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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This car was an emergency purchase to replace a 2013 Nissan Sentra with a failed transmission and catalytic converter with less than 4 years of ownership. I'm happy to say that this vehicle has surpassed all of my expectations and is an absolute joy to own. It's economical, roomy, comfortable, affordable, reliable, good looking and comes with a great warranty. The only thing I would change is I would get the Touring Model for a few of the extra features. I consistently get 50+ miles per gallon!!! Awesome!!!
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I can travel over 540 miles on a full tank, despite the tank being only about 11 gallons. Watching all those poor souls trying to leave South Florida in a storm without knowing where they will get gas, I can't help but think, why didn't they buy a hybrid? Maybe they will learn someday. I have owned my car for over 2 years now and it performs well. Although it doesn't have a huge amount of power like some gas cars, it has far more than enough for my needs and can pass fairly well too. It runs so quietly that I sometimes try to leave it running! If I do, an alarm will sound. The car has handles that light up when I approach, lights that turn on when it gets dark, and many other features. I have the LX model and I bought it from a dealer who offered a 20-year, 200,000-mile warranty, which is longer than most other dealerships offer. It's important to read any warranty papers carefully and make sure you keep up with maintenance, or the warranty will be void. The car takes full synthetic oil, and I take it to KIA dealers to ensure that the records are proper. It's important to shop around because I have found that different KIA dealers vary a lot in terms of maintenance prices. My 2017 model came with a can of sealer instead of a spare tire, but I didn't want any part of that, so I made a purchase offer with the tire kit added. Although this means that I lose some cargo space, I'm not willing to trust a little can of fix-a-flat to save me. The car comes with satellite radio, which is free for a few months, but you have to subscribe after that. If you keep saying no, they will drop the price. The KIA books that come with the car take up the whole glovebox! There is more space in the console. I'm starting to notice some wear on the driver's seat after 11 months, but it's not too bad. So, I put a seat cover over the driver's seat to save wear on the seat. If you're not heavier than average, let's hope your fabric lasts longer. I had an engine warning coming on after fill up a lot, but a change of gas cap fixed that. My car came with locking lug nuts, and some dealers have a universal unlock, but that's dangerous if you ever lose your unlock key!I didn't even know I had this problem until a guy at Costco couldn't get my tires off. It turns out that a dealer somewhere forgot to put in the locking lug nut during a rotation. I went to several KIA dealerships, but even they couldn't get them off. The locking lug nut was causing more trouble than it was worth and I was worried about being stranded somewhere with no way to change a tire. After losing a good part of my day dealing with this, I decided to have the locking lug nuts removed. Although there is a slight risk of having a tire stolen, it's far less likely than getting stuck with those troublesome locking lug nuts.
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We have the LX model, which is perfect for our family of four. Despite not having all the fancy features, it has ample space in the back seats and cargo area. We were hesitant to buy a hybrid due to the high cost, but Kia has done an excellent job with their first hybrid. It's a joy to drive, and my wife and I have fun competing to see who can get the best mileage out of each tank. She even managed to get an impressive 52 mpg on one tank! The sport feature in the transmission makes it effortless to get on the freeway or climb hills. I purchased this car for under $29,000, and it was worth every penny. It's been over a year, and we've driven over 18,000 miles, including two trips from southern to northern California, and we still love it. We take it in for scheduled maintenance, and we've had no issues. This is my first new car purchase, and I couldn't be happier. I've always bought used cars, but I think I'll be looking to Kia for any future purchases.
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I've purchased 35 cars in my lifetime, ranging from Fords to Infinitis. The Niro is adorable, rides well, and has fabulous gas mileage. As someone who commutes 50 miles a day for work, I absolutely love only having to fill up every two weeks instead of once a week. Adapting to the rhythm of driving a hybrid was no problem for me, especially since my first car was a manual transmission. If you have experience with manual transmissions, you'll likely adapt well to the hybrid rhythm, which is different from a regular car. It's also easy to park, and the extra features are fantastic. I hope to keep this car for its entire lifetime!
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We traded in our old car for a 2014 Black Soul and we couldn't be happier! The car handles and drives above expectations. I'm used to the quirks of a hybrid since I drive a Hybrid Optima, but my wife, who drives the Niro, is still getting used to it. The brakes may seem soft to new drivers, but they will stop you with surprising responsiveness. Cold weather driving will reduce your mileage, as the car has to run the gas engine to keep you warm. The warmer you want to be, the lower your mileage will be. For example, if you normally get 50mpg in hot weather, expect a 5mpg drop in cold weather, and up to a 7mpg drop if you really want to be warm. Of course, this all depends on how cold it is, how long you drive, and how you drive. Comfort is a top priority in the Niro, making long trips a breeze. The back seat is comfy and passengers can relax and enjoy the ride. Noise is minimal, allowing for easy conversation between passengers. If you like to load up and carry everything, you'll find plenty of space to do just that. Overall, I would definitely buy another Niro if I were in the market for a new car. I hope this review helps!
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?
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.
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.