Kia Niro — years to avoid

Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA.

2 model years to watch and 2 best bets. Tap a year to see its problem areas, recalls and buy-smart checklist.

Complaint history

Newest first. Find your year, then open it for the full report.

Year	Ranking	Complaints	Compared with a typical year
2026	○ Not enough data	2	Only 2 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
2025	○ Not enough data	17	Only 17 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
2024	○ Not enough data	10	Only 10 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
2023	● Recommended	44	This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.
2022	▲ Recommended	31	This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.
2021	○ Not enough data	9	Only 9 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
2020	▲ Recommended	38	This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.
2019	● Recommended	56	This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.
2018	◆ Caution	60	This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than this model's typical year.
2017	◆ Caution	82	This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than this model's typical year.

How the rankings work

Each model year’s distinct NHTSA complaint count is compared with the median of the same model’s other eligible years.

▲ Recommended
At least 30% fewer complaints than the model’s typical year.
● Recommended
Within 30% of the model’s typical year.
◆ Caution
30% to 100% more complaints than the typical year.
■ Avoid
More than double the complaints of the typical year.
○ Not enough data
Fewer than 30 complaints on file, or too few other years to compare with — too few for a fair verdict.

recalls on file across every Kia Niro model year.

Open a year above to see that year’s own recalls, investigations, and remedies.