Kia

Niro (2nd)

2023-2025 · Compact SUV · 1 engine
Best Engine ⚠️ Caution (3.3)
81 NHTSA Complaints
2 Recalls
0 Fire Reports
15 Crash Reports
Includes data from: NIRONIRO EVNIRO PLUG-IN HYBRID
View all 2 generations of the Kia Niro → 📋 Inspection checklist

NHTSA Safety Ratings About NHTSA ratings

Overall 4/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (11.8% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Standard & Optional LDW: Standard
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
ESC: Standard FCW: Standard LDW: Standard
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
ESC: Standard FCW: Standard LDW: Standard
Overall 5/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (11.8% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Standard & Optional LDW: Standard
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
ESC: Standard FCW: Standard LDW: Standard
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
ESC: Standard FCW: Standard LDW: Standard
Overall 5/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (11.8% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Standard & Optional LDW: Standard
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
ESC: Standard FCW: Standard & Optional LDW: Standard
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
ESC: Standard FCW: Standard LDW: Standard

Engine Reliability Ratings

GDI Kappa PE

1.6L
⚠️ Caution (3.3)
57 complaints 19.0 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

other
20
safety systems
17
electrical
13
transmission
7
fuel system
4

Known Issues

Safety Systems Issues (17 complaints)
Electrical System Issues (13 complaints)
Transmission Issues (7 complaints)

Vehicle-Level Issues

These issues affect the Kia Niro regardless of engine variant.

Safety Systems Issues (17 complaints)
safety_systems critical
Electrical System Issues (13 complaints)
electrical critical
Transmission Issues (7 complaints)
transmission critical

Recalls (2)

25V024000Jan 16, 2025serious
Seats

Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023-2025 Niro EV, Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV), and Hybrid vehicles. The floor wiring assembly beneath the front passenger seat may become damaged, which can prevent the front air bags and seat belts from deploying properly or cause an unintended side curtain air bag deployment.

23V298000Apr 25, 2023serious
Electrical System

Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023 Sportage, Sportage Hybrid, Sportage Plug-in Hybrid, Niro Hybrid, Niro Plug-in Hybrid, Soul, and Telluride vehicles equipped with a digital instrument cluster containing a 4.2" LCD screen.  The instrument cluster may fail to display any information when the vehicle is started.  As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers 101, "Control and Displays," and 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems."

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common 2023-2025 Kia Niro problems?

The 2023-2025 Kia Niro has accumulated 81 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Safety Systems, Electrical System, Transmission. As with any used vehicle, a pre-purchase inspection and vehicle history report are recommended.

Which Kia Niro engine is most reliable?

The 2023-2025 Kia Niro was offered with 1 engine option. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 1.6L ?-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.

Is the 2023-2025 Kia Niro a good used car?

The 2023-2025 Kia Niro can be a solid used car purchase depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 81 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 2023-2025 Kia Niro have?

The 2023-2025 Kia Niro has 81 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 2023-2025 Kia Niro?

There are 2 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2023-2025 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 Safety Systems, Electrical System, Transmission, 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.

What are the NHTSA crash test ratings for the Niro?

The 2025 Kia Niro received an overall 4-star safety rating from NHTSA. Frontal crash: 4 stars. Side crash: 5 stars. Rollover: 4 stars (11.8% rollover probability). Electronic Stability Control: Standard. Forward Collision Warning: Standard & Optional. Lane Departure Warning: Standard. These ratings are based on standardized crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 81 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: moderate. Last updated: 2026-04-07.

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