2021 Kia Niro Owner Complaints

I own a 2021 Kia Niro. The rear backup camera intermittently fails to operate. When shifting into reverse, the display screen will either go completely black or the camera will not activate at all. This issue occurs unpredictably and without warning. As a result, I am unable to see behind the vehicle when reversing, which creates a significant safety concern. The lack of rear visibility increases the risk of a collision, especially in areas with pedestrians, children, or low-visibility obstacles. I am aware that similar rearview camera failures have led to recalls for certain Kia Niro EV models; however, my vehicle is not included in those recalls. Despite this, my vehicle is experiencing the same or a very similar issue. The problem has occurred multiple times from 2023-now and does not appear to be related to specific weather, lighting, or driving conditions. This defect poses a serious safety risk and should be investigated for potential inclusion in a broader recall.

NHTSA ID

11730887

Incident

Apr 13, 2026

This is a hybrid vehicle. It has Dual clutch transmission. Since I have owned it, intermittently the clutch does not disengage completely. This causes the vehicle to try to pull ahead but my foot is on the brake. The vehicle does not stall. Somehow it figures out it can't pull ahead and somehow fully releases. I have brought it to kia at least 3 times. In each case they tell me they cNt get the car to fail and since there are no codes produced they can't fix it. They even held onto the car several days. I asked them to please replace SOMETHING but the say Kia policy will not allow them to do that. So I am stuck with a car that keeps misbehaving. It is embarrassing because problems occur while a passenger is in the car and it seems to them that I am not driving correctly. I don't know what to do.

NHTSA ID

11730504

Incident

Apr 10, 2026

EV motor and drive train have a clattering noise, much like a playing card attached to a bicycle clattering against the wheel spokes. it speeds up and slows down with the acceleration of the motor.

NHTSA ID

11725753

Incident

Feb 3, 2026

I was backing out of a tandem parking spot in a private garage and got too close to a pillar, and tried to pull forward into the spot. It felt like the car got snagged on the pillar, but while pulling forward slowly, the gas pedal snapped off and the car accelerated quickly and uncontrollably. I was able to avoid hitting other cars but drove straight into a concrete wall despite immediately braking. I'm relatively uninjured, but if it had happened in a less controlled environment and/or I hadn't reacted as quickly, there could have been serious injuries to myself or others. There was no indication of an issue prior, and the car is currently in storage with my insurance company and will be appraised next week. I have photos of the broken pedal.

NHTSA ID

11600985

Incident

Jul 8, 2024

I received important safety recall letter for NHTSA recall # 23V534. the HCA & or Fuse might need to be replaced . I brought the 2021 Nero to my local Kia dealership, Eagle kia ,Riverhead NY on January 18th. The dealership still has the vehicle & claims that a code came up when they did the diagnostics That requires a part that must be secured to complete the fix for the recall. they claim they are awaiting approval from kia corporate & NHTSA to add to the technical bulletin. But their is no timeframe they have or when this additional part will be available. The dealership has the fuses & Harness for the HCA replacement, but needs this additional part. I asked what the # of this part is or name, but all they would tell me TBT.

NHTSA ID

11570590

Incident

Jan 18, 2024

Problem has not been remedied. What is my recourse? How long do I have to drive around worried about the car going on fire?

NHTSA ID

11555688

Incident

Sep 29, 2023

Vehicle is available for inspection upon request. HEV light lit up on dashboard and a warning message was displayed alerting me to immediately pull over and turn off the vehicle. At the same time the vehicle was not responding and acceleration became troubling and with marked hesitation. After waiting several minutes I attemped to turn the vehicle on again but the warning light and alarm went off. Vehicle is currently at the dealership but they have not offer a solution or even a temporary remedy.

NHTSA ID

11550728

Incident

Oct 14, 2023

While driving on a major highway, my sunroof suddenly exploded. Luckily the screen was pulled shut otherwise I would have been covered in glass. I was able to drive to the next exit and park the vehicle to then get out and observe the damage. There was a gaping hole in the sunroof. I called a tow who brought me to a Kia dealership. I explained what happened and after inspecting the car the dealership told me it was road debris that caused the issue. I did not see or hear anything hit my car prior to the explosion of the sunroof and I question their findings that it was debris related.

NHTSA ID

11484542

Incident

Sep 14, 2022

There is a silver strip of "trim" running completely across the dashboard just above the radio controls. It is so reflective that a glare occurs periodically throughout the day when the sun hits it. It's so bad that it blocks the left side mirror with the reflection and can even blind the driver. This needs to be addressed by Kia. Easy solution is to have Kia remove the strips, paint them black, and re-install them.

NHTSA ID

11423414

Incident

Jul 4, 2021