2017 Kia Niro

Intermittent failure of multifunction switch in steering column that controls lights, leading to loss of left-hand turn signal. Dealer checked bulb, socket, and wiring harness and could not reproduce the issue. This is a safety issue as it occurs without warning, lasts for days, and could cause an accident through inability to signal lane change or turn at intersection.

My 2017 Kia Niro (hybrid) discharges white smoke and overheats while being driven. I brought it to a reputable mechanic immediately. After a thorough inspection, it was discovered that coolant is leaking into the engine because the 'heat exchange recovery unit' is not functioning correctly. There are two similar complaints about the same model vehicle already posted on your site (NHTSA #11442817 & #11457565). A Kia dealership told my mechanic that the part (#28601G5320) is on back order everywhere w/ no availability in sight.

UNKNOWN. Second instance of car not working while driving; this time is was on a highway. Both times "Check Hybrid System" warning comes on. Previously the dealer had to replace entire battery (covered under warranty at the time). This apparently common and may have to do with some fuse. I believe the vehicle shows the battery as completely empty now. I also think my particular Kia Niro should be included in campaign 18V257000. My car is the correct year make and model and I believe something is leaking which could have also caused my battery to fail while driving.

On January 30, 2022 I was driving my 2017 Kia Niro (133,500 miles) when my car broke down. I was driving along at 45 MPH when I had three or so warning lights flash on my dash. I don't clearly remember what they said, but it was something about the hybrid system and then the check engine light came on along with the warning label for the hybrid system again and the car died. I managed to get off the highway and come to a safe stop into a parking lot of a hotel. I tried turning my car off and back on but nothing happened except for the dash panel lights going on saying check hybrid. The last time I did it I waited a couple of minutes before attempting to turn it back on and again, no change. At this point I ended up having to call AAA and had my car towed to my dealership. (40 miles away) Besides being scary to have this happen, I learned that this problem is common in Kia Niro’s. The part I am talking about is the “high voltage fuse”. Evidently manufacturer installs a 125amp fuse and the fuse needed is 175amps. I feel this is a huge problem and will eventually if not already end up causing a serious accident. I look forward to a response and hopefully a solution to get this $434.72 service charge recovered plus tow fees.

On 12/03/2021 I noticed white steam coming from the exhaust of my vehicle. Very shortly after noticing this issue I lost all heat and the engine temperature began to rise. I immediately checked the engine coolant level and noticed the reservoir was empty. On 12/04/2021 an authorized dealer diagnosed the issue as a cracked catalytic converter/heat recovery unit. This assembly allows exhaust gases to heat up engine coolant to improve gas efficiency. When the system fails it allows engine coolant to burn off an causes the vehicle to unexpectedly over heat, hence putting the occupants at great risk. Simple internet research has shown that this is a common problem with this vehicle yet the dealer is refusing to pay for the replacement of this defective part.

The contact had a loaner 2017 Kia Niro. The contact stated while driving and stopping at a red light when the light turned green the contact depressed on the accelerator pedal and was going about 5 MPH when suddenly the power steering failed. The contact manually steered the vehicle and caused the driver to rear-end and crash the vehicle in front of her that also caused that vehicle to rear-end the vehicle in front of them which caused a 3 car accident. There were no warning lights illuminated from the vehicle, The air bag did not deploy. No one was injured. There was no medical treatment needed at the scene. A police report was filed. The contact was able to drive the vehicle back to the local dealer where they loaned the vehicle to have it returned. The contact was informed a week after the accident there was a recall for that year and model of vehicle for power steering and the contact reached out to a local dealer to inquire if that particular vehicle was part of the recall but did not get any response. The vehicle was repaired. However, the contact was told the vehicle was sold shortly after the repair to an individual without knowing if the vehicle had a recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 20,000.

The contact owns a 2017 Kia Niro. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel intermittently made an abnormal clicking sound upon turning the steering wheel in either direction without warning. Over time, the contact stated while driving at various speeds, excessive force was needed to steer the vehicle with the power steering warning light illuminated. The contact stated that upon restarting the vehicle, the power steering functionality returned. Upon investigation, the contact linked the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V159000 (Steering) however, the Vin was not included. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 10,000.