KIA NIRO 2018

Complete listing of complaints and recalls for this vehicle

63
Complaints
5
Recalls

Complaints & Recalls

63 Complaints 5 Recalls

Official Safety Recalls - Important!

5 Recalls

These are official manufacturer recalls ordered by NHTSA for safety defects. If you own this vehicle, contact your dealer immediately for free repairs.

Kia America, Inc.
NHTSA Campaign: 23V534000 SAFETY RECALL
121.4K Vehicles Affected
Recall Date: Jul 31, 2023
Safety Issue:

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.

Potential Risk:
A fire increases the risk of injury.
FREE Recall Solution:
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.
Additional Details:

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Action Required: Contact your local KIA dealer to schedule your FREE recall repair.
Manufacturer: KIA
Mfg Campaign: SC276
Notice Date: Dec 29, 2023
Recall Date: Jul 31, 2023
Kia America, Inc.
NHTSA Campaign: 22V836000 SAFETY RECALL
27K Vehicles Affected
Recall Date: Nov 11, 2022
Safety Issue:

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.

Potential Risk:
Overheated rear seats increase the risk of a fire.
FREE Recall Solution:
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.
Additional Details:

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Action Required: Contact your local KIA dealer to schedule your FREE recall repair.
Manufacturer: KIA
Mfg Campaign: SC256
Notice Date: Jan 9, 2023
Recall Date: Nov 11, 2022
Kia Motors America
NHTSA Campaign: 18V666000 SAFETY RECALL
27K Vehicles Affected
Recall Date: Sep 25, 2018
Safety Issue:

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.

Potential Risk:
The increased electrical resistance can overheat the rear seat which is above the PRA, increasing the risk of a fire.
FREE Recall Solution:
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.
Additional Details:

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Action Required: Contact your local KIA dealer to schedule your FREE recall repair.
Manufacturer: KIA
Mfg Campaign: SC168
Notice Date: Nov 23, 2018
Recall Date: Sep 25, 2018

Consumer Complaints

63 Complaints
Kia America, Inc.
Campaign: 11083238 Other
2 Vehicles Affected
Apr 4, 2018
Defect Description:

SERVICE BRAKES

Potential Consequences:

I AM WRITING TO YOUR COMPANY IN REGARDS TO A SERIOUS ACCIDENT WHICH HAPPENED ON THE DATE OF SATURDAY, MARCH 24TH AROUND 4PM EST. THIS ACCIDENT INVOLVED MY FAMILY AND I DRIVING THE NEW KIA NIRO HYBRID EX W/ TECH PKG WE PURCHASED FROM SANSONE DEALERSHIP ON NOVEMBER 24TH, 2017. MY VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN THE ACCIDENT ON ROUTE 22 HIGHWAY WHILE DRIVING EASTWARDS AT THE SPEEDS OF AROUND 35-36 MPH AS THERE WAS A TRAFFIC FLOW AND ALSO A TRAFFIC STOP OF CARS. OUR VEHICLE (KIA NIRO) WAS ABOUT 2-3 CAR DISTANCE BEHIND THE VEHICLE IN FRONT AND AS WE WERE TRYING TO COME TO A STOP AND WHILE APPLYING THE BRAKES, THE VEHICLE WAS NOT STOPPING EVEN WITH THE EQUIPPED AUTONOMOUS EMERGENCY BRAKE SYSTEM ON, IT DID NOT FUNCTION AS I STOMPED HARD ON THE BRAKE PEDAL, SAW THE BRAKE INDICATION ON THE DASH BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT SLOWING DOWN. WE HAD TO BRACE FOR IMPACT AND REAR ENDED THE CAR IN FRONT OF US WHICH ALSO SLIGHTLY HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF HIM TOTAL OF 3 VEHICLES INVOLVED INCLUDING MINE. IN MY CAR I WAS THE DRIVER, MY SPOUSE WAS SITTING IN THE PASSENGER SIDE AND MY 5 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER WAS IN THE BACK SEAT IN HER CAR SEAT. THE IMPACT CAUSED MAJOR FRONTAL DAMAGE TO MY VEHICLE AND BOTH FRONT AIRBAGS WERE DEPLOYED. MY WIFE SUSTAINED NECK INJURY WHICH WE HAD CHECKED OUT AT AN URGENT CARE CENTER THE NEXT DAY. I SUSTAINED SOME BRUISES ON THE LEG AND MY DAUGHTER WAS OK, BUT IN SHOCK. I HAVE INCLUDED PICTURES OF THE DAMAGED CAR, POLICE REPORT. THE FACT THAT WE PURCHASE A VEHICLE WITH UPGRADES TO SAFETY FEATURES THAT DID NOT WORK FOR KEEPING MY FAMILY AND I SAFE IS UNACCEPTABLE. VEHICLE IS TOTALED AND INSURANCE HAS STORED IT IN THE FOLLOWING FACILITY: IAA, 700 FEDERAL BLVD. CARTERET, NJ 07008-1008. TEL: 732-634-5601. STOCK# 22133296. THIS INFO WAS GIVEN VIA VOICEMAIL TO RYAN AT KIA CONSUMERS WITH CASE# 12671522.

Corrective Action:

I AM WRITING TO YOUR COMPANY IN REGARDS TO A SERIOUS ACCIDENT WHICH HAPPENED ON THE DATE OF SATURDAY, MARCH 24TH AROUND 4PM EST. THIS ACCIDENT INVOLVED MY FAMILY AND I DRIVING THE NEW KIA NIRO HYBRID EX W/ TECH PKG WE PURCHASED FROM SANSONE DEALERSHIP ON NOVEMBER 24TH, 2017. MY VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN THE ACCIDENT ON ROUTE 22 HIGHWAY WHILE DRIVING EASTWARDS AT THE SPEEDS OF AROUND 35-36 MPH AS THERE WAS A TRAFFIC FLOW AND ALSO A TRAFFIC STOP OF CARS. OUR VEHICLE (KIA NIRO) WAS ABOUT 2-3 CAR DISTANCE BEHIND THE VEHICLE IN FRONT AND AS WE WERE TRYING TO COME TO A STOP AND WHILE APPLYING THE BRAKES, THE VEHICLE WAS NOT STOPPING EVEN WITH THE EQUIPPED AUTONOMOUS EMERGENCY BRAKE SYSTEM ON, IT DID NOT FUNCTION AS I STOMPED HARD ON THE BRAKE PEDAL, SAW THE BRAKE INDICATION ON THE DASH BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT SLOWING DOWN. WE HAD TO BRACE FOR IMPACT AND REAR ENDED THE CAR IN FRONT OF US WHICH ALSO SLIGHTLY HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF HIM TOTAL OF 3 VEHICLES INVOLVED INCLUDING MINE. IN MY CAR I WAS THE DRIVER, MY SPOUSE WAS SITTING IN THE PASSENGER SIDE AND MY 5 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER WAS IN THE BACK SEAT IN HER CAR SEAT. THE IMPACT CAUSED MAJOR FRONTAL DAMAGE TO MY VEHICLE AND BOTH FRONT AIRBAGS WERE DEPLOYED. MY WIFE SUSTAINED NECK INJURY WHICH WE HAD CHECKED OUT AT AN URGENT CARE CENTER THE NEXT DAY. I SUSTAINED SOME BRUISES ON THE LEG AND MY DAUGHTER WAS OK, BUT IN SHOCK. I HAVE INCLUDED PICTURES OF THE DAMAGED CAR, POLICE REPORT. THE FACT THAT WE PURCHASE A VEHICLE WITH UPGRADES TO SAFETY FEATURES THAT DID NOT WORK FOR KEEPING MY FAMILY AND I SAFE IS UNACCEPTABLE. VEHICLE IS TOTALED AND INSURANCE HAS STORED IT IN THE FOLLOWING FACILITY: IAA, 700 FEDERAL BLVD. CARTERET, NJ 07008-1008. TEL: 732-634-5601. STOCK# 22133296. THIS INFO WAS GIVEN VIA VOICEMAIL TO RYAN AT KIA CONSUMERS WITH CASE# 12671522.

Additional Notes:

I AM WRITING TO YOUR COMPANY IN REGARDS TO A SERIOUS ACCIDENT WHICH HAPPENED ON THE DATE OF SATURDAY, MARCH 24TH AROUND 4PM EST. THIS ACCIDENT INVOLVED MY FAMILY AND I DRIVING THE NEW KIA NIRO HYBRID EX W/ TECH PKG WE PURCHASED FROM SANSONE DEALERSHIP ON NOVEMBER 24TH, 2017. MY VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN THE ACCIDENT ON ROUTE 22 HIGHWAY WHILE DRIVING EASTWARDS AT THE SPEEDS OF AROUND 35-36 MPH AS THERE WAS A TRAFFIC FLOW AND ALSO A TRAFFIC STOP OF CARS. OUR VEHICLE (KIA NIRO) WAS ABOUT 2-3 CAR DISTANCE BEHIND THE VEHICLE IN FRONT AND AS WE WERE TRYING TO COME TO A STOP AND WHILE APPLYING THE BRAKES, THE VEHICLE WAS NOT STOPPING EVEN WITH THE EQUIPPED AUTONOMOUS EMERGENCY BRAKE SYSTEM ON, IT DID NOT FUNCTION AS I STOMPED HARD ON THE BRAKE PEDAL, SAW THE BRAKE INDICATION ON THE DASH BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT SLOWING DOWN. WE HAD TO BRACE FOR IMPACT AND REAR ENDED THE CAR IN FRONT OF US WHICH ALSO SLIGHTLY HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF HIM TOTAL OF 3 VEHICLES INVOLVED INCLUDING MINE. IN MY CAR I WAS THE DRIVER, MY SPOUSE WAS SITTING IN THE PASSENGER SIDE AND MY 5 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER WAS IN THE BACK SEAT IN HER CAR SEAT. THE IMPACT CAUSED MAJOR FRONTAL DAMAGE TO MY VEHICLE AND BOTH FRONT AIRBAGS WERE DEPLOYED. MY WIFE SUSTAINED NECK INJURY WHICH WE HAD CHECKED OUT AT AN URGENT CARE CENTER THE NEXT DAY. I SUSTAINED SOME BRUISES ON THE LEG AND MY DAUGHTER WAS OK, BUT IN SHOCK. I HAVE INCLUDED PICTURES OF THE DAMAGED CAR, POLICE REPORT. THE FACT THAT WE PURCHASE A VEHICLE WITH UPGRADES TO SAFETY FEATURES THAT DID NOT WORK FOR KEEPING MY FAMILY AND I SAFE IS UNACCEPTABLE. VEHICLE IS TOTALED AND INSURANCE HAS STORED IT IN THE FOLLOWING FACILITY: IAA, 700 FEDERAL BLVD. CARTERET, NJ 07008-1008. TEL: 732-634-5601. STOCK# 22133296. THIS INFO WAS GIVEN VIA VOICEMAIL TO RYAN AT KIA CONSUMERS WITH CASE# 12671522.

Manufacturer: KIA
Mfg Campaign: 11083238
Notice Date: Apr 4, 2018
Recall Date: Apr 4, 2018
Kia America, Inc.
Campaign: 11081995 Other
Mar 29, 2018
Defect Description:

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Potential Consequences:

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".

Corrective Action:

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".

Additional Notes:

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".

Manufacturer: KIA
Mfg Campaign: 11081995
Notice Date: Mar 29, 2018
Recall Date: Mar 29, 2018
Kia America, Inc.
Campaign: 11058078 Other
Jan 2, 2018
Defect Description:

ENGINE

Potential Consequences:

ENGINE/TRANSMISSION BECOMES VERY SLUGGISH AS TEMPERATURES DROP AND THE TRANSMISSION SEEMS TO BE "ENGINE BRAKING" THE VEHICLE, MAKING COASTING NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE. PUTTING THE VEHICLE IN NEUTRAL ALLOWED THE CAR TO NORMALLY COAST BUT ONCE BACK IN DRIVE, ACCELERATION WAS TAXING. THE VEHICLE LACKS ANY POWER AND IS RUINING THE FUEL ECONOMY TRYING TO GET THE CAR UP TO SPEED.

Corrective Action:

ENGINE/TRANSMISSION BECOMES VERY SLUGGISH AS TEMPERATURES DROP AND THE TRANSMISSION SEEMS TO BE "ENGINE BRAKING" THE VEHICLE, MAKING COASTING NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE. PUTTING THE VEHICLE IN NEUTRAL ALLOWED THE CAR TO NORMALLY COAST BUT ONCE BACK IN DRIVE, ACCELERATION WAS TAXING. THE VEHICLE LACKS ANY POWER AND IS RUINING THE FUEL ECONOMY TRYING TO GET THE CAR UP TO SPEED.

Additional Notes:

ENGINE/TRANSMISSION BECOMES VERY SLUGGISH AS TEMPERATURES DROP AND THE TRANSMISSION SEEMS TO BE "ENGINE BRAKING" THE VEHICLE, MAKING COASTING NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE. PUTTING THE VEHICLE IN NEUTRAL ALLOWED THE CAR TO NORMALLY COAST BUT ONCE BACK IN DRIVE, ACCELERATION WAS TAXING. THE VEHICLE LACKS ANY POWER AND IS RUINING THE FUEL ECONOMY TRYING TO GET THE CAR UP TO SPEED.

Manufacturer: KIA
Mfg Campaign: 11058078
Notice Date: Jan 2, 2018
Recall Date: Jan 2, 2018

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