2018 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 2018 Kia Niro problems
Kia Niro 2018: Common Problems and Complaints from Owners
The Kia Niro, a compact crossover SUV, has been known for its blend of fuel efficiency and practicality. However, as with any vehicle, there have been some reported issues by owners of the 2018 Kia Niro.
- Door Handle Broke Off
The most reported problem among 2018 Kia Niro owners is the door handle breaking off from the door. This issue has been reported by multiple owners, with the passenger side door handle being the most commonly affected. The cause of this problem is not explicitly stated in the search results, but it appears to be a design or manufacturing flaw.
- Locking Mechanism Failure
Another issue reported by 2018 Kia Niro owners is the failure of the locking mechanism in the doors and the trunk. This problem has been reported to affect both the driver and front passenger doors, as well as the trunk latch release. The cause of this issue is not explicitly mentioned, but it seems to be a problem with the locking mechanism's durability or design.
- Transmission Issues
Some Kia Niro owners have reported transmission problems, such as rough shifting, delayed shifting, and slipping. These issues can be caused by various factors, including wear and tear, manufacturing defects, or improper maintenance.
- Potential Electrical Relay Overheating
On some Niros built between November 2016 and September 2017, there's a possible risk of an electrical relay overheating. This issue is not explicitly stated to affect the 2018 Kia Niro, but it is still worth noting, as it could potentially affect 2018 models as well. If the relay overheats, it could cause heat damage in the surrounding area and, in extreme circumstances, lead to a potential fire.
- 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. This issue can cause damage to the oil seal, allowing oil to seep out or, in extreme circumstances, cause a short circuit and a potential fire. Again, while this issue is not explicitly stated to affect the 2018 Kia Niro, it is still worth noting.
It is important to remember that not all 2018 Kia Niro vehicles will experience these problems. However, these issues have been reported by some owners, and potential buyers should be aware of them. Regular maintenance and inspections can help prevent or detect these issues early on, potentially saving owners from more significant problems down the road.
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.
What is the engine issue on the 2018 Kia Niro?
Over 120,000 vehicles are affected by the recall: 2017-2022 Kia Niro and 2018-2022 Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrids. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, fluid may leak into the printed circuit board inside the hydraulic clutch actuator, which can result in an engine compartment fire.
Are there any recalls on a 2018 Kia Niro?
2017- 2022 Niro and 2018-2022 Niro Plug-in hybrid vehicles are being recalled. There have been no reported vehicle fires. The recall is the Korean automaker's latest for issues related to potential fire risks. In March this year, Hyundai and Kia recalled over 500,000 SUVs and minivans in the US due to fire risks.
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.
2018 Kia Niro complaints
The NHTSA has received 0 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2018 Kia Niro.
You can leave your car complaint via the special form below.
2018 Kia Niro recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the 2018 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.
Negative 2018 Kia Niro car reviews
Positive 2018 Kia Niro car reviews
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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. 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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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 also heard about some serious issues discussed on the NIRO forum, such as poor mpg, displays going crazy, and door handles breaking off with plastic parts, but fortunately, I haven't experienced any of those problems. 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 have some tire noise and wear issues with the original Michelin tires, but I think it was just a bad tire, as moving it to the front and then replacing it with new Douglas tires seemed to solve the problem. I have not rotated the tires in the 35,000 miles I've driven, but I've noticed an annoying noise that's hard to describe, maybe worse in the rear seat. My friends say it's tire noise and that I should rotate the tires, but I haven't done so yet. 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.
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Last weekend, my daughter and I were travelling to Raleigh for her volleyball tournament. On the way, we encountered some heavy equipment operators trimming trees on the side of the road. Unfortunately, a piece of wood kicked back and hit our car just above the top of the windshield and the passenger side top of the door. Despite the scare, we were relieved to find that the windshield didn't break and we were able to continue on to the tournament. After parking, we inspected the car and were amazed to find that there wasn't even a scratch! Two days later, while on my way to pick up my daughter from school, we were involved in another accident when someone ran a stop sign and hit us. Despite the severity of the accident, the car's safety features performed exceptionally well. The driver side rear seat airbag, driver side door airbag, steering wheel airbag, and driver side knee airbag all deployed, but we were unharmed. I am extremely impressed with the safety and performance of this car and have nothing but positive things to say about it.
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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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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 only noticeable because the car is so quiet in 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 performance, especially since we get over 60mpg on most trips. We have learned a few tricks to maximize our fuel economy, 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 avoiding high-speed freeway driving (above 60-65 MPH) helps to maintain our MPG. 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 (as it forces the gasoline engine to run even when the battery is charged). Unless we need the defroster, we wear our coats and gloves and leave the gasoline engine off. We have also 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.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2018 Kia Niro problems:
Kia Niro Issues | Kia Niro Forum
Sep 12, 2021 ... Our 2018 Niro PHEV has been reliable and we like it. Our only issue has been a problem with the uvo, which required replacing the head unit.
2018 Kia Niro Problems | Kelley Blue Book
How reliable is the 2018 Kia Niro? See the most common repairs performed and learn if your vehicle is at risk for major repairs in the next 12 months.
Problems I have had so far on my 2018 Niro Touring Which was ...
Jul 19, 2020 ... Welcome to the Kia Niro forum! We discuss all models of the Niro, including the Hybrid, PHEV and EV versions. We are glad you stopped by. Feel ...
How reliable is your car? : r/KiaNiro
May 14, 2023 ... ... 2018 Kia Niro. We didn't like the 2018 Priuses we test drove. Never had a problem with the Niro, until we smooshed it! Just replaced it with ...
2018 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid Consumer Reviews | Cars.com
There have been transmission problems reported with this model. Mine was actually bought back by Kia from the original owner because of a transmission problem.
Other years of Kia Niro
Are you having problems with your 2018 Kia Niro?
Johan Murazik 2024-09-13
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.
Hilario Cummerata 2024-07-02
Hello Kia, I hope this message finds you well. I wanted to bring to your attention an issue I've been experiencing with my 2018 Niro (VIN #: KND.....6317) that I purchased on May 15, 2018. Unfortunately, one of the hard plastic anchors of the cargo net broke just three weeks into my purchase, with the car barely reaching 500 miles. I noticed that this issue was also mentioned in the 2017 Niro Edmunds consumer review, and I was hoping that it had been resolved. However, after reaching out to both the Kia dealership in Fremont, CA and the Kia Consumer Assistance Center (800-333-4542) over the last four months, I have yet to receive a response or any assistance. While I understand that this may seem like a small issue in the grand scheme of things, it does raise concerns about the reliability of Kia's products and their commitment to their 10-year, 100,000-mile drive train warranty. I would greatly appreciate any assistance you can provide in resolving this matter. Thank you for your time and attention. Best regards, Ron.
Howell Mills 2024-05-20
I had to trade my car after only a month of owning it due to a major issue with my Kia Niro. Within the first few weeks of owning it, I noticed a very strong gasoline and burning plastic smell in the cabin of the car. At first, I thought it might have been something I spilled, but it turned out to be coming out of the vents each time I ran the AC or heat, no matter what setting I had it on. The smells made me feel completely nauseous and sick, and I had to put the windows down to feel better. Although the dealership said nothing was wrong with the car, I was worried because other Kia models have had fires. Additionally, there were other issues with the car, such as lack of power and jerky acceleration, as well as broken passenger door handles with only 1000 miles on the car. I ended up trading it in for a 2019 Buick Encore, which has been a wonderful vehicle for me in the past 3 months. If you're considering a Kia Niro, you might want to wait until they fix all the bugs.
Blair Terry 2024-05-13
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. I'm disappointed that KIA hasn't stood behind their product, especially since I traded in my 2012 KIA Soul for this car. Thank you for listening to my experience.
Montana Johnston 2024-03-05
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 issues 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 not be worth the investment.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 only $10k for a car that I paid well over $20k for and have owned for less than two years. Despite my love for the Kia Soul, I have been informed that hybrids are not popular and Kia cars do not resell well. I refuse to be in debt for a car that is not worth it. I advise you to avoid this car at all costs.