What Owners Report NHTSA ODI · 2,175,102 complaints · MY1998–2026

2018 KIA Niro

Typical pattern

11.8% of complaints about the 2018 KIA Niro came in the first year, which is unremarkable for a 2018 vehicle — around the middle of the 182 model-years on record. The median complaint arrives at 6.1 yr in service. The most-reported system is power train (19 complaints), typically at 6.3 yr or about 136,663 miles.

Complaints
85
Median age at failure
6.1 yr
Median mileage
9,700 n=27
Crash / fire / tow
20% of reports
Safety recalls
3

When each system is reported — middle 50% of complaints

System
0y2y4y6y8y10y12y14y
Power train
19 reports · 136,663 mi
6.3 yr
26.3%
Electrical system
18 reports · 1,927 mi
6.7 yr
27.8%
Engine
17 reports · 120,000 mi
6.1 yr
5.9%

Safety recalls — NHTSA campaigns

23V534000 2023-07-31
Power train:automatic transmission:internal:clutches/bands:actuators/solenoids

Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2022 Niro and 2018-2022 Niro Plug-in Hybrid vehicles. Fluid may leak into the printed circuit board inside the hydraulic clutch actuator, which can result in an engine compartment fire.

A fire increases the risk of injury.

22V836000 2022-11-11
Hybrid propulsion system

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Kia Niro hybrid electric vehicles previously recalled under recall 18V-666. The Main Relay within the Power Relay Assembly (PRA) may have inadequate connections between its contacts, causing increased electrical resistance, which can overheat the rear seats.

Overheated rear seats increase the risk of a fire.

18V666000 2018-09-25
Hybrid propulsion system

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Kia Niro hybrid electric vehicles. The Main Relay within the Power Relay Assembly (PRA) may have inadequate connections between its contacts, causing increased electrical resistance.

The increased electrical resistance can overheat the rear seat which is above the PRA, increasing the risk of a fire.

In owners’ own words

Engine 4,230 mi 4 mo in service
ENGINE/TRANSMISSION BECOMES VERY SLUGGISH AS TEMPERATURES DROP AND THE TRANSMISSION SEEMS TO BE "ENGINE BRAKING" THE VEHICLE, MAKING COASTING NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE. PUTTING THE VEHICLE IN NEUTRAL ALLOWED THE CAR TO NORMALLY COAST BUT ONCE BACK IN DRIVE, ACCELERATION WAS TAXING. THE VEHICLE LACKS ANY POWER AND IS RUINING THE FUEL ECONOMY TRYING TO GET THE CAR UP TO SPEED.
Engine mileage not reported 5.8 yr in service
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.
Engine mileage not reported 6.1 yr in service
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!
Electrical system 250 mi 1.0 yr in service
REAR HATCH INDICATOR SUDDENLY COMES ON WHILE DRIVING AND REAR HATCH OPENS ON OWN. EVEN AFTER HARD SLAMMING SHUT HATCH IS NOT LATCHING ALL THE TIME AND RANDOMLY LOOSENING AND OPENING ON ITS OWN. LOUD RATTLE IS ALSO COMING FROM REAR OF VEHICLE. THIS IS A NEWLY PURCHASED AUTOMOBILE.

Other Niro model years

2023201920182017

How to read this