Kia Niro Complaints (2020)

63 consumer complaints on file.

#11687177September 14, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I had just left my doctor after a protracted visit and was almost late for dinner guests. I noticed a thumping and thought it was the road, but it was a 3/8" bolt in my tire tread.I pulled up at Costco, hoping they could repair it quickly but was told I had to wait 2.5 hours when I had guests coming in an hour. I decided I would have to change the tire. When opening the trunk I found there is no spare, but saw a kit to fix the flat, which I vaguely remember reading about. I'm in a huge hurry to get home but I open the Owner's manual and there is: NADA about the flat repair. So I look at the components. There is a container of the repair solution and a pump with cartoons on it and a hose with a needle to insert into the puncture. After studying the cartoons for about 5 minutes (I am a highly technical, retired 82 year old ex IT professional), I figured out how to connect the can into the pump the hose to the pump and the power cord into the cigarette lighter (how many people still smoke and what would happen if the 12v socket disappears). I was then able to try to repair the puncture but it was for nought as the hole - duh - was too big. I also apparently ruined any chance the repair shop could repair the hole. The tire shop said my repair solution ruined the chance to repair the tire. Heaven help me if I get a flat in the rural boondocks!!!!! My complaint is: 1. What if this happened on a dark 2 lane country road 100 miles from nowhere and I were a single female or aged, frail couple? How would they manage to put together the repair flat kit with the hieroglyphic documentation on the repair kit pump? Could they be stranded for days without food, water, survival gear like coats or blankets? 2. Not supplying a spare doughnut tire could be imperiling vulnerable people. 3. The Owner's manual does not mention tire repair at all.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11679423August 8, 2025
HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Niro. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the HEV Hybrid System warning light illuminated, prompting the contact to discontinue driving the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 110,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11675157July 21, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Niro. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started, the refill inverter coolant warning light illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that the refill inverter warning light illuminated while driving the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with debris and corrosion in the inverters and electronic water pump. The contact was informed that the radiator and the water pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that in November 2023, the contact received Technical Service Bulletin: SA512, and the dealer attempted four times to perform the repair but was unsuccessful. In addition, the contact stated that the dealer who performed the Technical Service Bulletin: SA512, had not diagnosed the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an alternate dealer, who investigated and informed the contact that the Technical Service Bulletin: SA512, repair was not properly performed, and stated that this was the reason for the corrosion and debris in the water pump. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The contact stated that a buy-back by the manufacturer was requested; however, the buy-back request was denied. The failure mileage was approximately 44,910.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11665324June 6, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Niro. The contact stated that the oil change due in 700 miles message was displayed. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH to have an oil change performed, oil change service at 55 MPH, the contact heard an abnormal popping sound. The contact stated that the low oil pressure warning light became illuminated. The contact stated while approaching the Auto Shop for the oil change, the vehicle lost motive power and made another abnormal sound. The independent mechanic informed the contact that the engine might have failed and referred the contact to the dealer for assistance. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the oil plug had separated, causing a significant oil leak and engine damage. The dealer determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 70,500.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11665097June 5, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER, VISIBILITY/WIPER
There is a silver strip that runs horizontally along the middle of the dashboard from one side to the other. It’s made out of a very reflective material. During the midday hours, it brightly shines the sun directly into the driver’s and passenger’s eyes—it’s very blinding!–and makes it difficult and unsafe to drive. I can’t even begin to think about teaching our teenage son how to drive in this car because of this safety issue.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11657864April 30, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The component that failed was the Hydraulic Clutch Actuator, which is part of the hybrid transmission system. This component was already replaced in May 2024 under recall SC276, but it failed again. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The failure significantly affects the vehicle’s drivability. The most noticeable issue is a loud, explosive-like sound during operation and a slipping sensation, especially when braking at low speeds on city streets. The vehicle feels unstable and difficult to control during these episodes. This creates a serious safety risk for me and for others on the road. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes, it was inspected by a Kia dealership authorized by the manufacturer as part of recall SC276 in Colorado. It was later inspected again in February by Kia Serramonte in California for the same issue, but the problem still persists. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No, there are currently no warning lights illuminated. However, the vehicle shows abnormal behavior such as jerking, loss of power, and a noise similar to an explosion. These symptoms first appeared before the recall in 2024, and then reappeared in August 2024, just a few months after the repair until now. Due to financial limitations, I was only able to take the vehicle in for service in November 2024, and finally left it at the dealership in February 2025. The so-called “repair” lasted two months, but the dealership refused to take responsibility. I had to pay $3,188 out of pocket, and even after that, nothing was fixed — the vehicle remains defective.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11653649April 9, 2025
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Niro. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V534000 (POWER TRAIN); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11640082February 1, 2025
ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
2020 Kia Niro was driving fine until one day while driving down the highway at highway speeds (65-70 mph), the car began to lose power and as we switched lanes to get to the side of the highway, the car began to smoke and caught on fire. Our safety was at risk due to the car catching on fire. The problem is unable to be reproduced as the car is a total loss. Vehicle was inspected by police at the scene. There were no warning lights, and the vehicle had been in working condition prior to the incident. The vehicle had a recall that was fixed at our local Kia dealership as soon as a solution was indicated, and the part was located.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11633536January 1, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
About 7 months ago, "Refill Inverter Coolant" warning came up. Since then, I've scheduled service appoitment wtih Van Nuys Kia dealership 5 times to resolve this issue, but even after recent appoitment 2 weeks ago, this warning is still came up on my dashboard. Every time I start the car, the persistent refill inverter coolant light comes on. I believe I am experiencing this issue because KIA and their dealership where I bought my car doesn't want take ownership of this issue and resolve it. I am deeply concerned about my safety and the safety of my children when I drive my Kia vehicle.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11628061November 30, 2024
WHEELS, SERVICE BRAKES, STEERING
vehicle started jerking suddenly and uncontrollably. It jerked to the side almost gliding into another vehicle there is a smell also coming from the car and wheels have extensive loss of threading due to abrupt change of speed and direction. Controlling the vehicle does this more regularly but this time I almost hit a vehicle to the side of me and I could not get cargo straight for a second it was a quick incident but it's pretty much made me want to check into this recall because it was very scary. And I don't know if it'll get worse because it seems to have gradually gotten worse and is messing up certain parts of the car that I need and I can tell the difference and I have not been in an accident thank God because I was able to control the vehicle but I do feel that it's only going to get worse and I don't like the smell I endure and I know that's one of the signs of the recall. But I do not like to drive with danger so think this is becoming more important.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11625509November 15, 2024
STRUCTURE:BODY
On [XXX], Flakes of paint starting peeling away and flew over the windshield while simply driving along an interstate highway at 65 MPH on a calm, dry and sunny day in CO. (A factory paint application defect of the SWP paint color is a common owner complaint) Issue reported to Kia Customer Service on NOV 15th, 2024 who provided case No.[XXX]
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11623718November 5, 2024
BACK OVER PREVENTION
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Niro. The contact stated while reversing, the back over prevention camera failed to function as intended. The contact stated that the screen displayed a black image. In addition, the contact stated that the back over prevention system was inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The contact declined the diagnostic test because of the cost. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 62,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11619612October 14, 2024
AIR BAGS, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
Hi my name is [XXX] I had an accident on a red light, I was on a highway took a ramp for the exit the car who was ahead of me like 30 feet make a right turn and as next on turn I look on my left side then when I turn on the right the car ahead of me stop again so I heat with the right corner of my bumper to the left rear corner of her bumper, both airbags deployed but the one on the bottom cut my leg, because the sewing part and threads were outside, I don't know if that is the way is supposed to be installed, because the airbag on the steering wheel doesn't have the sewing part outside. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11615809September 22, 2024
SERVICE BRAKES
The vehicle locks the left wheel when braking. It skids and brakes in one simultaneous action. It doesn't happen often but occasionally if I'm in heavy traffic. I reported this problem to the Kia dealer who found no problem. I really feel that this requires investigation as it could cause an accident. El vehículo bloquea la rueda izquierda al frenar. Patina y frena en una sola acción simultánea. No sucede a menudo, pero de vez en cuando, si hay mucho tráfico. Informé de este problema al concesionario de Kia, que no encontró ningún problema. Realmente creo que es necesario investigarlo, ya que podría provocar un accidente.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11608553August 14, 2024
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Niro. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V534000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11597580June 28, 2024
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My key fob works perfectly fine. I came out from work and my car was dead, I pressed my key fob to unlock and nothing happened. I tried the key attached to the key fob and it’s strange because it doesn’t even fit to open the door. It was so hot outside because I’m in Texas and when I called KIA roadside assistance an hour passed by and they still hadn’t arrived. I could’ve had a heat injury, but I was able to hide under a tree for some shade. This is the second time my car just dies and doesn’t turn on without having to get help from roadside assistance. I took it to the dealership and they did a diagnostic on my car. They said nothing is wrong with it. This is crazy, it’s making KIA look bad. I attached the service copy of the diagnostic test. They didn’t have extra vehicles to rent so I had to take Lyft to work. They were kind enough to drop me off home, but I still had to pay to get to work.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11590270May 22, 2024
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The interior instrument panel horizontal angled trim has a shiny metal surface that when the sun shines on it, reflects into the driver's eyes causing a blinding experience. The driver cannot see the instrument panel, the display, the controls, and causes a total white out/ washout of visibility. Due to a camera's light sensitivity and auto adjustment of same, pictures don't serve well as to the actual blinding experience.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11579317March 25, 2024
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Niro. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V534000 (Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and the dealer determined that the failure was related to the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the part was not yet available. The failure mileage was approximately 27,500. Parts distribution disconnect.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11577713March 16, 2024
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Car lost power, turtle warning lamp came on with “power limited” warning. This happened as I was slowing down in the fast lane of [XXX] just outside Novato CA. Fortunately, the cars behind me slowed down and stopped while I turned off the power and restarted the car. The car was fine after that, but this is the second time this has happened to us in less than a week. The other time it happened while we were idling at a red light. When the light turned green, the car lost power. We had to turn off the ignition and restart the vehicle. We will not drive the car again until we can get it repaired because of the fear for our safety. If the car had lost power while I was at full speed in the fast lane of the freeway, I could easily have been rear ended by a car traveling at the same speed or faster. We have not taken the car to a Kia dealership yet, but we will as soon as possible. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11575773March 6, 2024
SEATS
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Niro. The contact stated that after an extensive amount of driving, the front driver’s and front passenger’s seat were inclining towards the middle console, both the driver and front passenger occupants would experience leg pain due to the seats. No warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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