2020 Kia Niro EV Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2020 Kia Niro EV, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Driver assistance525.0%
- Electrical420.0%
- Powertrain (other)315.0%
- Fuel system315.0%
- Brakes15.0%
- Visibility15.0%
- Engine15.0%
- Other / unspecified15.0%
- Steering15.0%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Niro EV. The contact stated that the rearview camera intermittently failed to display an image when the vehicle was shifted into reverse. The contact stated that reverse engaged normally, and the audible alert was sounded; however, the display screen periodically remained blank. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent but had occurred several times. The contact stated that the rearview camera operated properly for a while before the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to a dealer prior to the expiration of the warranty. The dealer was unable to duplicate the failure, and the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and suggested that the vehicle be taken for additional diagnostic tests, and the dealer would consult with technical assistance from the manufacturer to determine how to repair the vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 11,000.
-Abnormal Reduction Gear and/or EV motor Rumble noise as identified in KIA TSB-234. The car is available for inspection. -Car not working properly/increasing the risk of stall or breakdown while driving and therefore increasing the risk of collision/accident. There is a loss of power and increased revolution noise from the reduction gear/EV motor increasing the incidence of vehicle failure during operation and accident, therefore increasing the incidence of property and bodily injury/damage due to known issues by KIA currently being serviced only under TSB and not as a recall. -This problem was confirmed by the dealer technician. The technician also identified that a TSB exists for the identified issue. Per technician same issue has been previously serviced by the dealership for other Niro EV customers when under 100K (warranty period). Per the technician, this problem occurred outside of the 100K and would require authorization from KIA corporate. Kia customer service was contacted and was unwilling to resolve the issue. -Yes a test drive was performed with the technician who was knowledgeable about the issue and the TSB who immediately identified the issue as the one identified in TSB-234 and informed that some vehicles in the past have been serviced for the exact same issue but require KIA Motors authorization for service outside of 100K. KIA is unwilling to provide authorization. -No prior warning signs/warning lamps, Issues started happening after 100K. The dealer was notified at the time of service of another recall on the current vehicle. No resolution was provided for the safety issue being experienced.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Niro EV. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under an undisclosed recall on two separate occasions; however, the part failed a third time after the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer declined to offer additional repairs under the recall. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V899000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); and associated the failures with the recall. The vehicle was driven to a dealer but was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 55,000.
About 7 months ago, "Refill Inverter Coolant" warning came up. Since then, I've scheduled service appoitment wtih Van Nuys Kia dealership 5 times to resolve this issue, but even after recent appoitment 2 weeks ago, this warning is still came up on my dashboard. Every time I start the car, the persistent refill inverter coolant light comes on. I believe I am experiencing this issue because KIA and their dealership where I bought my car doesn't want take ownership of this issue and resolve it. I am deeply concerned about my safety and the safety of my children when I drive my Kia vehicle.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
Faulty EPCU and circuit board damaged from coolant leak, as described by Kia technician. Other components have been affected. Estimated $3,000 in parts left to replace. Total repair cost is looking to exceed $13,000. On last failure of car, I was driving as the Electical Vehicle Systems error occurred and the car went into neutral and when it slowed down, went into Park. Car would start and drive 10-15 feet before becoming inoperable again. Dealership says they fixed by adding coolant and they couldn't replicate the error. It took me 200 ft of driving to do it. I turned on the AC and the error happened. Could have been coincidental. Kia has declined/refused repairs because serious fault happened at 60,800 miles and they say its out of warranty. Issue had been going on for about 30,000 miles at that point with no resolution ever being reached. Car has been throwing errors and codes and repeated attempts to have Kia check my car for the recall that had been issued were ignored and i was told the recall wasnt the issue. April 29, 2023 was the first time I contacted Kia service about the Low Inverter Coolant message I was getting. Kia insisted that coolant just needed to be flushed. Coolant Issue persisted. They bled and flushed the system and put new coolant in. Issue peristed. Car was taken to dealership at least 3 or 4 times. On one occasion, technician informed me that if the coolant message goes away when you turn the car off and it doesn't constantly flash, there's no urgent issue. He was apparently misinformed. I have now had the exact thing happen to my car that the recall was meant to prevent. My car was produced in 8/20 so within recall time-frame. My car should be recalled and Kia should be made to rectify the situation. All repair documents and estimates are included in my submission.
Drive unit defect in EV motor/reduction gear. These vehicles have a manufacturing defect that causes a percentage of them to experience a loud noise while under acceleration, loudest at around 30mph. It is described as a "card in spokes", "motor rumble", "wheel of fortune", "clicking/tapping" sound. There is a TSB that Kia has released for this issue, ELE234, but Kia continually denies and obstructs owners from getting their vehicles repaired under warranty. It typically begins quietly at around 20-30k miles, gradually getting louder. Currently at 68k, Kia continues to deny repairs. It has been inspected and diagnosed several times by a Kia dealership, acknowledging the defect referenced in their own TSB, but Kia will not authorize the repair.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
About 7 months ago, "Refill Inverter Coolant" warning came up. Since then, I've scheduled service appoitment wtih Van Nuys Kia dealership 5 times to resolve this issue, but even after recent appoitment 2 weeks ago, this warning is still came up on my dashboard. Every time I start the car, the persistent refill inverter coolant light comes on. I believe I am experiencing this issue because KIA and their dealership where I bought my car doesn't want take ownership of this issue and resolve it. I am deeply concerned about my safety and the safety of my children when I drive my Kia vehicle.
Faulty EPCU and circuit board damaged from coolant leak, as described by Kia technician. Other components have been affected. Estimated $3,000 in parts left to replace. Total repair cost is looking to exceed $13,000. On last failure of car, I was driving as the Electical Vehicle Systems error occurred and the car went into neutral and when it slowed down, went into Park. Car would start and drive 10-15 feet before becoming inoperable again. Dealership says they fixed by adding coolant and they couldn't replicate the error. It took me 200 ft of driving to do it. I turned on the AC and the error happened. Could have been coincidental. Kia has declined/refused repairs because serious fault happened at 60,800 miles and they say its out of warranty. Issue had been going on for about 30,000 miles at that point with no resolution ever being reached. Car has been throwing errors and codes and repeated attempts to have Kia check my car for the recall that had been issued were ignored and i was told the recall wasnt the issue. April 29, 2023 was the first time I contacted Kia service about the Low Inverter Coolant message I was getting. Kia insisted that coolant just needed to be flushed. Coolant Issue persisted. They bled and flushed the system and put new coolant in. Issue peristed. Car was taken to dealership at least 3 or 4 times. On one occasion, technician informed me that if the coolant message goes away when you turn the car off and it doesn't constantly flash, there's no urgent issue. He was apparently misinformed. I have now had the exact thing happen to my car that the recall was meant to prevent. My car was produced in 8/20 so within recall time-frame. My car should be recalled and Kia should be made to rectify the situation. All repair documents and estimates are included in my submission.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
vehicle started jerking suddenly and uncontrollably. It jerked to the side almost gliding into another vehicle there is a smell also coming from the car and wheels have extensive loss of threading due to abrupt change of speed and direction. Controlling the vehicle does this more regularly but this time I almost hit a vehicle to the side of me and I could not get cargo straight for a second it was a quick incident but it's pretty much made me want to check into this recall because it was very scary. And I don't know if it'll get worse because it seems to have gradually gotten worse and is messing up certain parts of the car that I need and I can tell the difference and I have not been in an accident thank God because I was able to control the vehicle but I do feel that it's only going to get worse and I don't like the smell I endure and I know that's one of the signs of the recall. But I do not like to drive with danger so think this is becoming more important.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
There is a silver strip that runs horizontally along the middle of the dashboard from one side to the other. It’s made out of a very reflective material. During the midday hours, it brightly shines the sun directly into the driver’s and passenger’s eyes—it’s very blinding!–and makes it difficult and unsafe to drive. I can’t even begin to think about teaching our teenage son how to drive in this car because of this safety issue.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Niro. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started, the refill inverter coolant warning light illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that the refill inverter warning light illuminated while driving the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with debris and corrosion in the inverters and electronic water pump. The contact was informed that the radiator and the water pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that in November 2023, the contact received Technical Service Bulletin: SA512, and the dealer attempted four times to perform the repair but was unsuccessful. In addition, the contact stated that the dealer who performed the Technical Service Bulletin: SA512, had not diagnosed the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an alternate dealer, who investigated and informed the contact that the Technical Service Bulletin: SA512, repair was not properly performed, and stated that this was the reason for the corrosion and debris in the water pump. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The contact stated that a buy-back by the manufacturer was requested; however, the buy-back request was denied. The failure mileage was approximately 44,910.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
vehicle started jerking suddenly and uncontrollably. It jerked to the side almost gliding into another vehicle there is a smell also coming from the car and wheels have extensive loss of threading due to abrupt change of speed and direction. Controlling the vehicle does this more regularly but this time I almost hit a vehicle to the side of me and I could not get cargo straight for a second it was a quick incident but it's pretty much made me want to check into this recall because it was very scary. And I don't know if it'll get worse because it seems to have gradually gotten worse and is messing up certain parts of the car that I need and I can tell the difference and I have not been in an accident thank God because I was able to control the vehicle but I do feel that it's only going to get worse and I don't like the smell I endure and I know that's one of the signs of the recall. But I do not like to drive with danger so think this is becoming more important.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
vehicle started jerking suddenly and uncontrollably. It jerked to the side almost gliding into another vehicle there is a smell also coming from the car and wheels have extensive loss of threading due to abrupt change of speed and direction. Controlling the vehicle does this more regularly but this time I almost hit a vehicle to the side of me and I could not get cargo straight for a second it was a quick incident but it's pretty much made me want to check into this recall because it was very scary. And I don't know if it'll get worse because it seems to have gradually gotten worse and is messing up certain parts of the car that I need and I can tell the difference and I have not been in an accident thank God because I was able to control the vehicle but I do feel that it's only going to get worse and I don't like the smell I endure and I know that's one of the signs of the recall. But I do not like to drive with danger so think this is becoming more important.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .