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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If you're an experienced hybrid vehicle driver, you'll appreciate how this vehicle handles, brakes, and turns in small spaces. It also provides great gas mileage (40+ mpg) and has a driving range of over 500 miles per tank when you fill up! I personally love its sporty look. However, if you're not a fan of the hybrid-style driving that's required to maintain high mpg, this may not be the vehicle for you. In that case, you may prefer a larger gas-guzzling SUV.
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Hi there! I noticed that you mentioned you would like an electric opening rear lift gate. Is there anything else I can help you with?
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This small car has plenty of space inside and ample headroom. It's a quality build with great features, although it doesn't have a motorized lift gate option that many competitors offer. The compact size and reasonable handling make it a great choice, although the ride can be a little stiff with no alternative drive modes. Overall, it's a great car with excellent mileage performance.
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I am thrilled with my choice of the KIA Niro hybrid. My wife and I have been very satisfied with it for the past 3 months. It gets over 50 mpg, which is fantastic. Unlike the Prius, the transition from a non-hybrid auto is very easy as the interior interface with the driver is hard to distinguish from a standard gas vehicle. The car is also very comfortable and spacious, with a good solid feel and plenty of amenities at a very reasonable price. This is my first KIA and I am sold. I am surprised that the Niro doesn't get more attention, maybe because it is in the small SUV category. It really is in a category of its own.
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Congratulations on your new purchase! We completely understand the frustration of buying a car that doesn't meet your needs. We're glad to hear that you found a hybrid vehicle that fits your budget and requirements. It's important to consider all factors when making a purchase, and we're happy to hear that you made the right choice for you. We hope you enjoy your new car and all the benefits that come with it!
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?
Ryley Weber 2024-07-27
I've been driving this car for 3 years now and it has an impressive fuel efficiency of 543 Mpg. However, I've been experiencing some technical issues lately and unfortunately, Kia is no longer covering the repairs since it has exceeded 60k miles. Despite this setback, I have taken this car on some amazing adventures, from California to New York and back, and it has performed well. Overall, it's a good car with some minor annoyances.
Quincy Bartoletti 2024-04-22
I was hoping to use this car for my daily errands around town. I had read that the 2019 Kia Niro had an average city rating of 51 mpg, but unfortunately, I have only been getting an average of 25 mpg for short trips (such as my 3-mile roundtrip to work). For slightly longer commutes (like my 12-mile roundtrip to school), I have been getting 39 mpg, even though I have been driving very conservatively. I have noticed that the instant fuel economy is 9.8 mpg and I have had to drive very slowly, causing a line of cars to form behind me. I am planning to check the gas mileage manually to see if there is an instrumentation problem. It seems like the engine is being used when the electric motor should be running the vehicle at slow speeds. I took the car to the dealer to have it checked out, but they found nothing wrong with it. While I am not sure if I will keep this car, I am definitely not happy with the Kia Niro.
Giuseppe Gorczany 2024-01-08
I recently reviewed the LX with standard package. While the car is great for city driving, the cargo space is quite small. I was only able to fit 2-24 pack bottled water and 2-24 pack Pepsi, and the rest of my groceries struggled to fit. It may not be the best option for big grocery trips for a family of 5, as even my compact Hyundai Accent has twice the trunk space of the Kia Niro. Additionally, it may not be the best option for Ikea trips, as a compact car would be able to carry much more. The acceleration is also poor in comparison to other SUVs of the same size, and you will have to really step on it to reach the normal tollway speed of 70-75 mph here in North Texas. Furthermore, there is no extra charger/usb port for back seat passengers, unlike other new vehicles. The car does come with a Sirius package, but it's only free for 3 months, and there is no other entertainment option. The 3 seats in the back are quite small, and 3 normal weight teenagers would struggle to fit. While this may not be the best option for a road trip or for a family of 5, the car does have a good warranty. I would recommend doing research before making a purchase, as there may be better options available. Best of luck!