The 2017 Niro is less reliable than other cars from the same model year.
The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2017 Kia Niro owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.
Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.
"I noticed that I was losing coolant and noticed smoky exhaust so I expected it was leaking into the engine combustion. But instead I learned that Kia routes coolant through the exhaust system to cool it as well (perhaps to reduce heat near the hybrid battery?), and it was leaking there. The repair was covered under warranty."
Anonymous, KS (2017 Kia Niro EX 1.6-L 4 Cyl hybrid)Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.
"Brake pads wore out to the point the rotors also needed replacement."
Anonymous A., AK (2017 Kia Niro FE 1.6-L 4 Cyl hybrid)"Replacing brake pads and rotors on the kia. This is the third time in 8 years. Not sure if this is excessive or not."
Anonymous A., ON (2017 Kia Niro EX 1.6-L 4 Cyl hybrid)Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain or belt.
""Oil can light showed up on dash, oil pressure sensor leaking, dealer ordered part and it was on back order, told car ok to drive. Week later, while driving at highway speed, oil pressure sensor blew out of engine and all oil leaked out, engine seized up. Engine had to be replaced.""
Anonymous, IL (2017 Kia Niro EX 1.6-L 4 Cyl hybrid)Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.
"This system software doesn't transition intuitively between different platforms and functions."
Anonymous A., OR (2017 Kia Niro Unsure 1.6-L 4 Cyl hybrid)Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, USB ports, alarm or security system, remote engine start, heated or cooled seats, heated steering wheel, headlights, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, wireless charging pad.
"the passenger side button stopped locking/unlocking, then the driver side button fell off and water got in, so now it doesn't work either"
Anonymous A., GA (2017 Kia Niro Unsure 1.6-L 4 Cyl hybrid)Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, electronic stability control.
"Front axle replaced - covered by 10/100000 warranty - no cost"
Anonymous, CT (2017 Kia Niro EX 1.6-L 4 Cyl hybrid)Sensors (O₂, or oxygen, sensor), emission-control devices (includes EGR), fuel-injection system, fuel gauge/sender, fuel pump, problems filling up the tank.
"The engine sensor goes off when detecting a leak in the fuel system. Originally, kia stated that this was due to the fuel filler cap and a bit of corrosion on the filler pipe. Once cleaned, the system seemed to work for about 6 months. When it returned, kia did a smoke test on the vehicle and stated in was due to corrosion on the fuel filler pipe at its connections where there were leaks. The fuel filler pipe needs to be replaced, which will cost $2000."
Anonymous A., ON (2017 Kia Niro EX 1.6-L 4 Cyl hybrid)Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.
"This car definitely lagged when moving from electric to gas propulsion. I consider this a major flaw, especially when trying to accelerate into traffic from a stopped position."
Anonymous A., OR (2017 Kia Niro Unsure 1.6-L 4 Cyl hybrid)Radiator, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, overheating.
Paint (fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking), loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, rust.
Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, fuel leaks, oil leaks.
Electric/hybrid battery pack failure, replacement or malfunction, or cooling.
Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, seals and/or weather stripping, air and water leaks.
Gear selector and linkage, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission, leaks.
Windows, locks and latches, doors or sliding doors, tailgate, trunk or hatch, mirrors, seat controls (power or manual), seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defect.
Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.
Alternator, starter, hybrid battery replacement, hybrid battery related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, spark plugs and wires failure, auto stop/start.
AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.
Electric drive failure, replacement or malfunction.
Kia Niro
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""Car alerted us to high engine temp. We checked the coolant level and found the reservoir empty. After taking the vehicle in for service we were told that the muffler needed replaced. After further research into how a muffler needed replaced for a coolant problem, we found the coolant is piped to the muffler. On the muffler is a heat exchanger that warms the coolant, apparently this heat exchanger failed and coolant was leaking into the exhaust system and out the tail pipe. The service center quoted a price of almost $4000 for this repair. The extremely high price for this part is that Kia decided to put this heat exchanger on the muffler pipe that has the catalytic converter on it. Poor design!!! We ended up just by-passing the heat exchanger with a pre-formed coolant hose shaped like a U. All in all the car is great, but learning the "new" parts of the hybrid cars has been alarming and potentially very expensive. A special note for this particular problem is that most extended warranties don't cover exhaust systems, therefore this problem (coolant leak) was not covered by our extended warranty because it was on a muffler. More of a buyer beware when thinking about buying the extended warranty when purchasing this vehicle.""
Anonymous A., KS (2017 Kia Niro LX 1.6-L 4 Cyl hybrid)