2017 Kia Niro Problems

My 2017 Kia Niro exhibits a dangerous low-speed engine surging hazard matching Safety Recall SC276. An authorized Kia dealership technician inspected the vehicle under RO #6115244 and formally documented 'seeping fluid residue' inside the clutch actuator housing. However, the dealership and Kia Corporate are refusing to honor the recall remedy and have released the car at a $0.00 balance while explicitly stating in writing that the vehicle is 'not safe to drive.' I am requesting federal intervention for safety campaign non-compliance.

Kia Dealership (DCH Kia of Temecula) Repair order 237695 shows Recall SC276 was 'passed' via inspection on October 16, 2025. However, the Hydraulic Clutch Actuator has now suffered the exact fluid leak the recall warned about, destroying the slave cylinder. The dealership is refusing to honor the safety recall, leaving an active fire hazard unaddressed.

2017 Kia Niro Hybrid subject to Safety Recall SC276 (NHTSA Campaign 23V534) for the Hydraulic Clutch Actuator (HCA). Fluid contamination of the HCA PCB can cause an electrical short and engine compartment fire risk. Official remedy is HCA inspection/replacement as necessary plus a new fuse. Three dealer visits: Shortly after purchase for SC276 recall and routine service. Dealer performed HCA Inspect/Replace, reported no problem codes, and replaced the fuse. After sudden complete loss of propulsion on the freeway at 60-65 mph with a passenger. Engine RPM rose sharply as if in neutral. No accelerator response. Brake system warning lights illuminated. Had to pull over to the shoulder, shut off and restart before it would move. Took to dealer same day. They kept it several days, found no codes, could not duplicate, and released as "good to go." Vehicle later would not move and entered limp mode. Towed to dealer. That morning I replaced spark plugs myself with new NGK Laser Iridium Premium and informed the dealer. HCA fluid reservoir was empty. Dealer diagnosed internal leak in the HCA causing clutch contamination. Photos showed green fluid on undercarriage. Repair estimate exceeds $6900. Same Multi-Point Inspection that diagnosed the internal leak marked fluid leaks and fluids as Passed. Report still recommended spark plug replacement despite being told they were just replaced. Sudden loss of propulsion on public freeway with a passenger present, followed by complete loss of driveability due to internal leak of the same recalled HCA component, created a clear safety risk. Vehicle became undriveable and required towing. Prior "good to go" release left the vehicle on the road with an unresolved issue involving the recalled component.

My 2017 Kia Niro exhibits a dangerous low-speed engine surging hazard matching Safety Recall SC276. An authorized Kia dealership technician inspected the vehicle under RO #6115244 and formally documented 'seeping fluid residue' inside the clutch actuator housing. However, the dealership and Kia Corporate are refusing to honor the recall remedy and have released the car at a $0.00 balance while explicitly stating in writing that the vehicle is 'not safe to drive.' I am requesting federal intervention for safety campaign non-compliance.

2017 Kia Niro Hybrid subject to Safety Recall SC276 (NHTSA Campaign 23V534) for the Hydraulic Clutch Actuator (HCA). Fluid contamination of the HCA PCB can cause an electrical short and engine compartment fire risk. Official remedy is HCA inspection/replacement as necessary plus a new fuse. Three dealer visits: Shortly after purchase for SC276 recall and routine service. Dealer performed HCA Inspect/Replace, reported no problem codes, and replaced the fuse. After sudden complete loss of propulsion on the freeway at 60-65 mph with a passenger. Engine RPM rose sharply as if in neutral. No accelerator response. Brake system warning lights illuminated. Had to pull over to the shoulder, shut off and restart before it would move. Took to dealer same day. They kept it several days, found no codes, could not duplicate, and released as "good to go." Vehicle later would not move and entered limp mode. Towed to dealer. That morning I replaced spark plugs myself with new NGK Laser Iridium Premium and informed the dealer. HCA fluid reservoir was empty. Dealer diagnosed internal leak in the HCA causing clutch contamination. Photos showed green fluid on undercarriage. Repair estimate exceeds $6900. Same Multi-Point Inspection that diagnosed the internal leak marked fluid leaks and fluids as Passed. Report still recommended spark plug replacement despite being told they were just replaced. Sudden loss of propulsion on public freeway with a passenger present, followed by complete loss of driveability due to internal leak of the same recalled HCA component, created a clear safety risk. Vehicle became undriveable and required towing. Prior "good to go" release left the vehicle on the road with an unresolved issue involving the recalled component.

My 2017 Kia Niro exhibits a dangerous low-speed engine surging hazard matching Safety Recall SC276. An authorized Kia dealership technician inspected the vehicle under RO #6115244 and formally documented 'seeping fluid residue' inside the clutch actuator housing. However, the dealership and Kia Corporate are refusing to honor the recall remedy and have released the car at a $0.00 balance while explicitly stating in writing that the vehicle is 'not safe to drive.' I am requesting federal intervention for safety campaign non-compliance.

When I was driving, a propulsion system warning went off. Then a malfunction in the vehicle’s powertrain/propulsion system lit up on the GPS screen. Shortly afterward, the engine began smoking, and a loud popping sound occurred simultaneously. The vehicle then experienced a sudden loss of propulsion, requiring me to pull over immediately to avoid a hazardous situation. An authorized Kia dealer subsequently diagnosed a blown head gasket with internal coolant intrusion, confirming an internal powertrain failure consistent with propulsion system malfunction, and the vehicle became inoperable. The vehicle was inspected in October and the loss-of-propulsion failure occurred in December.

The contact owns a 2017 Kia Niro. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact used a personal code reader and retrieved a fault code related to the evaporative emissions. The contact replaced the gas cap. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed the vehicle with internal failure. The independent mechanic provided the contact with the Manufacturer's Service Action Number: SA395. The contact was informed that the failure might be related to the evaporative emissions system. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHSTA Hotline for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 135,000.

The contact owns a 2017 Kia Niro. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH, there was smoke coming from the rear of the vehicle. The message, "Turn Off the Vehicle and Stop" was displayed, and the transmission failure warning light was illuminated. The contact pulled over and turned off the vehicle. Once the vehicle was turned off, the smoke dissipated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed that there were holes in the engine, power steering, and there was an engine oil leak. The engine, transmission, and battery were replaced. However, 2 months later, the contact attempted to start the vehicle; however, the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was scheduled to be towed to another dealer, Buster Miles Kia (1401 S Quintard Ave, Anniston, AL 36201). The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure, and it was determined that the repair was not covered under warranty or recall. The failure mileage was approximately 50,500.

Power sterring went out - MDPS. Car has less than 50,000 miles. This is apparently happening to many of this model & a recall was done on a very small number of vehicles for the same issue. The recall should be expanded. This is very unsafe.

I am making a complaint in reference to my 2017 Kia Niro. On or about June 2025 I attempted to open my back driver side door and the handle broke off the car in my hand. We had this replaced at our cost. Since this repair, the back passenger door handle has done the same thing. I have notified KIA headquarters of this and they say they cannot help with this. I am concerned of the safety concerns with the inability to access the back seat quickly in case of emergency because this is where my grandchildren ride. I saw there was a bulletin that when one handle breaks, all door handles with the exception of the drivers door, must be replaced at the same time. I notified the Kia dealership of this and they denied it and told me they had no indication this was required and advised me to take it to my nearest Kia dealership. (3 hour drive).

The push-button locks (the plastic button that covers the electronic components) on the exterior of the driver's door and passenger's door fell off. The problem was confirmed by the Kia dealership, and attempting to push the buttons back on did not work (the buttons promptly fell back off). There was no warning that the buttons were loose before they fell off. The dealership stated that the only solution would be to replace the entire door handle.

I am unsure of what to say about my car. I saw a check oil light flicker and it went away. The car had oil when I checked on it so it didn't seem to be a problem. There was no sign of leakage and no sign of burning oil or fuel. Several days later, the check oil light came on permanently. Before I could get the car anywhere, the car started making a strange sound. I took it to my usual shop. They said it had sprung a spontaneous leak. They said it was a large oil pressure switch leak. They replaced the sensor and added oil. They said there was some damage but that the car was still drivable. I drove the car for a week and then when I was on the highway, the car starting roaring and shaking like I was in an earthquake. The check engine light started blinking. I could not accelerate properly and had to coast to safety on the electric. I was able to use my friends scanner and found 4 misfire codes: PO300-303. My neighbor (a mechanic) looked at the vehicle and said that was damage was internal and was going to need extensive work or a new engine. He didn't have the time to take the vehicle apart so we did not find the true cause and I am now wondering if this is a new safety issues or related to the recall. I did not receive the recall information until recently (I tend to have issues receiving my mail sometimes) and haven't even had time to get to the dealership to check on it. Everyone I have spoken to has said this is how Kia's are and they are not worth purchasing.

- my car started releasing white smoke - i took it to repair shop, stated it was fixed, white smoke continued -car started overheating -Took it to KIA dealership and was told i was responsible for fuel leaking into engine, was told my car was not covered under warranty, I also have an extended warranty at the dealership which they wouldn't honor stating it was not covered -Recently while driving the car flashed Hybrid system Failure and shut off -I was unable to move the car -I had the car towed to the original dealer (wiz autos) and it has been there since May 2023, it is now 4 months and the car still does not work -Wiz autos informed me the car had a "lock on it" and will need to be released by KIA its been 4 months with no answers from KIA, I have been having an issue with the coolant leaking into the engine since 11/22 and although this is a common problem in these cars(manufacturers defect) KIA will not fix, or replace. I believe the coolant leaking into the engine, is causing the cars to malfunction**** Please take a look at these forums: [XXX] [XXX] Although my car is not listed in this lawsuit by KIA, i believe more cars are affected: A federal court has granted final approval of a class action lawsuit known as In re: Hyundai and Kia Engine Litigation , No. 8:17‑cv‑00838‑JLS‑JDE and Flaherty v. Hyundai Motor Company, et al. , No. 18‑cv‑02223 (C.D. Cal.) allege that 2011–2018 and certain 2019 Kia Optima, 2012–2018 and certain 2019 Kia Sorento, and 2011–2018 and certain 2019 Kia Sportage vehicles suffer from a defect that can cause engine seizure, stalling, engine failure, and engine fire, that engine seizure or stalling can be dangerous if experienced, and that some owners and lessees have been improperly denied repairs under the vehicle’s warranty. Neither KMC nor KUS have been found liable for any of the INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

THIS CAR HAS BEEN IN THE DEALERSHIP 8 TIMES SINCE I PURCHASED IT IN FEBRUARY 2017. THE AIRBAG SENSORS WERE DEFECTIVE AND REPAIRED. THE CAR MALFUNCTIONS OVER A BRIDGE CONSTANTLY ON MY WAY TO WORK. KIA DOESN'T KNOW WHY IT DOES THIS. THE LATEST ISSUE IS THE TRANSMISSION FAILING IN TRAFFIC AND THERE BEING NO ACCELERATION. I'VE BEEN IN A LOT OF UNSAFE SITUATIONS BECAUSE OF THESE ISSUES. KIA CORPORATION HAS BEEN INVOLVED AND A TECH HAS BEEN FLOWN OUT TO INVESTIGATE MY CAR. I'M CURRENTLY SUING THEM TO REPURCHASE IT AS A LEMON. THIS COULD BE THE BEGINNING OF ISSUES WITH THIS MODEL. THEY HAVE HAD AIRBAG AND ELECTRICAL ISSUES WITH SEVERAL OTHER MODELS HISTORICALLY. NO ONE CAN TELL ME WHY MY CAR KEEPS BREAKING DOWN. I HAVE SEVERAL INVOICES AND PICTURES.

THE AIR BAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY WHEN I WAS REAR ENDED AND TOTALED MY CAR.. WHILE.SITTING AND WAITING FOR GREEN LIGHT ON A ROAD(STATIONARY).THE NEW KIA ARE NOT SAFE. IF YOU ARE REAR ENDED.THERES NO PROTECTION.THE AIR BAGS DON'T WORK EVEN IF YOU GET HIT AT 35 MPH.I AM COMPLAINING TO MAKE THE CONSUMERS TO BE AWARE OF THE KIA BRAND.THAT THEY ARE NOT TESTING CARS ON REAR END COLLISIONS.MY CAR WAS ONLY 6 MONTHS OLD.I HOPE YOU INVESTIGATE THIS AND MAKE CARS MORE SAFER.

2017 Kia Niro Hybrid subject to Safety Recall SC276 (NHTSA Campaign 23V534) for the Hydraulic Clutch Actuator (HCA). Fluid contamination of the HCA PCB can cause an electrical short and engine compartment fire risk. Official remedy is HCA inspection/replacement as necessary plus a new fuse. Three dealer visits: Shortly after purchase for SC276 recall and routine service. Dealer performed HCA Inspect/Replace, reported no problem codes, and replaced the fuse. After sudden complete loss of propulsion on the freeway at 60-65 mph with a passenger. Engine RPM rose sharply as if in neutral. No accelerator response. Brake system warning lights illuminated. Had to pull over to the shoulder, shut off and restart before it would move. Took to dealer same day. They kept it several days, found no codes, could not duplicate, and released as "good to go." Vehicle later would not move and entered limp mode. Towed to dealer. That morning I replaced spark plugs myself with new NGK Laser Iridium Premium and informed the dealer. HCA fluid reservoir was empty. Dealer diagnosed internal leak in the HCA causing clutch contamination. Photos showed green fluid on undercarriage. Repair estimate exceeds $6900. Same Multi-Point Inspection that diagnosed the internal leak marked fluid leaks and fluids as Passed. Report still recommended spark plug replacement despite being told they were just replaced. Sudden loss of propulsion on public freeway with a passenger present, followed by complete loss of driveability due to internal leak of the same recalled HCA component, created a clear safety risk. Vehicle became undriveable and required towing. Prior "good to go" release left the vehicle on the road with an unresolved issue involving the recalled component.

The vehicle experienced a dangerous driving failure due to a hydraulic clutch actuator system issue and was towed to Kia Delray. The authorized dealership has officially diagnosed the issue as a "brake/clutch fluid leak" (attached diagnostic estimate), which is exactly the hazardous condition outlined under Safety Recall 23V534 (SC276). However, the dealer refuses to perform the free recall repair remedy, claiming that the recall campaign was technically marked as completed after a previous interim fuse replacement. They are demanding $5,642.21 out-of-pocket and threatening to charge $75/day storage fees starting Monday morning. I am seeking immediate federal regulatory intervention as this vehicle has a well-documented fire and safety hazard that the manufacturer refuses to cure.

On Friday, December 9, 2022, the heating element in the driver side seat burned through the cushion, burned a hole in my coat, and burned my right leg. Yes, it is available for inspection upon request. Thursday, January 5, 2023, the service department at Kia confirmed the heated seat element had gotten too hot and burned through the seat. Service personnel said the part that needed to be replaced was not under warranty and quoted prices ranging from $600-$1,700 to have it repaired. Other than the service department at Lithia Kia of Anchorage, no other inspection has been done. There were no warning lights or messages prior to the failure. In fact the car had been in the shop the week prior and had a courtesy vehicle inspection.

The contact owns a 2017 Kia Niro. The contact stated that while her mom was opening the front passenger’s side door outside door handle detached. The driver’s and passenger’s side door handle and button detached. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer four times where it was diagnosed and determined that the door handles needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was contacted, and the contact was informed that the vehicle was not covered under a warranty or recall. No additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000. The VIN was not available.

The contact owns a 2017 Kia Niro. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the message "Check Hybrid System" was displayed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the hydraulic clutch actuator and power assembly had failed. The dealer related the failure to Kia Safety Recall Campaign Number: SC163 (Hydraulic Clutch Actuator (HCA) Inspection, Repair or Replacement). The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where the part was replaced a second time; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that while attempting to drive out of a parking space, the vehicle stalled and became undrivable. The vehicle was towed to Executive Kia (1164 N Colony Rd, Wallingford, CT 06492), where it was diagnosed and determined that the HCA needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the HCA failure had caused a hole in the bottom of the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the recall repair failed to correct the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and the case was escalated to a case manager, who informed the contact that the case would fall under Goodwill assistance. The failure mileage was unknown.

I have had ongoing electrical issues with my 2017 Kia Niro. First, the back passenger (driver side window) was working intermittently. The back windows from the day I bought the car brand new are rarely used, but when it was used for the 3rd or 4th time I had already gone over the miles where it would have been covered. The dealership was going to charge me almost $300, so I never fixed it. I just don't use the back windows. Then, the driver side low beam bulb kept going out. Erlich Kia in Longmont kept replacing the bulb despite my concerns of it being an electrical issue. Finally, the dealership was transitioned to Fowler Kia. By that time the issue was no longer going to be covered. Fowler eventually determined that the socket and harness assembly needed to be replaced. That was last year. Now, the passenger side headlight is having the same exact issue. I find it extremely frustrating that there are so many electrical issues that I have had with this car, and the dealership just doesn't care to try and connect any of the other issues. I also had to have my car towed twice to fix issues with it in the past. I have never had a car that I bought brand new have so many issues with it.

2017 KIA NIRO. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO SEVEN SAFETY RECALLS. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED A RECALL WAS NOT COMPLETED DUE TO NOT HAVING THE PARTS TO COMPLETE THE REPAIR. THE VEHICLE HAS BECOME SLUGGISH. THE TIRE PRESSURE LIGHT ILLUMINATED EVEN WHEN THE TIRE WAS FILLED.*JS