2020 Kia Niro

This submission is supplemental information for my prior NHTSA complaint (Complaint #XXX). After filing the original report, I learned additional details from the Kia dealership that serviced my vehicle. The service department stated that they have seen the same electronic parking brake controller and actuator failure on multiple Kia Niro vehicles from model years 2018–2021. They reported that these failures were not covered under warranty for those years, even when the symptoms began during the warranty period. The dealer also explained that Kia made design improvements to the electronic parking brake system in later model years and expanded warranty coverage for the updated EPB assembly and control components. This suggests that Kia was aware of recurring issues with the earlier design, despite no formal recall or service campaign being issued for the affected 2018–2021 vehicles. I am submitting this supplemental information because it indicates a potential pattern of safety‑related failures involving the electronic parking brake system across multiple vehicles and model years. These failures affect the vehicle’s ability to hold position when parked and may interact with braking and stability control systems.”

Reported

Jul 2026

Incident date

Jan 2026

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

What's malfunctioning: coolant monitoring system shows low coolant warning when coolant level is observably fine. Problem has been ongoing for over a year. Available for inspection: yes. Safety problem: coolant monitoring is inaccurate, causing alarm when coolant levels are fine and possibly causing no alarm when coolant levels are too low. Problem reproduced: yes, by both dealer and independent service center. Vehicle inspected by manufacturer: yes. They attempted service but their repair only lasted a few months. Symptoms prior to failure: no. The problem is that the warning lights are turning on when they should not be. This matches the symptoms of Kia Technical Service Bulletin SA512, but the manufacturer's fix did not work.

Reported

Jun 2026

Incident date

May 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The contact owns a 2020 Kia Niro EV. The contact stated that the rearview camera intermittently failed to display an image when the vehicle was shifted into reverse. The contact stated that reverse engaged normally, and the audible alert was sounded; however, the display screen periodically remained blank. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent but had occurred several times. The contact stated that the rearview camera operated properly for a while before the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to a dealer prior to the expiration of the warranty. The dealer was unable to duplicate the failure, and the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and suggested that the vehicle be taken for additional diagnostic tests, and the dealer would consult with technical assistance from the manufacturer to determine how to repair the vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 11,000.

Reported

Jun 2026

Incident date

Oct 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The electronic parking brake controller failed after intermittent warnings that began while the vehicle was still under warranty. The parking brake actuator also failed and had to be replaced. The electronic parking brake system is part of the vehicle’s safety system, and the failure caused the parking brake to malfunction unpredictably. The issue did not store persistent diagnostic codes, making it difficult to diagnose earlier. This is a safety concern because it affects the vehicle’s ability to hold position when parked and can interfere with braking and stability control. Because I am not the original owner, Kia refused to perform this as a warranty repair even though the intermittent failures began while the vehicle was under warranty.

Reported

Jun 2026

Incident date

Jan 2026

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The AC compressor failed due to an isolation resistance failure at the high voltage inverter. Freon leaked from the AC system into the battery chiller coolant loop, causing crystallization and blockages in the inverter coolant circuit. This is a battery thermal management system failure. The failure was confirmed and diagnosed by an authorized Kia dealer. Warning lights appeared on the dashboard including an inverter coolant warning. The vehicle was driven in ambient temperatures exceeding 108 degrees Fahrenheit in Arizona with no cabin cooling and a compromised battery thermal management system, creating a safety risk to the driver. The dealer quoted repair including AC compressor replacement, battery chiller replacement, and inverter coolant flush. Kia Consumer Affairs denied warranty coverage under the federal emissions warranty despite the vehicle being within the 8 year/80,000 mile coverage window at approximately 58,309 miles. No written explanation for the denial was provided. This failure appears to be a known pattern on this platform based on owner reports. The battery chiller and inverter coolant system are integral to battery thermal management and should be covered under the federal emissions warranty. The vehicle is currently unsafe to operate in extreme Arizona heat without functioning thermal management.

Reported

Jun 2026

Incident date

May 2026

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

10.25" audio head unit. UVO no longer connects so that 911 and roadside assistance can not be reached. This is a known problem with 2019 and early 2020 Kia Niro's part# 96160-Q4210. I spoke to the Kia UVO Call Center and they confirmed that my unit is not communicating and has not since Dec. 2021. As I usually drive just around town I have not used UVO, but now that I'm on the road I need to be able to use this feature. I'm attaching a quote for a replacement unit

Reported

Apr 2026

Incident date

Apr 2026

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

I had my oil changed in Dec. 2025. I drove 1000+ miles w/no issue. Engine suddenly seized w/no engine light warning. Oil dumped all at once. Kia refuses to cover under warranty. THIS HAPPENED TO MY CAR: NTSA announced it had launched an investigation into Hyundai Motor Company and Kia Motor Company for problems with their oil pans and oil drain plugs... consumers have filed complaints their engine’s oil drain plug falls out, causing all the oil to drain out of their engine while driving. In multiple tests the oil drain plug was tightened according to factory torque specifications and the tightening was well documented. Yet, testing shows in multiple cases that while driving, the oil drain plug falls within a few thousand miles after the service. In those cases, the crankcase drained completely. The Hyundai and Kia drain plug falls out due to inferior oil pan material and the drain plug gasket. The testing and investigations appear to show that the oil drain plans are made with THIN METAL AND THE DRAIN PLUG MOUNTING IS POORLY REINFORCED. In addition, the oil pan is coated with a thick paint coating the bonds the gasket to the pan, so the gasket does not come off when the drain plug is removed. That gasket issue alone is not why the oil drain plug falls out, but it is a factor in the chain of events. The oil pan is the biggest problem Apparently, the thin metal, along with engine vibrations and expansion/contraction tend to loosen the drain plug without any other intervention. NHTSA is investigating this as a factory defect ... The problem is two-fold. First, even if the repair shop properly torques the drain plug, the oil drain plug falls out on its own. The customer then blames the shop for shoddy workmanship. Second, Hyundai and Kia dealers are telling customers that servicing their vehicle at an aftermarket shop automatically voids their factory warranty. This is totally false & actually illegal under the terms of the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act.

Reported

Apr 2026

Incident date

Mar 2026

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

I own a 2020 Kia Niro PHEV. In October 2024, my dealership performed Technical Service Bulletin SA512 on my vehicle addressing the inverter coolant system. I was not informed at that time that the issue was likely to recur or that periodic maintenance would be required. In March 2026, the inverter coolant warning light returned. I brought the vehicle back to the dealership, where I was told the coolant had crystallized. The dealer confirmed this is a known recurring issue with this vehicle and stated it would need to be flushed approximately every two years since we drive relatively low miles per year (despite driving every day). I was not warned of this at any point. Furthermore, many owners likely drive it short distances every day since it is a plug-in electric vehicle. Kia denied goodwill coverage and I paid out of pocket for the repair. When I contacted Kia Customer Care, representatives gave conflicting information. One confirmed SA512 was performed as a service campaign, another stated it was only a TSB and declined coverage since my car is out of warranty (even though the warranty should still cover the battery and this is an electrical issue). A total case specialist I was assigned to said she would talk to the dealer and call me back but never did. The inverter cooling system is safety-relevant as it prevents the battery from overheating. The problem was confirmed and repaired by the dealership. The component is no longer available for inspection as the repair has been completed. Kia's issuance of SA512 suggests this is a known design issue affecting multiple owners of this model, and they informed the dealership that they could not cover the cost because if they did so, they would have to cover everyone with the same problem (again implying that the issue is quite widespread.)

Reported

Mar 2026

Incident date

Mar 2026

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Engine Seized at 79,000 miles on Kia Niro Hybrid on 3/8/2025. Oil was changed at 78,225 miles on 12/16/2025. No issues with vehicle until approx. 1,000 miles later and just a month and a half later when car suddenly lost power on a highway forcing me to try to safely and quickly navigate off the road. This could have caused risk to my life and other lives. The car could not be restarted. Kia said the drain plug was not screwed on and is refusing to honor warranty despite no issues with the oil change. Notably, in October 2022, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced it had launched an investigation into Hyundai Motor Company and Kia Motor Company for problems with their oil pans and oil drain plugs. Specifically, consumers and aftermarket service facilities have filed complaints their engine’s oil drain plug falls out, causing all the oil to drain out of their engine while driving. In multiple tests the oil drain plug was tightened according to factory torque specifications and the tightening was well documented. Yet, testing shows in multiple cases that while driving, the oil drain plug falls within a few thousand miles after the service. In those cases, the crankcase drained completely. [XXX] This issue should be investigated for potential recall to keep drivers, passengers safe on our highways. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Reported

Mar 2026

Incident date

Mar 2026

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

One night the tailgate latch began clicking, locking and unlocking itself and then not latching closed, causing the inside light to remain on and the tailgate open indicator to display on the display panel. Then it just went dead and would not open at all, even if using the specific tailgate open key on the key fob. Then a few weeks later while driving on an empty street very slowly as I was turning a corner, with no warning the back windshield suddenly made a loud noise and then spontaneously shattered. I got out and looked around and there was no one else around or any other cars driving by. I did not hear any impact and also had my driver window down and did not hear any shots, and was not able to recover anything from the inside the back of the vehicle or on the ground that could have hit it. Kia will not cover the cost of the back windshield even though I still have 5 years left on the manufacturer warranty, and purchased the dealership warranty. There is a class-action lawsuit against Kia that is for the Telluride model windshields but according to Google my affect some Niros (Sanchez Vs Kia).

Reported

Feb 2026

Incident date

Feb 2026

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

When I’m braking at slow speeds, 10mph or less the front left tire braking system locks and makes the car skid. This happens randomly. There’s also a clicking sound made from the regen braking to switching to regular braking. The mechanic replaced the hca assembly and wiring kit from a recall but the car is still having the same issues. This also brings up the codes EBS and AUTO HOLD on my dash.

Reported

Feb 2026

Incident date

Dec 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The contact owns a 2020 Kia Niro EV. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under an undisclosed recall on two separate occasions; however, the part failed a third time after the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer declined to offer additional repairs under the recall. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V899000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); and associated the failures with the recall. The vehicle was driven to a dealer but was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 55,000.

Reported

Feb 2026

Incident date

Dec 2022

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

There were no symptoms prior to the warning message and warning symbol on the dash. Warning message was "Check EV System". I took my car to the dealer immediately. The dealer has had my car for 3 1/2 months, since Sept 12, 2025. Now the field tech from Kia, on 12/22/25, says that the Electric Power Control Unit (EPCU) needs to be replaced. This could have cause the vehicle to stop in the middle of traffic and cause an accident.

Reported

Dec 2025

Incident date

Sep 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

AS AT 11/07/2023 KIA AMERICA KNEW OF HCV/HYDRAULIC CLUTCH ACTUATOR -HEV/HYBRID ELECTRIC VEHICLE CAUSED TRANMSISSION PROBLEM IN KIA NIRO HYBRID 2020 AND KIA AMERICA REFUSED TO REPAIR IT. RECALL COMPLETED 5/27/2025 AFTER POWER TRAIN WARRANTY EXPIRED.

Reported

Nov 2025

Incident date

Nov 2023

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The contact owns a 2020 Kia Niro. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V426000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION). However, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the rearview camera displayed a black screen while the vehicle was in reverse(R) or the image was frozen. The failure obstructed the driver's visibility, which prevented the driver from safely operating the vehicle. 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 not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was not provided.

Reported

Oct 2025

Incident date

Jul 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

I had just left my doctor after a protracted visit and was almost late for dinner guests. I noticed a thumping and thought it was the road, but it was a 3/8" bolt in my tire tread.I pulled up at Costco, hoping they could repair it quickly but was told I had to wait 2.5 hours when I had guests coming in an hour. I decided I would have to change the tire. When opening the trunk I found there is no spare, but saw a kit to fix the flat, which I vaguely remember reading about. I'm in a huge hurry to get home but I open the Owner's manual and there is: NADA about the flat repair. So I look at the components. There is a container of the repair solution and a pump with cartoons on it and a hose with a needle to insert into the puncture. After studying the cartoons for about 5 minutes (I am a highly technical, retired 82 year old ex IT professional), I figured out how to connect the can into the pump the hose to the pump and the power cord into the cigarette lighter (how many people still smoke and what would happen if the 12v socket disappears). I was then able to try to repair the puncture but it was for nought as the hole - duh - was too big. I also apparently ruined any chance the repair shop could repair the hole. The tire shop said my repair solution ruined the chance to repair the tire. Heaven help me if I get a flat in the rural boondocks!!!!! My complaint is: 1. What if this happened on a dark 2 lane country road 100 miles from nowhere and I were a single female or aged, frail couple? How would they manage to put together the repair flat kit with the hieroglyphic documentation on the repair kit pump? Could they be stranded for days without food, water, survival gear like coats or blankets? 2. Not supplying a spare doughnut tire could be imperiling vulnerable people. 3. The Owner's manual does not mention tire repair at all.

Reported

Sep 2025

Incident date

Sep 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The contact owns a 2020 Kia Niro. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the HEV Hybrid System warning light illuminated, prompting the contact to discontinue driving the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 110,000.

Reported

Aug 2025

Incident date

Aug 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The contact owns a 2021 Kia Niro. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started, the refill inverter coolant warning light illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that the refill inverter warning light illuminated while driving the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with debris and corrosion in the inverters and electronic water pump. The contact was informed that the radiator and the water pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that in November 2023, the contact received Technical Service Bulletin: SA512, and the dealer attempted four times to perform the repair but was unsuccessful. In addition, the contact stated that the dealer who performed the Technical Service Bulletin: SA512, had not diagnosed the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an alternate dealer, who investigated and informed the contact that the Technical Service Bulletin: SA512, repair was not properly performed, and stated that this was the reason for the corrosion and debris in the water pump. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The contact stated that a buy-back by the manufacturer was requested; however, the buy-back request was denied. The failure mileage was approximately 44,910.

Reported

Jul 2025

Incident date

Nov 2023

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The contact owns a 2020 Kia Niro. The contact stated that the oil change due in 700 miles message was displayed. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH to have an oil change performed, oil change service at 55 MPH, the contact heard an abnormal popping sound. The contact stated that the low oil pressure warning light became illuminated. The contact stated while approaching the Auto Shop for the oil change, the vehicle lost motive power and made another abnormal sound. The independent mechanic informed the contact that the engine might have failed and referred the contact to the dealer for assistance. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the oil plug had separated, causing a significant oil leak and engine damage. The dealer determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 70,500.

Reported

Jun 2025

Incident date

Jun 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

There is a silver strip that runs horizontally along the middle of the dashboard from one side to the other. It’s made out of a very reflective material. During the midday hours, it brightly shines the sun directly into the driver’s and passenger’s eyes—it’s very blinding!–and makes it difficult and unsafe to drive. I can’t even begin to think about teaching our teenage son how to drive in this car because of this safety issue.

Reported

Jun 2025

Incident date

Jun 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The component that failed was the Hydraulic Clutch Actuator, which is part of the hybrid transmission system. This component was already replaced in May 2024 under recall SC276, but it failed again. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The failure significantly affects the vehicle’s drivability. The most noticeable issue is a loud, explosive-like sound during operation and a slipping sensation, especially when braking at low speeds on city streets. The vehicle feels unstable and difficult to control during these episodes. This creates a serious safety risk for me and for others on the road. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes, it was inspected by a Kia dealership authorized by the manufacturer as part of recall SC276 in Colorado. It was later inspected again in February by Kia Serramonte in California for the same issue, but the problem still persists. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No, there are currently no warning lights illuminated. However, the vehicle shows abnormal behavior such as jerking, loss of power, and a noise similar to an explosion. These symptoms first appeared before the recall in 2024, and then reappeared in August 2024, just a few months after the repair until now. Due to financial limitations, I was only able to take the vehicle in for service in November 2024, and finally left it at the dealership in February 2025. The so-called “repair” lasted two months, but the dealership refused to take responsibility. I had to pay $3,188 out of pocket, and even after that, nothing was fixed — the vehicle remains defective.

Reported

Apr 2025

Incident date

Apr 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The contact owns a 2020 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 contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

Reported

Apr 2025

Incident date

Apr 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

2020 Kia Niro was driving fine until one day while driving down the highway at highway speeds (65-70 mph), the car began to lose power and as we switched lanes to get to the side of the highway, the car began to smoke and caught on fire. Our safety was at risk due to the car catching on fire. The problem is unable to be reproduced as the car is a total loss. Vehicle was inspected by police at the scene. There were no warning lights, and the vehicle had been in working condition prior to the incident. The vehicle had a recall that was fixed at our local Kia dealership as soon as a solution was indicated, and the part was located.

Reported

Feb 2025

Incident date

Jan 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

Fire

About 7 months ago, "Refill Inverter Coolant" warning came up. Since then, I've scheduled service appoitment wtih Van Nuys Kia dealership 5 times to resolve this issue, but even after recent appoitment 2 weeks ago, this warning is still came up on my dashboard. Every time I start the car, the persistent refill inverter coolant light comes on. I believe I am experiencing this issue because KIA and their dealership where I bought my car doesn't want take ownership of this issue and resolve it. I am deeply concerned about my safety and the safety of my children when I drive my Kia vehicle.

Reported

Jan 2025

Incident date

Mar 2024

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

vehicle started jerking suddenly and uncontrollably. It jerked to the side almost gliding into another vehicle there is a smell also coming from the car and wheels have extensive loss of threading due to abrupt change of speed and direction. Controlling the vehicle does this more regularly but this time I almost hit a vehicle to the side of me and I could not get cargo straight for a second it was a quick incident but it's pretty much made me want to check into this recall because it was very scary. And I don't know if it'll get worse because it seems to have gradually gotten worse and is messing up certain parts of the car that I need and I can tell the difference and I have not been in an accident thank God because I was able to control the vehicle but I do feel that it's only going to get worse and I don't like the smell I endure and I know that's one of the signs of the recall. But I do not like to drive with danger so think this is becoming more important.

Reported

Nov 2024

Incident date

Nov 2024

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

On [XXX], Flakes of paint starting peeling away and flew over the windshield while simply driving along an interstate highway at 65 MPH on a calm, dry and sunny day in CO. (A factory paint application defect of the SWP paint color is a common owner complaint) Issue reported to Kia Customer Service on NOV 15th, 2024 who provided case No.[XXX]

Reported

Nov 2024

Incident date

Jan 2023

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The contact owns a 2020 Kia Niro. The contact stated while reversing, the back over prevention camera failed to function as intended. The contact stated that the screen displayed a black image. In addition, the contact stated that the back over prevention system was inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The contact declined the diagnostic test because of the cost. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 62,000.

Reported

Nov 2024

Incident date

Oct 2023

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Hi my name is [XXX] I had an accident on a red light, I was on a highway took a ramp for the exit the car who was ahead of me like 30 feet make a right turn and as next on turn I look on my left side then when I turn on the right the car ahead of me stop again so I heat with the right corner of my bumper to the left rear corner of her bumper, both airbags deployed but the one on the bottom cut my leg, because the sewing part and threads were outside, I don't know if that is the way is supposed to be installed, because the airbag on the steering wheel doesn't have the sewing part outside. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Reported

Oct 2024

Incident date

Oct 2024

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

Crash 1 injuries

The vehicle locks the left wheel when braking. It skids and brakes in one simultaneous action. It doesn't happen often but occasionally if I'm in heavy traffic. I reported this problem to the Kia dealer who found no problem. I really feel that this requires investigation as it could cause an accident. El vehículo bloquea la rueda izquierda al frenar. Patina y frena en una sola acción simultánea. No sucede a menudo, pero de vez en cuando, si hay mucho tráfico. Informé de este problema al concesionario de Kia, que no encontró ningún problema. Realmente creo que es necesario investigarlo, ya que podría provocar un accidente.

Reported

Sep 2024

Incident date

Sep 2024

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The contact owns a 2020 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 contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

Reported

Aug 2024

Incident date

Aug 2024

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

My key fob works perfectly fine. I came out from work and my car was dead, I pressed my key fob to unlock and nothing happened. I tried the key attached to the key fob and it’s strange because it doesn’t even fit to open the door. It was so hot outside because I’m in Texas and when I called KIA roadside assistance an hour passed by and they still hadn’t arrived. I could’ve had a heat injury, but I was able to hide under a tree for some shade. This is the second time my car just dies and doesn’t turn on without having to get help from roadside assistance. I took it to the dealership and they did a diagnostic on my car. They said nothing is wrong with it. This is crazy, it’s making KIA look bad. I attached the service copy of the diagnostic test. They didn’t have extra vehicles to rent so I had to take Lyft to work. They were kind enough to drop me off home, but I still had to pay to get to work.

Reported

Jun 2024

Incident date

Jun 2024

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The interior instrument panel horizontal angled trim has a shiny metal surface that when the sun shines on it, reflects into the driver's eyes causing a blinding experience. The driver cannot see the instrument panel, the display, the controls, and causes a total white out/ washout of visibility. Due to a camera's light sensitivity and auto adjustment of same, pictures don't serve well as to the actual blinding experience.

Reported

May 2024

Incident date

May 2024

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The contact owns a 2020 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 contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and the dealer determined that the failure was related to the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the part was not yet available. The failure mileage was approximately 27,500. Parts distribution disconnect.

Reported

Mar 2024

Incident date

Jan 2024

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Car lost power, turtle warning lamp came on with “power limited” warning. This happened as I was slowing down in the fast lane of [XXX] just outside Novato CA. Fortunately, the cars behind me slowed down and stopped while I turned off the power and restarted the car. The car was fine after that, but this is the second time this has happened to us in less than a week. The other time it happened while we were idling at a red light. When the light turned green, the car lost power. We had to turn off the ignition and restart the vehicle. We will not drive the car again until we can get it repaired because of the fear for our safety. If the car had lost power while I was at full speed in the fast lane of the freeway, I could easily have been rear ended by a car traveling at the same speed or faster. We have not taken the car to a Kia dealership yet, but we will as soon as possible. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Reported

Mar 2024

Incident date

Mar 2024

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The contact owns a 2020 Kia Niro. The contact stated that after an extensive amount of driving, the front driver’s and front passenger’s seat were inclining towards the middle console, both the driver and front passenger occupants would experience leg pain due to the seats. No warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

Reported

Mar 2024

Incident date

Feb 2024

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The contact owns a 2020 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 contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that the traction control warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that another warning light of an HEV failure had occurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 30,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

Reported

Feb 2024

Incident date

Jul 2023

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Faulty EPCU and circuit board damaged from coolant leak, as described by Kia technician. Other components have been affected. Estimated $3,000 in parts left to replace. Total repair cost is looking to exceed $13,000. On last failure of car, I was driving as the Electical Vehicle Systems error occurred and the car went into neutral and when it slowed down, went into Park. Car would start and drive 10-15 feet before becoming inoperable again. Dealership says they fixed by adding coolant and they couldn't replicate the error. It took me 200 ft of driving to do it. I turned on the AC and the error happened. Could have been coincidental. Kia has declined/refused repairs because serious fault happened at 60,800 miles and they say its out of warranty. Issue had been going on for about 30,000 miles at that point with no resolution ever being reached. Car has been throwing errors and codes and repeated attempts to have Kia check my car for the recall that had been issued were ignored and i was told the recall wasnt the issue. April 29, 2023 was the first time I contacted Kia service about the Low Inverter Coolant message I was getting. Kia insisted that coolant just needed to be flushed. Coolant Issue persisted. They bled and flushed the system and put new coolant in. Issue peristed. Car was taken to dealership at least 3 or 4 times. On one occasion, technician informed me that if the coolant message goes away when you turn the car off and it doesn't constantly flash, there's no urgent issue. He was apparently misinformed. I have now had the exact thing happen to my car that the recall was meant to prevent. My car was produced in 8/20 so within recall time-frame. My car should be recalled and Kia should be made to rectify the situation. All repair documents and estimates are included in my submission.

Reported

Feb 2024

Incident date

Oct 2023

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

My vehicle was the victim of attempted theft and reported to City of Cincinnati police 8/11/23. It then underwent repairs and delays before it was returned to me on 9/22/23. The left side rear door is basically detached from the system, causing the alarm to go off or not even work. The back seat lock is completely malfunctional, and there is glass remaining inside the car. I was informed by two separate Kia locations that they would contact me about repairs. On 9/29, notice attached here, I was informed that when a remedy is available, they will repair and cover the costs. No one has contacted me, and I have called multiple times over the last several months, including leaving voicemails, asking for any updates. I have phone logs I can provide as well. NOTE: The "Upload Files" button is not working below. Each time I click it, it just vanishes. This makes it impossible to attach anything.

Reported

Jan 2024

Incident date

Sep 2023

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Drive unit defect in EV motor/reduction gear. These vehicles have a manufacturing defect that causes a percentage of them to experience a loud noise while under acceleration, loudest at around 30mph. It is described as a "card in spokes", "motor rumble", "wheel of fortune", "clicking/tapping" sound. There is a TSB that Kia has released for this issue, ELE234, but Kia continually denies and obstructs owners from getting their vehicles repaired under warranty. It typically begins quietly at around 20-30k miles, gradually getting louder. Currently at 68k, Kia continues to deny repairs. It has been inspected and diagnosed several times by a Kia dealership, acknowledging the defect referenced in their own TSB, but Kia will not authorize the repair.

Reported

Dec 2023

Incident date

Dec 2023

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

-Abnormal Reduction Gear and/or EV motor Rumble noise as identified in KIA TSB-234. The car is available for inspection. -Car not working properly/increasing the risk of stall or breakdown while driving and therefore increasing the risk of collision/accident. There is a loss of power and increased revolution noise from the reduction gear/EV motor increasing the incidence of vehicle failure during operation and accident, therefore increasing the incidence of property and bodily injury/damage due to known issues by KIA currently being serviced only under TSB and not as a recall. -This problem was confirmed by the dealer technician. The technician also identified that a TSB exists for the identified issue. Per technician same issue has been previously serviced by the dealership for other Niro EV customers when under 100K (warranty period). Per the technician, this problem occurred outside of the 100K and would require authorization from KIA corporate. Kia customer service was contacted and was unwilling to resolve the issue. -Yes a test drive was performed with the technician who was knowledgeable about the issue and the TSB who immediately identified the issue as the one identified in TSB-234 and informed that some vehicles in the past have been serviced for the exact same issue but require KIA Motors authorization for service outside of 100K. KIA is unwilling to provide authorization. -No prior warning signs/warning lamps, Issues started happening after 100K. The dealer was notified at the time of service of another recall on the current vehicle. No resolution was provided for the safety issue being experienced.

Reported

Nov 2023

Incident date

Sep 2023

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The contact owns a 2020 Kia Niro. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V534000 (Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount 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.

Reported

Nov 2023

Incident date

Nov 2023

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The contact owns a 2020 Kia Niro. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V534000 (Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Reported

Nov 2023

Incident date

Jul 2023

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The contact owns a 2020 Kia Niro. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V534000 (Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. 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.

Reported

Nov 2023

Incident date

Jul 2023

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The contact owns a 2020 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 made aware of the issue 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 not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Reported

Oct 2023

Incident date

Sep 2023

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

I have been a Lyft driver for over 2 years, and because of the mileage I put on mile personal vehicle. I had to result to renting a vehicle from Lyft Flex Drive Rental, located at 2214 Century Center Blvd Irving, TX 75062. 0n 05/15/2023 at approximately 8:15 p.m. Right after dropping off passenger, and on my way to pick up another one. The vehicle mentioned hereof suddenly blew up out of no where. My personal property in the vehicle was destroyed , and almost loss my life! However, Lyft is suggesting I pay over a thousand dollars. When it wasn't my fault the car blew up. Moreover, their stagnating me from getting back to work, and not allowing me to rent a car from Lyft Fleet . Because supposedly the car hasn't been totaled out yet. Despite it as been weeks since the incident occurred. I also took my vehicle to Lyft Flex shop for a check up the previous week before the incident occurred. My Please see photos attached! THE INSURANCE COMPANY HANDLING THE MATTER IS LIBERTY MUTUAL CLAIM # 241398210 / Phone Number: 888.638.3564

Reported

May 2023

Incident date

May 2023

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

Fire

The contact owns a 2020 Kia Niro. The contact stated that after charging the battery to 80 percent, the vehicle immediately turned off while reversing out of the charging station. After restarting the vehicle and driving, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who cleared the failure codes and tested drove the vehicle, but no failure was identified. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not yet notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 17,972.

Reported

Jan 2023

Incident date

Dec 2022

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

I first bought the car brand new from the car dealership and the first problem was a check engine light came on when I bought it. I took it to the car dealership and could not find the problem. I bought the car in December 2020. And off and on the check engine light comes and goes. And they could not find the error. Lastly about two weeks before the car caught on fire. It was service for oil change and a catalytic converter replacement. After that while I was driving on the parkway in New Jersey I heard a loud bang in the engine and I pulled over and I saw a fire starting underneath the engine. The whole car is consumed in fire. The fire department came and put it out.

Reported

Nov 2022

Incident date

May 2022

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

Fire

The bearings in the steering wheel is going bad. The car is a 2020 and should not have this issue. They’re claiming it’s not covered under basic warranty since my mileage is 77,637, over the 60,000 mileage. Even with this many mileage, a steering wheel bearing should not go bad this quickly.

Reported

Sep 2022

Incident date

Sep 2022

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

My Niro has been having issues with sputtering, jerking, chugging, and feeling like it’s about to stall. Sometimes it happens right when I start the car and sometimes it happens while I am driving. The check engine light just started coming on yesterday. I believe the transmission is faulty and have spoken to or taken it to the dealer with this same issue multiple times as it is covered under warranty. They keep telling me that’s just how the car drives but in the 8 cars I’ve owned in my life, I have never had a car that behaves this way before. An internet search of “Kia niro transmission problems” proves that this is a common and known issue with this car that Kia is doing nothing to resolve. I have a daily 20 mile commute to work and feel incredibly unsafe driving my car and letting my teenage daughter drive it.

Reported

Sep 2022

Incident date

Sep 2022

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The contact’s wife owns a 2020 Kia Niro. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently decelerated. The contact stated that during the failure the regenerative brake warning light illuminated. The contact stated that his wife was able to coast into a parking lot. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the failure could not be duplicated. The manufacture was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was covered under warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 46,000.

Reported

Sep 2022

Incident date

Sep 2022

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

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.

Risk: A fire increases the risk of injury.

Remedy: 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.