2018 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
- 60
- Recalls
- 3
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- Power train
Campaigns on file for 2018
Opened by NHTSA
32% of complaints
Complaints per year
2018: 60 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2017 | 82 |
| 2018 | 60 |
| 2019 | 56 |
| 2020 | 38 |
| 2021 | 9 |
| 2022 | 31 |
| 2023 | 44 |
| 2024 | 10 |
| 2025 | 17 |
| 2026 | 2 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Power train
32% · 19 reportsShow complaint excerpts
The contact owns a 2018 Kia Niro. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the temperature gauge became elevated, and the vehicle stalled. The message "Check Hybrid System - Turn Engine Off" was displayed.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-08-18
Electrical system
30% · 18 reportsShow complaint excerpts
My kia niro 2018 backup camera takes a few seconds to start up when the vehicle is put in reverse. the time it takes differs from a second to sometimes 5 seconds.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-09-03
Driver heated seat shorted out and caused burn to leg. System has not been repaired, will wait to hear from Kia Customer Affairs prior to decision to repair.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-01-08
Also filed under Seats
Engine
28% · 17 reportsShow complaint excerpts
The dealership is falsely reporting to Kia Corporate and the NHTSA that Recall SC276 is 'completed' by only replacing a fuse.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-09-15
Service brakes
10% · 6 reportsShow complaint excerpts
I'm 59 years old never have an accident or had to slam breaks on the guy in front of me slammed his breaks on so I did the same time the brake pedal was to the floor the car didn't even slowed down and not even skid marks hit him then air bags...
NHTSA ODI report, 2025-04-29
Purchased the vehicle with safety tech package which includes aeb (Auto emergency braking) and vehicle did not stop even when I applied full brakes to prevent a collision. The main reason I purchased this vehicle was for this safety feature.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-06-03
I am writing to your company in regards to a serious accident which happened on the date of Saturday, March 24TH around 4PM est.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-04-04
Vehicle speed control
7% · 4 reportsSafety timeline
3 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2018Complaint volume 60 complaints filed for this model year.
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2018-11-23Hybrid propulsion system18V666000 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.
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2023-01-09Hybrid propulsion system22V836000 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.
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2023-01-27Defect petitionClosed 2023-08-07 Pedestrian alert sounds
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2023-12-29Power train23V534000 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.
Buy-smart checklist
2018 Kia Niro — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Power train: 19 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 18 reports on file for this year.
- Engine: 17 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 18V666000 · Hybrid propulsion system
- Recall 22V836000 · Hybrid propulsion system
- Recall 23V534000 · Power train
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2018 Kia Niro reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2018 Kia Niro is rated "worse than typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 2018 Kia Niro?
- The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 32% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2018 Kia Niro have?
- 3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.