2023 Kia Niro
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of 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 | 79 |
| 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.
32% of complaints: electrical system — 14 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
When stopping for a traffic sign or light, the car announces that it is shifting into park and does so. The car then will not shift into drive or reverse and is essentially disabled.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260903
Also filed under UNKNOWN OR OTHER
After sitting 2 weeks at airport parking. 12 volt Battery dead . Unsafe to repeatedly have to take out emergency key and pull handle cover off and get in car hit 12v button to start.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260902
My 2023 Kia Niro Hybrid EX has experienced multiple warning messages and unresolved concerns after previous repairs. After the first recall repair, I began receiving intermittent warning messages while driving.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260726
Also filed under POWER TRAIN and ENGINE
25% of complaints: forward collision avoidance — 11 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing warnings and automatic emergency braking.
CRASH INJURY14% of complaints: power train — 6 distinct reports on file.
14% of complaints: air bags — 6 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
I was in a very light two-car collision on 08-09-2023. Both cars had little to no damages, just very minute scratches that are very hard to see.
NHTSA ODI report, 20230908
The contact owns a 2023 Kia Niro. The contact stated that while making a left turn a second vehicle crashed into the front driver's side of the vehicle.
NHTSA ODI report, 20230908
11% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 5 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
While slowing down (without bringing it to a full stop) to make a left turn, car dies, losses all propulsion power just coasts. First it happened intermittently than more often. First it happened in low speed later even with highway speed.
NHTSA ODI report, 20230330
SAFETY TIMELINE
Kia America, Inc.
Remedy: Dealers will update the instrument cluster software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 26, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC270.
Campaign 23V298000 — check if this car was fixed
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023-2025 Niro EV, Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV), and Hybrid vehicles.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect, replace and reroute the floor wiring assembly, as necessary, free of charge. In addition, dealers will install wiring covers. Owner notification letters were mailed February 27, 2025.
Campaign 25V024000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2023 Kia Niro — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (14 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for forward collision avoidance issues (11 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (6 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 23V298000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 25V024000 (electrical system, seats) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2023 Kia Niro reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2023 Kia Niro is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2023 Kia Niro?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 32% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2023 Kia Niro have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-15 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.