Kia Niro Complaints

531 consumer complaints on file.

#11692576October 10, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
Forward collision system fully activated while driving eastbound in the fast lane on [XXX] . The sun was behind me. No glare. No cars or objects were in front of me or next to me. The dashboard started flashing and warning sounds activated and the car slammed on the brakes itself. The seatbelt locked up and left me bruised. Miraculously, the cars behind me avoided crashing into me while I accelerated out of it. I could have been killed. Dealership minimized my concerns. I don’t want to drive this car ever again unless someone can make sure it doesn’t happen again. This safety feature malfunctioning is a death trap. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11690884October 1, 2025
POWER TRAIN
Transmission overheat due to clutch inactivity
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11690792October 1, 2025
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
I am reporting a serious safety concern regarding the 2025 Kia Niro Hybrid and its adaptive cruise control system. When the cruise control is activated and set to maintain a certain speed, the vehicle continues at that speed regardless of whether there are other vehicles in front of it. In multiple instances, the car approached slower-moving vehicles at 45 mph without reducing speed or giving any warnings. There was no automatic braking or even a prompt to alert the driver of the imminent danger. This is extremely dangerous and could easily result in a rear-end collision if the driver is not fully alert. It is especially surprising because the same vehicle features intelligent climate control functions—such as adjusting fan speed during phone calls and preventing windshield washer fluid odors from entering the cabin while the A/C is running. Given the level of attention to such minor details, the lack of basic forward collision mitigation behavior is unacceptable. The issue was reported to a Kia service center, but no clear explanation or resolution was provided. I believe this may be a software bug or a design oversight that has not been properly acknowledged. Recommendation to other drivers: always keep your eyes on the road and be ready to intervene, even if the adaptive cruise system is engaged. The risk of collision is high if you rely on the system to slow down for vehicles ahead. This needs to be investigated immediately before it leads to serious accidents. I urge the NHTSA to review this issue and, if necessary, request a recall or software update from the manufacturer.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11688703September 21, 2025
ENGINE
Just before Hurricane Helene, I brought my 2018 Kia Niro Hybrid to Asheville Kia (NC) after noticing coolant loss and white smoke coming from the exhaust. The dealership charged me $1,400 for a repair involving new gaskets and the EGR cooler. Within a month, the same symptoms returned. I returned to the dealership and explained I believed the original issue had not been resolved. I had done research and found reports of similar problems in other Niro Hybrids. I specifically mentioned the coolant heat exchanger as a possible source, but they dismissed my input and pushed a $3,500 muffler system replacement. I asked for diagnostic proof, and they initially showed a photo of the muffler with no visible leak. Later, they claimed a "small leak" was found during a pressure test — but the symptoms didn’t align. I then took the vehicle to John’s Kwik Lube in Spruce Pine, NC, where they confirmed the coolant heat exchanger was faulty — exactly what I had originally suspected. They repaired it with a simple workaround for under $200, and I’ve had no issues since. The faulty component (coolant heat exchanger) is not available for inspection, but I retained diagnostic records, pressure test results, and screenshots of the dealership’s estimate. I also documented that Kia’s quote system does not allow access to past service quotes, so I had to screenshot everything manually. The only symptoms were coolant loss and white smoke from the tailpipe, beginning shortly before the storm in September 2018, and recurring until the final repair later that year. The problem was confirmed by an independent mechanic, and partially acknowledged (though misdiagnosed) by the Kia dealership. No police or insurance inspection was involved. This situation posed a safety risk due to reduced visibility, potential engine overheating, and exposure to coolant vapors, especially during uphill driving. The issue is known among Kia owners and appears to be a recurring design flaw in the Niro.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11688712September 21, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I was turning into a parking spot when my brakes suddenly felt loose, as if they had lost hydraulic pressure, and my vehicle accelerated into a wall. I had my vehicle serviced 3 weeks ago, and my brakes were fine. The day before the incident, I was coming to a stop, and the car was lurching forward as I was trying to stop. This isn't the first time the issue has occurred, and I had previously mentioned it to the dealership, but they found nothing upon checking. I was going to take it into the dealership, but I got into the accident.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11687304September 15, 2025
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
Driving VA Interstate 64. Traveling right side travel lane approximately 70 mph. Had ADAS engaged. Car entering highway, moved to center travel lane to pass. As I approached entering highway car, suddenly, my car stalled, engine off and I was stopped in center travel lane. Able to start car by putting transmission in park and pressing start button. Called KIA Car Care Center - They have no record of this type situation occurring throughout country. Took car to dealer. Their Technology Service Rep checked whole system and found no problems including memory bank listing the stall/stoppage incident. I will go to dealer and ask for their report. 2nd incident. Happened within first month or ownership 10/23. I dismissed incident as something I must have done due to my lack of familiarity with new technology.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#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
#11687183September 14, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1. Failed Component/System: EV plastic charging door does not open using the electronic unlock mechanism on the key. Unable to charge EV vehicle due to this fundamental failure. IMPORTANT: There are no manual override mechanisms provided by the manufacturer - KIA to open this charging door. This makes the EV both unsafe and unusable since it cannot be charged. 2. Safety Risk: Unable to charge an EV vehicle is a fundamental EV electrical system component failure that can create an unsafe situation since it occurs without any warning and leave the car owner stranded. The Manufacturer - KIA has not provided any manual fail safe/override mechanism to open the charging door manually. This is also a fundamental safety issue since the failure occurred without any warning lamp/other indication to the owner. IMPORTANT: Other KIA NIRO EV owners have complained about the same issue in online forums. Refer attachment - [XXX] 3. Dealer Problem Reproduction: NO since dealer demands a $299.99 diagnostic fee. Multiple attempts to contact the dealer and manufacturer KIA to waive the diagnostic fee were unsuccessful. 4. Manufacturer/Police/Insurance Inspection: No. KIA refused to deal with this issue under the KIA 10-year/100,000-Electric vehicle (EV) system warranty even though the warranty description mentions all internal parts. Reference: KIA Case No. [XXX]. NOTE: KIA does not allow the case history to be retrieved from their manufacturer portal because they have closed the case. 5. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure? NO 6. When did they first appear? [XXX] (approximately) 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
#11685917September 9, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
When I got to work one day I turned off my vehicle and went about my regular day until I went to go home and my car was dead. The entire electrical system wasn’t working. No lights on the dashboard or in the vehicle when I opened the door. We went to jump it with the instructions from the owner’s manual. We finally got it jumped the next day and I drove home everything seemed okay I put gas in it and battery seemed charged from what my dashboard said. I moved my vehicle once again and it was fine but then the next day I went to turn it on and my car system was freaking out saying I needed to check my brakes and wouldn’t let me move or anything. I turned it back off to see if it was just a weird malfunction but it did the same exact thing then the car completely shut off everything dashboard everything. I called AAA. He jumped the car so he could drive it up on his truck to not do any other damage to it. I got them to tow it to my Kia dealership I bought my car from. They ran diagnostics on it and told me the wiring harness needed to be replaced and was internally shorting causing my battery to drain. They still have my vehicle in shop at the dealership. Thankfully both times I had had issues I was either at my work or my home (safe locations), but I couldn’t imagine not being able to get my car started out in an unknown area or having to jump it every time I were to drive it due to this issue. Cronin Kia dealership in Harrison, Ohio has information on the vehicle, the issue, and the fixes they were doing. If you would like to further inspect it you can as well. [xxx] was the first time it died and the [xxx] was the day it had alerted of a problem with the brakes and died then I called AAA. 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
#11685023September 4, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
have had a serious issue with my 2025 Kia Niro PHEV. I first reported the problem to the dealer when the car was a few months old and they were of no help. I had an accident as a result of this issue. I was very fortunate that the only result was a completely ruined drivers door. I have had a problem of the car freezing in neutral after starting. It will not turn off or shift. After 5-10 minutes it seems to unfreeze and will allow me to turn it off and start over successfully. This has happened about 6-8 times since I got the car. The dealer was unable to address it since I could not duplicate the problem at the dealership. Aug.25 this happened in my garage. I started to get out of the car as I have done on other occasions when this occurred, and just after I stepped out, it shifted into reverse. I was able to jump in the car and hit the break. The car door (opened) crashed into the wall next to the garage causing extensive damage to the door of the car and to an adjacent bike. Other than a few bruises , I was very fortunate not to have been seriously injured or to have injured someone else. If this had happened in a parking lot, it would have posed serious danger to passerby's and other vehicles.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11685147September 4, 2025
POWER TRAIN, UNKNOWN OR OTHER, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Unknown which component exactly as it does not throw a fault. I believe it to be transmission related as the behavior seems like a clutch to me, but dealership has not been able to confirm. Vehicle rolls freely in directions other than what is selected and does not respond to throttle input. Described the issue to dealer numerous times and they claim to have seen it. I do not believe they actually have. It is currently at the dealer for the fourth time about the issue. Currently claiming engine issues but the engine isnt even on when it experiences the problem. (PHEV) Has been occurring since purchase but very intermittent. Could not reproduce until enough trial and error when it did occur that I could reliably reproduce it. During my own testing and diagnostic is how I found it can roll freely in the wrong directions and is much more dangerous than just shaking was. Description: Within the first few minutes of the vehicle being turned on it can shudder against the brakes when stopped. It can stop responding to throttle inputs and roll freely in directions other than the selected gear while throttle input is ignored. It will start responding again after some time, I dont know what makes it start responding again. Does not show errors or messages. Reproduce: Plug in car, let it charge all the way to 100%. Unplug and immediately start car, move forward or backward a few feet at a time. Shaking against brakes will start, and at that time if you let off brakes and attempt to move car it can shake loose of clutch and roll freely. It does happen outside of this specific scenario and I have recording of such, but most of my recordings are in this scenario as it is difficult to catch such an intermittent issue Some recordings at: [XXX] More detailed here: [XXX] And many more stored locally because they're very large, available if desired. 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
#11684141August 30, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The first time I drove this car after getting screwed in my contract , I pulled over in a pullout spot to turn around. I went to back up and it would not move. I tried everything to get it to go. There was a ed malfunction warning on the dash panel.between 5 and 10 minutes later it finally backed up and then trying to go forward did the same thing. I called Kia in medford and took it in, Noone had heard of such a thing and basically just sent me on my way. This is a brand new car. It wasn't even 3 hours and this happened. It happened again. I wanted them to take the car back for this and the fact that my contract was nothing like we agreed to. I want to give it back, already recalls and they misrepresented what they did. There was no paperwork, they didn't find it important, although I was stuck in a pullout lane twice.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11684015August 29, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
On multiple occasions, the car has flashed an error on the dash stating there was a problem with the hybrid system. It immediately slows down without time to merge over causing extreme danger on a busy highway several cars swerved to miss the Kia because there was nothing I can do. this has happened several times and Kia is well aware as I’ve had multiple communications with them.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11682894August 25, 2025
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
The contact owns a 2024 Kia Niro. The contact stated that while driving in slow traffic, the vehicle accelerated unintentionally and crashed into the rear of another vehicle. The contact stated that while reversing, the failure recurred and the rear end of the vehicle crashed into the front end of another vehicle. The air bags did not deploy. There was no warning light illuminated. None of the vehicle's occupants sustained injuries. No police report was filed. The contact drove to a nearby safe location, and the vehicle was towed to the dealer. The insurance company then towed the vehicle to a tow lot and inspected the vehicle. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer to be diagnosed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was filed. The manufacturer informed that the contact engineers would be sent to diagnose the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 13,000.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11681038August 16, 2025
VISIBILITY/WIPER
The shiny black interior located on the center console is highly reflective resulting in sun glare shining into your eyes for a large portion of the day. This causes serious visibility issue while driving and is a safety hazard. I reported this issue to the dealership within two weeks of purchasing my car. I have not had the dealership, independent service center, manufacturer, insurance company, or anyone else inspect this issue, but am agreeable to having this issue inspected upon request. There are no indication lights or alert systems related to this issue. Lastly, this issue is a common complaint reported on online platforms. It’s a significant safety issue as it impairs visibility and should be addressed. Thank you for your time.
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
#11677830August 1, 2025
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2019 Kia Niro. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the message "Pull Over and Shut off Engine" was displayed and a burning odor was coming from the engine compartment. After restarting the vehicle, the failure was self-corrected. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who determined that fluid had leaked into the clutch actuator and the clutch actuator needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the VIN was previously inspected as part of the NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V534000 (POWER TRAIN). The contact stated that the vehicle experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 35,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11676899July 29, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I wanted to go to the store and when I pressed the Start button I got the message: Stop car and check regenerative brakes. Soon after the lights dimmed and the message showed up that key fob was not detected even though it was in my hand. It then no longer took a charge and is completely dark. I checked the internet, and it sounds like it is the 12V battery and is a known issue that is not yet at recall level.
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
#11674514July 18, 2025
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
I am experiencing engine issues with my 2017 Kia Niro Touring Launch Edition at approximately 111,000 miles, including engine hesitation and lack of acceleration, along with engine code P0011. These symptoms started suddenly and have made highway driving difficult and potentially unsafe, as I was recently in the mountains unable to exceed 35 mph. This appears to be a widespread issue among 2017 Kia Niro owners, with many reporting CVVT (Continuously Variable Valve Timing) or solenoid failures around 100,000 miles shortly after the powertrain warranty expires suggesting a pattern of premature failure. My car was purchased certified preowned and is still within the 10 year timeframe. No official recall currently exists for this issue, but it should be investigated. Despite submitting service requests and making multiple attempts to contact the dealership to have these recalls addressed, I have received little to no follow up. I have not yet had the engine issue officially diagnosed by a Kia dealer due to lack of response but the pattern of failure and symptoms match what others are experiencing. There has been no crash, fire, or injury at this time, but the combination of the existing fire related recalls and the new engine malfunction creates serious concerns for long term safety and reliability.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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