2017 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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Common 2017 Kia Niro problems
Based on complaints from owners of the 2017 Kia Niro, common problems include issues with the fuel system/emissions, electrical accessories, in-car electronics, body hardware, noises and leaks, EV battery, and climate system. Specific problems reported by owners include fuel system issues such as fuel injection/pump problems, fuel gauge/sender malfunctions, and difficulties filling up the tank. Electrical problems like misfiring/jerking engines, faulty sensors, and emission control issues have also been highlighted. Additionally, concerns with noises, leaks, and climate system malfunctions have been noted.
One significant issue mentioned by owners is the possibility of an electrical relay overheating, affecting some Niros built between November 2016 and September 2017. This can lead to heat damage and necessitate the replacement of the relay with a modified part. Another reported problem involves burrs found in the hydraulic clutch actuator housing of certain Niros produced during a specific period. These burrs can damage the oil seal, leading to oil leaks or, in extreme cases, potential fire hazards. Warning lights on the dashboard may indicate faults related to these issues, requiring immediate attention to prevent further damage.
Furthermore, engine problems have been raised by owners, with instances of rattling noises during acceleration and engine failure without a check engine light warning. Some owners have faced challenges with engine inspections, delays in warranty coverage determinations, and potential high costs for engine repairs or replacements. These engine issues have caused frustration among owners, highlighting the importance of regular maintenance and prompt action to address any emerging problems to avoid costly repairs.
In summary, the 2017 Kia Niro has faced various common problems reported by owners, ranging from fuel system and electrical issues to engine malfunctions. Timely maintenance, thorough inspections, and awareness of these common problems can help owners address issues promptly and maintain the reliability of their vehicles.
What are the most common problems with the Kia Niro?
Kia Niro – most commonly reported problems and issues
- Transmission. Some Kia Niro owners have had transmission problems, such as rough shifting, delayed shifting, and slipping – that in some cases – the transmission failed.
- Electrical features. ...
- Brakes. ...
- Fuel system. ...
- Suspension. ...
- Fuel efficiency. ...
- Spacious interior. ...
- Tech features.
Is Kia Niro 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.
What is the life expectancy for Kia Niro battery?
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.
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.
2017 Kia Niro complaints
The NHTSA has received 0 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2017 Kia Niro.
You can leave your car complaint via the special form below.
2017 Kia Niro recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 4 recalls for different components of the 2017 Kia Niro.
- 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.
- Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
- Components: HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Kia Niro hybrid electric vehicles previously recalled under recall 18V-666. The Main Relay within the Power Relay Assembly (PRA) may have inadequate connections between its contacts, causing increased electrical resistance, which can overheat the rear seats.
- Consequence: Overheated rear seats increase the risk of a fire.
- Remedy: Dealers will inspect the PRA and replace either the PRA or the Main Relay, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 9, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC256. This recall supersedes NHTSA recall number 18V-666. Vehicles already repaired under the previous recall will need to have the new remedy completed.
- Manufacturer: Kia Motors America
- Components: HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Kia Niro hybrid electric vehicles. The Main Relay within the Power Relay Assembly (PRA) may have inadequate connections between its contacts, causing increased electrical resistance.
- Consequence: The increased electrical resistance can overheat the rear seat which is above the PRA, increasing the risk of a fire.
- Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the Power Relay Assembly (PRA) for damage. If no damage is found, the main relay will be replaced. If damage is found, the PRA will be replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began November 23, 2018. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC168.
- Manufacturer: Kia Motors America
- Components: HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017 Kia Niro vehicles. The Hydraulic Clutch Actuator (HCA) inner oil seal may leak, allowing oil to accumulate in the cap area, possibly resulting in an electrical short.
- Consequence: An electrical short can increase the risk of a fire.
- Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the HCA caps for leaked oil and replace the HCA assembly if needed, or replace the HCA cap with additional sealant. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall is expected to begin June 15, 2018. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC163.
Negative 2017 Kia Niro car reviews
Positive 2017 Kia Niro car reviews
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Hi there! I noticed that you're looking for a hybrid that seats 5 and can handle a long commute of 90 miles per day. The Niro sounds like a great fit for you! While it may not have the fastest acceleration or lane passing, it has everything else you're looking for. The interior is quiet and comfortable, the technology is top-notch, and the sporty handling makes turning a lot of fun. Plus, it's more affordable than its competition! I can tell you really enjoyed your Forester and Chevy Spark, and the Niro seems like the perfect combination of the two. It's a hatchback with plenty of room, but keep in mind that it doesn't have the ground clearance of an SUV. Overall, it sounds like the Niro would be a dream to drive! Let me know if you have any other questions.
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The Kia Niro is a fantastic vehicle that offers a lot of value for its size. In my opinion, it is also more attractive than the Hyundai Ioniq, which it shares running gear with. Unlike the Ioniq, the Niro's space is easily accessible and the seats fold perfectly flat. Although the Niro has a slightly lower mpg than the Ioniq, it is still a better value and is outselling the Ioniq by more than 2-1 in the U.S. Before I got the Niro, I owned a Ford C-Max for five years, which was a similar kind of vehicle (hybrid minivan vs. the Kia's hybrid SUV). The C-Max was advertised as getting 47 mpg but only got 37. The Niro, advertised as getting 46 mpg on the freeway, is getting 45-46 in mostly freeway driving. The Niro is also more responsive and quicker in Sport mode than the C-Max. It has a much tighter turning radius and is attractive, responsive, quiet, and economical. Its dash display and navigation synchronizes readily with my iPhone. Recently, the owner of a new Prius looked over my Niro and came away declaring that she'd bought the wrong car.
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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. Still very, very happy. At 20K miles, 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. 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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We have driven 10,000 miles and the car has been performing perfectly. Although we have noticed that the gasoline engine/exhaust may be noisier than a typical 4-cylinder, it is barely noticeable due to the car's quiet EV mode. Additionally, we have observed that the engine kicks in when the battery charge gets below about 50%, which seems a bit early. However, we are still thrilled with the car's impressive fuel efficiency, which is over 60mpg on most trips. We have learned a few tips to maximize our MPG, such as keeping the fuel economy meter below the halfway mark when accelerating, momentarily letting off the gas to force the EV mode to kick in when reaching cruising speed, and gently pressing the gas pedal to maintain speed on battery. We also try to anticipate stops and brake lightly to allow the regen to slow down the vehicle without using the friction brakes until necessary. We have found that high-speed freeway driving reduces our MPG, so we try to avoid it. In moderate weather, we get over 60 MPG, but in cold weather, we were only getting 45-50 MPG. To maximize our MPG, we only use A/C and headlights when necessary, and for short local trips in cold weather, we don't turn on the heater. Instead, we wear our coats and gloves and leave the gasoline engine off. We have even added a small silicon block heater pad on the underside of the oil pan to warm the engine on cold winter mornings, which has greatly improved our winter MPG. Overall, we are extremely satisfied with our car's performance and fuel efficiency.
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UPDATE as of Feb 18, 2024 and 67,035 miles.. There has been NO major change in review, which included some minor changes like the driver door lock/unlock button stopped working. While I probably won't buy another due to a few issues it has and the fact that we don't drive enough miles to make the MPG savings worthwhile, I do like the 50+ MPG, especially at present gas prices. So far, I have not experienced any major issues with my 2017 NIRO, which I bought in Feb 2017. For your information, it is an EX Model, Pearl White, Sunroof Package (which came with some safety options I wanted). I like the handling, steering, and safety options that I have, although it is missing some that are available on other models. The MPG remains just over 50MPG (posted on FUELLY every gallon bought) for our mostly county roads at 35 to 55 MPH and some city/town driving (30%). The mileage drops in cold weather and on the interstate at speeds of 70MPH to between 43 and 47 MPG (I edit - more like at least 47 MPG under some conditions). Regarding maintenance costs, costs would be high if I took it to a dealer for everything NIRO recommends. I change my own oil and probably don't follow all the stuff the NIRO Manual recommends the dealer do. I recently changed the Clutch Actuator Fluid via syringe to suck old brake fluid out and added new (it is recommended to take it to the dealer every 20K miles I think and at a cost of near $100). Then consider one person on the FORUM that drives a lot (business) has over 250,000 miles and never changed that fluid. Maintenance requirements on cars seem overdone for most things (your decision). I like the look, it is nice and roomy for the size it is. Comfort is fine except it bothers my legs on long trips (say 1 1/2 hours get uncomfortable (I am 85 years old). I think there are fewer issues now as adjustments on the seat position helped me. It is lower than a normal SUV, a bit harder to get in and out, and has less visibility ahead, but it is still better than a sedan.The interior of the car is decent, not super fancy but still good. The entertainment system is also okay, although there have been some occasional issues with it acting up, such as turning on by itself or not being able to access USB music until the USB card is removed and reinstalled. I'm not very tech-savvy, but I've managed to figure out how to use all the gadgets and displays, and Bluetooth works fine. There are some minor issues that I've noticed, such as occasional stutter or jerky operation, but they're not significant enough for me to complain to NIRO. I've read on the NIRO FORUM that some people have experienced serious issues like poor mpg, displays going crazy, and door handles breaking off with plastic parts, but I haven't experienced any of those problems myself. Recently, the driver door lock/unlock button stopped working, but all other lock/unlock methods still work, so I'm living with it rather than replacing the handle. I did notice some annoying noise that I don't think was there when the car was new, but it's hard to describe. It might be tire/road noise, but I'm not sure. Friends have suggested that I rotate the tires, but I haven't done so in the 35,000 miles I've driven so far. I did move the rear tire to the front, and the noise moved with it, but it seems to have smoothed out now that I've replaced the original Michelin tires with Douglas ones. The wheel is tilted slightly and wears more on the inside in the left rear, but it's not bad enough for me to bother with an alignment.The tires have decent wear at 56,800 miles. I did have to replace one tire at 56,600 miles due to abnormal wear, which I suspect was partly due to a bad Michelin tire. I did notice some camber on the left rear tire, but unfortunately, it is not adjustable without replacing parts, which the dealer estimated would cost between $500 to $700. Therefore, I decided to cancel the alignment check and will keep a close eye on the tires and rotate them regularly. As for the heat and air system, I find myself adjusting the air flow and fan speed frequently to get it off Defrost, but overall, it's manageable.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2017 Kia Niro problems:
2017 Kia Niro Problems | Kelley Blue Book
How reliable is the 2017 Kia Niro? See the most common repairs performed and learn if your vehicle is at risk for major repairs in the next 12 months.
Kia Niro 2017 engine problems : r/KiaNiro
Nov 29, 2023 ... When I took it to the dealer I was told the engine was shot. I was told an inspector would look at it to see if the power train warranty would ...
2017 Kia Niro Reliability - Consumer Reports
What Owners Say ... "Fault code indicated evap emissions problem. Proved to be gas cap leak, not covered by emissions warranty. Significant diagnostic cost at Kia ...
Common Kia Niro Hybrid Problems: Q&A on 2017 Model, Coolant ...
Apr 3, 2019 ... Was this answer helpful? up Yes. down No. Finish.
Kia Niro Issues | Kia Niro Forum
Sep 12, 2021 ... Since owning our Kia Niro EX we purchased in July of 2018, we have had numerous issues with it. Our engine was replaced three month after ...
Other years of Kia Niro
Are you having problems with your 2017 Kia Niro?
Columbus Reynolds 2025-11-01
For our 20th anniversary, I surprised my wife with a brand new Niro that had only 51 miles on it. She loved the car because it was fuel-efficient and had plenty of room. During the Memorial Day weekend, we decided to take it for a spin and were thrilled to see that it averaged 50 miles per gallon. However, a few miles from our house, we encountered some issues with the hybrid system warning, ready indicator blinking, malfunction indicator, charging system, and A/C. Unfortunately, the service department was closed due to the holiday, but we took it in the next day. Although they couldn't tell us exactly what was wrong with the car, they gave us a small Hyundai to use in the meantime. They informed us that an engineer would be coming to see the car and figure out what went wrong. It's frustrating that this happened to a brand new car with only 620 miles on it, but we're hopeful that the issue will be resolved soon.
Paris Hirthe 2025-07-10
I purchased a KIA Niro Touring on 2/27/17. Unfortunately, on 3/6/17, it wouldn't start and had to be towed. After taking it to Kia service, I was informed that the car was normal, but I needed to drive it more to keep the battery charged. While this may be a design choice by KIA, it was not made clear to me at the time of purchase. I use the car daily for my work commute and errands, but apparently, this usage is not enough to keep the vehicle operating reliably. It would be helpful if KIA informed the public that the vehicle requires a minimum daily usage time to operate. Despite my frustration, I appreciate the eco-friendly concept of the vehicle. However, I take exception to the idea that it must be driven extra time to keep the battery charged. The service provider suggested I keep the engine running for 20-40 minutes, but I am hesitant to do so. I spoke directly with Kia Motors regarding my situation, and they stand by their vehicle, stating that the only problem is that I am not driving it enough to keep the battery charged. They advised me to drive more. I hope my experience can help others make an informed decision before purchasing a vehicle.
Winfield Orn 2025-03-25
This car is not suitable for those who plan on driving more than 10k miles in the first year or for long distance commutes. While it is comfortable for short commutes and has ample cargo space, it lacks lumbar support in the seats and is not ideal for long drives. The car has had several issues, including idling and driving poorly, shaking violently, and the engine blowing up. Although the engine was replaced, there were still problems related to the engine and the bottom of the car tore off when hitting a puddle of water. The air conditioner also stopped working and there was a seal leak in the air compressor. Overall, this car is not reliable and may cause inconvenience and frustration to its owner.I have owned the car for exactly 23 months and was informed that the compressor needs to be replaced, which would cost over $2k. The dealers suggested that I trade in the car for a new one, but I declined as I received an appraisal offer of $10k for a car that I paid well over $20k for and have owned for less than two years. Although hybrids are not popular and Kia does not resell well, I will not be trading in my car for a new one. I caution you against making the same mistake as I did. I have always loved my Kia Soul, but I will not be purchasing another one in the future.
Ethel Zboncak 2024-11-17
Test-drive is a must, but don't forget to pay attention to the braking. Everything else was great, but I had some concerns about the braking. It didn't seem to 'bite' as much as I would like, which could be risky in a hard-braking situation.
Soledad Lynch 2024-09-06
If you live in a cold climate, please be aware that this car's gas mileage may decrease. In my experience, when temperatures drop below 30 degrees F, it drops by 17mpg. The dealer's explanation is that it is due to the cold weather and should be expected.