2019 Kia Niro Phev

This complaint references the open recall with the Kia reference SC276 and the NHTSA reference of 23V534. Kia has not been able to provide me with repair despite a notice from them stating a remedy is available, and appears Kia may be sending out faulty notices. I first received notice in July/August, 2023 that this recall was in process but remedy was not available. This week, I recieved a letter dated December 29, 2023 that explicitly states remedy is available (attachments will be added). However, the NHTSA website, the Kia recall website, and my local Kia dealer all as of today (01/04/24) say that remedy still is not available. I have attempted to call Kia customer care at the number on the letter, but every attempt has resulted in their system hanging up on me before I could reach anyone.

Obnoxious eye and lung burning fumes in the car when turning the heater on. It was so from the day I bought it. Many owners have reported it also on Kia nitro forum . I drive in the cold without the heater or leave the window open to let the fumes out. It’s a health hazard and seems to relate to their heater core or it’s insulation material. Dealer and Kia claim nothing is wrong. It’s a health and safety hazard in need of immediate solution and recall. Also car’s steering column make a wheezing or rubbing noise when turning the wheel. Dealer says it’s normal. It’s not a safety hazard yet. But I have never driven or heard any other car with persistent rubbing noise it it’s inside the car’s steering column. Whatever is rubbing will eventually wear out posing failure and safety risk. A voluntary recall may be in order.

Received automated message that my engine may be compromised and to schedule maintenance, I took my car to the dealership service that same day. I was advised that the fuel injectors needed replaced, the car still was not working the was advised a cylinder needed to be replaced that did not correct the issues and was advised the engine needed to be replaced on my 2019 Kia Niro PHEV that has 17,801 miles. Dealership has my vehicle now for over 5 weeks With no estimated completion date.

For no apparent reason (other than a stress crack or other manufacturer or design defect), a long crack appeared in my windshield (start from the bottom left and going up and over about 20 inches). It is an interior window crack that cannot be felt from the inside or outside. Vehicle was simply parked at the time. Not caused by accident, rock or other impact. Dealer so far refused to replace the windshield under warranty although it is clear within the Basic Warranty Coverage and not excluded from coverage. Based on Google search, it appears that Kia has a long history of knowing about windshield cracks on different models, not just the Telluride which is part of class action lawsuit. Kia needs to be replacing cracked windshields like this per its Basic Warranty terms. It is a significant safety hazard.

1. STEERING WHEEL COUPLER MAKES A GRINDING NOISE WHEN TURNING AND GETTING LOUDER EVERY DAY. DEALER CLAIMS THERE IS NOTHING WRONG. 2. TOXIC NAUSEATING AMMONIA TYPE FUME IS EMITTED FROM THE HEATER CORE WHEN THE HEATER IS TURNED ON. I HAVE TO OPEN WINDOWS TO BE ABLE TO DRIVE. DEEKER CLAIMS NOTHING IS WRONG. BOTH PROBLEMS REPORTED BY OTHER NIRO OWNER AT KIA NIRO FORUMS.