2021 Kia Niro EV
Only 2 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 2 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 2
- Recalls
- 1
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 2021
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
Complaints per year
2021: 2 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2019 | 19 |
| 2020 | 18 |
| 2021 | 2 |
| 2022 | 32 |
| 2023 | 15 |
| 2024 | 6 |
| 2025 | 1 |
Known problem areas
Only 2 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Service brakes
1 of 2 total reports mentions: service brakes.
Show complaint excerpts
The rear brake rotors on the vehicle are pitted, as confirmed by a local repair shop. The "incident" is ongoing. Kia refuses to repair or replace them under warranty (25,500 miles on the car), claiming they are wear item.
NHTSA ODI report, 2025-05-28
Back over prevention
1 of 2 total reports mentions: back over prevention, most commonly citing back-up alarm.
Show complaint excerpts
I'm a new Niro Ev driver. The VESS noise when reversing the vehicle is very loud.
NHTSA ODI report, 2021-07-30
Safety timeline
1 recall · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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I
2023-01-27Defect petitionClosed 2023-08-07 Pedestrian alert sounds
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R
2025-11-07Back over prevention25V426000 Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Niro EV vehicles. The circuit board for the rearview camera may become damaged and cause the rearview camera image not to display.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the rearview camera, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 7, 2025. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC342.
Buy-smart checklist
2021 Kia Niro EV — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Service brakes: 1 report on file for this year.
- Back over prevention: 1 report on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 25V426000 · Back over prevention
FAQ
- Is the 2021 Kia Niro EV reliable?
- There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
- What are the most common problems with the 2021 Kia Niro EV?
- The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 50% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2021 Kia Niro EV have?
- 1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.