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2018 Kia Niro

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2018 Kia Niro do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 34.5.

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How this year compares

Owner complaints by model year

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Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.

What owners reported most

All reported categories

Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

20 reports with mileage · 40 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Power Train. Review the 19 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 18 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine. Review the 17 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

5 crash reports0 fire reports3 injury reports

Electrical System complaints

18 reports
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Mileage unknown · Jan 26, 2024
Electrical SystemEngineFuel/propulsion System

Fire warning recall notice issued in July 2023. Follow up with both Kia and with Kia dealership that I purchased the vehicle from still says that there is no fix to this problem. THE PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD (PCB) IN THE HYDRAULIC CLUTCH ACTUATOR (HCA) MAY BECOME CONTAMINATED WITH FLUID. A FLUID-CONTAMINATED PCB MAY LEAD TO AN EL…

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Fire warning recall notice issued in July 2023. Follow up with both Kia and with Kia dealership that I purchased the vehicle from still says that there is no fix to this problem. THE PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD (PCB) IN THE HYDRAULIC CLUTCH ACTUATOR (HCA) MAY BECOME CONTAMINATED WITH FLUID. A FLUID-CONTAMINATED PCB MAY LEAD TO AN ELECTRICAL SHORT CIRCUIT, THEREBY INCREASING THE RISK OF AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE WHILE DRIVING. With the potential of a fire risk while driving, why is the manufacturer not required to remedy this situation in a more timely manner. It has been over 6 months since the recall was issued yet the manufacturer is allowed to continue producing vehicles but not required to repair those vehicles that may be affected and cause significant risks to the driver at potentially other property. NHTSA should mandate inspection and repairs of recalled vehicles which should take a priority to the manufacturing process. Vehicles with recalls should not be allowed to go without repair especially when accidents are imminent and life-threatening injuries may occur. Additionally, trying to get an appointment with a local Kia dealer where I purchased the car has a wait of well over a month for them to even inspect the car. Between Kia not taking care of their vehicles and their dealers not being able to service vehicles, NHTSA really needs to evaluate this and create remedies for the safety of the vehicle and the driver. Waiting over 6 months for a recall is frustrating, dangerous, and unacceptable. Manufacturers need to take responsibility for recall notices and repairs in a much more timely manner. Safety over profit should be a priority. On a personal note. I purchased my Kia Niro hybrid new in 2018. It is one of the best cars that I have purchased in my '76 years. I have had virtually no problems with the vehicle and was a big proponent of Kia, but their lackadaisical attitude on recall repairs as really put a damper on my respect for their management and

NHTSA ODI #11567929

50 miles · Nov 30, 2023
Electrical System

The contact's wife owns a 2018 Kia Niro. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at approximately 50 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where an unknown part was replaced. The contact stated that on another occasion while his wife was driving 35 MPH, the vehicle …

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The contact's wife owns a 2018 Kia Niro. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at approximately 50 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where an unknown part was replaced. The contact stated that on another occasion while his wife was driving 35 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to the same dealer where it was diagnosed that the junction box needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50.

NHTSA ODI #11557642

Mileage unknown · Nov 14, 2023
Electrical System

This recall specifically says my car it's a fire risk because of this recall. I have the HEV warning light on in my car on just as described in the recall notice but no Kia dealer wants to repair my car until the recall notice has a remedy from corporate. It's been over 2 months and still no actual recall remedy found. My car i…

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This recall specifically says my car it's a fire risk because of this recall. I have the HEV warning light on in my car on just as described in the recall notice but no Kia dealer wants to repair my car until the recall notice has a remedy from corporate. It's been over 2 months and still no actual recall remedy found. My car is still a fire risk with the HEV warning light on and the same kia dealerships don't want to fix my car due to no remedy. This is insane! Why did I buy this car? I spent 19k dollars in this car and right now is completely unusable. I would like my money back but it's too late for that. I'm going to contact a lawyer now since the company has identified a recall problem but it's not fixing it. I'm hoping the NHTSA can help me somehow. I'm giving my lawyer a copy of this complaint as well.

NHTSA ODI #11554982

Mileage unknown · Nov 7, 2023
Electrical SystemEngineUnknown Or Other

Nothing has happened yet, but I am very concerned about my car catching on fire due to the recall notice I received. I want it fixed ASAP!

NHTSA ODI #11553924

Mileage unknown · Oct 13, 2023
Electrical SystemEngineUnknown Or Other

On March 28, 2023 the vehicle HEV warning light came on. I called the dealership where I was informed they did not have any mechanics available to look at it until August. No one to work on Hybrid. I then took it to a mechanic shop, And I was informed to take it to the dealer. I could not drive the vehicle. I called KIA, Templ…

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On March 28, 2023 the vehicle HEV warning light came on. I called the dealership where I was informed they did not have any mechanics available to look at it until August. No one to work on Hybrid. I then took it to a mechanic shop, And I was informed to take it to the dealer. I could not drive the vehicle. I called KIA, Temple Hills back, I was told if you tow the vehicle here it will just sit. April 8, 2023 had it towed to another shop, the mechanic stated he thought it was the battery, which I was informed hybrid has 3 batteries, to check with the dealer to see if they had them, or could order one. Called the dealership Temple Hills, stathat they had never heard of a battery for that car. I was told to call back next week, after he spoke with the parts dept. manager. I called back a week later, and was told they knew nothing about a Kia Niro, could not help. The mechanic looked for a battery at other shops, ebay. The one I Paid 600.00dollars for did not work. After being there for 1 month. I called Kia dealership Bowie Md. On June 6, 2023 spoke with Jacob, the advisor. The vehicle was towed there, Jacob refused to give me any updates on the vehicle after 1 month being there, just sitting. I would call him trying to get updates, he informed me that they only had one mechanic, just a whole lot of nothing, the vehicle could catch on fire. Another month passed and I went to the dealership, along with my brother. Jacob was not answering my calls/returning them. Vehicle just sitting there. Jacob, then said the mechanic that worked on the hybrid was out for surgery, he would be in touch. I asked for the Kia Corporate number, which I received. I contacted Kia, corporate on July 13, 2023, spoke with them several times, informing them that the vehicle was not operable, and I was still making car notes/ paying insurance on a vehicle that I was not driving. At the dealership now for 3 months. Jacob, not communicating I can email you documents/fax, all paperwork.

NHTSA ODI #11549759

Mileage unknown · Feb 15, 2022
Electrical SystemService BrakesCrash

On 2/15/2022 around 10:00AM, I was driving my vehicle as normal. Noticed brake lights ahead, I was about 3 car lengths back, which I always try to drive since I am on the road a lot and I prefer not to have an accident. Well this time, I put my foot on the brake as normal and the vehicle felt like brakes were not even working, p…

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On 2/15/2022 around 10:00AM, I was driving my vehicle as normal. Noticed brake lights ahead, I was about 3 car lengths back, which I always try to drive since I am on the road a lot and I prefer not to have an accident. Well this time, I put my foot on the brake as normal and the vehicle felt like brakes were not even working, pushed harder with my foot and waited for that pumping feeling (which I have felt before) and literally nothing! Once I was about a car lengths away, I knew my vehicle was not stopping so I sat up straight and leaned back before the air bags deployed in my face. I have since come home and found several complaints from other 2018 Kia Niro owners that have made a complaint about this on other forums and with the NHTSA and Carcomplaints.com - This issue has been ignored by Kia about braking system.

NHTSA ODI #11452082

250 miles · Sep 17, 2018
Electrical SystemStructureUnknown Or Other

REAR HATCH INDICATOR SUDDENLY COMES ON WHILE DRIVING AND REAR HATCH OPENS ON OWN. EVEN AFTER HARD SLAMMING SHUT HATCH IS NOT LATCHING ALL THE TIME AND RANDOMLY LOOSENING AND OPENING ON ITS OWN. LOUD RATTLE IS ALSO COMING FROM REAR OF VEHICLE. THIS IS A NEWLY PURCHASED AUTOMOBILE.

NHTSA ODI #11129850

1,927 miles · Mar 29, 2018
Electrical System

WIRING HARNESS CHEWED UP BY RODENTS 6 WEEKS AFTER BUYING CAR NEW. ONLY 1900 MILES ON CAR. CAR WAS PARKED BETWEEN '01 TOYOTA TACOMA AND '04 F250 DIESEL, WHICH HAVE BEEN THERE SINCE NEW WITHOUT PROBLEMS, AS WAS A '06 VW DIESEL, AND A '12 VW DIESEL, ALSO PARKED THERE SINCE NEW. THE USE OF SOY BASED INSULATION ON THE WIRING HAS TUR…

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WIRING HARNESS CHEWED UP BY RODENTS 6 WEEKS AFTER BUYING CAR NEW. ONLY 1900 MILES ON CAR. CAR WAS PARKED BETWEEN '01 TOYOTA TACOMA AND '04 F250 DIESEL, WHICH HAVE BEEN THERE SINCE NEW WITHOUT PROBLEMS, AS WAS A '06 VW DIESEL, AND A '12 VW DIESEL, ALSO PARKED THERE SINCE NEW. THE USE OF SOY BASED INSULATION ON THE WIRING HAS TURNED VEHICLES INTO ROLLING FOOD SOURCES. WITH CRITICAL FUNCTIONS NOW CONTROLLED ELECTRICALLY RATHER THAN MECHANICALLY (THROTTLE TRANSMISSION AND STEERING), THIS A MAJOR SAFETY HAZARD, NOT TO MENTION EXTREMELY COSTLY $2000 TO $5000 TO REPAIR. THIS IS OCCURRING AT EPIDEMIC RATES, AND IS ACROSS ALL MAKES. DON'T LET THIS TURN INTO ANOTHER "TAKATA".

NHTSA ODI #11081995

Official recalls

3

23V534000 · Power Train:automatic Transmission:internal:clutches/bands:actuators/solenoids

Jul 31, 2023

Kia 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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A fire increases the risk of injury.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the hydraulic clutch actuator as necessary and install a new fuse, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 29, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC276.

22V836000 · Hybrid Propulsion System

Nov 11, 2022

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Kia Niro hybrid electric vehicles previously recalled under recall 18V-666. The Main Relay within the Power Relay Assembly (PRA) may have inadequate connections between its contacts, causing increased electrical resistance, which can overheat the rear seats.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Overheated rear seats increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect the PRA and replace either the PRA or the Main Relay, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 9, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC256. This recall supersedes NHTSA recall number 18V-666. Vehicles already repaired under the previous recall will need to have the new remedy completed.

18V666000 · Hybrid Propulsion System

Sep 25, 2018

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Kia Niro hybrid electric vehicles. The Main Relay within the Power Relay Assembly (PRA) may have inadequate connections between its contacts, causing increased electrical resistance.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: The increased electrical resistance can overheat the rear seat which is above the PRA, increasing the risk of a fire.

Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the Power Relay Assembly (PRA) for damage. If no damage is found, the main relay will be replaced. If damage is found, the PRA will be replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began November 23, 2018. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC168.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

1

DP22005 · Pedestrian Alert Sounds

Opened Jan 27, 2023 · Closed Aug 7, 2023

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System:propulsion System

NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles. The standard applies to hybrid and electric vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 KG or less or are defined as low-speed vehicles. The standard became fully applicable to all such vehicles manufactured on or after March 1, 2021.On January 27, 2023, NHTSA opened Defect Petition (DP) 22-005 to evaluate the subject matter described in the petition. On June 24, 2023 and as supplemented on June 25, 2023, the petitioner notified NHTSA he was withdrawing his petition. The petitioner indicated that, based on his review of data, there is no justification for asserting potential benefits that could be derived from actions sought by my petition. Based on the petitioner's withdrawal, DP22-005 is closed. Closure of this DP does not represent a determination by NHTSA regarding the subject matter of the petition.