Kia Niro Complaints (2017)
101 consumer complaints on file.
- #11478282August 8, 2022UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I own a 2017 Kia Niro with 48,000 miles on it. In early February 2022, I received a "system overheating" warning on my dashboard. When I pulled over and checked the engine, I noticed that the coolant overflow reservoir was nearly empty. I had the vehicle towed to a dealership (Destination Kia in Albany, NY), who pressure tested the engine but couldn't find any leaks. They returned the vehicle to me, but a day later I got another overheating warning and this time noticed excessive smoke, along with the coolant reservoir once again being drained. I thus brought it to a different dealer (Matthews Kia in Schenectady, NY), who also could not find a leak, but offered to replace the engine. Several months went by without the repair being completed, so I finally went to Matthews last week for a status update. They informed me that they had several Niro's experiencing similar issues, and that Kia Corporate had sent out a "technical service bulletin" to the dealers informing them that this recurring issue in the Niros is due to faulty EGR coolers. I brought the vehicle back to Destination, hoping that as a larger dealer they could complete the repair more quickly. They have since confirmed that the EGR cooler needs replacing, but quoted me $2500 for the repair, stating that it is not covered under warranty. Considering that this problem has recurred in enough Niros to warrant a technical service bulletin from the corporate office, and the obvious safety issues that an overheating vehicle can cause, I argue that Kia should have to send out a recall for this part. It's absurd that I'm being asked to pay $2500 to repair a vehicle with less than 50,000 miles on it, especially considering that this is clearly a recurring issue with this model. I have attached the initial repair records that I received, and will add the $2500 repair order for the EGR cooler once it is completed.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11475992July 26, 2022UNKNOWN OR OTHER
While pulling into a parking space my car accelerated, flew over the curb and landed on another parked car. It was very sudden and going very fast
- Crash:
- Yes
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11469655June 16, 2022ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Intermittent failure of multifunction switch in steering column that controls lights, leading to loss of left-hand turn signal. Dealer checked bulb, socket, and wiring harness and could not reproduce the issue. This is a safety issue as it occurs without warning, lasts for days, and could cause an accident through inability to signal lane change or turn at intersection.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11463406May 4, 2022ENGINE
Active Air flap system error message and check engine light. Error message and check engine light come on and off randomly kind of annoying since I've only had it just over a month and already have to have it go to get repaired
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11463099May 2, 2022ENGINE
My 2017 Kia Niro (hybrid) discharges white smoke and overheats while being driven. I brought it to a reputable mechanic immediately. After a thorough inspection, it was discovered that coolant is leaking into the engine because the 'heat exchange recovery unit' is not functioning correctly. There are two similar complaints about the same model vehicle already posted on your site (NHTSA #11442817 & #11457565). A Kia dealership told my mechanic that the part (#28601G5320) is on back order everywhere w/ no availability in sight.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11457565March 21, 2022ENGINE
Major coolant leak causing engine to overheat
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11455351March 5, 2022FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
UNKNOWN. Second instance of car not working while driving; this time is was on a highway. Both times "Check Hybrid System" warning comes on. Previously the dealer had to replace entire battery (covered under warranty at the time). This apparently common and may have to do with some fuse. I believe the vehicle shows the battery as completely empty now. I also think my particular Kia Niro should be included in campaign 18V257000. My car is the correct year make and model and I believe something is leaking which could have also caused my battery to fail while driving.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11450462February 4, 2022UNKNOWN OR OTHER
On January 30, 2022 I was driving my 2017 Kia Niro (133,500 miles) when my car broke down. I was driving along at 45 MPH when I had three or so warning lights flash on my dash. I don't clearly remember what they said, but it was something about the hybrid system and then the check engine light came on along with the warning label for the hybrid system again and the car died. I managed to get off the highway and come to a safe stop into a parking lot of a hotel. I tried turning my car off and back on but nothing happened except for the dash panel lights going on saying check hybrid. The last time I did it I waited a couple of minutes before attempting to turn it back on and again, no change. At this point I ended up having to call AAA and had my car towed to my dealership. (40 miles away) Besides being scary to have this happen, I learned that this problem is common in Kia Niro’s. The part I am talking about is the “high voltage fuse”. Evidently manufacturer installs a 125amp fuse and the fuse needed is 175amps. I feel this is a huge problem and will eventually if not already end up causing a serious accident. I look forward to a response and hopefully a solution to get this $434.72 service charge recovered plus tow fees.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11442817December 6, 2021ENGINE
On 12/03/2021 I noticed white steam coming from the exhaust of my vehicle. Very shortly after noticing this issue I lost all heat and the engine temperature began to rise. I immediately checked the engine coolant level and noticed the reservoir was empty. On 12/04/2021 an authorized dealer diagnosed the issue as a cracked catalytic converter/heat recovery unit. This assembly allows exhaust gases to heat up engine coolant to improve gas efficiency. When the system fails it allows engine coolant to burn off an causes the vehicle to unexpectedly over heat, hence putting the occupants at great risk. Simple internet research has shown that this is a common problem with this vehicle yet the dealer is refusing to pay for the replacement of this defective part.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11438434October 27, 2021UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The contact had a loaner 2017 Kia Niro. The contact stated while driving and stopping at a red light when the light turned green the contact depressed on the accelerator pedal and was going about 5 MPH when suddenly the power steering failed. The contact manually steered the vehicle and caused the driver to rear-end and crash the vehicle in front of her that also caused that vehicle to rear-end the vehicle in front of them which caused a 3 car accident. There were no warning lights illuminated from the vehicle, The air bag did not deploy. No one was injured. There was no medical treatment needed at the scene. A police report was filed. The contact was able to drive the vehicle back to the local dealer where they loaned the vehicle to have it returned. The contact was informed a week after the accident there was a recall for that year and model of vehicle for power steering and the contact reached out to a local dealer to inquire if that particular vehicle was part of the recall but did not get any response. The vehicle was repaired. However, the contact was told the vehicle was sold shortly after the repair to an individual without knowing if the vehicle had a recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 20,000.
- Crash:
- Yes
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11422740June 29, 2021STEERING
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Niro. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel intermittently made an abnormal clicking sound upon turning the steering wheel in either direction without warning. Over time, the contact stated while driving at various speeds, excessive force was needed to steer the vehicle with the power steering warning light illuminated. The contact stated that upon restarting the vehicle, the power steering functionality returned. Upon investigation, the contact linked the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V159000 (Steering) however, the Vin was not included. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 10,000.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11422579June 28, 2021HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM, ENGINE
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Niro. The contact stated while driving at 70 mph, an abnormal sound was heard, and the vehicle lost forwards momentum. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact coasted the vehicle to the shoulder of the road. As the contact exited the vehicle, an abnormal odor appeared under the hood. There were no flames present. The contact stated that oil was seen leaking underneath the vehicle. The contact had the vehicle towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed however, the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure recurred. The vehicle was unable to drive. The contact mentioned NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V257000 (Hybrid Propulsion System) as a possible solution to the failure however, the Vin was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the engine needed to be replaced. The failure mileage was approximately 39,000.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11419182June 1, 2021ENGINE
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Niro. The contact stated while driving 35 mph, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where the vehicle was being serviced. The vehicle was not yet diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 94,000.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11383538December 15, 2020ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 KIA NIRO HYBRID. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNDISCLOSED SPEED, THE CHECK HYBRID SYSTEM MESSAGE WAS DISPLAYED. AFTER STOPPING AND TURNING OFF THE VEHICLE, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TOWED TO THE LOCAL DEALER RK KIA OF VINELAND LOCATED AT 612 N. DELSEA DR BUILDING 1, VINELAND, NJ 08360 WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE FAILED DUE TO A LACK OF OIL IN THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE BUT, NO ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 57,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11375412November 19, 2020STRUCTURE:BODY
2 DOOR HANDLE COVER BROKE UNDER NORMAL USE.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11343331August 4, 2020POWER TRAIN
WHILE PARKED AND ENGINE OFF, THE TRANSMISSION SLIPPED OUT OF PARK AND ROLLED BACK INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. NO ONE WAS IN THE VEHICLE AT THE TIME. WHEN I RETURNED TO THE VEHICLE, IT WAS STILL SHOWING IT IN PARK AND OFF.
- Crash:
- Yes
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11298499January 10, 2020ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
SITTING IN VEH. READY TO START.VEH. WILL TURN ON BUT NOT TURN OVER. BATTERY STRONG, LIGHTS ON AND BRIGHT BUT NO PETAL FOR A GAS START. THE VEH. WAS SITTING STILL. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11282193December 2, 2019TIRES
2017 KIA NIRO. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO SEVEN SAFETY RECALLS. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED A RECALL WAS NOT COMPLETED DUE TO NOT HAVING THE PARTS TO COMPLETE THE REPAIR. THE VEHICLE HAS BECOME SLUGGISH. THE TIRE PRESSURE LIGHT ILLUMINATED EVEN WHEN THE TIRE WAS FILLED.*JS
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11229081July 2, 2019UNKNOWN OR OTHER
MY 2017 KIA NIRO HYBRID SEEMS TO NOT BE STORING CODES WHEN THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON. I HAVE HAD 3 SEPARATE PROBLEMS WITH BY NIRO IN 3 WEEKS WITH NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, WITH THE HEV HYBRID FUSE AND WITH A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND NO POWER AND YET BY THE TIME IT WAS TOWED TO THE SHOP IT RESET ITSELF BUT DIDN'T STORE ANY CODES FROM THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT.. THE TECHNICIANS COULD NOT RECREATE THE PROBLEMS AND HAD NO WERE TO START FROM. I'M NOW DRIVING IT AND JUST WAITING FOR SOMETHING TO GO WRONG WITH IT
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11223054June 27, 2019POWER TRAIN
WHILE DRIVING MY 2017 KIA NIRO ON REGULAR ROADS, IT HAD A DRAMATIC DOWN SHIFT IN FIRST GEAR FROM A STOP. CONTINUED FOUR MORE STOPS WHEN APPROACHING A HILL, THE SPORT MODE DID NOT WORK AND BARELY MADE IT UP HILL, NO CHECK ENGINE OR OTHER LIGHTS. SHOP COULDN'T RECREATE PROBLEM. THE RECALIBRATED THE TRANSMISSION. DROVE FINE 1 DAY. 3/4 OF MY WAY ON 200 MILE TRIP ON HIGHWAY USING CRUISE CONTROL THE HEV LIGHT, CHECK ENGINE AND BLINKING GREEN CAR CAME ON. DEALER REPLACED THE HYBRID SYSTEM FUSE. 5 DAYS LATER ON 74 MILE TRIPP'S HIGHWAY ENGINE, (!) AND TRACTION CONTROL CAME ON, LOST POWER AND BARELY MADE IT UP A HILL. OH AND THE HOOD POPPED OPEN, HELD BY LATCH WHILE DOING 65 ON HIGHWAY . NOW IT SITS AT THE DEALERSHIP
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0