Avoid: 2023 (lowest Year Scores on complaints per year on the road, crash reports and recalls)
Best: 2021
7 model years of NHTSA owner complaints and recalls · How we grade
Across 9 model years, the Kia Niro has 527 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 19 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are electrical system and power train. 2017 drew the most complaints (101), 2021 the fewest of the years on the road 3+ years (13).
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for Kia Niro vehicles (US, public record).
Complaint volume by model year. Raw NHTSA totals, not adjusted for sales volume or time on the road, so older and higher-selling years accumulate more. Every year links to its full breakdown.
Highest: 2017 (101 complaints). Lowest: 2021 (13).
Mixed to positive sentiment, heavily dependent on powertrain and model year.
Shuddering during acceleration, hesitant shifts, pronounced upshifts, reliability concerns.
A known issue requiring bearing replacement or entire unit repair.
Complete engine failure around 85,000 miles, with potential warranty claim delays.
Reports of extended delays, poor communication, and difficulty with claims.
Returns after filter replacement and deodorization treatment.
Owner insights cover all generations of the Niro. Individual model years are broken down above.
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