2021 Kia Niro: common problems and reliability
One of the best Niro years.
The best Kia Niro year. All Niro years
13 owner complaints, most about power train. 1 recall.
Should I buy a 2021 Niro?The 2021 Kia Niro has 13 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 1 recall on record. The most-reported areas are power train and engine.
Safety record for the 2021 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2021 Kia Niro vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other Niro years only. How we score it
Is 2021 a good year for the Niro?
Across the 10 Niro model years we track, complaint volume runs from 13 (2021) to 101 (2017). With 13 complaints, the 2021 Niro sits below the model's median of 65.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2021 Niro
power train:automatic transmission:internal:clutches/bands:actuators/solenoids
Campaign 23V534000Kia 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.
What owners say across generations
Mixed to positive sentiment, heavily dependent on powertrain and model year.
Owner insights cover all generations of the Niro. See the full Niro owner picture and every model year.
Other Niro model years
Compare every Niro year side by side to see how 2021 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Niro against its rivals
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