35 of the
143 complaints filed about the KIA Niro EV
are about the electrical system —
24% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2022.
I am submitting a complaint regarding a safety issue with the rearview camera on my 2020 Kia Niro EV. VIN # [XXX] The rearview camera display has stopped functioning properly. Based on technical research and driver community reports, this issue appears to stem from an electrical surge that causes the camera circuit to malfunction. Upon checking owner forums, I became aware of an active manufacturer campaign/recall (Kia Recall SC342) related to this fault. However, I have not received any official recall notification or letter from Kia regarding my vehicle. Because a non-functioning rearview camera significantly reduces rear visibility and poses a clear safety hazard, I request that the NHTSA review this defect and ensure affected owners are properly notified and provided with a repair solution. Thank you for your assistance in investigating this safety concern. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11758875 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Component or system that failed: High-Voltage Electrical System / High-Voltage Battery Safety Plug Assembly (specifically covered under Recall SC314 / NHTSA Campaign 24V-358). It is NOT wear and tear as falsely claimed by the dealer. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request at the owner's residence. How safety was put at risk: The vehicle triggers an active "Check EV System" master warning while driving, creating a severe risk of sudden loss of motive power (stalling) on public roads. The high-voltage charging system is also completely disabled, leaving an elderly driver stranded without transportation. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer?: Yes. Rick Case Kia (Duluth, GA) inspected the vehicle from July 20–22, 2026. Instead of resolving the recall defect at $0.00, they falsely mischaracterized the electrical failure as "wear and tear / customer declined repair" and demanded $1,617 out-of-pocket before releasing the unsafe vehicle. Has the vehicle/component been inspected by others?: Inspected by [XXX] Case Kia service department. Opened active corporate case with Kia America (Case #XXX). Independent mechanics have confirmed this is not simple “wear and tear”, but deeper electrical issues that were touched during the recall. Warning lamps, messages, or symptoms: "Check EV System" master warning light and total failure of the high-voltage charging port. Symptoms first appeared shortly after initial Recall SC314 service was performed on June 15, 2026, and worsened prior to returning the car on XXX. Kia claims to have completed Recall SC314 on June 15, 2026. However, the recall work directly triggered immediate secondary failures in the high-voltage charging system. The dealership is now attempting to evade liability for recall-induced damage by labeling it 'wear and tear' and demanding $1,617 to fix a failure caused by their own recall service. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11752715 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
COMPONENT/SYSTEM: The 12-volt auxiliary battery system, the interior fuse box (Total Integrated Power Module) containing an auto-cutoff relay, and the high voltage battery system. All components are available for inspection. SAFETY RISK: The vehicle has lost power and died while being driven, and has left occupants stranded on multiple occasions. A sudden loss of motive power in traffic creates a serious risk of collision to occupants and to other motorists. The vehicle has failed to start dozens of times. FAILURE DESCRIPTION: The 12-volt battery in my 2022 Kia Niro EV has repeatedly discharged, leaving the vehicle dead and unable to start. ~Six 12V batteries have been installed between January 2025 and February 2026, between 60,431 and 77,130 miles. CONFIRMED BY DEALER: Yes. The condition has been reproduced and documented by the dealer across five separate repair orders. On 1/21/2025 at 60,431 miles, the technician found the 12V battery completely dead after sitting, jump-started the vehicle, and reported no abnormal draw on the electrical system. On 11/05/2025 at 74,355 miles the vehicle again required a jump start to be brought into the shop; the battery was replaced, and the technician reported the vehicle was operating as designed. On 1/22/2026 at 77,124 miles, a technician performed a parasitic draw test and measured 0.185 amps, exceeding the specification of below 50 milliamps by approximately 3.7 times. The technician documented that the auto-cutoff relay was remaining closed, continuously supplying current to 21 modules, and that the interior fuse box required replacement at a quoted cost of $2,048.48. This defect was present during the two prior visits but was not identified. On 2/13/2026 at 77,130 miles, the vehicle would not start when we came to pick up the car. The shop had to provide a loaner, and then another battery was installed, and the TIPM was replaced.
NHTSA complaint #11750957 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Check electric vehicle system warning light indicator illuminates and car stops driving on highway! A/C and defrost won't work properly and when turned on causes the above warning light and malfunction. Car will not charge at "fast" charging stations and will leave you stranded on highway. I live in [XXX] and the vehicle only does it when humidity is high outside. Issue also causes problems with the 12V battery. SEVERE SAFETY ISSUE WHEN CAR SHUTS DOWN IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HIGHWAY DRIVING AT ANY SPEED. It is the system ICCU (Integrate Charge Control Unit) that KIA has a limited warranty coverage on and should be reviewed for recall. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11744166 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2022 Kia Niro. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle intermittently entered limp mode and loss automotive power while the vehicle was still at full battery. No warning lights were illuminated. The failure occurred on several different occasions. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to get a diagnosis however, the dealer stated that the failure was not duplicated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 36,000.
NHTSA complaint #11737434 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The vehicle is a rental vehicle. It experienced two incidents of sudden loss of propulsion within the first two days of operation. During both events, the vehicle became completely unresponsive to accelerator pedal input and would not move despite being placed in Drive. I attempted to shift the vehicle into Park and then back into Drive, but propulsion was not restored. No warning lights, malfunction indicators, or system messages were displayed before or during the failure. The first incident occurred while exiting a car wash. The vehicle became immobilized in an active traffic lane and would not respond to throttle input, creating an immediate risk of rear-end collision. Vehicles were approaching from behind and I narrowly avoided being struck. The second incident occurred later the same day in a parking lot while the vehicle was charging. Again, the vehicle became unresponsive without warning and would not move. The intermittent and unpredictable loss of motive power presents a serious safety hazard because it prevents the driver from maintaining control and safely operating the vehicle in traffic conditions.
NHTSA complaint #11719665 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Niro EV. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under an undisclosed recall on two separate occasions; however, the part failed a third time after the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer declined to offer additional repairs under the recall. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V899000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); and associated the failures with the recall. The vehicle was driven to a dealer but was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 55,000.
NHTSA complaint #11716865 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I did an OTA update that made the rear view camera work intermittently. It would just flash an image every couple of seconds instead of a live stream. I took it into the dealer, and on the way, it totally gave out in the middle of traffic in a very unsafe way. I was flashed with many warning signs and was not able to get it started again for 5min by just turning it on/off again. I finally got it to the dealer and after 6 weeks they told me that something spilled in the cup holders and fried the backup camera and drivetrain components. I find it extremely off the drivetrain and safety critical components are stored under a cup holder with no protection.
NHTSA complaint #11712990 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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)
NHTSA complaint #11687183 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
NHTSA complaint #11676899 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
NHTSA complaint #11674004 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2024 Kia Niro. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V024000 (Seat, Electrical). The contact stated that on one occasion while driving at approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle crashed head-on into a pole. The air bags did not deploy and the seat belt did not retract. The contact sustained shoulder, collarbone, neck, head, and back injuries. Medical attention was not needed. A police report was filed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where an Event Data Recorder was completed and it was informed that the air bags should have deployed. The vehicle's cosmetic damages were repaired. The contact stated that on another occasion while driving at 35 MPH, another vehicle crashed into the driver's door rear of the vehicle and the air bags did not deploy. The contact sustained back, chest, and left hip injuries. Medial attention was needed. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and repaired for cosmetic damages. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 3, 000.
NHTSA complaint #11646344 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
About 7 months ago, "Refill Inverter Coolant" warning came up. Since then, I've scheduled service appoitment wtih Van Nuys Kia dealership 5 times to resolve this issue, but even after recent appoitment 2 weeks ago, this warning is still came up on my dashboard. Every time I start the car, the persistent refill inverter coolant light comes on. I believe I am experiencing this issue because KIA and their dealership where I bought my car doesn't want take ownership of this issue and resolve it. I am deeply concerned about my safety and the safety of my children when I drive my Kia vehicle.
NHTSA complaint #11633536 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Car has broken down, not started, battery dead when fully charged MULTIPLE TIMES. It has been in the Kia service department since March 2024 (9 months) and they can’t figure out where the parasitic drain is from. This is the third time this year getting towed to the Kia dealership with no resolution. No warning lights / labels prior to failure. Danger by leaving me stranded 3+ times this year with need for triple A.
NHTSA complaint #11630675 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
While I’m driving a turtle light randomly illuminates and the car shuts off. The car shuts off from a few seconds up to a minute so far. I have taken it to Kia McDonough Ga and to no avail nothing: they had my car 2 months and by the time they did the diagnostic “the computer box reset”. Why let it sit for a diagnostic when all they are doing is connecting to a computer. I provided them videos and pictures and nothing. This is a danger any passengers, other drivers, as well as myself. The times are random and once the light comes on it’s off. Battery is new, battery is charged.
NHTSA complaint #11630030 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I received a recall notice for my 2022 Kia Niro EV regarding the safety plugs of the high-voltage battery. I have now scheduled three different appointments with Kia of Lincolnwood to perform this recall, and each time I have been turned away with a different excuse (lack of part, lack of tools, performing recall will take too many hours). The last time I asked to speak with the service manager, who assured me he would take care of this and I would be able to come in on Friday 10/11. Given how many times I've been turned away, I called the day before to confirm, and the manager said he would call me back and never did. Repeated attempts to contact him or the dealership that day went unanswered. I would like help getting this dealership to perform the recall. Given the risk of fire or crash, I am not comfortable driving this vehicle or charging it. I am attaching copies of both the recall and the last work order I was given, where it shows once again I was asked to come back another day.
NHTSA complaint #11619465 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
On June 28, 2022, I set my Juicebox Pro 40 charger to charge my car overnight. The car did not charge and I discovered that the breaker had tripped. I tried resetting the breaker and it immediately tripped again. I noticed a burning smell in the garage in the vicinity of the charger after attempting to reset the breaker. There was discoloration on the unit box. I then unplugged the unit at which point I was able to reset the breaker without it tripping. I concluded that the unit was unsafe to use and I returned it to ENEL. I bought a new one while I waited for warranty service on the old unit. I have not tested the old unit since it was repaired by ENEL. It was my judgment at the time, and remains so, that the unit presented a fire hazard.
NHTSA complaint #11618747 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
While driving on freeway, at a speed of 65-70MPH. Vehicle appeared to lose power. Navigation screen turned off, dash display dimmed and vehicle seemed to coast and not accelerate. Speed did drop down a bit, but then powered came back on, screen turned on and was able to accelerate again. No warning lights or error messages appeared on screen.
NHTSA complaint #11613910 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
In re: Manufacturer Recall Number SC314, NHTSA Recall Number 24V358 The Kia dealership (Aloha Kia Leeward, Waipahu, Hawai‘i) is imposing an unreasonable delay for this safety recall. Dealer was contacted in mid-July to schedule recall service. Dealer said it had to order the part. After not hearing from the dealer for two weeks, dealer was contacted on August 2 and recall service was scheduled for August 27 (claiming that was the first available appt.) Dealer kept the vehicle for 5 hours that day, then said the service could not be performed. Dealer said it would contact me to reschedule. After leaving messages and not hearing back from dealer, I went in person on 9-4-24. Dealer could not schedule recall service until October 7. Because this is a recall for safety issues, this repeated delay is unacceptable. I wish to put this complaint in the record regarding the disregard for vehicle safety by Aloha Kia Leeward of Waipahu, Hawai‘i. Thank you.
NHTSA complaint #11612885 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.