89 of the
522 complaints filed about the KIA Niro
are about the electrical system —
100% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2017.
The vehicle's hydraulic clutch actuator (HCA) has failed and is actively leaking fluid onto the printed circuit board (PCB), creating an immediate electrical short and engine bay fire hazard. This failure is identical to the defect detailed in Safety Recall SC276 (NHTSA Campaign 23V534). As indicated by a search of my VIN, the vehicle was brought in by us previously when we learned there was a recall, and the recall was officially marked "completed" in the NHTSA database. However, the dealership at the time claimed the vehicle was not affected by the recall, stating there was nothing wrong. They simply performed the minor step of changing a fuse to mark it as completed but did not provide an actual remedy or replacement for the actuator assembly itself. The original manufacturing defect has now actively manifested, causing a severe, active fire risk. The vehicle is currently grounded at an authorized Kia dealership. The dealership and Kia Corporate have acknowledged the dangerous defect by offering a partial goodwill gesture to cover the replacement parts. However, they are refusing to cover the $750+ labor charge required to safely replace the fire-prone assembly. Furthermore, the dealership has held my vehicle for over a month, taking a full month just to communicate this partial remedy. I am filing this complaint because a previously executed safety recall has catastrophically failed, and the manufacturer is refusing to completely remediate an active, federally documented fire hazard free of charge.
NHTSA complaint #11764064 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I park the car, lock it and then later on can’t open it. I use the emergency key to enter it but then can’t start it even with a new battery in the key fob. It happened twice. It is an issue that needs to be fixed as soon as possible because in case of emergency you’re stuck outside your car and can’t use it to escape a danger or respond to an emergency. You’re a sitting duck in the open, going nowhere.
NHTSA complaint #11762514 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
2019 Kia Niro. While driving normally on the street, the driver attempted to brake & the brakes would not respond. This is a very scary situation and Kia needs to handle immediately!! The message "Stop the Vehicle and Check Regenerative Brakes" was displayed. Thankfully the driver was able to come to a stop without crashing but if this was during heavy traffic time it definitely would've resulted in a crash. Could be even that much worse on the freeway, especially in Los Angeles. The vehicle was towed to the drivers home. After checking again, the vehicle was in limp mode & would not go over 15mph. The driver was able to get it to a Kia shop to be checked & they quoted a $9,000 repair!! This is horrible that Kia is allowing this issue to go on!!!
NHTSA complaint #11762422 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My 2023 Kia Niro Hybrid has a recurring intermittent electrical defect. Warnings appear together: Check Hybrid System, Check Engine, Forward Collision, Rear Cross-Traffic, Lane Keeping, Driver Attention, ESC, Brake, Auto Hold. They appear and persist while driving, during which stability control, automatic emergency braking, lane keeping, and related safety assists are disabled. Once, the vehicle would not start and was temporarily disabled, recovering after several minutes. This creates risk from loss of all electronic safety assists in traffic and from the vehicle failing to start when needed. Stored codes show lost CAN communication among multiple modules: U0101, C1611, C1693, U0111, U0164, U0293, U042B, U1341. Confirmed by two Kia dealerships over five warranty visits. V1–2 (Coughlin Kia, Dublin OH): software updates; warnings returned. V3 (Ricart Kia, Columbus OH): inspected, released OK; warnings returned. V4 (Ricart): Kia Techline case [XXX] opened; CAN signal confirmed out of spec at a passenger kick panel connector; dash harness replaced per Techline under warranty (~$2,800). V5 (current): same warnings returned within days, confirmed by the dealership; vehicle is in the dealer's possession for continued diagnosis and available for inspection. Warnings first appeared June 2026 at ~58,500 miles, recurring since. Current mileage ~59,700. No crash or injury. Kia Consumer Affairs case open. Note: attached RO [XXX] says no issues found after repair — outdated; warnings returned within days, vehicle back at dealer. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11762384 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My kia niro 2018 backup camera takes a few seconds to start up when the vehicle is put in reverse. the time it takes differs from a second to sometimes 5 seconds. I know of accident caused in a McDonalds drive through where someone was backing up but the cam didn't turn on right away and they got in a small accident.
NHTSA complaint #11761999 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
When stopping for a traffic sign or light, the car announces that it is shifting into park and does so. The car then will not shift into drive or reverse and is essentially disabled. Turning off the car completely and turning it back on will not return it to "Ready to Drive" mode. Jump starting the car, provided it is jump started twice, will clear the problem and move the car to "Ready to Drive" mode. The car has been towed to dealers on three occasions with the technicians reporting they cannot reproduce the problem and no codes are being logged. On the third occasion, the dealer replaced the 12-volt battery. The failure occurred on the dealer's lot when I arrived to retrieve my car, but the technician reported that the problem went away and no codes were logged, so I should leave with my car. Subsequent to the battery replacement and including the failure on the dealer's lot, the problem has occurred 6 times in 7 days. Prior to the 12v battery replacement, the problem occurred once every 4 to six weeks. The problem has occurred a total of 9 times between April 25th and August 31st, 2026. This is an extremely dangerous problem as failures occur in traffic and require police assistance to safely tow or jump start the car. Should this failure occur during a left turn or on a highway, the outcome could be catastrophic. The car is available for inspection upon request. There are no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure other than the announcement that the parking brake is being automatically engaged. I have opened a case with KIA Customer Care.
NHTSA complaint #11761922 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
After sitting 2 weeks at airport parking. 12 volt Battery dead . Unsafe to repeatedly have to take out emergency key and pull handle cover off and get in car hit 12v button to start. The dealer we took it to refuses to replace the 12 volt integrated battery. It has happened multiple times. They checked battery and said it was okay. Repeated having to push 12 volt button unacceptable and unsafe.
NHTSA complaint #11761723 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My 2017 Kia Niro has developed a serious hybrid system failure that causes the vehicle to shut off unexpectedly while driving. For about a month, the car would only start using the “12V Battery Reset” button. Now it starts, but after driving a short distance, the vehicle loses power and shuts off without warning. The only way to restart it is by pressing the reset button again. The AC and accessories continue to run, and the high‑voltage battery appears to charge normally, but the car cannot maintain 12V power under load. This is consistent with a DC‑DC converter or 12V subsystem failure, which is a known issue in early Kia Niro hybrids. This sudden shutdown creates a dangerous situation, especially in traffic. I am reporting this as a safety defect due to the unexpected loss of motive power. There is no recall for this issue, but many owners have reported similar failures.
NHTSA complaint #11760037 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
2022 Kia Niro EX Premium Hybrid was sold as Kia Certified Pre-Owned on August 12 2026 with an active check engine light present at time of purchase. Dealer Calavan Kia West in Lithia Springs GA represented the vehicle as passing a 165-point CPO inspection. Dealer attributed the light to a gas cap issue and cleared the code to complete the sale. Six days later approximately August 18 2026 the check engine light returned. Dealer attempted one repair which failed. As of August 25 2026 the defect remains active and undiagnosed. On a hybrid vehicle an undiagnosed engine or propulsion system fault represents a potential safety concern. The CPO certification process failed to identify this defect prior to sale.”
NHTSA complaint #11759306 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
AC not working, recall SA512 is needed, Kia wont cover the cost of replacing electrical components. Thermal Runaway / Fire Risk: The broken compressor prevents the battery thermal management system from cooling the main high-voltage lithium-ion battery package, creating an overheating hazard during driving or DC fast-charging. Sudden Loss of Power (Motive Power): Battery overheating can trigger a sudden "safe mode" or turtle mode, dropping your speed to zero unexpectedly on the highway.Impaired Driver Visibility: The lack of functional cabin heating prevents windshield defrosting, severely impairing the driver's ability to see the road safely.
NHTSA complaint #11755319 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
Falsification and/or alteration of repair logs, service dates, and/or mileage records across dealership diagnostic networks and third parties. Evasion of warranty and/or other maintenance requirements. Poor dealership and corporate treatment/harassment of military veterans. Suspected unauthorized non-factory wiring harness splices and/or other devices tapped directly into primary Controller Area Network (CAN-Bus) control modules on current model-year (2026) passenger vehicles; resulting in inconvenient and unsafe intermittent faults including potential thermal runaway/fire hazard, other potential safety hazards, severe mental distress, and time/financial losses. Real time telematics updates when parked ultimately resulted in total loss of vehicle, likely due to logic induced parasitic 12v battery drain from previously mentioned unauthorized aftermarket devices. Second ("new") vehicle from the same lot shows similar symptoms and contradicting Carfax reports. Parked pending investigations.
NHTSA complaint #11753634 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
My 2023 Kia Niro Hybrid EX has experienced multiple warning messages and unresolved concerns after previous repairs. After the first recall repair, I began receiving intermittent warning messages while driving. The messages appeared briefly and disappeared before I could safely document them. After a second repair, the transmission was replaced. Shortly afterward, the vehicle displayed an overheating warning. I returned to the dealership, but they stated they could not find a problem. While traveling out of state, on July 6, 2026, the vehicle displayed warnings indicating that the 12V battery needed to be charged. On July 8, 2026, the vehicle would turn on, but the engine would not start or operate. Multiple attempts to jump-start the vehicle failed, including using a portable jump pack, another vehicle, and assistance from a tow truck driver. The vehicle displayed warnings stating that the 12V battery needed charging, the battery was draining, and that the hybrid system needed to be checked. Because the vehicle could not be operated and I was stranded away from home, I am concerned about the reliability and safety of the vehicle. The vehicle has undergone multiple repairs, including a transmission replacement, but I continue to experience warning messages and a loss of confidence in the vehicle's ability to operate reliably. I am requesting that this issue be reviewed for possible safety concerns.
NHTSA complaint #11752872 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Finally got car back from previous repairs and it was making a loud groaning noise all the time. Took it back to dealership and they said they had to repair the rack and pinion system and the gears were shredded. Employee says they now have another niro with the same problem as my original symptoms when transmission was replaced twice. Car has consistently had problems with the RPMs being incredibly high at low speeds but the dealership can’t seem to replicate the problem. Car randomly switched over to manual mode after a long drive. Video of problems given to employee and just said he’s going to give them to his field technician. Car has now been at the dealer for over 4 months and was finally returned because they can’t reproduce the problem.
NHTSA complaint #11752437 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Transmission was replaced but then completely shut down as I was making a right turn. Multiple indicators on dash went off and safety errors kept scrolling across dash. Vehicle then wouldn’t shift at all. TCM was replaced but vehicle has high RPMs at low speeds. Has been at the dealership now for over 90 days.
NHTSA complaint #11744906 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
Problem 1, Check Engine Light: I purchased the used car on Jan 9 2025, around 23,400 miles from Kia Dealership, capitol Expy in San Jose. Today 05/27/2026, the odometer reads 26, 407 miles. My car is used only twice a week - 20 miles on Fridays, 12 miles on Wednesdays. My car has less than minimum wear and tear and is barely used. I completed my 25K service after Thanksgiving in Nov 2025. I have not even driven 1500 miles and the car is back in for service. Prior to this, within a month of purchasing my car Kia replaced the battery in my car. Around Mar 15, 2026, the Check Engine Light displayed. I called the Kia Dealership on Capitol Expy in San Jose 3-4 times, but they Kia dealership don't call back. On 05/15/2026, for the first time I drove about 50 miles return trip. While driving North on I-280 from [XXX] to [XXX] , over rolling hills that had some incline, the Check Engine Light came on.I scheduled service. I experienced that the vehicle struggle to climb the incline of rolling hills, after the battery charge was exhausted and the engine was running only on gas. The gas was 3/4 full. This is a safety hazard for me to be interrupted by Check Engine Light twice while driving and that too when my car has not even completed 30K miles. My car is sin Service on 05/26/2026 and in the shop for 3 days diagnosis. The Kia Dealership has yet to determine the problem. I have had to rent my own rental car even though I purchased Extended Warranty on the car. Problem 2, Blind Spot Warning Light on right side mirror: On 05/13/2026 and on 05/22/2026, the Blind Spot warning light on right side mirror does not display oncoming traffic when my car is parallel to the lane markings. On 05/13/2026, I was driving at 30mph and on 05/22/2026 I was stationary in the center divider. In both instances, the passing driver had to honk at me really loud -- to avert an accident. Both problems are severe safety hazards. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11740374 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The vehicle just shut down as I exited. The power and gas pressure decreased. Pulled over to see if my hybrid battery was defective or drained. It wasn’t. A notification popped up and said “Hybrid Control System or Low Voltage DC/DC Converter, Contact dealer for service. Finally got it towed to Kia of Valencia the next day and they said it was “Hydraulic Clutch Actuator” and they want charge me $2200 to fix it. But looking up the part, it says there’s a recall for that exact problem.
NHTSA complaint #11739377 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
On April 21, 2026, Go Kia Renton performed an oil change on my 2018 Kia Niro Touring (VIN). The car was in perfect condition just two weeks earlier — North Seattle Transmission did a full service on April 6, 2026 at 283,649 miles with no issues noted. Later that night while driving, the red oil light flashed. I pulled over immediately and called AAA. AAA towed the vehicle from Belltown [XXX] ) at 12:11 AM on April 23 to my house then at 9:14 AM towed it straight to Go Kia Renton. The AAA driver found oil leaking all over his tow truck. The car now has a dead battery and is showing Hybrid Control System / Low Voltage DC/DC Converter and Engine Control System codes. This appears to be a sudden engine seizure caused by oil loss shortly after dealer service. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11735577 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.