2017 Kia Niro
This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than this model's typical year.
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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2017 | 80 |
| 2018 | 58 |
| 2019 | 55 |
| 2020 | 37 |
| 2021 | 9 |
| 2022 | 31 |
| 2023 | 44 |
| 2024 | 9 |
| 2025 | 17 |
| 2026 | 2 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
35% of complaints: engine — 28 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
My 2017 Kia Niro exhibits a dangerous low-speed engine surging hazard matching Safety Recall SC276.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260728
Also filed under ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
26% of complaints: electrical system — 21 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing fuses and circuit breakers and 12v/24v/48v battery.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2017 KIA NIRO. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AT THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE, A LOUD ABNORMAL NOISE WAS HEARD.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180620
Also filed under UNKNOWN OR OTHER
LEASED THE 2017 KIA NIRO EX HYBRID CAR, LATE SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2017 AND DROVE HOME 10+ MILES. ODOMETER HAD 15 MILES AT START. LEFT THE CAR IN THE GARAGE FOR TWO DAYS AND ATTEMPTED TO DRIVE IT EARLY WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2017 AT 4AM.
NHTSA ODI report, 20170228
Also filed under STEERING
24% of complaints: power train — 19 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIREShow complaint excerpts
The contact owned a 2017 Kia Niro. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the temperature gauge began to indicate that the vehicle was overheating. The contact then observed smoke emanating from the engine compartment.
NHTSA ODI report, 20240429
The vehicle's hydraulic clutch actuator (HCA) has failed and is actively leaking fluid onto the printed circuit board (PCB), creating an immediate electrical short and engine bay fire hazard.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260914
11% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 9 distinct reports on file.
9% of complaints: steering — 7 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
- my car started releasing white smoke - i took it to repair shop, stated it was fixed, white smoke continued -car started overheating -Took it to KIA dealership and was told i was responsible for fuel leaking into engine, was told my car was not...
NHTSA ODI report, 20230907
Also filed under VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
SAFETY TIMELINE
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017 Kia Niro vehicles. The Hydraulic Clutch Actuator (HCA) inner oil seal may leak, allowing oil to accumulate in the cap area, possibly resulting in an electrical short.
Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the HCA caps for leaked oil and replace the HCA assembly if needed, or replace the HCA cap with additional sealant. These repairs will be performed free of charge.
Campaign 18V257000 — check if this car was fixed
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Kia Niro hybrid electric vehicles. The Main Relay within the Power Relay Assembly (PRA) may have inadequate connections between its contacts, causing increased electrical resistance.
Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the Power Relay Assembly (PRA) for damage. If no damage is found, the main relay will be replaced. If damage is found, the PRA will be replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge.
Campaign 18V666000 — check if this car was fixed
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Kia Niro hybrid electric vehicles previously recalled under recall 18V-666.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the PRA and replace either the PRA or the Main Relay, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 9, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542.
Campaign 22V836000 — check if this car was fixed
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
2017 Kia Niro — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine issues (28 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (21 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (19 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 18V257000 (hybrid propulsion system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 18V666000 (hybrid propulsion system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 22V836000 (hybrid propulsion system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 23V534000 (power train) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2017 Kia Niro reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2017 Kia Niro is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2017 Kia Niro?
The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 35% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2017 Kia Niro have?
4 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.