2018 Kia Niro Phev
Only 13 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 13 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2018 | 13 |
| 2019 | 26 |
| 2020 | 5 |
| 2021 | 1 |
| 2022 | 12 |
| 2023 | 6 |
| 2024 | 3 |
| 2025 | 2 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 13 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
6 of 13 total reports mention: power train.
Show complaint excerpts
The contact owns a 2018 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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20231116
The contact owns a 2018 Kia Niro. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V534000 (Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable.
NHTSA ODI report, 20231031
The contact owns a 2018 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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20231003
4 of 13 total reports mention: engine.
2 of 13 total reports mention: vehicle speed control.
2 of 13 total reports mention: structure.
Show complaint excerpts
I WENT TO A KIA DEALER FOR AN OIL CHANGE AND WAS THEN INFORMED THERE WERE 3 OPEN RECALLS ON MY VEHICLE. I RECEIVED NO NOTIFICATION BY MAIL, EMAIL OR PHONE. THE REPAIRS WERE TO TAKE 5 HOURS.
NHTSA ODI report, 20190131
2 of 13 total reports mention: electrical system.
SAFETY TIMELINE
Pedestrian alert sounds
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.
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.
Campaign 23V534000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2018 Kia Niro Phev — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for power train issues (6 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 23V534000 (power train) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 2018 Kia Niro Phev 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 2018 Kia Niro Phev?
The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 46% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2018 Kia Niro Phev have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.