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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I recently purchased a Niro and brought it with me to Kansas. Overall, I am quite pleased with my purchase. However, I have noticed some noises coming from the wheel areas that have been difficult to pinpoint. Despite bringing it to the dealership for inspection three times, the issue persisted. They initially attributed the noise to the two engines and road noise, but I knew something wasn't right. Recently, at 34,500 miles, I was informed that my tires were cupping and that this was the cause of the noise. Upon further investigation, I was told that KIA had put the wrong type of tires on my car, which has been a known issue. While I am disappointed that this was not addressed earlier, the dealership has agreed to replace my tires. I am hopeful that this will resolve the issue and I can continue to enjoy my Niro. Thank you for your attention to this matter.
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I've been driving the 2017 Kia Niro LX for over two months now, and I must say, I've really grown to love this car! As someone who previously drove a 2006 Ford Focus ZX5, this was a huge upgrade for me. The Niro is incredibly comfortable, and the climate control system is top-notch. The entertainment system is simply awesome, with Bluetooth connectivity that's perfect for local driving and Android Auto that's great for long-distance trips. With Android Auto, you don't even need a navigation system - just select the 'Maps' button to open a map that shows where you are and traffic in your area, and you can get turn-by-turn directions as well. The voice commands work like a charm, and I haven't had any issues with being understood. The cargo area is similar to what my Focus had, perfect for groceries, and it really expands when you put the rear seats down. While the glove compartment is a little small, I don't have a lot of items to store, so it's not much of an issue for me. The acceleration in Eco mode is a bit sluggish, as every review says, but with Sport mode, you have the option of beefing up acceleration. I rarely use Sport mode, as I don't care about the slow acceleration. My goal with the Niro is to get the best gas mileage I can, and I'm happy to report that I get about 45 mpg, measured by taking the number of miles I've driven divided by the amount of gas I put in the car (I stop filling when the pump handle pops). That is far better than I ever got in my old Focus, and to be able to go over 400 miles on a single tank is fantastic! The only downside is the gas mileage I get on short trips. I happen to live within a mile of a commercial center, so getting groceries, eating meals and visiting other stores results in about a 2-mile round trip. I had imagined that the Niro would act like an electric car in that situation, but it doesn't.No matter how gently I press the gas pedal, I can't seem to keep the car in electric mode during these short trips. This results in 25 to 30 mpg per trip, which hurts my overall gas mileage. I hope that future iterations of the Niro will be better at using electric mode on short trips, as I do this quite often. Interestingly, the Niro frequently uses electric mode in stop-and-go traffic, which makes me chuckle at the other cars burning gas while I'm cruising along in electric mode. Despite my initial disappointment, I'm very pleased with the gas mileage I get from my Niro. I decided to lease the Niro because 2017 is the first year for the model and it is my first experience driving a hybrid car. I'm so happy with the car that I'll likely turn it in and buy a new Niro when the lease is up.
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I needed to downsize and find a car with great fuel economy that didn't look like a Prius. This car was the perfect choice! After driving 6000 miles, I'm averaging 50.5 mpg (actual measure!), which includes about 2000 miles of 70+mph freeway driving. I love the safety features, such as smart cruise control, RCTA, auto braking, BSD, and LCA. Storage is not really limiting with the rear seats folded down. The car is comfortable to drive and the controls are well laid out. The interior is pleasing and not cheap looking. If you have a smartphone, Android Auto works great for navigation and music via Pandora (etc). I'm not a jack-rabbit driver, so sluggishness is not an issue, and there's always power if I need it by shifting into Sport mode. I've never lacked for traction in any front-wheel-drive car (including in Minnesota), so the lack of a 4X4 option was and is not an issue. I absolutely love this car! Update: 1/20/21: 28,000+ miles and still over 50 MPG. The only problem I had was a minor glitch with the fix engine light, which was diagnosed by the dealer and turned out to be a gas cap issue with vacuum pressure. I replaced the gas cap and have had no problems since. This car is truly amazing!
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My husband bought me a new Niro for my birthday in October 2017. I absolutely love everything about it and have no complaints so far. I'm still in love with it, especially the fantastic gas mileage!
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It's a great car for the money. I like it a lot.
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?
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.
Leonardo Kling 2024-08-29
Not sure if I'm ready for something new, but after having 3 Prius cars, I'm really interested in trying something different. I really like hybrids, so let's hope Kia can last as long as a Prius.
Chaz Luettgen 2024-08-28
I purchased my 2017 Niro Touring brand new and it has held up well over the years. For context, I drive 104 miles round trip five days a week for work travel. Unfortunately, at around 115k miles, my check engine light came on and after many back and forths with Kia, it was determined that the problem was a variable timing belt which costs $3k to replace. The problem still persists and Kia is giving me the run around. Now, my HEV! warning light is coming on and I am having a hard time keeping the battery levels up due to a lot of highway driving for my commute. If your commute is much less than mine, I would recommend buying this car. However, if your commute is as bad as mine, you may want to consider other options. Additionally, it may be wise to put away 5-8k for the day when your hybrid battery goes KAPUT! as that is the current going rate to replace it.
Jennings Cummerata 2024-07-10
Hi there, I hope you're doing well. I wanted to share my experience with my recent KIA purchase. Shortly after buying the car, I noticed a distortion in the windshield on the passenger side that was right in my line-of-sight. I took it back to the dealer multiple times, but unfortunately, the issue wasn't resolved. The staff acknowledged the defect, but their report stated that there was no problem. They suggested that I take it to another dealer, and the next one offered to replace it if it was the worst among several on the lot. I then took the vehicle to Safelite, and the manager said it was one of the worst he had ever seen. He mentioned that they had a bad run of windshields. By the way, a new windshield starts at $700. I'm now at the stage of writing to the head of KIA before going to the State Attorney General. Despite this issue, I'm still a fan of KIA and traded in my 2012 KIA Soul for this car! Thanks for listening.