apart so we did not find the true cause and I am now wondering if this is a new safety issues or related to the recall. I did not receive the recall information until recently (I tend to have issues receiving my mail sometimes) and haven't even had time to get to the dealership to check on it. Everyone I have spoken to has said this is how Kia's are and they are not worth purchasing.
Kia Niro hybrid 2017
- Date Of Incident: 2024-05-16
- Date Complaint: 2024-05-30
- VIN: KNDCB3LC1H5
- Components: ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: The Exhaust heat recovery system has a valve that can malfunction and allows coolant to leak into the exhaust and ignite it into the atmosphere. It can cause misfires in the engine, there are technical service bulletins (TSB 212 and Pitstop Tech bulletin PS709 that are attached to this report) that have more information on this issue. This can drain the coolant from the system and cause engine overheating issues. Some shops may misdiagnose it as a head gasket problem. This is a common problem for Kia Niro's 2017-2022. A new heat exchanger as of now costs $3000 brand new from the OEM and Kia is very strict about how they apply their warranty to any kind of part. Please can you help remedy this issue for Niro owners.
Kia Niro hybrid 2017
- Date Of Incident: 2024-05-03
- Date Complaint: 2024-05-07
- VIN: KNDCC3LCXH5
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: Coolant keeps leaking causing car to overheat. Faulty heat exchange flooding catalyic converter. This is a know issue with Kia Niros. No warning lights. Kia service department found the issue.
Kia Niro hybrid 2017
- Date Of Incident: 2024-04-05
- Date Complaint: 2024-04-29
- Fire: 1
- VIN: KNDCB3LC5H5
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: The contact owned a 2017 Kia Niro. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the temperature gauge began to indicate that the vehicle was overheating. The contact then observed smoke emanating from the engine compartment. The contact was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle soon became engulfed in flames. Local emergency services arrived and were able to extinguish the flames. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard and deemed a total loss by the contact's insurance provider. A fire report was filed. A police report was also filed, with no injuries reported. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V534000 (Engine), and the VIN was included, but the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Kia Niro hybrid 2017
- Date Of Incident: 2023-11-30
- Date Complaint: 2024-03-18
- VIN: KNDCB3LC6H5
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: The contact owns a 2017 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 contact stated that the HEV warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated while driving 35-40 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to respond and lost motive power. The contact was able to veer to the side of the road. The contact was able to restart the vehicle, but the vehicle failed to respond while depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and the dealer determined that the failure was related to the recall. The dealer informed the contact that the recall repair part was not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 134,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
Kia Niro hybrid 2017
- Date Of Incident: 2024-03-01
- Date Complaint: 2024-03-01
- VIN: KNDCB3LC9H5
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: The contact owns a 2017 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 contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Kia Niro hybrid 2017
- Date Of Incident: 2024-02-21
- Date Complaint: 2024-02-21
- VIN: KNDCC3LC1H5
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: The contact owns a 2017 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 contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Kia Niro hybrid 2017
- Date Of Incident: 2024-02-02
- Date Complaint: 2024-02-05
- VIN: KNDCB3LC0H5
- Components: POWER TRAIN,STRUCTURE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2017 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 contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had experienced a strong electrical burning odor inside the cabin of the vehicle. The contact stated that the front passenger’s side wheel well had melted and collapsed. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 91,760. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Kia Niro hybrid 2017
- Date Of Incident: 2024-01-25
- Date Complaint: 2024-01-25
- VIN: KNDCB3LC0H5
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: My 2017 Kia Niro (hybrid) discharges white smoke and overheats while being driven. I brought it to a reputable mechanic immediately. After an inspection, it was discovered that coolant is leaking into the engine because the heat exchange system is not functioning correctly. There are 6 similar complaints files about the same model vehicle (NHTSA 11561701, 11550994, 11547940, 11442817, 11457565 & 11491873) and many that have not been filed on line but complaints are the same. A Kia dealership said that the part (#28601G5320) is on back order everywhere w/ no availability in sight. This is a $3000-$6000 repair and is ridiculous. No engine lights or indications of anything malfunctioning, this needs to be recalled ASAP!
Kia Niro hybrid 2017
- Date Of Incident: 2023-12-27
- Date Complaint: 2024-01-03
- VIN: KNDCC3LCXH5
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: My car slowed, smelled hot, and then transmission overheat light came on approximately 130 miles from my home. I had it towed to nearest Kia service due to my warranty, Lehighton Kia dealer by AAA (Kia roadside wanted $293). Dealer claimed it was Clutch Actuator (said nothing about recall) and claim to be attempting to confirm warranty with Zurich for days with no success, I had no issue calling Zurich to confirm warranty would cover it. They said parts were unavailable in US, some in Korea, no guarantee where they would be distributed to and could not be ordered yet, so timeline of at least a month that I would be without a car. They could not offer me a loaner or rental. Last night I received Recall notice SC276 for the exact issue I am dealing with. In 4 calls to Lehighton Kia this recall was never mentioned. I bought my car in March with 31,000 with the best extended warranty I could buy to protect myself as a recent widow with a daughter in college. My car now has 52,000 and is not usable indefinitely, I cannot afford a rental and I work 35 miles away and feel that the Lehighton Kia has been less than helpful in dealing with this issue.
Recalls Kia Niro hybrid
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the Kia Niro hybrid.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Kia Niro hybrid 2017
- Report Received Date: 2017-03-10
- Manufacturer: Kia Motors America
- Components: STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
- Summary: Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017 Niro vehicles. The affected vehicles may have a damaged Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) connector resulting in a loss of electric power steering assistance.
- Consequence: Loss of power steering assist would require higher steering effort, especially at lower speeds, which may increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the MDPS motor, free of charge. The recall began April 3, 2017. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC145.
Are you having problems with your Kia Niro hybrid?
