Owners have filed 116 complaints
about the 2017 KIA Niro with NHTSA between 2017 and 2026.
The largest single group is the engine & cooling.
Across this model's run it ranks 1 of 9 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 100
Against the median year of the KIA Niro. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 58
11.2% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 80
47% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
26.7%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
310.0%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
620.0%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
413.3%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
413.3%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
516.7%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
620.0%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Feb 2017peak 9Aug 2026
Recalls on the 2017 KIA Niro
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
23V534000
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.
Risk: A fire increases the risk of injury.
22V836000
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.
Risk: Overheated rear seats increase the risk of a fire.
18V666000
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.
Risk: The increased electrical resistance can overheat the rear seat which is above the PRA, increasing the risk of a fire.
18V257000
HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017 Kia Niro vehicles. The Hydraulic Clutch Actuator (HCA) inner oil seal may leak, allowing oil to accumulate in the cap area, possibly resulting in an electrical short.
Risk: An electrical short can increase the risk of a fire.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 2024549647,384 units in Canada
Label
Issue: On certain vehicles, the compliance label may be missing information in French. The words listed on the label for "Tires", "Rims", "Front" and "Rear" appear in English only, when they should be listed as "Tires/Pneus", "Rims/Jantes", "Front/Avant" and "Rear/Arriere". Canadian regulations require this information to be listed on the label in both English and French. Safety Risk: These small errors do not affect vehicle safety. Corrective Actions: This is not a recall. Kia has corrected the compliance label for all new vehicles.
Recall 202342313,037 units in Canada
Powertrain
Issue: On certain vehicles, fluid could leak onto the printed circuit board for the hydraulic clutch actuator (HCA). If this happens, the circuit board could short circuit. Safety Risk: A short circuit could create the risk of an engine compartment fire while driving. Corrective Actions: Kia will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to inspect the hydraulic clutch actuator (HCA), and replace it if necessary. The technician will also install a new fuse for the HCA to reduce the risk of a fire.
Recall 20185371,039 units in Canada
Electrical
On certain vehicles, the main relay contacts in the Power Relay Assembly located underneath the rear seat may have an inadequate connection. This could increase electrical resistance and generate heat, increasing the risk of fire causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will inspect the Power Relay Assembly for signs of thermal damage. If no thermal damage is found, the main relay will be replaced. If signs of thermal damage exist, the Power Relay Assembly will be replaced. Note: This problem may cause the Illumination of the HEV warning light while driving and/or an inability to start the vehicle.
Recall 20182181,035 units in Canada
Engine
On certain vehicles, the hydraulic clutch actuator (HCA) was produced with burrs that could damage the inner oil seal. A damaged oil seal may create an oil leak that could result in an accumulation of oil in the phase cap area, and eventually cause an electrical short. This could increase the risk of an engine compartment fire causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the hydraulic clutch actuator. Note: This condition would result in the “HEV” warning light to illuminate.
Recall 20171687 units in Canada
Steering
On certain vehicles, a connection at the electric power steering (EPS) motor may have been damaged at time of assembly. This could lead to a loss of the steering assist. A loss of power steering assist could unexpectedly increase steering effort which would increase the risk of a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will replace the EPS motor.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Berlin, MDFire
POWER TRAIN
The contact owned a 2017 Kia Niro. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the temperature gauge began to indicate that the vehicle was overheating. The contact then observed smoke emanating from the engine compartment. The contact was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle soon became engulfed in flames. Local emergency services arrived and were able to extinguish the flames. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard and deemed a total loss by the contact's insurance provider. A fire report was filed. A police report was also filed, with no injuries reported. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V534000 (Engine), and the VIN was included, but the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA complaint #11585858 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kissimmee, FLFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
During first recall 18V-666, Kia stated that I received a new PRA in September 2019 per recall instructions. July 2023, my car would not turn on and was sent to same Kia dealership. Recall 22V-836 applies to my car, and my PRA shows sign of thermal damage yet again. Both main relays that were replaced in 2019 were of Panasonic, yet, the PRA was melted to the point that the wire harness also needs replacing. This is 2 fire incidences in my 2017 Kia Niro in less than 3.5 years, on the same part.
NHTSA complaint #11536505 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Orlando, FLFire
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Car caught on fire while in motion on the highway due to safety recall issue
NHTSA complaint #11505672 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Orlando, FLFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Car caught on fire while in motion on the highway due to safety recall issue
NHTSA complaint #11505672 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Orlando, FLFire
ENGINE
Car caught on fire while in motion on the highway due to safety recall issue
NHTSA complaint #11505672 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wasilla, AK1 injured
SEATS
On Friday, December 9, 2022, the heating element in the driver side seat burned through the cushion, burned a hole in my coat, and burned my right leg. Yes, it is available for inspection upon request. Thursday, January 5, 2023, the service department at Kia confirmed the heated seat element had gotten too hot and burned through the seat. Service personnel said the part that needed to be replaced was not under warranty and quoted prices ranging from $600-$1,700 to have it repaired. Other than the service department at Lithia Kia of Anchorage, no other inspection has been done. There were no warning lights or messages prior to the failure. In fact the car had been in the shop the week prior and had a courtesy vehicle inspection.
NHTSA complaint #11501264 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Princeton, TX
POWER TRAIN
2017 Kia Niro Hybrid subject to Safety Recall SC276 (NHTSA Campaign 23V534) for the Hydraulic Clutch Actuator (HCA). Fluid contamination of the HCA PCB can cause an electrical short and engine compartment fire risk. Official remedy is HCA inspection/replacement as necessary plus a new fuse. Three dealer visits: Shortly after purchase for SC276 recall and routine service. Dealer performed HCA Inspect/Replace, reported no problem codes, and replaced the fuse. After sudden complete loss of propulsion on the freeway at 60-65 mph with a passenger. Engine RPM rose sharply as if in neutral. No accelerator response. Brake system warning lights illuminated. Had to pull over to the shoulder, shut off and restart before it would move. Took to dealer same day. They kept it several days, found no codes, could not duplicate, and released as "good to go." Vehicle later would not move and entered limp mode. Towed to dealer. That morning I replaced spark plugs myself with new NGK Laser Iridium Premium and informed the dealer. HCA fluid reservoir was empty. Dealer diagnosed internal leak in the HCA causing clutch contamination. Photos showed green fluid on undercarriage. Repair estimate exceeds $6900. Same Multi-Point Inspection that diagnosed the internal leak marked fluid leaks and fluids as Passed. Report still recommended spark plug replacement despite being told they were just replaced. Sudden loss of propulsion on public freeway with a passenger present, followed by complete loss of driveability due to internal leak of the same recalled HCA component, created a clear safety risk. Vehicle became undriveable and required towing. Prior "good to go" release left the vehicle on the road with an unresolved issue involving the recalled component.
NHTSA complaint #11754127 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Princeton, TX
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
2017 Kia Niro Hybrid subject to Safety Recall SC276 (NHTSA Campaign 23V534) for the Hydraulic Clutch Actuator (HCA). Fluid contamination of the HCA PCB can cause an electrical short and engine compartment fire risk. Official remedy is HCA inspection/replacement as necessary plus a new fuse. Three dealer visits: Shortly after purchase for SC276 recall and routine service. Dealer performed HCA Inspect/Replace, reported no problem codes, and replaced the fuse. After sudden complete loss of propulsion on the freeway at 60-65 mph with a passenger. Engine RPM rose sharply as if in neutral. No accelerator response. Brake system warning lights illuminated. Had to pull over to the shoulder, shut off and restart before it would move. Took to dealer same day. They kept it several days, found no codes, could not duplicate, and released as "good to go." Vehicle later would not move and entered limp mode. Towed to dealer. That morning I replaced spark plugs myself with new NGK Laser Iridium Premium and informed the dealer. HCA fluid reservoir was empty. Dealer diagnosed internal leak in the HCA causing clutch contamination. Photos showed green fluid on undercarriage. Repair estimate exceeds $6900. Same Multi-Point Inspection that diagnosed the internal leak marked fluid leaks and fluids as Passed. Report still recommended spark plug replacement despite being told they were just replaced. Sudden loss of propulsion on public freeway with a passenger present, followed by complete loss of driveability due to internal leak of the same recalled HCA component, created a clear safety risk. Vehicle became undriveable and required towing. Prior "good to go" release left the vehicle on the road with an unresolved issue involving the recalled component.
NHTSA complaint #11754127 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Princeton, TX
SERVICE BRAKES
2017 Kia Niro Hybrid subject to Safety Recall SC276 (NHTSA Campaign 23V534) for the Hydraulic Clutch Actuator (HCA). Fluid contamination of the HCA PCB can cause an electrical short and engine compartment fire risk. Official remedy is HCA inspection/replacement as necessary plus a new fuse. Three dealer visits: Shortly after purchase for SC276 recall and routine service. Dealer performed HCA Inspect/Replace, reported no problem codes, and replaced the fuse. After sudden complete loss of propulsion on the freeway at 60-65 mph with a passenger. Engine RPM rose sharply as if in neutral. No accelerator response. Brake system warning lights illuminated. Had to pull over to the shoulder, shut off and restart before it would move. Took to dealer same day. They kept it several days, found no codes, could not duplicate, and released as "good to go." Vehicle later would not move and entered limp mode. Towed to dealer. That morning I replaced spark plugs myself with new NGK Laser Iridium Premium and informed the dealer. HCA fluid reservoir was empty. Dealer diagnosed internal leak in the HCA causing clutch contamination. Photos showed green fluid on undercarriage. Repair estimate exceeds $6900. Same Multi-Point Inspection that diagnosed the internal leak marked fluid leaks and fluids as Passed. Report still recommended spark plug replacement despite being told they were just replaced. Sudden loss of propulsion on public freeway with a passenger present, followed by complete loss of driveability due to internal leak of the same recalled HCA component, created a clear safety risk. Vehicle became undriveable and required towing. Prior "good to go" release left the vehicle on the road with an unresolved issue involving the recalled component.
NHTSA complaint #11754127 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Statham, GA
POWER TRAIN
My 2017 Kia Niro exhibits a dangerous low-speed engine surging hazard matching Safety Recall SC276. An authorized Kia dealership technician inspected the vehicle under RO #6115244 and formally documented 'seeping fluid residue' inside the clutch actuator housing. However, the dealership and Kia Corporate are refusing to honor the recall remedy and have released the car at a $0.00 balance while explicitly stating in writing that the vehicle is 'not safe to drive.' I am requesting federal intervention for safety campaign non-compliance.
NHTSA complaint #11753205 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Statham, GA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
My 2017 Kia Niro exhibits a dangerous low-speed engine surging hazard matching Safety Recall SC276. An authorized Kia dealership technician inspected the vehicle under RO #6115244 and formally documented 'seeping fluid residue' inside the clutch actuator housing. However, the dealership and Kia Corporate are refusing to honor the recall remedy and have released the car at a $0.00 balance while explicitly stating in writing that the vehicle is 'not safe to drive.' I am requesting federal intervention for safety campaign non-compliance.
NHTSA complaint #11753205 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Statham, GA
ENGINE
My 2017 Kia Niro exhibits a dangerous low-speed engine surging hazard matching Safety Recall SC276. An authorized Kia dealership technician inspected the vehicle under RO #6115244 and formally documented 'seeping fluid residue' inside the clutch actuator housing. However, the dealership and Kia Corporate are refusing to honor the recall remedy and have released the car at a $0.00 balance while explicitly stating in writing that the vehicle is 'not safe to drive.' I am requesting federal intervention for safety campaign non-compliance.
NHTSA complaint #11753205 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fort Worth, TX
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I am submitting this complaint regarding a repeat failure of the Active Air Flap System on my 2017 Kia Niro, which I believe raises a broader safety and reliability concern. On XXX, my vehicle displayed a check engine light and “Check Active Air Flap System” warning. An authorized Kia dealer, Huffines Kia Corinth in Texas, diagnosed the issue and replaced the active air flap assembly (listed on the repair order as “FLAP ASSY–ACTIVE AIR”) at approximately 87,638 miles. At around 105,000 miles, the same warning and check engine light have returned, indicating that the Active Air Flap System is again malfunctioning despite the prior repair and part replacement. This suggests either repeated component failure or an underlying design or control issue that was not resolved. Owners of Kia Niro and related Hyundai/Kia models frequently report similar Active Air Flap System warnings and related diagnostic codes, and Kia has issued technical guidance addressing inspection, cleaning, and software behavior for this system. Although these issues may not yet be the subject of a formal recall, the pattern of repeated failures across multiple vehicles points to a systemic problem in a component tied to engine cooling and efficiency, which can reasonably affect safety, emissions, and vehicle reliability. I am asking NHTSA to review Kia’s handling of Active Air Flap System failures on the Niro and related models, including repeat failures after dealer repair, and to consider whether this issue warrants further investigation or recall/extended coverage action. Vehicle: 2017 Kia Niro Approximate mileage at initial repair: 87,638 Approximate mileage at repeat failure: 105,000 Location of repair: Huffines Kia Corinth[XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11751394 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lake Elsinore, CA
ENGINE
Kia Dealership (DCH Kia of Temecula) Repair order 237695 shows Recall SC276 was 'passed' via inspection on October 16, 2025. However, the Hydraulic Clutch Actuator has now suffered the exact fluid leak the recall warned about, destroying the slave cylinder. The dealership is refusing to honor the safety recall, leaving an active fire hazard unaddressed.
NHTSA complaint #11745143 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Austin, TX
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
On or around March 20, 2026, my 2017 Kia Niro Hybrid experienced a complete failure of the high-voltage hybrid battery system, rendering the vehicle undriveable. The vehicle was towed to Kia of South Austin. As of the date of this complaint (74 days later), no diagnosis has been provided, no parts have been ordered with trackable confirmation, and no repair timeline has been given. Kia Techline corporate engineers are reportedly involved but have provided no resolution. A sudden high-voltage battery failure in a hybrid vehicle raises potential safety concerns I believe warrant NHTSA's attention, particularly given the extended inability to diagnose or repair the system.
NHTSA complaint #11741447 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Austin, TX
ENGINE
On or around March 20, 2026, my 2017 Kia Niro Hybrid experienced a complete failure of the high-voltage hybrid battery system, rendering the vehicle undriveable. The vehicle was towed to Kia of South Austin. As of the date of this complaint (74 days later), no diagnosis has been provided, no parts have been ordered with trackable confirmation, and no repair timeline has been given. Kia Techline corporate engineers are reportedly involved but have provided no resolution. A sudden high-voltage battery failure in a hybrid vehicle raises potential safety concerns I believe warrant NHTSA's attention, particularly given the extended inability to diagnose or repair the system.
NHTSA complaint #11741447 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Delray Beach, FL
POWER TRAIN
The vehicle experienced a dangerous driving failure due to a hydraulic clutch actuator system issue and was towed to Kia Delray. The authorized dealership has officially diagnosed the issue as a "brake/clutch fluid leak" (attached diagnostic estimate), which is exactly the hazardous condition outlined under Safety Recall 23V534 (SC276). However, the dealer refuses to perform the free recall repair remedy, claiming that the recall campaign was technically marked as completed after a previous interim fuse replacement. They are demanding $5,642.21 out-of-pocket and threatening to charge $75/day storage fees starting Monday morning. I am seeking immediate federal regulatory intervention as this vehicle has a well-documented fire and safety hazard that the manufacturer refuses to cure.
NHTSA complaint #11741038 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Delray Beach, FL
SERVICE BRAKES
The vehicle experienced a dangerous driving failure due to a hydraulic clutch actuator system issue and was towed to Kia Delray. The authorized dealership has officially diagnosed the issue as a "brake/clutch fluid leak" (attached diagnostic estimate), which is exactly the hazardous condition outlined under Safety Recall 23V534 (SC276). However, the dealer refuses to perform the free recall repair remedy, claiming that the recall campaign was technically marked as completed after a previous interim fuse replacement. They are demanding $5,642.21 out-of-pocket and threatening to charge $75/day storage fees starting Monday morning. I am seeking immediate federal regulatory intervention as this vehicle has a well-documented fire and safety hazard that the manufacturer refuses to cure.
NHTSA complaint #11741038 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Knoxville, TN
POWER TRAIN
The Hydraulic Clutch Actuator (HCA) and the Under Hood Wiring Harness have failed due to internal fluid contamination and corrosion. Yes available for inspection. The vehicle experienced a sudden loss of motive power while driving. Per Safety Recall SC276, this component failure creates an electrical short and internal corrosion that poses a significant fire risk and potential for a sudden stall at high speeds, endangering the driver and other motorists. YES. Rusty Wallace Kia of alcoa confirmed the failure on 04/27/2026. They diagnosed the vehicle with DTCs P17EE and U1010. They provided a repair quote (RO XXX) for $9,431.48 to replace the corroded HCA and harness. YES. The vehicle was inspected by an authorized Kia dealer (Rusty Wallace Kia of alcoa ). They are refusing to perform the Recall SC276 mandated repair, claiming it was "already completed" with a fuse swap in Jan 2024, even though the safety defect has now manifested as a full component failure. Yes. The HEV warning light and Check Engine light appeared. Symptoms include "Check Hybrid System" messages and the vehicle failing to engage the engine clutch. These symptoms appeared recently at approximately 107,000 miles. Then when i checked the car it vanished, no error on dashboard ,so i took the car back and was driving error showed up at 109k miles again They asked to repair the vehicle and the repair is not in my budget and i told them that its the recall related issue and they are denying and saying recall was done and they dont open recall again and I found in the document they provided they just did the fuse replacement not HCA unit and The fuse swap did help with the hca corrosion and its not in drivable state and it becae a fire hazard. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11734200 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Knoxville, TN
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The Hydraulic Clutch Actuator (HCA) and the Under Hood Wiring Harness have failed due to internal fluid contamination and corrosion. Yes available for inspection. The vehicle experienced a sudden loss of motive power while driving. Per Safety Recall SC276, this component failure creates an electrical short and internal corrosion that poses a significant fire risk and potential for a sudden stall at high speeds, endangering the driver and other motorists. YES. Rusty Wallace Kia of alcoa confirmed the failure on 04/27/2026. They diagnosed the vehicle with DTCs P17EE and U1010. They provided a repair quote (RO XXX) for $9,431.48 to replace the corroded HCA and harness. YES. The vehicle was inspected by an authorized Kia dealer (Rusty Wallace Kia of alcoa ). They are refusing to perform the Recall SC276 mandated repair, claiming it was "already completed" with a fuse swap in Jan 2024, even though the safety defect has now manifested as a full component failure. Yes. The HEV warning light and Check Engine light appeared. Symptoms include "Check Hybrid System" messages and the vehicle failing to engage the engine clutch. These symptoms appeared recently at approximately 107,000 miles. Then when i checked the car it vanished, no error on dashboard ,so i took the car back and was driving error showed up at 109k miles again They asked to repair the vehicle and the repair is not in my budget and i told them that its the recall related issue and they are denying and saying recall was done and they dont open recall again and I found in the document they provided they just did the fuse replacement not HCA unit and The fuse swap did help with the hca corrosion and its not in drivable state and it becae a fire hazard. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11734200 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Knoxville, TN
ENGINE
The Hydraulic Clutch Actuator (HCA) and the Under Hood Wiring Harness have failed due to internal fluid contamination and corrosion. Yes available for inspection. The vehicle experienced a sudden loss of motive power while driving. Per Safety Recall SC276, this component failure creates an electrical short and internal corrosion that poses a significant fire risk and potential for a sudden stall at high speeds, endangering the driver and other motorists. YES. Rusty Wallace Kia of alcoa confirmed the failure on 04/27/2026. They diagnosed the vehicle with DTCs P17EE and U1010. They provided a repair quote (RO XXX) for $9,431.48 to replace the corroded HCA and harness. YES. The vehicle was inspected by an authorized Kia dealer (Rusty Wallace Kia of alcoa ). They are refusing to perform the Recall SC276 mandated repair, claiming it was "already completed" with a fuse swap in Jan 2024, even though the safety defect has now manifested as a full component failure. Yes. The HEV warning light and Check Engine light appeared. Symptoms include "Check Hybrid System" messages and the vehicle failing to engage the engine clutch. These symptoms appeared recently at approximately 107,000 miles. Then when i checked the car it vanished, no error on dashboard ,so i took the car back and was driving error showed up at 109k miles again They asked to repair the vehicle and the repair is not in my budget and i told them that its the recall related issue and they are denying and saying recall was done and they dont open recall again and I found in the document they provided they just did the fuse replacement not HCA unit and The fuse swap did help with the hca corrosion and its not in drivable state and it becae a fire hazard. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11734200 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 50,500 milesTalladega, AL
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Niro. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH, there was smoke coming from the rear of the vehicle. The message, "Turn Off the Vehicle and Stop" was displayed, and the transmission failure warning light was illuminated. The contact pulled over and turned off the vehicle. Once the vehicle was turned off, the smoke dissipated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed that there were holes in the engine, power steering, and there was an engine oil leak. The engine, transmission, and battery were replaced. However, 2 months later, the contact attempted to start the vehicle; however, the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was scheduled to be towed to another dealer, Buster Miles Kia (1401 S Quintard Ave, Anniston, AL 36201). The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure, and it was determined that the repair was not covered under warranty or recall. The failure mileage was approximately 50,500.
NHTSA complaint #11731378 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 50,500 milesTalladega, AL
STEERING
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Niro. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH, there was smoke coming from the rear of the vehicle. The message, "Turn Off the Vehicle and Stop" was displayed, and the transmission failure warning light was illuminated. The contact pulled over and turned off the vehicle. Once the vehicle was turned off, the smoke dissipated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed that there were holes in the engine, power steering, and there was an engine oil leak. The engine, transmission, and battery were replaced. However, 2 months later, the contact attempted to start the vehicle; however, the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was scheduled to be towed to another dealer, Buster Miles Kia (1401 S Quintard Ave, Anniston, AL 36201). The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure, and it was determined that the repair was not covered under warranty or recall. The failure mileage was approximately 50,500.
NHTSA complaint #11731378 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 50,500 milesTalladega, AL
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Niro. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH, there was smoke coming from the rear of the vehicle. The message, "Turn Off the Vehicle and Stop" was displayed, and the transmission failure warning light was illuminated. The contact pulled over and turned off the vehicle. Once the vehicle was turned off, the smoke dissipated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed that there were holes in the engine, power steering, and there was an engine oil leak. The engine, transmission, and battery were replaced. However, 2 months later, the contact attempted to start the vehicle; however, the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was scheduled to be towed to another dealer, Buster Miles Kia (1401 S Quintard Ave, Anniston, AL 36201). The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure, and it was determined that the repair was not covered under warranty or recall. The failure mileage was approximately 50,500.
NHTSA complaint #11731378 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bandon, OR
STRUCTURE:BODY
I am making a complaint in reference to my 2017 Kia Niro. On or about June 2025 I attempted to open my back driver side door and the handle broke off the car in my hand. We had this replaced at our cost. Since this repair, the back passenger door handle has done the same thing. I have notified KIA headquarters of this and they say they cannot help with this. I am concerned of the safety concerns with the inability to access the back seat quickly in case of emergency because this is where my grandchildren ride. I saw there was a bulletin that when one handle breaks, all door handles with the exception of the drivers door, must be replaced at the same time. I notified the Kia dealership of this and they denied it and told me they had no indication this was required and advised me to take it to my nearest Kia dealership. (3 hour drive).
NHTSA complaint #11731185 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 101,000 milesAbington, TX
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Niro. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH on the highway, the vehicle jolted and shook abnormally. The electrical system warning light illuminated, and the vehicle lost partial power. The engine and hybrid warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was coasted off the roadway to a gas station. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with a blown high-voltage fuse. The vehicle was repaired with a higher voltage fuse. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case. The approximate failure mileage was 101,000. The VIN was not available.
NHTSA complaint #11729706 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 101,000 milesAbington, TX
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Niro. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH on the highway, the vehicle jolted and shook abnormally. The electrical system warning light illuminated, and the vehicle lost partial power. The engine and hybrid warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was coasted off the roadway to a gas station. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with a blown high-voltage fuse. The vehicle was repaired with a higher voltage fuse. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case. The approximate failure mileage was 101,000. The VIN was not available.
NHTSA complaint #11729706 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Huntington, VT
ENGINE
-Car was leaking or burning coolant causing engine to overheat. -Car was diagnosed with: Exhaust heat exchanger is leaking coolant and needs to be replaced. After costly repair, car continued to leak coolant and overheated. -Car was taken back to the dealership and diagnosed with: Engine Assembly - Long Block - Replace | Engine long block needs replacement due to coolant in the oil. This was at a certified Kia Dealership. No insurance reps or police were involved. An engine light has come on a couple of times over the years that was interpreted to mean replacing the gas cap. After replacing the gas cap, the engine light didn't come back on. My safety was impacted as a person living in a cold, rural state to have a sudden mechanical failure where I couldn't run the heat and had to stop the car immediately.
NHTSA complaint #11725337 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
New Haven, CT
HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Niro. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the message "Check Hybrid System" was displayed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the hydraulic clutch actuator and power assembly had failed. The dealer related the failure to Kia Safety Recall Campaign Number: SC163 (Hydraulic Clutch Actuator (HCA) Inspection, Repair or Replacement). The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where the part was replaced a second time; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that while attempting to drive out of a parking space, the vehicle stalled and became undrivable. The vehicle was towed to Executive Kia (1164 N Colony Rd, Wallingford, CT 06492), where it was diagnosed and determined that the HCA needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the HCA failure had caused a hole in the bottom of the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the recall repair failed to correct the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and the case was escalated to a case manager, who informed the contact that the case would fall under Goodwill assistance. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA complaint #11724729 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Athens, GA
STRUCTURE:BODY
The push-button locks (the plastic button that covers the electronic components) on the exterior of the driver's door and passenger's door fell off. The problem was confirmed by the Kia dealership, and attempting to push the buttons back on did not work (the buttons promptly fell back off). There was no warning that the buttons were loose before they fell off. The dealership stated that the only solution would be to replace the entire door handle.
NHTSA complaint #11722498 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wichita, KS
POWER TRAIN
I previously had major issues and recall 23V534000 fixed on my 2017 Kia Niro. I had issues again and took it to the local Kia dealership in Wichita, KS. They found a leak in a seal causing fluid to leak on to the clutch actuator. The service tech indicated it is related to the recall. I have spoken with Kia customer service escalations on multiple occasions. Originally they stated it was related to the recall. When I spoke when them today, on the phone they said all the parts that are affected are what were changed out previously. When they called back, they changed the story and said it is not related and they would not pay for it to be fixed, even though they previously said it was the exact thing related to the recall. When I emailed and asked for it in writing as to why it was denied, she changed the reasoning. It was nothing the same that she had told me on the phone. This is a safety issue that should be fixed by the manufacturer and they are refusing to fix it and telling me I have to pay over $5000 to fix it. Completely unacceptable.
NHTSA complaint #11722316 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.