2018 Kia Niro Owner Complaints

The vehicle experienced a sudden powertrain failure while driving. A certified Kia dealership diagnostic scan confirmed active Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P17ED (Engine Clutch System) and a physical hydraulic clutch fluid leak around the transmission housing area. These symptoms match the exact criteria of NHTSA Safety Recall 23V534 (Kia Campaign SC276) for the Hydraulic Clutch Actuator (HCA). The manufacturer's defective component leaked fluid, causing direct consequential failure of the internal clutch and transmission assembly. Kia is refusing to remedy this safety campaign failure at 100% zero cost to the consumer, violating federal safety recall mandates by attempting to charge 50% of the repair cost ($3,708.29) under the guise of 'goodwill assistance'.

NHTSA ID

11748846

Incident

Jun 27, 2026

I am writing to request assistance regarding a recurring issue with Recall SC276. Approximately two years ago, I had the hydraulic clutch actuator (HCA) replaced by a dealership as part of this recall. Since then, the vehicle has been driven only 10,000 miles, bringing the total mileage to about 45,000. The vehicle recently broke down, and the dealership confirmed that the replacement HCA has failed. Despite this being the same part addressed by the recall, the dealership quoted $1,700 for the repair, and Kia has declined to cover the cost. I believe Kia should be responsible for this replacement, as the recalled part was intended to provide a long-term solution to a safety issue. I would appreciate any help you can provide in ensuring Kia covers the cost of this repair.

NHTSA ID

11740074

Incident

May 8, 2026

The vehicle just shut down as I exited. The power and gas pressure decreased. Pulled over to see if my hybrid battery was defective or drained. It wasn’t. A notification popped up and said “Hybrid Control System or Low Voltage DC/DC Converter, Contact dealer for service. Finally got it towed to Kia of Valencia the next day and they said it was “Hydraulic Clutch Actuator” and they want charge me $2200 to fix it. But looking up the part, it says there’s a recall for that exact problem.

NHTSA ID

11739377

Incident

May 13, 2026

On April 21, 2026, Go Kia Renton performed an oil change on my 2018 Kia Niro Touring (VIN). The car was in perfect condition just two weeks earlier — North Seattle Transmission did a full service on April 6, 2026 at 283,649 miles with no issues noted. Later that night while driving, the red oil light flashed. I pulled over immediately and called AAA. AAA towed the vehicle from Belltown [XXX] ) at 12:11 AM on April 23 to my house then at 9:14 AM towed it straight to Go Kia Renton. The AAA driver found oil leaking all over his tow truck. The car now has a dead battery and is showing Hybrid Control System / Low Voltage DC/DC Converter and Engine Control System codes. This appears to be a sudden engine seizure caused by oil loss shortly after dealer service. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11735577

Incident

Apr 23, 2026

I am reporting a safety issue involving my 2018 Kia Niro hybrid related to the Hydraulic Clutch Actuator (HCA), which is currently subject to a recall addressing fire risk. My vehicle has already had the recall remedy performed, which consisted of inspection and installation of a lower-amperage fuse. The dealer confirmed that the actuator is leaking fluid but did not replace it because there was no evidence of PCB contamination, which is the condition required under the recall. However, the vehicle is now experiencing significant drivability issues that create a safety hazard: Intermittent hesitation when accelerating from a stop Failure to properly engage the transmission, especially on inclines Engine revving without corresponding vehicle movement Delayed or inconsistent clutch engagement In one recent instance, the vehicle would not properly engage while attempting to move from a stopped position on an uphill incline, creating a hazardous situation where the vehicle could not reliably move when needed. This condition appears to be caused by loss of hydraulic pressure due to the leaking actuator, even though it has not yet reached the stage of PCB contamination described in the recall. The current recall remedy does not address this failure mode. Instead, it allows a known defective component to remain in service until it reaches a condition that presents a fire risk. In the meantime, the vehicle can experience loss of propulsion under normal driving conditions. I believe this represents a separate safety defect or an incomplete remedy, as loss of propulsion, especially during acceleration from a stop or on an incline, can significantly increase the risk of a crash. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate whether the current recall adequately addresses all safety risks associated with the defective Hydraulic Clutch Actuator, including drivability and loss-of-propulsion conditions that occur prior to PCB contamination.

NHTSA ID

11731040

Incident

Jan 26, 2026

The contact owns a 2018 Kia Niro. The contact stated that when the vehicle was shifted into reverse(R), the vehicle failed to respond. The vehicle was turned off and restarted to reset the transmission, but the vehicle failed to respond while in reverse(R). The vehicle was shifted to drive(D) but failed to respond. The vehicle was shifted into park(P). The vehicle was towed to a local dealer. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the transmission fuse and the hydraulic clutch actuator had failed and that the transmission needed to be replaced. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V534000 (Power Train). The manufacturer was contacted and the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 175,000.

NHTSA ID

11728259

Incident

Feb 7, 2026

Mileage

175,000 mi

Everything is falling off the bottom of this vehicle

NHTSA ID

11718030

Incident

Feb 14, 2026

Ever since the purchase of the car I been bringing this attention to the dealership but they always turn down and avoiding the situation at first electrical issues like turning signals goes in and out window stop rolling up sometimes had to try for hours just rolls up fog light check light headlight and turn signal all together went out in the beginning started to work in and out and now window turn signal front both and one fog light now won't come back and front Air Flap won't operate that's from the few months into the car check light and also in the beginning car transmission always felt rough not gears smoothly change I brought this attention but they always ask change the transmission fluid but it's was a new car felt that but never bothered looking into but over time got worst now it hit you when picking up like gear just stuck and your whole body gets that shock like someone hit you from the back every time and when comes to slow stopping making crying sound. It's like I made the biggest mistake why I decided to buy the new car because I know old cars have problems but this is Brand New I bought shouldn't have problems, and from it's was new always heard the click sound when move from complete stop like go from on red light or from any stop position click hear it from front never worried but was not feeling good why but now all of sudden it's unbearable sound when turning or making u turn loud like anything when acceleration but not in straight drive asked dealership about all the problems I been getting since was a brand new car the answered I got it's now not in the warrenty will cost to check wow what a rip off and when I use to say those problems when was in the warrenty they would say it's not the major issue and yes one time one of the tech specialists I mentioned he you know what he said made me sick we would try something but warrenty is BS it's a piece of *** we never get money easily so this is why they always refuse to take this seriously wow

NHTSA ID

11712850

Incident

May 1, 2019

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. I was injured by this and have concerns about the safety of the vehicle, will this happen again if a new grid is installed. Kia dealership confirmed that the grid showed high resistivity but also claimed since nothing is melted I couldn't have been burned. The vehicle has only been inspected by the dealership currently. there were and are no indicators, warning lights or messages about the failure available. Kia dealerships claims there no way to tell with the electrical systems.

NHTSA ID

11709595

Incident

Dec 12, 2025

The contact owns a 2018 Kia Niro. The contact stated that occasionally driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated to stop as intended while the brake pedal was depressed, and the brake pedal was depressed to the floorboard. The message "Stop - Regenerative Braking Failure" was displayed. The contact restarted the vehicle as a temporary repair; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and a 91400 fuse Kit was installed, and various repairs were performed. The vehicle was repaired out-of-pocket; however, approximately one month later, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the same local dealer where it was diagnosed; however, the cause of the failure was not determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken back to the same local dealer, where it remained. Upon further investigation, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign: 23V534000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed; however, was the claim was denied. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

NHTSA ID

11703232

Incident

Oct 15, 2025

Mileage

150,000 mi

Just before Hurricane Helene, I brought my 2018 Kia Niro Hybrid to Asheville Kia (NC) after noticing coolant loss and white smoke coming from the exhaust. The dealership charged me $1,400 for a repair involving new gaskets and the EGR cooler. Within a month, the same symptoms returned. I returned to the dealership and explained I believed the original issue had not been resolved. I had done research and found reports of similar problems in other Niro Hybrids. I specifically mentioned the coolant heat exchanger as a possible source, but they dismissed my input and pushed a $3,500 muffler system replacement. I asked for diagnostic proof, and they initially showed a photo of the muffler with no visible leak. Later, they claimed a "small leak" was found during a pressure test — but the symptoms didn’t align. I then took the vehicle to John’s Kwik Lube in Spruce Pine, NC, where they confirmed the coolant heat exchanger was faulty — exactly what I had originally suspected. They repaired it with a simple workaround for under $200, and I’ve had no issues since. The faulty component (coolant heat exchanger) is not available for inspection, but I retained diagnostic records, pressure test results, and screenshots of the dealership’s estimate. I also documented that Kia’s quote system does not allow access to past service quotes, so I had to screenshot everything manually. The only symptoms were coolant loss and white smoke from the tailpipe, beginning shortly before the storm in September 2018, and recurring until the final repair later that year. The problem was confirmed by an independent mechanic, and partially acknowledged (though misdiagnosed) by the Kia dealership. No police or insurance inspection was involved. This situation posed a safety risk due to reduced visibility, potential engine overheating, and exposure to coolant vapors, especially during uphill driving. The issue is known among Kia owners and appears to be a recurring design flaw in the Niro.

NHTSA ID

11688703

Incident

Sep 30, 2024

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 deployed the car was totaled no one got hurt thank God I do t know if any other kia cars had this problem I got real lucky

NHTSA ID

11657629

Incident

Apr 27, 2025

An alert to "check regenerative brakes" popped up on the dashboard screen. My younger sister who is borrowing our car, told me it now takes her much longer to come to a stop when braking. She's having to brake really early to stop on time but traffic and animals will not always allow for that. From what I am reading online, this is a common issue due to faulty 12v battery or a loose ground from said battery. The only way to fully engaged the conventional brakes (without the regenerative brakes) is to switch the car into neutral and then brake. This is a major safety issue that Kia should address. Maybe they need to address the battery issue, but they definitely should address the fact that you have to shift into neutral to brake properly when the regenerative brakes arent working right. Seems like a common sense plan to have it default to conventional brakes when the others are having issues or at least provide a way to turn off regenerative brakes.

NHTSA ID

11656054

Incident

Apr 22, 2025

Known issues with wiring cause check engine light to come on and also now the door open sensors to stay on. Just paid $800 for a known issue to the wiring that a Kia technical bulletin wss issued for, however the cost was left to the customer.

NHTSA ID

11638518

Incident

Jan 25, 2025

Hydraulic Clutch Actuator recall was previously done and only a fuse was changed as the inspection only determined the actuator itself did not have an active code. 4 months has gone by and now the actuator has now failed.

NHTSA ID

11635031

Incident

Jan 6, 2025

Internal combustion engine coolant leaking out exhaust. The heat exchanger located in the catalytic converter system is leaking, leading to the ICE coolant draining. This leads to the engine overheating, and damage. Signs of the issue started with the coolant level lowering quickly, then the car heater stopped working. This confirmed by an independent mechanic.

NHTSA ID

11622855

Incident

Oct 30, 2024

The contact owns a 2018 Kia Niro. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V534000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ID

11619130

Incident

Jul 31, 2023

The contact owns a 2018 Kia Niro. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the vehicle failed to shift out of neutral while shifting the gear shift lever. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and the DTC code: P090B:73 error was retrieved. In addition, the contact stated that an unknown message was displayed. The local dealer was contacted and informed the contact that the failure was related to an unidentified recall; however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 136,663.

NHTSA ID

11618470

Incident

Sep 24, 2024

Mileage

136,663 mi

hybrid battery warning paid out of pocket for towing, car still at the dealership, loss of income and wages, been treated with awful customer services, and paying out of pocket. Car went in on June 25

NHTSA ID

11602496

Incident

Jun 25, 2024

The contact owns a 2018 Kia Niro. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the vehicle was shuddering and failed to start. The battery charge was low. The HEV warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer informed the contact that a field expert would be determining the cause of the failure. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 140,000.

NHTSA ID

11594151

Incident

May 8, 2024

Mileage

140,000 mi

Coolant leak within the heat exchanger of the catalytic converter. Increases likelihood of overheating and engine damage. Especially when driving long distances, or within heavy traffic. Increases emissions as burning off coolant within exhaust.

NHTSA ID

11578765

Incident

Mar 18, 2024

The contact owns a 2018 Kia Niro. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V534000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ID

11569457

Incident

Feb 2, 2024

The contact owns a 2018 Kia Niro. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V534000 (Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ID

11569317

Incident

Feb 1, 2024

Fire warning recall notice issued in July 2023. Follow up with both Kia and with Kia dealership that I purchased the vehicle from still says that there is no fix to this problem. THE PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD (PCB) IN THE HYDRAULIC CLUTCH ACTUATOR (HCA) MAY BECOME CONTAMINATED WITH FLUID. A FLUID-CONTAMINATED PCB MAY LEAD TO AN ELECTRICAL SHORT CIRCUIT, THEREBY INCREASING THE RISK OF AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE WHILE DRIVING. With the potential of a fire risk while driving, why is the manufacturer not required to remedy this situation in a more timely manner. It has been over 6 months since the recall was issued yet the manufacturer is allowed to continue producing vehicles but not required to repair those vehicles that may be affected and cause significant risks to the driver at potentially other property. NHTSA should mandate inspection and repairs of recalled vehicles which should take a priority to the manufacturing process. Vehicles with recalls should not be allowed to go without repair especially when accidents are imminent and life-threatening injuries may occur. Additionally, trying to get an appointment with a local Kia dealer where I purchased the car has a wait of well over a month for them to even inspect the car. Between Kia not taking care of their vehicles and their dealers not being able to service vehicles, NHTSA really needs to evaluate this and create remedies for the safety of the vehicle and the driver. Waiting over 6 months for a recall is frustrating, dangerous, and unacceptable. Manufacturers need to take responsibility for recall notices and repairs in a much more timely manner. Safety over profit should be a priority. On a personal note. I purchased my Kia Niro hybrid new in 2018. It is one of the best cars that I have purchased in my '76 years. I have had virtually no problems with the vehicle and was a big proponent of Kia, but their lackadaisical attitude on recall repairs as really put a damper on my respect for their management and

NHTSA ID

11567929

Incident

Jul 6, 2023

The contact owns a 2018 Kia Niro. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V534000 (Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the vehicle was towed to the dealer for servicing however, while the vehicle was being inspected, the HCA was performed. The vehicle was diagnosed with a failed hydraulic clutch actuator (HCA). The contact was informed that the HCA needed to be replaced. The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 48,000.

NHTSA ID

11567766

Incident

Nov 23, 2023

Mileage

48,000 mi