The Kia Niro Years To Avoid
We've identified three Kia Niro years to avoid based on common problems and reported recalls. See which ones so you can make a smart used car shopping decision.
The popular Kia Niro holds a unique position in the U.S. market. While most of its rivals, like the Mazda CX-30 and VW Taos, rely on gasoline engines, the Niro offers a diverse range of electrified powertrains. Kia has taken a different approach, providing customers with hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and all-electric variants without any traditional gas-only options.
The Hyundai Kona and Toyota Corolla Cross offer some electrified choices, but the Niro is the only one to cover all the bases. The hybrid and PHEV models feature a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 139 and 180 horsepower, respectively, with the PHEV offering a 34-mile all-electric range. Niro’s starting price may be higher than some gas-powered competitors, but it also boasts strong safety ratings.
If you’re interested in a used Niro, you’ll likely want to know your most reliable option. So, for this guide, we rounded up the Kia Niro years to avoid and help you find the most reliable model that fits your needs.
Which Kia Niro Years to Avoid?
First, let’s talk about the Niro’s overall reliability. The Niro has received strong reliability ratings from various reputable sources. RepairPal rates it 4.5 out of 5 stars, labeling it “Excellent,” and ranks it third among alternative fuel vehicles. Additionally, J.D. Power gives the 2024 Kia Niro a reliability score of 76 out of 100, which is considered average for its category. These ratings reflect its low frequency of unscheduled repairs and a relatively low annual maintenance cost of $377.
Having said that, below are the Kia Niro years to avoid due to known issues and consumer complaints:
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2017 Kia Niro
The 2017 Kia Niro is not considered exceptionally reliable due to several issues typical of a new model, often called “teething problems.” These include engine and electrical system malfunctions, overheating issues, and higher-than-average repair costs. Specific complaints involved engine problems, electrical relay overheating, and cruise control malfunctions.
Engine-Related Issues
The engine is one of the worst pain points related to the 2017 Niro ownership. One of the most alarming issues reported by consumers involves the catalytic converter/heat recovery unit cracking, which can cause coolant to leak into the engine, leading to overheating and sudden breakdowns. This defect poses a significant risk to drivers and passengers, particularly when traveling at high highway speeds.
Consumers have also reported other troubling engine issues, such as stalling without warning, loss of power, abnormal noises, and even complete engine failures. Some owners have mentioned problems with the EGR valve, leading to misfiring and reduced performance.
Electrical System Problems
Electrical issues were also prevalent with the 2017 Niro. One major problem involves a defective power relay assembly, which can cause the rear seats to overheat and potentially lead to a fire. This issue resulted in a recall, but some owners have reported difficulties in completing the necessary repairs due to unresponsive dealers and parts availability issues.
Other electrical problems reported to the NHTSA include intermittent failure of the multifunction switch in the steering column and a malfunction that causes a loss of turn signals and significantly increases the risk of accidents. Additionally, some complaints have mentioned issues with the power steering system, which leads to difficult and noisy steering and illumination of various warning lights on the dashboard.
2018 Kia Niro
The following 2018 model is a more reliable outing for the Niro. However, it still received some concerning reports of engine and brake problems.
Engine Problems
According to NHTSA complaints, the 2018 Niro has experienced several engine-related issues. One significant problem involves the Exhaust Heat Recovery System (EHRS), which can fail and cause coolant to be pumped into the exhaust system and burned, leading to rapid coolant loss and potential engine overheating. This issue has resulted in at least one reported case of a complete engine replacement.
Another complaint mentions a sluggish engine and transmission performance in colder temperatures, with the transmission “engine braking” of the vehicle and making acceleration difficult, negatively impacting fuel economy.
Other reported issues include the vehicle randomly displaying “check hybrid system” warnings, which can occur during various scenarios such as charging or operation. Overall, these are milder issues than the 2017 version, but they are still worth knowing, especially when buying a pre-owned unit.
THE MOST RELIABLE YEAR FOR THE KIA NIRO
If you’re shopping for a used hybrid SUV and considering the Niro, you must know the most reliable Kia Niro year.
Malfunctioning Service Brake
The 2018 Niro has been the subject of multiple NHTSA complaints regarding service brake issues that have led to accidents and raised serious safety concerns. In one particularly alarming incident, a driver reported that their vehicle failed to stop despite applying full brake pressure, resulting in a rear-end collision involving three cars and causing injuries to the occupants. Another complaint described a similar situation where the brakes did not respond adequately, and the vehicle nearly ran a red light on two occasions.
These brake-related issues appear to be a recurring problem, with some owners experiencing difficulties even when their vehicles are relatively new.
2019 Kia Niro
Unfortunately, the following year saw some pretty severe reports from frustrated owners involving the engine, fuel system, and drivetrain.
Transmission Woes
A major source of headaches for 2019 Niro owners is the transmission system. According to NHTSA complaints, the 2019 Kia Niro has been plagued by transmission issues. Owners have reported sudden, unexpected stalling while driving, disconcerting clunking noises, and jolting sensations when accelerating from a stop. Some have even experienced the vehicle moving in the opposite direction of the selected gear.
Engine Troubles
The NHTSA complaints claimed the 2019 Kia Niro had experienced various engine-related problems. In one instance, a vehicle’s air conditioning system failed, followed by the illumination of the HEV and oil lights, resulting in a complete engine replacement due to oil and metal shard contamination.
Another owner reported an evaporative emission system leak accompanied by the RPM gauge maxing out during various driving situations, causing concern for the vehicle’s performance and safety.
HOW LONG DO KIA NIROS LAST?
How long do Kia Niros last? We talk about the Niro’s lifespan, how many miles it can last, and whether it’s a good idea to invest in a used unit.
Fuel System Faults
Several reports mentioned an issue with the fuel system, specifically an evaporative emission system leak detected by code P0456. The owner reported that this small leak was accompanied by the RPM gauge maxing out during various driving situations, such as on the highway, accelerating from a complete stop, and driving uphill, causing concern about the vehicle’s performance and potential safety risks.
So far, these are the least reliable Kia Niro years to avoid. Save yourself the headaches.
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