2018 Kia Niro

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2018 Kia Niro
RENDERED 2026-08-02T10:55:10.800Z

Not enough comparison years on file yet 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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

2018: 56 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
2017	75
2018	56
2019	53
2020	35
2021	9
2022	27
2023	39
2024	8
2025	13
2026	1

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

POWER TRAIN 30%

30% of complaints: power train — 17 distinct reports on file.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 30%

30% of complaints: electrical system — 17 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY

Show complaint excerpts

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, 20260108

ENGINE 29%

29% of complaints: engine — 16 distinct reports on file.

SERVICE BRAKES 11%

11% of complaints: service brakes — 6 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY

Show 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, 20250429

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, 20180603

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, 20180404

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 7%

7% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 4 distinct reports on file.

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 20181123 — hybrid propulsion system

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

R 20230109 — hybrid propulsion system

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

I 20230127 — DP (closed 20230807)

Pedestrian alert sounds

R 20231229 — power train

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 — pre-purchase inspection

Test/inspect for power train issues (17 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for electrical system issues (17 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for engine issues (16 reports on file for this year).
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.

FAQ

Is the 2018 Kia Niro 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?

The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 30% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2018 Kia Niro have?

3 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.