2019 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 2019 Kia Niro problems
The 2019 Kia Niro has been praised for its reliability, with few reports of mechanical issues. However, there are a few common problems that have been reported by owners.
One of the leading sources of complaints on the 2019 Kia Niro's NHTSA page is a clunk noise followed by lurching and jerking forward, and then loss of power when attempting to get the car in motion. This issue can occur when the car is first being started or when coming out of a stop sign or a red light. The problem is caused by a manufacturing error where the wrong transmission fluid was put in some units. This issue affects a small number of units, but if you're worried about it, you can always change your transmission fluid early just to be sure.
Another problem that has been reported is issues with the 12v starter battery. Earlier models of the Kia Niro had a serious issue with overheating traction batteries, but the 2019 edition seems to have squashed these bugs. However, issues with the 12v starter battery persist. A handful of drivers have reported that the starter battery begins to show signs of early failure after a year and a half to two years. This issue can cause the car to lose power and display warning lights on the dashboard.
In addition to these issues, some owners have reported problems with the hybrid system. One owner reported that their car lost power on the highway almost 600 miles from home and displayed a hybrid system error on the touchscreen. The car then took four months for Kia to fix and return to the owner. The same problem occurred again a week later, and the dealer was unable to reproduce or identify the error. The owner has had to take the car back and keep driving, despite the same problem occurring multiple times.
Despite these issues, the 2019 Kia Niro is still a reliable and safe car. It has zero recalls, zero investigations, and just 29 NHTSA complaints as of the time of writing. The traction battery is expected to last around eight to ten years, and the car's biggest problems are scarce. If you're looking for a reliable, safe hybrid vehicle that still has its best miles ahead of it, the 2019 Kia Niro is a great choice.
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.
How long is the battery life on the 2019 Kia Niro?
between 3 to 5 years
Your 2019 Kia Niro battery will frequently last between 3 to 5 years, but that can vary heavily depending on type of battery, weather conditions battery size, and driving habits.
Are there any recalls for a 2019 Kia Niro?
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.
Is Kia Niro 2019 a reliable car?
The Niro is well made, sensible, practical and reliable – and, in plug-in hybrid form, potentially cheap to run. What is it like?
2019 Kia Niro complaints
The NHTSA has received 0 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2019 Kia Niro.
You can leave your car complaint via the special form below.
2019 Kia Niro recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 2019 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.
Negative 2019 Kia Niro car reviews
Positive 2019 Kia Niro car reviews
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The Niro is a fantastic little hybrid crossover that looks much cooler than the Prius and some other small hybrids. It gets great mileage and is pretty lively to drive in sport mode. However, there are a few areas that could be improved. Firstly, the transition from electric to gas is not as smooth as it could be. Although this is not fatal, it is a bit sloppy and bumpy. Secondly, there isn't enough small item storage in the cabin. The center console, glove compartment, and door compartments are all quite small. Finally, the driver side visor bumps into the rearview mirror when it's down, which can be inconvenient. Despite these issues, the Niro has many wonderful features. However, it could benefit from some improvements to make it more user-friendly and ready for the big time.
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Just bought our second Kia Niro. We got one 11 months ago and we absolutely love it so much that my husband and I argued about whose turn it was to take it. So I went out and bought my own. The gas savings are fabulous and it's very roomy and comfortable. I also love the price!
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Hi there! We received our Kia Niro on December 29th, 2018 and after looking at some other hybrids, we found that the Kia Niro was the best fit for us. We've only driven about 200 miles so far, so this is just a review on how we're getting used to it. Back in 2012, we leased a Kia Soul and since we're in our late 60s, leasing works well for us since we don't drive too much. However, we understand that leasing isn't for everyone. As for the Niro, we love the laid-back driving experience. It's not a sports car, but it's a great hybrid car with plenty of room in the back. We think it handles very well and is a nice city car. We're planning on taking some short trips soon, but so far it fits our needs perfectly. We give it 4 and a half stars! ☆☆☆☆½
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I've only had the car for a few weeks, but I'm really enjoying it. My hour-long commute, mostly in traffic, has been transformed by this hybrid. I now see the time in stop-and-go traffic as an opportunity to save on gas, and I'm actually doing better than the quoted 55.1 mpg. I've only had to fill up once in two weeks! Apart from the fuel economy, I really appreciate the technology it comes with. I can listen to podcasts, Amazon music, and enjoy some of my Sirius XM trial as well. It's spacious enough for my needs, and although it looks bigger than it actually is, it's a nice size overall. I previously had a MINI Clubman, so that could be why it seems so big. It's worth noting that it's a hybrid, so there's not a ton of kick, and at times it does feel a bit sluggish. However, with my commute, I'm rarely going that fast. Within the city, it's great. If you're looking for turbo speed, this isn't the car for you, but if you want to save money on your commute and enjoy the ride, definitely check it out!
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I'm so glad to hear that you had a great experience with the Niro EX lease! It's always a good idea to try out a hybrid car before committing to buying one. I'm happy to hear that the Niro has all the options you were looking for in the EX model, and that you love the blind spot feature and how easy it is to drive. It sounds like you're really enjoying the peppy drive and impressive fuel efficiency, getting about 60 mpg on the first tank that covered 612 miles. Thanks for sharing your experience and giving the Kia Niro 4 stars! Best regards from San Antonio, TX.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2019 Kia Niro problems:
2019 Niro hybrid system problems? : r/KiaNiro
Jan 18, 2023 ... It showed a hybrid system error on the touchscreen and told us it needed service. We had it towed to the closest Kia dealer. My wife and I ...
2019 Kia Niro Problems Include Transmission Lurch, Swollen 12V ...
May 13, 2022 ... Key Points · A handful of 2019 Kia Niros were shipped with the wrong transmission fluid, leading to lurching and jerking transmission. · The ...
2019 Kia Niro Reliability - Consumer Reports
Owner Reported Trouble Spots · Electrical Accessories · Engine Major · EV Battery · Exhaust · Noises And Leaks · Brakes · Paint And Trim · Transmission Minor.
Why I just sold my 2019 Niro EV - Kia
Winter tires off, the motor noise had increased over Winter. New lead tech confirms problem per TSB #234 in March of this year, but must get ...
Kia Niro Issues | Kia Niro Forum
Sep 12, 2021 ... Overall predicted reliability is 3 out of 5 and customer satisfaction is mediocre. CR ratings do not specifically include the PHEV, and the EV ...
Other years of Kia Niro
Are you having problems with your 2019 Kia Niro?
Damien Pouros 2025-08-14
I'm so glad to hear that you own a 2020 Soul EX and love it! When looking for a small SUV, it's great that your Kia dealer was your first stop. It's amazing to think that the same manufacturer makes both vehicles. The Soul EX has so many great features, including ventilated seats, tons of safety features, a stylish interior, and solid all-around performance. While it's unfortunate that you've experienced some sluggishness with the dual clutch, I'm confident that Kia can do better. Thank you for sharing your experience with us!
Buddy Denesik 2025-07-14
I test drove the car at the dealer twice and it worked fine. However, five days later, I experienced some issues with the shifting between electrical and gas engine modes. Occasionally, when starting at the light intersection, the gas engine hits the clutch as if someone rear-ended the car. Additionally, the car has been stalling on the highway. Although the needle goes into 'power' mode, the gas engine does not start. Unfortunately, the car has been at the dealer for three weeks and they have not been able to fix the problem. Based on my experience, I would not recommend this model.
Brandt Balistreri 2025-06-29
This car has a known issue where it does not start in temperatures below 10 degrees, and unfortunately, Kia has not yet provided a solution. Despite this issue, Kia has not offered a refund or replacement for the vehicle. Additionally, I have experienced difficulties communicating with Kia consumer affairs, which has been frustrating. I have had to pay out of pocket for rental and cab expenses to get to work, which should have been reimbursed according to the contract. Overall, I believe Kia needs to take responsibility for this issue and provide better customer service. Thank you for considering my experience.
Jules Hilpert 2025-04-02
I purchased the NIRO in 2019 and have been thoroughly enjoying it. However, I have recently experienced some issues with the android auto cutting out and the USB port sounding warped when using the flash drive. It is important that these issues are addressed promptly and effectively to avoid any potential damage to the dashboard. I would appreciate a timely resolution to this matter. Thank you for your attention to this issue.
Mustafa Pollich 2025-03-26
Last Thursday, while driving home from work, my 2017 Kia Niro instructed me to immediately pull over and call Kia's roadside assistance. Unfortunately, this has happened at least three times in as many years, forcing me to pull over and get my car towed to my local Kia dealer. However, I am grateful that each time, the repairs have been covered under warranty. Despite this, I have been left stranded on the side of a hazardous and busy freeway during warm weather. As the original owner of my Niro, driving less than 10,000 miles each year, I am disappointed that this has happened repeatedly. I believe that my car is a lemon. I have patiently believed the Kia service departments when they tell me that my car has been fixed, only to be stranded once again. I hope that Kia can understand my situation and provide me with a solution that is fair for both parties.