Kia Niro Complaints

531 consumer complaints on file.

#11674651July 18, 2025
AIR BAGS, STRUCTURE:BODY, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I was driving my 2023 Kia Niro PHEV into my garage after running an errand, going very slowly. Suddenly the vehicle--all on its own--surged forward, slammed into the rear wall (triggering air bags), ricocheted backward across the street, and struck a neighbor's fence. I was able to get out of the car but I was in shock; paramedics were called. Ultimately, my injuries were found to be limited to bruised ribs, but it has been very painful and limiting. The vehicle was towed to a repair shop where it was pronounced a total loss. I received a settlement check from my insurance company, but I am out-of-pocket for the deductible, costs relating to getting a new vehicle, and of course the pain and suffering. I was told there was an event data recorder (EDR) on the vehicle, and my insurance adjuster will tell me what it reveals (I hope). There was no warning of any kind that this was about to happen. I was fortunate that it happened where it did; had I been driving the vehicle on the street, I could have killed someone (including myself).
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11674004July 16, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I have had this vehicle for 13 months and have taken it to the shop 4 times for the same reason. The 12v dies and my car has to be Jumpstarted in order for me to use the vehicle. Dealer usually blames the 12v at the beginning of the appointments before ultimately telling me there is nothing wrong with the 12v and that they are unable to replicate the problem. They rarely go beyond preforming a drain test, despite me telling them that there is no drain. I've been stranded late at night because of this issue, and now keep a portable jumpstarter in my vehicle at all times.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11673145July 13, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES
While driving an error message appeared about regenerative braking system error and the braking effectiveness was severely impaired.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11669859June 27, 2025
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS, LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING
2023 Kia Niro electronic dash went blank, no speed indication, no adaptive cruise, no lane departure warning, no forward collision warning capabilities.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11669477June 26, 2025
VISIBILITY/WIPER
When vehicle is placed in ‘reverse’ gear, screen goes to green screen that reads “ No Camera Signal Received.Please try again later.” Unable to view rear of vehicle except through mirrors while backing up. Audio warning will still sound for proximity alarm, but no visibility from rear camera. Intermittently camera will function and show live feed of rear of vehicle. Taken to dealership and camera replaced, dealer reports that it worked for approx. 30 minutes but now is malfunctioning again and they are continuing diagnostics.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11669557June 26, 2025
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
The contact owns 2019 Kia Niro. The contact stated that on several occasions when the vehicle was started, the check engine warning intermittently illuminated. The contact stated that while driving and accelerating, the vehicle lost motive power momentarily. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and DTC: P074A, P1921, P074A/73, and P1921-77 were retrieved. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it a diagnosed and determined that the transmission gear actuator needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11667112June 16, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I was called for battery recall. Brought my car at the kia of stockton dealership last Feb 14, 2025. Mechanic found problem with high voltage battery of my 2022 kia niro ev. Contacted kia manufacturer or customer care regularly for the repair/problem with case number [XXX] but until now june 16th, 2025 no updates yet(4 months). My car is still in the dealership and mechanic told me that no response from kia if they are gonna repair it or what. Pls help..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
#11666944June 14, 2025
POWER TRAIN
2019 Kia Niro DCT engaged REVERSE during manual 1→2 upshift attempt in Sport Mode, causing violent reversal. Resets with ignition cycle. Smell of burnt clutch present. Happend at 41,000mi, then 73,000mi then again today at 154,584. Believe it may be a faulty range selector, corrupted tcu logic, or both. **Canadian Recall R238 (May 2022)** for DCT clutch actuators
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11666923June 14, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
express my concern regarding a persistent and unresolved defect in the 12-volt battery of my 2022 Kia Niro, which I purchased from Hanlees Kia in 2022. In 2023, I brought my vehicle back to Hanlees Kia due to the battery dying prematurely. At that time, the dealership informed me of a battery jump start button on the dashboard. It was later revealed to me by Kia service in Stockton—after the vehicle was held for over two weeks—that the issue originates from the 12-volt battery located under the driver’s seat, which is defective. Despite this discovery, I was told by the dealership that even though the battery is defective that I should have brought the vehicle in earlier—specifically before 2025—to qualify for any warranty or replacement coverage. This is simply not true, as I did bring the car in promptly when I noticed the battery issues in 2023, but unfortunately, this did not result in a satisfactory resolution. Further, I am not alone in facing this issue. Several Kia Niro owners in have shared similar experiences on social media platforms, including Facebook. These owners have reported the same battery problems during their warranty period and were repeatedly told by dealerships that the cause of the issue was unknown, leaving them frustrated and without a solution. It is concerning that Kia engineers appear to have been aware of this defect for some time, as evidenced by the installation of the dashboard battery bypass button. This workaround indicates that Kia has acknowledged the problem internally but has not adequately addressed it for customers under warranty. As a loyal Kia customer, I respectfully request a full investigation and resolution of this battery defect issue, including an official acknowledgment of the defect and a replacement or repair under warranty. The inconvenience, safety concerns, and ongoing costs caused by this defect are unacceptable for a vehicle of this quality and price point. Thank you
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11666743June 13, 2025
ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Cooling system broke down at 140k miles. Water pump, EHRS failure EGR Cooler. Engine head gasket blown needs engine replacement 144k miles $9000 repair. Problems confirmed by dealership. Engine light never came on for cooling system, water pump coupling repair. Engine light did come on for head gasket and vehicle stopped working.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11666341June 11, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I am writing to formally file a complaint regarding the mishandling of a recall repair (Recall SC276) by the authorized dealership KIA of Lincolnwood, located in Illinois. In October 2024, I contacted the dealership in relation to Recall SC276. A diagnostic inspection confirmed the issue, related to the HCA system, and was supported by multiple error codes: U1010, U1011, P17ED, P17EE. I was informed that the required parts were not available at the time and would be ordered. Despite the known fire risk associated with this recall, the dealership allowed me to drive the vehicle home, which clearly contradicts the safety procedures outlined in Kia’s own recall regulations. I waited approximately two months for a follow-up, but received no communication from the dealership. I called them myself and was informed, after repeated inquiries, that the replacement part had allegedly been damaged during delivery, and that I would need to wait longer. Weeks later, I was contacted and asked to bring the vehicle in. By that time, the car could no longer operate under its own power and had to be transported to the dealership. I left it for repairs. Shockingly, within an hour I received a call saying the car was “ready for pickup.” Upon returning, I discovered that nothing had been done. The vehicle was parked exactly where I had left it. After further discussions, the dealership admitted that the repair had not been performed and the part had not been replaced. I have photographic evidence to confirm this. They assured me the part would be ordered again. My vehicle remained at the dealership from early January until late April 2025. Eventually, I was told that I must pick up the vehicle or face storage fees. Still, no repairs had been completed. This dealership has twice returned the vehicle to me without making the required safety repairs, despite the known risk of fire and potential harm to life. They also misled me about the repair status on multiple occasions.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11665549June 7, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES, ENGINE, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
The incident, occurring on [XXX], was first submitted by phone, followed by email to [XXX] on 27 May with incident description and sketch. I was given the Complaint ID no ODI11663050. However, now when I search for that number, nothing shows up! I have not received any information that the complaint has been investigated and dismissed! In order to publicize this event as much as possible to warn the public about this dangerous safety issue, I have posted the following on my X account ( [XXX] ) and have asked family and friends to spread the information as much as possible. Appreciate you contacting me at [XXX] and/or [XXX] about this. Post 1: 🚨Hybrid Car Warning! 🚨 If you drive a hybrid and get a Hybrid Motor Failure warning, STOP IMMEDIATELY and seek help! My 2022 Kia Niro Hybrid flashed this warning—I drove straight to an auto shop nearby. What happened next was terrifying… (🧵 1/3) Post 2: As I tried braking to park, the brakes failed, and the car accelerated instead! I barely avoided the shop, parked cars & trees—but I jumped a curb, went in & out of a ditch, and stopped across a major road. A red light saved me from being hit! 😨 (🧵 2/3) Post 3: The airbag deployed, hitting my chest hard. My chest is in pain. I had a major lumbar surgery in 2021 and my back is a mess ChatGPT indicates several possible causes, but the most relevant is a hybrid motor failure may cause unintended acceleration & brake issues. Post 4: Drivers, take these warnings seriously! 🚗⚠️ Stay safe! 🙏 #HybridCar #Safety 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
#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
#11664685June 3, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I have taken the car to Brown-Daub Kia in Easton twice, on May 1, 2025 and May 30, 2025, requesting the safety recall work (SC332) be completed. Both times I have been told they are unable to complete the work because they are unable to connect with Kia in some way.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11663437May 28, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES
The rear brake rotors on the vehicle are pitted, as confirmed by a local repair shop. The "incident" is ongoing. Kia refuses to repair or replace them under warranty (25,500 miles on the car), claiming they are wear item. However, pitting is not wear, in fact quite the opposite. My analysis (30+ yrs in the auto business): As an EV, regenerative braking means the actual brake systems are rarely used. Noise at low speeds prompted the inspection at a local shop. Braking under high speeds does not result in noise, telling me the system relies too heavily on the front brakes. The result is the rear rotors are too often unused leaving them to rust and then pit. Tesla recognizes that regen braking can actually harm brake rotors, suggesting burnishing the brakes at times using the following procedure: 1) Drive the vehicle at approximately 50 mph - 55 mph (80 km/h - 90 km/h) on a straight road. 2) Apply moderate, consistent pressure to the brake pedal to slowly decelerate the vehicle, releasing at 10 mph (15 km/h). 3) Repeat this procedure 6 times, waiting at least 30 seconds between applications. Since the rear brakes do not appear to engage on the Kia Niro, this method is fruitless. Other Niro drivers report this as seen here: [XXX] I my opinion, the vehicles should at minimum be repaired under warranty or recalled to "rebalance" the brake system. Thank you... 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
#11663439May 28, 2025
BACK OVER PREVENTION: REARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The rear backup camera works intermittent, checked wiring and still having issues, could cause backing issues for people that don't use their mirrors
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11663050May 27, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES
The contact owns a 2022 Kia Niro. The contact stated that the Hybrid Engine alarm activated and illuminated. The contact parked the vehicle for a few hours, and when restarting the vehicle, the alarm was no longer displayed. The contact continued to drive at approximately 5 mph. When pressing the brake pedal to park, the brake pedal floored with no resistance, and the vehicle began to accelerate. The contact immediately turned the vehicle towards the left to avoid crashing into a nearby building, jumped a curb into a ditch, causing the vehicle to bounce several times, and landed on the main street where it came to a stop. The air bags were deployed when the vehicle jumped the curb, landing in the ditch. The contact received bruises and cuts to their right leg and femur, chest, and back injuries. Medical attention was needed. The vehicle was damaged on the front end and was towed. It was not determined if the vehicle was totaled as of yet. A police report was filed. The dealer was not informed of the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11660224May 11, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The engine light went on. I took the car into the dealer, where they explained that the navigation system needs to be updated. But they couldn't update the navigation system, because the Kia website for that is down. Since this isn't actually an engine issue, I retrieved my car. The dealer suggested that I try to update the nav system myself, as the website for consumers is different from that for dealers. No dice: that website is down. 1. The fact that my car needs a map update causes the engine light to go on? That's misleading--bad design, in my opinion. 2. The navigation system update website being down means that I'm driving around with the engine light on. If an engine issue occurs now, I might disregard it because the light's on already. 3. According to Kia's technical service bulletin on this subject, nav system are available in spring and fall. So if I do get this fixed anytime soon, it'll just happen again in the fall.
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

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