Kia

Niro (1st)

2017-2022 · Compact SUV · 1 engine
Best Engine Avoid (1.3)
365 NHTSA Complaints
1 Recalls
10 Fire Reports
26 Crash Reports

Engine Reliability Comparison

GDI

1.6L 4-cyl / 104 hp
Avoid (1.3)
284 complaints 47.3 per year Gasoline
10 fire reports 1 fatality
View details

Complaint Breakdown

transmission
86
engine
76
electrical
58
other
34
brakes
28

Known Issues

Transmission Issues (86 complaints)
Engine Issues (76 complaints)
Electrical System Issues (58 complaints)

Also found in

KIA Niro (2017-2022)KIA Optima (2016-2020)FORD Transit Connect (2014-2023)

Vehicle-Level Issues

These issues affect the Kia Niro regardless of engine variant.

Transmission Issues (86 complaints)
transmission critical
Engine Issues (76 complaints)
engine critical
Electrical System Issues (58 complaints)
electrical critical
Brakes Issues (28 complaints)
brakes critical
Fuel System Issues (24 complaints)
fuel_system critical

Recalls (1)

23V534000Jul 30, 2023serious
Powertrain

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.

Alternatives in Compact SUV

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common 2017-2022 Kia Niro problems?

The 2017-2022 Kia Niro has accumulated 365 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Transmission, Engine, Electrical System. As with any used vehicle, a pre-purchase inspection and vehicle history report are recommended.

Which Kia Niro engine is most reliable?

The 2017-2022 Kia Niro was offered with 1 engine option. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 1.6L 4-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.

Is the 2017-2022 Kia Niro a good used car?

The 2017-2022 Kia Niro can be a solid used car purchase depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 365 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2017-2022 Kia Niro have?

The 2017-2022 Kia Niro has 365 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.

What recalls affect the 2017-2022 Kia Niro?

There is 1 NHTSA recall affecting some 2017-2022 Kia Niro vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN — check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.

What should I check before buying a used Kia Niro?

Before buying a used Kia Niro, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Transmission, Engine, Electrical System, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or title issues.

Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 365 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-04-06.

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