Kia Niro Complaints (2018)

73 consumer complaints on file.

#11553924November 7, 2023
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Nothing has happened yet, but I am very concerned about my car catching on fire due to the recall notice I received. I want it fixed ASAP!
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11552926October 31, 2023
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2018 Kia Niro. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V534000 (Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11552062October 26, 2023
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2018 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 manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11551199October 21, 2023
ENGINE
Got the recall letter but kia dealer and customer service have no info about when the remedy will be available. This is a major issue as I need to sell the car now to use the cash for other urgent matters. Dont even think the dealer will give a decent wholesale amount or take them on a trade. It is lowering the value and decreasing the demand as its a safety hazard for the vehicle which isnt fair . How long are they legally allowed to drag this out with no compensation to all those waiting ? Is there a class action suit ? Thank you for your help ! [XXX] [XXX] or cell [XXX] . 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
#11549759October 13, 2023
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
On March 28, 2023 the vehicle HEV warning light came on. I called the dealership where I was informed they did not have any mechanics available to look at it until August. No one to work on Hybrid. I then took it to a mechanic shop, And I was informed to take it to the dealer. I could not drive the vehicle. I called KIA, Temple Hills back, I was told if you tow the vehicle here it will just sit. April 8, 2023 had it towed to another shop, the mechanic stated he thought it was the battery, which I was informed hybrid has 3 batteries, to check with the dealer to see if they had them, or could order one. Called the dealership Temple Hills, stathat they had never heard of a battery for that car. I was told to call back next week, after he spoke with the parts dept. manager. I called back a week later, and was told they knew nothing about a Kia Niro, could not help. The mechanic looked for a battery at other shops, ebay. The one I Paid 600.00dollars for did not work. After being there for 1 month. I called Kia dealership Bowie Md. On June 6, 2023 spoke with Jacob, the advisor. The vehicle was towed there, Jacob refused to give me any updates on the vehicle after 1 month being there, just sitting. I would call him trying to get updates, he informed me that they only had one mechanic, just a whole lot of nothing, the vehicle could catch on fire. Another month passed and I went to the dealership, along with my brother. Jacob was not answering my calls/returning them. Vehicle just sitting there. Jacob, then said the mechanic that worked on the hybrid was out for surgery, he would be in touch. I asked for the Kia Corporate number, which I received. I contacted Kia, corporate on July 13, 2023, spoke with them several times, informing them that the vehicle was not operable, and I was still making car notes/ paying insurance on a vehicle that I was not driving. At the dealership now for 3 months. Jacob, not communicating I can email you documents/fax, all paperwork.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11548685October 6, 2023
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2018 Kia Niro. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to restart. The hybrid system warning was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where the vehicle was diagnosed, but the cause of the failure could not be determined. The vehicle was then towed to a second dealer, Elgin Kia (909 E Chicago St, Elgin, IL 60120), where the cause of the failure could not be determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V534000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 91,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11548735October 6, 2023
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2018 Kia Niro. The contact received a recall notification of the NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V534000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. An undisclosed dealer was contacted and confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11548358October 5, 2023
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, ENGINE
The contact owns a 2018 Kia Niro. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine revved up. The contact stated that the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle was slow to respond. Eventually, the vehicle shifted into gear and started to move. The contact stated that the check HEV and turn off engine error messages were displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that a faulty engine clutch activator needed to be replaced. The mechanic informed the contact that the vehicle was not covered under a recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V534000 (Power Train). The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11548070October 3, 2023
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2018 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. An undisclosed dealer was contacted and confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11547172September 28, 2023
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2018 Kia Niro. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle started shaking and vibrating abnormally. The contact stated that the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The contact stated that the message "Engine Overheating - Request Service Now" and "Engine Control System" was displayed. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that coolant had intruded into the engine block and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The contact attempted to contact the manufacturer but was unable to reach a Representative. The failure mileage was approximately 74,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11526275June 9, 2023
ENGINE
HEV warning light on, car monitor says possible MCU failure. I just bought this car. This car is in perfect condition, no accidents all service actions in order but the warning lights make it seem like the electric engine is about to fail.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11517087April 14, 2023
ENGINE, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
The car can slow down suddenly in the middle of traffic even if I accelerate. The engine has a problem according to the mechanics who was trying to fix my car twice without succes. The car does not hold coolant liquid for more than 15 minutes. It looks like the coolant is staying somewhere in the engine. It overheats too. Yes the car is available for inspection upon request. It's a high risk because the car can suddenly slow down in the middle of traffic or when leaving a light turned green. And the last time I drove it there a weird smell. Yes, an independant service center located at College Park Maryland informed me about the issue. The vheicle or compenent has not been inspected yet by the manufacturer, police, insurance representative or others. When the car starts slowing down in the middle of traffic, I feel a kind of vibration first on the gas peddale and comes up the engine light. This happened last month
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11502867January 20, 2023
ENGINE
On Kia Niro, there is a part called the Exhaust Heat Recovery System (EHRS). This part pumps coolant into the exhaust system. If this particular piece fails, coolant in then pumped into the exhaust, burned up, and exits through the tail pipe. This piece failed on my car, which lead to coolant being burned in the tailpipe without my knowledge, which ultimately lead to no coolant in the engine and overheating and breaking down on the highway. After a full engine replacement, my car is still rapidly going through coolant. I imagine that this could lead to a car fire. I still have the faulty part installed in my car, however I am looking to replace it asap. While not 100% confirmed, my dealer is "pretty sure" that piece is what is causing the rapid loss of coolant in my car. This piece has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police or insurance representatives. There were no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms to alert me to this problem. I only found out about this piece and its failure rate after a full engine replacement.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11452082February 15, 2022
SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
On 2/15/2022 around 10:00AM, I was driving my vehicle as normal. Noticed brake lights ahead, I was about 3 car lengths back, which I always try to drive since I am on the road a lot and I prefer not to have an accident. Well this time, I put my foot on the brake as normal and the vehicle felt like brakes were not even working, pushed harder with my foot and waited for that pumping feeling (which I have felt before) and literally nothing! Once I was about a car lengths away, I knew my vehicle was not stopping so I sat up straight and leaned back before the air bags deployed in my face. I have since come home and found several complaints from other 2018 Kia Niro owners that have made a complaint about this on other forums and with the NHTSA and Carcomplaints.com - This issue has been ignored by Kia about braking system.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11432667September 12, 2021
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My 2018 Kia Niro EX keeps overheating. We purchased the vehicle July 21st 2018. Three months after purchase, the vehicle dies, flashing warning lights and a message appeared to shut the engine off. Our car was towed to the dealership we purchased it from. After over three months, the dealership calls and tells us to pick the car up from them. The entire engine had to be replaced. We sued Kia Motors through the lemon law. We settled for the payment option because the engine was replaced. Now, our hands are tied due to once we took the cash settlement, we were no longer able to take legal action again if we had any additional issues. Over the course of the last three years, we had to have it repaired for a wiring issue, now, our vehicle continually overheats. Our dealership where we purchased the vehicle does not have a hybrid technician to work on it. We have to drive to another location of theirs to have it serviced. That location is over an hour drive. Our car is unable to be driven to have it properly service by the correct technician. There is an online forum, www.kianiroforum.com. This forum explains in detail what type of issue the consumer is experiencing with this vehicle. I am reaching out due to this overheating issue could cause serious harm to someone. We have spoken with Kia corporate headquarters, their advice is to have it looked at by a Kia dealership and they will go from there. We have exhausted all of our options to have these issues looked into and now reaching out to you for assistance. Myself included, it appears this vehicle has many many issues and needs to be brought to someone’s attention that has the power to get something done.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11431326September 1, 2021
POWER TRAIN
The power train, engine, and breaks are defective. The vehicle has malfunctioned over 10 times in the past 5 months and it happens randomly. The same issues occur each time which where the car will not drive or will be extremely jolty, the gears will not shift, the breaks are delayed, and the engine will rev (RPMs will go up and down) when put in park. This has happened in the middle of an intersection and on major roads and highways. This issue puts myself and others around me at risk. The problem has been reproduced at an authorized Kia dealership and has been attempted to be fixed on many occasions. It has been inspected and serviced by Kia service technicians. There are many warning lights and error messages that appear when the malfunction happens including: check engine light, hybrid battery light, ABS system warning, BDS system warning, emergency braking system error message, electric power steering light, master warning light, engine oil pressure light, charging system light, regenerative breaking warning light, along with engine control system and battery control system error warning messages.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11299943January 16, 2020
SERVICE BRAKES, ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
2018 KIA NIRO PLUG-IN HYBRID, 16,235MI. VEHICLE HAS BEEN IN 5 TIMES IN LAST SEVERAL MONTHS FOR A TOTAL OF OVER 30 DAYS IN SHOP. TRANSMISSION WILL DO A VERY HARD DOWNSHIFT INTERMITTENTLY WHEN STOPPING. MAKES VEHICLE DIP HARD..NOTICEABLE ON DASH CAM VIDEO. ON HARDER ACCELERATION, POWER TRAIN HAS TROUBLE DECIDING WHAT TO DO AND OFTEN THERE IS A NOTICEABLE DELAY IN ACCELERATION. FEELS SORT OF LIKE IT IS SLIPPING, BUT IS A DELAY IN POWERING THE ELECTRIC MOTOR FULLY AND STARTING THE GAS MOTOR.THIS HAS CAUSED A COUPLE CLOSE CALLS WHEN PULLING INTO TRAFFIC EXPECTING THE CAR TO REACT APPROPRIATELY. SOME ONLINE RESEARCH SHOWS THIS IS NOT AN UNCOMMON OCCURRENCE. DEALER HAS REPLACED A HYDRAULIC ACTUATOR, BLED SYSTEM AND REPROGRAMMED PCM. THIS FIXED A SQUEAK NOISE IN POWER TRAIN BUT NOT THE HARSH/ERRATIC OPERATIONS. AS FOR THE BRAKES, RECENTLY, DEPRESSING THE BRAKE WITH MORE THAN LIGHT PRESSURE CAUSES A RUBBERY GROAN SOUND FROM UNDER DRIVER'S DASH. THIS HAPPENS MORE WHEN THE CAR IS COLD OR SITTING FOR SOME TIME, LESS AFTER IT HAS WARMED UP. DURING THESE EPISODES, THE BRAKE PEDAL TAKE MORE EFFORT TO PUSH AND BRAKE ENGAGEMENT IS DELAYED. THE NOISE WILL HAPPEN WHEN YOU STEP ON THE BRAKE TO START CAR OR WHEN DRIVING. DEALER HAS BEEN DISMISSIVE ABOUT THE ISSUES. WE WERE TOLD WE WOULD GET A 'FLIGHT RECORDER' TO HELP THEM DOCUMENT THE TRANSMISSION ISSUES AND RECORD VEHICLE DATA FROM THE COMPUTERS. TODAY WE WERE TOLD WE WILL NOT BE GETTING IT AND TO COME PICK UP THE CAR. KIA CORPORATE IN IRVINE, CA HAS BEEN NOTIFIED AND A CASE HAS BEEN OPENED. WE ARE WAITING ON A RESPONSE NOW.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11297818January 7, 2020
STRUCTURE:BODY
DOOR HANDLE CANE OFF AND VEHICLE SOMETIMES CAN NOT BE LICKED
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11289838December 18, 2019
SERVICE BRAKES
CAR FAILED TO STOP TWICE - ALMOST RAN A RED LIGHT. BRAKES DEPRESSED AND FELT NO PRESSURE IN BRAKE LINE. DEALERSHIP HAS FIXED BRAKE ISSUES WITH CAR ONLY BEING 6 MONTHS OLD IN 2018 - SAME BRAKE ISSUES BUT NOW THE CAR IS NOT STOPPING SOMETIMES.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11270308October 22, 2019
STRUCTURE:BODY
A FEW MONTH AGO, THE FRONT PASSENGER DOOR HANDLE FELL OFF WHEN TRYING TO OPEN THE DOOR WHEN THE CAR WAS PARKED/STATIONARY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP, AND THE HANDLE AND COVER WERE REPLACED. TODAY, 10/22/2018, THE RIGHT REAR PASSENGER DOOR HANDLE POPPED OFF WHEN TRYING TO OPEN THE DOOR WHEN THE CAR WAS PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY. BOTH TIMES THE DOORS WERE UNLOCKED, AND THE PRESSURE APPLIED TO DOOR HANDLE WAS MINIMAL (NORMAL). THE HANDLE BROKE IN THE SAME PLACE AS THE FIRST. WHEN CONTACTING THE DEALERSHIP, WE ASKED IF THE OTHER HANDLE (RIGHT REAR PASSENGER) COULD ALSO BE REPLACED, AS THIS SEEMS TO BE A DEFECT. THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT SAID THAT THEY COULD INSPECT IT WHEN REPLACING THE OTHER HANDLE, BUT COULD NOT ORDER PARTS UNTIL IT IS DETERMINED THAT IT IS BROKEN. UPON RESEARCHING THE PROBLEM ON THE INTERNET, WE FOUND THAT KIA HAD ISSUED TSB #TSBBOD180_R1 NHTSA ID #10151899, AND TSB #TSBBOD186 NHTSA ID #10151901 IN REGARDS TO THE DOOR HANDLES ON 2017/18 NIROS, AND SAID THAT ALL THREE PASSENGER HANDLES WERE TO BE REPLACED (NOT THE DRIVER). WE THEN CALLED BACK THE SERVICE DEPT AND INQUIRED ABOUT THE TBS, AND WERE TOLD THAT IT WASN'T FOR OUR VEHICLE. 2 HANDLES IN A COUPLE OF MONTHS WOULD WARRANT THE REPLACEMENT OF ALL HANDLES. WE DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY A RECALL HASN'T BEEN DONE, IF THIS IS AN KNOWN ISSUE, OR WHY OUR VEHICLE IS SUPPOSEDLY NOT INCLUDED IN THE TSB. IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE, AS ACCESS CANNOT BE OBTAIN FROM THE OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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