2019 KIA Niro Hybrid

These are unverified consumer reports filed with NHTSA, shown as submitted.

• 12/28/2022· POWER TRAIN

  Within the first 6 months of owning our 2019 Kia Plugin Hybrid, we started experiencing a clunk with a lurch when accelerating from a stopped position. The issue became progressively worse over time - increasing in frequency and severity. The car has been to the Kia Lupient dealership in Brooklyn Park, MN multiple times for this issue. At our most recent visit on November 7th, 2022, the service advisor acknowledged that the issue may be due to shipping the vehicle with the wrong transmission fluid. The transmission fluid was replaced with the correct fluid. However, we experienced the issue again on December 2, 2022. Could the wrong fluid have caused permanent damage to the transmission? This Technical Service Bulletin (https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2020/MC-10174520-0001.pdf) indicates that could be true. We are pursing arbitration with the dealership.

• 12/27/2023· POWER TRAIN

  The contact owns a 2019 Kia Niro. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V534000 (Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

• 12/19/2024· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ENGINE

  The contact owns a 2019 Kia Niro. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that there was a misfire in cylinder #1. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the cylinder #4 injector. The dealer also informed the contact that the clutch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 32,000.

• 12/13/2023· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE

  On 7-31-2022 while traveling on the freeway the gas engine shut down, HEV triangle came on and the information center on the car displayed "turn off car restart" on this trip it happened three times. I took the car to the dealer and they had it for a month and could not get it to act up. On 5-5-2023 it did it again twice, I called the dealer and they did not have a loaner car, they said they would let me know when they do. On the 6-30-2023 it did it eleven times. I called the dealer and they checked the car into service a mouth later 7-2023. The car has been at the dealer since then, now it is 12-2023. The dealer has not been able to get it to act up. I call KIA customer service and they told me they would not do the recall unless the dealer can repeat the problem. When this happens, I have only a limited amount of room to get the car off the road. This problem has only happened on freeways and the mountain pass with limited pull outs. This exposes me and any passenger's to a rear end collision. I feel the manufacture is playing roullet with me and my passenger's lives. All my dealer paper work is in my car a two hour trip at Sunset KIA 3317 Auburn way N Auburn WA 98002

• 12/12/2023· ENGINE

  Recall letter from KIA states "WARNING: You may experience illumination of the HEV warning light. If this occurs, pull over to a safe location and contact Kia Roadside Assistance ... to request to have your vehicle towed to the nearest authorized Kia dealership as soon as possible." This implies that the car is not safely driveable if the HEV warning light illuminates. My HEV warning light illuminated, but neither of two local Kia dealerships is willing to take responsibility since the "remedy is not available" from Kia. This means I have lost the safe use of my car for an indefinite period without any compensation from Kia.

• 12/11/2022· AIR BAGSCrash

  I was in a car accident (I t-boned a guy that ran a red light in front of me) at about 20 mph but no airbags deployed. My car is a total loss and I have a concussion from hitting my head on the window plus contusions along the path of the seatbelt. I suspect something could be wrong with the airbags considering they failed to deploy despite a collision that totaled the car. I wonder if I might not have got a concussion had they deployed. Police responded and commented about my airbags failing to deploy and my insurance is inspecting the car this week.

• 12/08/2021· EXTERIOR LIGHTING

  The contact owns a 2019 Kia Niro. The contact stated that while driving at night with the low-beam headlights activated, the illumination was either too bright or improperly position causing the light beam to become visibility hazards to the oncoming drivers. The contact indicated that oncoming motorist constantly flashed their lights indicating that the high-beam headlights were activated even though only the low-beam headlights were illuminated. The cause of the failure was not determined. The contact referenced the NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V771000 (Exterior Lighting). The local dealer was notified of the issue. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 50.

• 12/03/2022· VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

  I have a used 2019 Niro PHEV. I started getting a loud jerk when starting from a full stop. At first it started happened in EV mode only but I've had it happen in Hybrid mode a couple of times ( not sure if the engine is actually working or just on for Heating). The sound and jerk can best be described as what happens when you drive a stick shift and you pull the clutch too quickly in first gear without any gas and the car jerks forward. It also feels like I've been rear ended. The car feels unsafe the drive. There were no warning lights. Dealer hasn't reproduced it yet. I just brought it in. Please see these forum posts about this issue. Many others are experiencing this: https://www.kianiroforum.com/threads/brand-new-2019-phev-loud-jerking-noise-when-starting-from-full-stop.8740/ https://www.kia-forums.com/threads/occasional-hard-loud-shift-from-start-on-new-niro-phev.342780/

• 11/27/2023· SERVICE BRAKESCrash

  Breaks seized to respond when doing a sharp break. Vehicle did not break and slid off until it hit the vehicle up front. Waiting for vehicle inspection to begin. No warning signs, lights, or prior issues happened before the incident.

• 11/22/2023· POWER TRAIN

  The contact owns a 2019 Kia Niro. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V534000 (Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

• 11/13/2024· ENGINE

  Service bulletin eng212. 4th cylinder misfire. Diagnostic has been done at Dennis Dillon 9501west Fairview ave Boise id 83704. Engine shaking when increasing speeds above 30 mph. Started without warning while driving. It was recently serviced for routine items on October 16th 2024. On November 5th it had diagnostic performed. Check engine light and display showed automatic diagnostics, engine control system, possible engine condition. I was on my way to vote. Yes it is available for inspection. I am currently not driving it but unsure what to do with it since the value of the car and amount of repairs needed are close in range.

• 11/11/2025· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  Continuing and worsening motor rumbling noise and ticking/clicking at slow speeds. Spent a couple of months and without car for weeks just to have kia confirm and have gearbox changed. This has existed in some form for a couple years now.

• 10/31/2023· POWER TRAIN

  My car sometimes lurches when I am moving from a stopped position. This is dangerous as it causes the car to hesitate when I am sometimes pulling out across traffic for a left turn. It is especially frequent when I am on a slight incline. It feels like it might have something to do with the transmission shifting from the EV mode. I have read about other people having the same problem with this car on online forums but there have been no recalls and they have the same trouble getting their dealerships to fix it. I took my car to the dealership multiple times, and they were able to reproduce the issue and thought it was initially something to do with calibrating the computers. It seemed to temporarily "fix" it so I picked it back up, just to have the same problem a week later. Since it happens sporadically, it has been difficult to get the dealership to fix the issue as sometimes they are unable to reproduce the issue.

• 10/24/2023· POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  I’ve had this repaired by Kia and immediately failed again, but a component to the alternator and ac unit is attached to the drive train and will cause an alarm that hybrid battery failure and sudden power loss(they told me this with the first “fix” but failed within an hour of leaving Kia. It’s happened again tonight and nearly caused a crash on the freeway and I’ve seen many others with this issue and I want to drive my kid home safely so any help would be wonderful with this issue. Thank you!!

• 10/18/2024· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN

  The contact owns a 2019 Kia Niro. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power with the message "Stop Engine". The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed failures with the hydraulic clutch actuator and catalytic converter. The catalytic converter was replaced, but the hydraulic clutch actuator was not repaired due to lack of part availability. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V534000 (Power Train); the VIN was included, but parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and confirmed that the part was on backorder. The failure mileage was 87,000.

• 10/18/2019· POWER TRAIN

  TL* THE CONSUMER RENTED A 2019 KIA NIRO. THE CONSUMER STATED THAT WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED AND PLACED IN REVERSE, THE VEHICLE MOVED FORWARD WITHOUT WARNING. THE GEAR SHIFT INDICATOR DISPLAYED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS IN REVERSE AT THE TIME OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS RETURNED TO THE RENTAL COMPANY. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 9,000. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. *AS

• 10/16/2023· POWER TRAIN

  The contact owns a 2019 Kia Niro. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V534000 (Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

• 10/07/2021· FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  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.

• 09/27/2023· UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  Driving to work and all of a sudden my front right side tilts down and scares me to death. This starts to effect my steering. This also happened to the side only 1 time. I believe this maybe a front lower control arm issue.

• 09/16/2020· EXTERIOR LIGHTING

  THE REVERSE LIGHTING IS INADEQUATE FOR REVERSE CAMERA IN DARK, WHICH PRODUCES GRAINY BACKUP CAMERA IMAGE. THE CAMERA WORKS FINE IN DAYLIGHT. THIS MAY REQUIRE PROPER LIGHTING OR CAMERA THAT WORKS WELL IN DIM LIGHT CONDITION. ALSO, THE CAMERA IS EXPOSED TO WEATHER CONDITIONS, SUCH AS RAIN AND SNOW.

• 09/16/2020· UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED AS IF I HAD PRESSED ON GAS PEDAL WHEN IT CAME TO A STOP JUST BEFORE PUTTING IT IN PARK GEAR. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE, AS IT CAN HIT SOMEONE OR SOMETHING. THIS HAPPENED AT ABOUT 6400 MILES AND AGAIN AT ABOUT 6600 MILES. BOTH TIMES IT HAPPENED IN MY DRIVEWAY, WHICH IS FLAT.

• 09/16/2019· ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

  THE PROBLEM THAT I'M I'M HAVING IS A CODE P0456 (EVAPORATIVE EMISSION SYSTEM LEAK DETECTED, WHICH IS A SMALL LEAK. THE REASON WHY I'M WORRIED IS BECAUSE THE GAUGE FOR THE RPMS GOES ALL THE WAY ACROSS AS FAR AS IT CAN GO, IN OTHER WORDS IT'S LIKE AS IF I'M PUSHING DOWN ON THE GAS PEDAL AS FAR AS IT CAN GO , IT DOES THIS WHEN I'M DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, WHEN I'M ABOUT TO LEAVE A SIGNAL LIGHT FROM A COMPLETE STOP , WHEN I'M DRIVING UP A HILL IS WHEN IT'S WORST.

• 09/10/2019· FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 KIA NIRO. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS AT A COMPLETE STOP, THE FORWARD COLLISION WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BOSAK KIA (241 MELTON RD, BURNS HARBOR, IN 46304, (219) 787-9200) TO BE DIAGNOSED, BUT A FAILURE COULD NOT BE FOUND. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE FAILURE RECURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED THE CONTACT WITH CASE NUMBER: 13342866. NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 38,000.

• 09/06/2026· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES

  2019 Kia Niro. While driving normally on the street, the driver attempted to brake & the brakes would not respond. This is a very scary situation and Kia needs to handle immediately!! The message "Stop the Vehicle and Check Regenerative Brakes" was displayed. Thankfully the driver was able to come to a stop without crashing but if this was during heavy traffic time it definitely would've resulted in a crash. Could be even that much worse on the freeway, especially in Los Angeles. The vehicle was towed to the drivers home. After checking again, the vehicle was in limp mode & would not go over 15mph. The driver was able to get it to a Kia shop to be checked & they quoted a $9,000 repair!! This is horrible that Kia is allowing this issue to go on!!!

• 08/30/2024· POWER TRAIN

  The contact owns a 2019 Kia Niro PHEV. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V534000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer informed the contact to ship the vehicle to the United States for the repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

• 08/29/2023· POWER TRAIN

  Kia has a recall on this model for the power train automatic internal clutch under NHTSA Campaign ID 23V534000 Kia Recall number is SC276. My vehicle had the HEV light come on so it is currently at the Dealership for service. They have told me the Hydraulic clutch fluid has leaked into the fuse panel and needs replaced. According to Kia my VIN number is not included in the recall, but the issue is the exact issue being explained by this national recall. It seems they need to expand the recall to include more Niro's than in this recall to include my VIN.

• 08/28/2020· SERVICE BRAKES

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 KIA NIRO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH, THE REAR DRIVER SIDE TIRE BLEW OUT. IN ADDITION WHILE TAKING THE EXIT AND DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE BY STEERING THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE AND INTO A PARKING LOT. THE CONTACT STATED ALL WARNING LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED WHEN THE TIRE BLEW OUT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE REAR DRIVER SIDE TIRE WAS REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO LOCAL DEALER (POMONA KIA SUPERSTORE LOCATED AT 8 RIO RANCHO RD, POMONA, CA 91766) WHERE THE FAILURE WAS UNABLE TO BE DUPLICATED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED AS OF YET. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND FILED A CASE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 4,000.*DT*JB

• 08/24/2019· ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

  FIRST THE AIR CONDITIONER STOPPED WORKING FOR 2 DAYS. THEN ON THE 3RD DAY, 8/13/19, THE HEV LIGHT AND OIL LIGHTS WENT ON. THE ENGINE SLOWED DOWN. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO THE KIA DEALERSHIP IN ONTARIO, CA. INITIALLY THEY SAID IT MAY NOT BE COVERED BY WARRANTY. THEN ON 8/17 THEY TOLD ME THE AIR CONDITIONER NEEDS A NEW COMPRESSOR. THEN ON 8/23 I WAS TOLD THAT OIL AND METAL SHARDS HAD LEAKED INTO THE ENGINE AND THE ENTIRE ENGINE NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. IT IS UNKNOWN WHEN THE REPAIR WILL BE DONE.

• 08/19/2019· FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

  AS I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, THE AC STOPPED WORKING. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS, ALARMS OR INDICATORS THAT SOMETHING WAS WRONG, BUT I IMMEDIATELY GOT OFF THE HIGHWAY BECAUSE I THOUGHT THIS IS NOT RIGHT. AS I BRAKED ON THE RAMP, THE CAR STILL WORKED, BUT WHEN I TRIED TO ACCELERATE LEAVING THE RAMP, THERE WAS NO POWER. I GOT INTO AN ADJACENT PARKING LOT AND TURNED OFF THE CAR. WHEN I TRIED TO TURN IT BACK ON, IT WAS COMPLETELY DEAD. I CALLED AAA, THEY GAVE IT A JUMP, BUT EVEN THOUGH THE BATTERY WAS FULL, WHEN PUT INTO DRIVE OR REVERSE IT WOULD DO NOTHING.

• 08/10/2023· UNKNOWN OR OTHERFire

  It caught on fire and burnt my house down when it was in my carport. Not sure why but it happened august 2,2022.

• 08/05/2024· ENGINE

  The contact owned a 2019 Kia Niro. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact noticed a ticking and a popping sound coming from the vehicle. The contact's friend who was following behind noticed white smoke coming from the exhaust pipe. The vehicle was driven to the destination. The following day, the oil level was checked, and the contact stated that the oil level was low; however, there was no sign of an oil leak. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started and made a rattling sound. The contact turned the vehicle off and the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a hole in the crankcase. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

• 08/05/2023· POWER TRAIN

  From a stop, I step on the gas quickly and it feels like the transmission has just broken. It causes my pulse to increase and scares and distracts me so much I've almost had an accident a several times. I have scheduled an appointment with Kia to assess the problem. I will provide an update once they have concluded their assessment.

• 08/04/2022· POWER TRAIN

  The vehicle has an intermittent jerk/clunk sound when accelerating or coming to a stop. Occasionally it can feel as if the clutch is coming engaging/disengaging roughly and cause passenger's heads to shake forward. In a few instances there has been a delay when pressing on the brakes to initiate stopping before the vehicle, this momentary loss of control is alarming. It feels as if the clutch and brakes did not react to the pedal immediately. I have taken the vehicle to the Kearny Mesa Kia dealership to diagnose the issue on 3 separate occasions starting from 2 months after purchasing the vehicle. On the most recent visit they have diagnosed that dual clutch failed a calibration test - it is unclear if they performed this test on the previous visits. Repairs have not yet been performed as I am disputing the out of warranty claim by the dealership

• 08/01/2025· POWER TRAIN

  The contact owns a 2019 Kia Niro. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the message "Pull Over and Shut off Engine" was displayed and a burning odor was coming from the engine compartment. After restarting the vehicle, the failure was self-corrected. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who determined that fluid had leaked into the clutch actuator and the clutch actuator needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the VIN was previously inspected as part of the NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V534000 (POWER TRAIN). The contact stated that the vehicle experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 35,000.

• 07/31/2024· POWER TRAIN

  When accelerating from a dead stop, sometimes the car makes a very loud 'clunk' noise and lurches forward. Similar to the feeling when someone drives a manual transmission and takes the clutch out too fast. The car eventually finds the first gear and keeps driving, but this problem happens daily. Maybe around 5-10% of the time after every stop. There are multiple similar complaints on the NHTSA website and on online forums. It is a well-documented issue.

• 07/27/2026· SERVICE BRAKES

  The contact owns a 2019 Kia Niro. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to stop as needed. The contact pulled over to the shoulder of the roadway and the parking brake was engaged to keep the vehicle from moving. The message "Stop the Vehicle and Check Regenerative Brakes" was displayed. The failure was a recurring failure. The vehicle was towed, and the dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired because the dealer was unable to duplicate the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 93,000.

• 07/16/2021· UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  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.

• 07/13/2025· SERVICE BRAKES

  While driving an error message appeared about regenerative braking system error and the braking effectiveness was severely impaired.

• 06/26/2025· POWER TRAIN,ENGINE

  The contact owns 2019 Kia Niro. The contact stated that on several occasions when the vehicle was started, the check engine warning intermittently illuminated. The contact stated that while driving and accelerating, the vehicle lost motive power momentarily. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and DTC: P074A, P1921, P074A/73, and P1921-77 were retrieved. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it a diagnosed and determined that the transmission gear actuator needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.

• 06/23/2026· SERVICE BRAKES,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

  My car is a 2019 KIA Niro Hybrid. It's only 7 years old, and my husband and I have been the only owners. It only has 61,000 miles on it, and it is serviced regularly and has to pass a state emissions test each year. As I was driving the other day, the dashboard lit up with critical alerts saying "check regenerative battery" and the braking system went completely soft; I could not stop the car using the brakes. It was terrifying. I had to pull off the road and use the emergency brake to stop the car. This was an awful incident that could have resulted in deaths or serious injuries. Again this is for a car that is well-maintained and well under 100,000 miles.

• 06/17/2022· UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  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.

• 06/14/2025· POWER TRAIN

  2019 Kia Niro DCT engaged REVERSE during manual 1→2 upshift attempt in Sport Mode, causing violent reversal. Resets with ignition cycle. Smell of burnt clutch present. Happend at 41,000mi, then 73,000mi then again today at 154,584. Believe it may be a faulty range selector, corrupted tcu logic, or both. **Canadian Recall R238 (May 2022)** for DCT clutch actuators

• 06/12/2026· UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  The Hydraulic Clutch Actuator has caused functional driving issues and caused my vehicle to go into limp mode. I was never informed of the recall issue prior to purchase, and the recall was marked as complete, when it was not. The fix for KIA NIRO Recall SC276 was incomplete in January 2024, and I purchased my vehicle in April 2024. My issues started in November 2025, and the incomplete recall issue has been ongoing. KIA offers only a 1/2-way fix, and this is simply not acceptable.

• 06/11/2025· UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  I am writing to formally file a complaint regarding the mishandling of a recall repair (Recall SC276) by the authorized dealership KIA of Lincolnwood, located in Illinois. In October 2024, I contacted the dealership in relation to Recall SC276. A diagnostic inspection confirmed the issue, related to the HCA system, and was supported by multiple error codes: U1010, U1011, P17ED, P17EE. I was informed that the required parts were not available at the time and would be ordered. Despite the known fire risk associated with this recall, the dealership allowed me to drive the vehicle home, which clearly contradicts the safety procedures outlined in Kia’s own recall regulations. I waited approximately two months for a follow-up, but received no communication from the dealership. I called them myself and was informed, after repeated inquiries, that the replacement part had allegedly been damaged during delivery, and that I would need to wait longer. Weeks later, I was contacted and asked to bring the vehicle in. By that time, the car could no longer operate under its own power and had to be transported to the dealership. I left it for repairs. Shockingly, within an hour I received a call saying the car was “ready for pickup.” Upon returning, I discovered that nothing had been done. The vehicle was parked exactly where I had left it. After further discussions, the dealership admitted that the repair had not been performed and the part had not been replaced. I have photographic evidence to confirm this. They assured me the part would be ordered again. My vehicle remained at the dealership from early January until late April 2025. Eventually, I was told that I must pick up the vehicle or face storage fees. Still, no repairs had been completed. This dealership has twice returned the vehicle to me without making the required safety repairs, despite the known risk of fire and potential harm to life. They also misled me about the repair status on multiple occasions.

• 05/28/2025· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,BACK OVER PREVENTION

  The rear backup camera works intermittent, checked wiring and still having issues, could cause backing issues for people that don't use their mirrors

• 05/22/2026· STEERING,POWER TRAIN,WHEELS

  A major drivetrain service and repair was completed by an authorized manufacturer dealership. After picking up the vehicle, an unusual front-end/steering noise was immediately reported to the staff. Over just 390 miles of driving, the symptom worsened. A subsequent formal inspection by a separate, independent authorized service center confirmed the root cause of the safety failure: the primary axle nut had been left completely unstaked during the initial drivetrain assembly, rendering the vehicle entirely unsafe to operate. The vehicle was grounded to prevent an accident. Because the mandatory safety protocol of staking the axle nut was omitted, the critical fastening hardware was allowed to back off under normal driving conditions. This component failure directly compromised the structural integrity of the front drivetrain, steering knuckle, and wheel hub assembly. Had the vehicle continued to be driven, the omission presented an imminent risk of complete mechanical separation, which could cause a wheel assembly to detach or lock up while in motion at high speeds, putting the safety of the occupants and other motorists at extreme risk. The vehicle remains grounded and is available for inspection. The safety-critical assembly failure has been fully documented by the inspecting service center via technical video (available upon request) and photographic evidence. The manufacturer has been notified of the dealer workmanship defect but has failed to authorize corrective action or safe transport of the vehicle to a certified facility for remediation.

• 05/18/2024· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES

  Car has warning message and several engine lights on dash come up and asks to stop car and check the regenerative brake system. Car loses all systems that are electrical, car is very hard to drive, even not operative. This has happened many times over the past four years. Each time the car has been taken to a authorized KIA Dealership and they have not been able to fix the problem. It happened almost a week ago and dealership told us that they couldn't find anything wrong and were told to pick it up. Happened again today and it was while driving. Same issue, same warnings on dash.

• 04/27/2022· POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

  12 volt starting battery (Lithium Ion Polymer) pn 37507-G2120. battery swollen and will not take charge (2.5 years old) 15,000 miles on vehicle. This battery powers dash and all related safety systems. Dealer refuses to look into problem as batteries are on national back order status and cannot fix due to parts availability. 3 dealerships have been contacted, all have been making excuses for other systems at fault to avoid recognizing battery is defective. I have been without use since Mar2021.

• 04/23/2021· POWER TRAIN

  SINCE NOVEMBER OF 2020, OUR NIRO HAS BEEN AT A KIA SERVICE CENTER 12 TIMES AT 4 DIFFERENT DEALERSHIPS IN A DESPERATE ATTEMPT TO GET OUR NIRO TO REPLICATE, WHAT I THINK IS ANOTHER TRANSMISSION ISSUE, DURING THE MILE OR TWO THE TECH TEST-DRIVES THE VEHICLE FOR DIAGNOSIS. WHEN I AM COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP, ONCE IN A WHILE I HEAR A VERY LOUD BANG OR A MOMENTARY LOUD SCRAPING NOISE AS IF A METAL SPATULA IS BEING SWIFTLY DRAGGED ACROSS A SLAB OF CONCRETE. WHEN THIS OCCURS, THE CAR ALSO SEEMS TO LUNGE FORWARD AS IF I AM SLIPPING ON ICE OR WET LEAVES. AT A FEW DEALERSHIPS, I HAVE DESCRIBED IT LIKE ALMOST COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP AND THEN GETTING HIT FROM THE REAR. THIS, TO ME MEANS GEARS ARE GRABBING WHAT GEARS GRAB (I ASSUME OTHER GEARS) AND CAUSING THE DRIVE SHAFT TO TURN AND THUS CAUSING THE WHEELS TO ROTATE WITHOUT REASON TO DO SO. SINCE MY FOOT IS NOT COMPLETELY PRESSING DOWN ON THE BRAKE PEDAL AS I AM STILL SLOWING DOWN APPROACHING A RED LIGHT (OR A STOP SIGN, SPEED BUMP, DRIVEWAY, PEDESTRIAN, ETC), THE CAR MAKES THAT NOTORIOUS LOUD BANG OR SCRAPE SOUND AND THEN JOLTS FORWARD A BIT, ENOUGH TO SCARE THE DAYLIGHTS OUT OF ME. NOTHING ALERTS ME WHEN THIS WILL HAPPEN, IT JUST HAPPENED AND WHEN IT DOES, THE CAR GETS AWAY FROM ME UNTIL I CAN FULLY BRAKE OR UNTIL THE GEARS DISENGAGE (OR STOP DOING WHAT THEY ARE DOING TO CAUSE THIS ISSUE).

• 04/22/2025· STEERING

  Ever since the car was purchased 2nd hand, I reported an issue with the car within the 30 day warranty period that the vehicle was steering towards the right and would not go in a straight line, also it popped when steering right, 2 days ago the rod that connects to the bar in the middle that moves in and out as you steer came undone and was chipped