RoadVitals

2023 Kia Niro Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
41
Latest Jul 26, 2026
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
14
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
8

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2023 Kia Niro, 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

  • Electrical1121.2%
  • Airbags611.5%
  • Powertrain (other)611.5%
  • Engine47.7%
  • Fuel system47.7%
  • Brakes35.8%
  • Other / unspecified23.8%
  • Steering23.8%
  • Seat belts11.9%
  • Visibility11.9%
  • Suspension11.9%
  • Tires & wheels11.9%
  • Body & structure11.9%

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

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

11
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

My 2023 Kia Niro Hybrid EX has experienced multiple warning messages and unresolved concerns after previous repairs. After the first recall repair, I began receiving intermittent warning messages while driving. The messages appeared briefly and disappeared before I could safely document them. After a second repair, the transmission was replaced. Shortly afterward, the vehicle displayed an overheating warning. I returned to the dealership, but they stated they could not find a problem. While traveling out of state, on July 6, 2026, the vehicle displayed warnings indicating that the 12V battery needed to be charged. On July 8, 2026, the vehicle would turn on, but the engine would not start or operate. Multiple attempts to jump-start the vehicle failed, including using a portable jump pack, another vehicle, and assistance from a tow truck driver. The vehicle displayed warnings stating that the 12V battery needed charging, the battery was draining, and that the hybrid system needed to be checked. Because the vehicle could not be operated and I was stranded away from home, I am concerned about the reliability and safety of the vehicle. The vehicle has undergone multiple repairs, including a transmission replacement, but I continue to experience warning messages and a loss of confidence in the vehicle's ability to operate reliably. I am requesting that this issue be reviewed for possible safety concerns.

NHTSA ID 11752872 · filed Jul 26, 2026

The contact owns a 2023 Kia Niro. The contact stated that the vehicle had been "Hacked" by a stalker. While driving, the vehicle was controlled by the hacker to randomly steer to the right. Additionally, the contact stated that the hacker caused several features on the instrument panel to become disabled. No additional information was available. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 45.

NHTSA ID 11702976 · filed Dec 4, 2025
All 11 reports naming electrical

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

9
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2023 Kia Niro. The contact stated that while driving at 25 MPH, the vehicle independently accelerated. The contact constantly depressed the brake pedal to stop the vehicle. The contact was able to coast the vehicle to the residence while depressing the brake pedal to prevent the unintended acceleration. Neither a dealer nor an independent mechanic was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 11,000.

NHTSA ID 11733425 · filed Apr 23, 2026

Driving VA Interstate 64. Traveling right side travel lane approximately 70 mph. Had ADAS engaged. Car entering highway, moved to center travel lane to pass. As I approached entering highway car, suddenly, my car stalled, engine off and I was stopped in center travel lane. Able to start car by putting transmission in park and pressing start button. Called KIA Car Care Center - They have no record of this type situation occurring throughout country. Took car to dealer. Their Technology Service Rep checked whole system and found no problems including memory bank listing the stall/stoppage incident. I will go to dealer and ask for their report. 2nd incident. Happened within first month or ownership 10/23. I dismissed incident as something I must have done due to my lack of familiarity with new technology.

NHTSA ID 11687304 · filed Sep 15, 2025
All 9 reports naming driver assistance

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

6
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I am filing a complaint regarding my 2023 Kia Niro and Safety Recall SC332. The recall involves a damaged floor wiring assembly that may prevent proper airbag and seat belt deployment, creating a serious safety risk. I scheduled and brought my vehicle to Cowboy Kia, Conroe on Feb 2,2026 specifically to have this recall repaired, but the dealership did not complete the recall service and returned the vehicle without fixing the issue or providing a clear explanation. This is a manufacturer-issued safety recall and should be addressed promptly at no cost. I am requesting immediate repair and an explanation for the failure to perform the recall work.

NHTSA ID 11715328 · filed Feb 3, 2026

I was driving my 2023 Kia Niro PHEV into my garage after running an errand, going very slowly. Suddenly the vehicle--all on its own--surged forward, slammed into the rear wall (triggering air bags), ricocheted backward across the street, and struck a neighbor's fence. I was able to get out of the car but I was in shock; paramedics were called. Ultimately, my injuries were found to be limited to bruised ribs, but it has been very painful and limiting. The vehicle was towed to a repair shop where it was pronounced a total loss. I received a settlement check from my insurance company, but I am out-of-pocket for the deductible, costs relating to getting a new vehicle, and of course the pain and suffering. I was told there was an event data recorder (EDR) on the vehicle, and my insurance adjuster will tell me what it reveals (I hope). There was no warning of any kind that this was about to happen. I was fortunate that it happened where it did; had I been driving the vehicle on the street, I could have killed someone (including myself).

NHTSA ID 11674651 · filed Jul 18, 2025

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.

6
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

My 2023 Kia Niro Hybrid EX has experienced multiple warning messages and unresolved concerns after previous repairs. After the first recall repair, I began receiving intermittent warning messages while driving. The messages appeared briefly and disappeared before I could safely document them. After a second repair, the transmission was replaced. Shortly afterward, the vehicle displayed an overheating warning. I returned to the dealership, but they stated they could not find a problem. While traveling out of state, on July 6, 2026, the vehicle displayed warnings indicating that the 12V battery needed to be charged. On July 8, 2026, the vehicle would turn on, but the engine would not start or operate. Multiple attempts to jump-start the vehicle failed, including using a portable jump pack, another vehicle, and assistance from a tow truck driver. The vehicle displayed warnings stating that the 12V battery needed charging, the battery was draining, and that the hybrid system needed to be checked. Because the vehicle could not be operated and I was stranded away from home, I am concerned about the reliability and safety of the vehicle. The vehicle has undergone multiple repairs, including a transmission replacement, but I continue to experience warning messages and a loss of confidence in the vehicle's ability to operate reliably. I am requesting that this issue be reviewed for possible safety concerns.

NHTSA ID 11752872 · filed Jul 26, 2026

My car has clunking noises coming from the front left suspension, they occur more often and getting louder. After doing some research online, I found that the symptoms are similar to the NHTSA recall number 24V-057. Unfortunately, the NHTSA recall didn't include Niro plug-in hybrid manufactured in year 2023, only Niro EV. I took it to the service center nearby. They said it's the strut, so what they will do is to dismantle it and put more lubrication when I return again to perform a strut "maintenance". If there are still noises, then they will order a new replacement strut. However, from what I read online, it's actually the driveshaft that causes the problem, hence the recall 24V-057. Please investigate into Kia Niro 2023 plug-in hybrid vehicles having the same problems and issue new recall if possible. Thank you.

NHTSA ID 11700222 · filed Nov 18, 2025

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.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

My 2023 Kia Niro Hybrid EX has experienced multiple warning messages and unresolved concerns after previous repairs. After the first recall repair, I began receiving intermittent warning messages while driving. The messages appeared briefly and disappeared before I could safely document them. After a second repair, the transmission was replaced. Shortly afterward, the vehicle displayed an overheating warning. I returned to the dealership, but they stated they could not find a problem. While traveling out of state, on July 6, 2026, the vehicle displayed warnings indicating that the 12V battery needed to be charged. On July 8, 2026, the vehicle would turn on, but the engine would not start or operate. Multiple attempts to jump-start the vehicle failed, including using a portable jump pack, another vehicle, and assistance from a tow truck driver. The vehicle displayed warnings stating that the 12V battery needed charging, the battery was draining, and that the hybrid system needed to be checked. Because the vehicle could not be operated and I was stranded away from home, I am concerned about the reliability and safety of the vehicle. The vehicle has undergone multiple repairs, including a transmission replacement, but I continue to experience warning messages and a loss of confidence in the vehicle's ability to operate reliably. I am requesting that this issue be reviewed for possible safety concerns.

NHTSA ID 11752872 · filed Jul 26, 2026

I am experiencing the same issues as the individual who documented incident #11685147. When I turn the shifter to drive and let my foot off the brake, with auto-hold on, the will still roll backwards, even on flat ground, and not respond to me pushing the gas pedal. I have to put the vehicle back into park, and try again. Oftentimes I have to shut the vehicle completely off to be able to get the vehicle to respond to me shifting it to drive and accelerating forward. This occurs multiple times, but I have dated the incident to be the approximate time when this issue started.

NHTSA ID 11697775 · filed Nov 5, 2025

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.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

While entering into a parking spot at minimal speed, the vehicle experienced an unexpected spontaneous acceleration, causing it to lunge forward, climb onto the curb, and collide with the adjacent building. This resulted mainly in damage to the front end and front passenger door, and the shattering of a large tempered glass window that cushioned the impact. Thankfully, there were no pedestrians on the sidewalk, and the impacted office space was unoccupied at the time of the incident. It is important to note that I was not utilizing the cruise control at the time of the spontaneous acceleration incident and that the vehicle had only been driven 1760 miles since it was purchased, further highlighting the totally unexpected nature of the occurrence. This alarming event of the car accelerating on its own, when it had come to an almost full stop, leads me to believe that the car could pose a significant safety risk. I am deeply troubled by the potential consequences of this spontaneous acceleration; no warning light or collision safety feature turned on. I consider that it is imperative for Kia to conduct a thorough investigation and retrieve the vehicle data to determine the root cause of the incident.

NHTSA ID 11585252 · filed Apr 25, 2024

I was 3 1/2 weeks into a four year lease driving this brand new car and it stopped completely in the middle of the road flashing a HYBRID SYSTEM FAILURE warning. I nearly died. It would not move nor turn off. Had to be in the shop for 2 weeks. I don’t feel safe in this car and I want out of this lease asap. Kia is not willing to work with me on this

NHTSA ID 11550666 · filed Oct 18, 2023

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.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I bought my Niro hybrid EX Touring new from the dealership in 2023. The first issue arose when the car shut off completely while driving and was towed to the dealership. Later, I started hearing a squeaking/rubber rubbing sound. The car would make squeaking and creaking noises when turning or going over minor bumps. The "rubber rubbing sound" happened when I was at a full stop, right after removing my foot from the brake, as the car began to move forward. These issues were both reported to the dealership, and they did an inspection. The dealership service center has been able to hear the sounds. Since then, the calliper boots have been replaced multiple times and the full calliper kit once. The strut bearing has also been replaced multiple times. Consistent issues with the car's braking system is a significant safety issue. I have no idea what damage the rest of my car could have sustained, and I have not been able to get an answer for why this is happening. I have also been in contact with the manufacturer.

NHTSA ID 11716423 · filed Feb 7, 2026

When attempting to activate the parking brake there is no response from the vehicle. No matter how many times in attempting to activate the parking brake it would not activate. The only way to successfully activate the parking brake was if "auto hold" was on and i turned off the vehicle. i have a safety concern regarding this matter as the vehicle could potentially roll away if the car is unattended. The problem has not been reproduced or confirmed by the service center as of yet but it will be inspected on 01/14/2026. There are no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure.

NHTSA ID 11710359 · filed Jan 12, 2026

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.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Car seat lower hip straps frayed on both sides. Had we been in an accident I have no doubt the strap would have ripped. I have 3 personal friends who checked their same Evenflo Revolve 350 car seat to find fraying in the exact same spots. And dozens of posts online with pictures showing the exact issues as well. The integrity of that straps in these seats are obviously compromised for so many people to be having them fray in the exact location. Evenflo is telling us all it's due to "external factors such as a mouse" but it would not all be the same car seat it happens to, in the exact same place on the seat, to people who drive their vehicles daily and have no other wings of rodents in their vehicle or issues with the other car seats installed in the vehicle.Baby/children's car seat safety is SO important and the strength of these straps needs investigated before someone is in a crash and their child's harness rips! Uploading my own personal photos-but I have many screenshots of pictures and posts from others having the same issue that I can provide upon request.

NHTSA ID 11739436 · filed May 22, 2026

Car makes "clicking noises" when accelerating or braking that appears coming from engine bay or front wheels. Other users reported similar issue on consumer forum: [XXX] ) Car dealership does not have availability to diagnose the issue until next month. Car currently has 55,000 miles. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID 11609747 · filed Aug 20, 2024

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.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2023 Kia Niro. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at 40 MPH, the vehicle hydroplaned and pulled to the left unexpectedly. The contact initially contacted the dealer and was informed of the headlamp replacement and general inspection. Additionally, while the contact's husband was driving, the driver-side front tire experienced a blowout near a service station; the technician advised that the tire exhibited steel tread. An independent mechanic attempted a wheel alignment but discovered a rusted, bent tie rod, preventing the service. Following dealer instructions, the vehicle was towed to the dealer, where the wheels, both hub bearings, tie rods, and brake calipers were replaced. Despite the repairs, the owner refused to reclaim the vehicle due to the recurring mechanical defects. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 71,000.

NHTSA ID 11748554 · filed Jul 6, 2026

Last year, I purchased a new 2023 Kia Niro Hybrid and had a 24-month lease contract on it. After 9 months (5,700 miles), my car started having problems (Forward Collision Warning, random loss of power steering). My car had to be towed twice to a KIA dealership, where I was told nothing was wrong with my car. They finally agreed to run a scan on the electric syste, where they found a few communication issues. After doing a system update, KIA told me the problems were fixed, however, the car kept having the same problems plus a new one (random Automatic Emergency Braking). At this point, the car was too unreliable to drive so I returned it to my KIA dealership. Although the car clearly had problems that Kia couldn’t fix, I had to pay to get out of my lease and ended up buying another car, not a KIA. I am reporting the issues with the 2023 KIA Niro Hybrid to make sure people are aware of the issues on this particular car in case it is put on the pre owned market. I believe we’ve been very lucky not to get into an accident, my [XXX] drove it in the city and on the highway and I can't imagine what would have happened if the Automatic Emergency Braking would have gone off then. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID 11597684 · filed Jun 29, 2024

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Seat belts

Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

I received a recall notice SC332 several weeks ago. In February I visited ALM Kia in Perry, GA. The sercice advisor ordered parts, I have checked with ALM Kia several times and they keep telling me the parts have not arrived. This is a serious safety issue and I need your help. Thank You, [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID 11655598 · filed Apr 19, 2025

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.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

UKNOWN, The Windshield has cracks in it from sitting in the driveway

NHTSA ID 11575864 · filed Mar 6, 2024

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

I bought my Niro hybrid EX Touring new from the dealership in 2023. The first issue arose when the car shut off completely while driving and was towed to the dealership. Later, I started hearing a squeaking/rubber rubbing sound. The car would make squeaking and creaking noises when turning or going over minor bumps. The "rubber rubbing sound" happened when I was at a full stop, right after removing my foot from the brake, as the car began to move forward. These issues were both reported to the dealership, and they did an inspection. The dealership service center has been able to hear the sounds. Since then, the calliper boots have been replaced multiple times and the full calliper kit once. The strut bearing has also been replaced multiple times. Consistent issues with the car's braking system is a significant safety issue. I have no idea what damage the rest of my car could have sustained, and I have not been able to get an answer for why this is happening. I have also been in contact with the manufacturer.

NHTSA ID 11716423 · filed Feb 7, 2026

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Tires & wheels

Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2023 Kia Niro. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at 40 MPH, the vehicle hydroplaned and pulled to the left unexpectedly. The contact initially contacted the dealer and was informed of the headlamp replacement and general inspection. Additionally, while the contact's husband was driving, the driver-side front tire experienced a blowout near a service station; the technician advised that the tire exhibited steel tread. An independent mechanic attempted a wheel alignment but discovered a rusted, bent tie rod, preventing the service. Following dealer instructions, the vehicle was towed to the dealer, where the wheels, both hub bearings, tie rods, and brake calipers were replaced. Despite the repairs, the owner refused to reclaim the vehicle due to the recurring mechanical defects. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 71,000.

NHTSA ID 11748554 · filed Jul 6, 2026

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

I was driving my 2023 Kia Niro PHEV into my garage after running an errand, going very slowly. Suddenly the vehicle--all on its own--surged forward, slammed into the rear wall (triggering air bags), ricocheted backward across the street, and struck a neighbor's fence. I was able to get out of the car but I was in shock; paramedics were called. Ultimately, my injuries were found to be limited to bruised ribs, but it has been very painful and limiting. The vehicle was towed to a repair shop where it was pronounced a total loss. I received a settlement check from my insurance company, but I am out-of-pocket for the deductible, costs relating to getting a new vehicle, and of course the pain and suffering. I was told there was an event data recorder (EDR) on the vehicle, and my insurance adjuster will tell me what it reveals (I hope). There was no warning of any kind that this was about to happen. I was fortunate that it happened where it did; had I been driving the vehicle on the street, I could have killed someone (including myself).

NHTSA ID 11674651 · filed Jul 18, 2025

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

Data on this page last refreshed .