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Kia Niro

EPA MPG: 49 mpg

RECALL ALERT:
There are 3 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

Reliability

Overall Reliability

The 2018 Niro is less reliable than other cars from the same model year.

The 2018 Kia Niro has been recalled 3 times by NHTSA. View Recalls
Most Common Trouble Spots
Common Trouble Spot
Common Trouble Spot

Owner Reported Trouble Spots

The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2018 Kia Niro owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

Body Hardware

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.

What Owners Say

Door handle

"The lock button on the Driver's outside door handle Quit working. The door handle had to be replaced."

Anonymous A., TX (2018 Kia Niro LX 1.6-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

"Push button entry stopped working on driver's side. I had to repalce the handle"

Anonymous, MD (2018 Kia Niro LX 1.6-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
Tailgate, hatch or trunk

"The hydraulic lifts for the rear door both failed at the same time and the hatch would not stay up/open which was dangerous. I suspect it was due to an overly tall carry-out person "over-lifting" the door to open it at the grocery store. Both had to be replaced in June 2025."

Anonymous, FL (2018 Kia Niro EX 1.6-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

Paint/Trim

Paint (fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking), loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, rust.

What Owners Say

Paint (fading, chalking, cracking, or peeling)

"The silver paint on the aluminum roof Silver paint on the aluminum roof rails has faded and worn off."

Anonymous A., TX (2018 Kia Niro LX 1.6-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

"Clear coat seperating from door handles"

Anonymous, MD (2018 Kia Niro LX 1.6-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

Drive System

Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, electronic stability control.

What Owners Say

CV joint

"I drive a lot. I live in the country and have a dirt driveway. The car is now 7 years old. Apparently, the wear and tear of the driving I do caused the joint to wear and need to be replaced."

Anonymous, FL (2018 Kia Niro EX 1.6-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
Driveshaft or axle

""It wears out much sooner than expected on 24000km , replaced one side, other side seems to have problems now""

Anonymous, BC (2018 Kia Niro Touring 1.6-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

Engine Major

Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain or belt.

What Owners Say

Cylinder head

"The cylinder head was replaced under warranty due to a misfire related to a manufacturing defect. There was a TSB on this issue."

Anonymous A., IL (2018 Kia Niro EX 1.6-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
Engine rebuild or replacement

"My Kia Niro went in to get a cylinder head replaced under warranty as part of a TSB. When the car was returned, the crank shaft failed within a couple days and I suspect something was not put back together correctly at the dealer during the cylinder head work. Regardless, Kia replaced the entire engine with a new engine under warranty."

Anonymous A., IL (2018 Kia Niro EX 1.6-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

Climate System

AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.

What Owners Say

Heater system

""Heater no longer produced heat - bad in winter. Set up service date approx 3 weeks out from discovery of issue (local Kia dealer always seems to be backed up). While waiting for appointment day, went to web to see if others were having similar problem. Looked like there were about 5 potential causes but the easiest to check was the low coolant( no heat and excessive vapor from exhaust). Sure enough, coolant was well below minimum. I refilled and heat worked but coolant slowly went down. Basically parked car after that. After dropping car off for service appt, dealer called and said tech could not find the problem/cause. I told what I had read and what action I did to verify the cause (why did I have to tell them?). A heat exchanger for the heater is co-located with the catalytic converter for rapid warm up - so Kia ended up replacing the entire assembly for over $3500. Kia's warranty (100,000 mile) did not cover it. I had an extended warranty but the coverage company said the heat exchanger was part of the "muffler" and would not cover it.""

Anonymous, VA (2018 Kia Niro EX 1.6-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
Other climate system problem

"I took the car to KIA many times and they said they do not see or hear the prattling noise"

Anonymous, (2018 Kia Niro FE 1.6-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

Electrical Accessories

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.

What Owners Say

Keyless entry

"passenger door unlock button stopped working after 5 years. has not been repaired."

Anonymous A., MO (2018 Kia Niro Touring 1.6-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
Other electrical system problem

"the passenger automatic side view folding mirror retracts but does not fully extend back out. failed after 4 years. Was told not covered under warranty. has not been repaired due to the high replacement cost. turned off the retract setting instead."

Anonymous A., MO (2018 Kia Niro Touring 1.6-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

Suspension/Steering

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.

What Owners Say

Wheel bearings

"Making noises and wear out faster than it should."

Anonymous, BC (2018 Kia Niro Touring 1.6-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

In-car Electronics

Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.

What Owners Say

Radio

"Confusing channel setting procedures"

Anonymous, IL (2018 Kia Niro EX 1.6-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

Exhaust

Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.

What Owners Say

Other/unsure

"KIA Niro went in for a recall. The dealer claims the 12 volt lithium battery went bad during the work. Had to wait 3 months for a new battery. Even though I had an extended warrantee I received no assistance in getting a loaner vehicle or any help with this issue. I escalleded it up to KIA Canada but they were or no help."

Anonymous, ON (2018 Kia Niro EX Unsure)

Fuel System/Emissions

Sensors (O₂, or oxygen, sensor), emission-control devices (includes EGR), fuel-injection system, fuel gauge/sender, fuel pump, problems filling up the tank.

What Owners Say

Emission control devices (includes EGR)

""Had issues with warning light well over a year ago. Fixes (i.e., replace gas cap, replace wiring) did not fix for long. Finally ended up replacing entire EGR at about 90,000 miles. Took dealer a long time to identify problem and I believe a Kia service tech from HQs came down to assist.""

Anonymous, VA (2018 Kia Niro EX 1.6-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

Transmission Major

Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.

EV Battery

Electric/hybrid battery pack failure, replacement or malfunction, or cooling.

Noises/Leaks

Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, seals and/or weather stripping, air and water leaks.

Engine Minor

Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, fuel leaks, oil leaks.

Transmission Minor

Gear selector and linkage, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission, leaks.

Engine Electrical

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.

Brakes

Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.

Engine Cooling

Radiator, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, overheating.

2018 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

This Car
vs. Similar Cars

Kia vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability

Reliability History
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Overall Reliability Verdict
POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
Powertrain
Electric Motor
EV Battery
Engine Major
Engine Minor
Engine Cooling
Engine Electrical
Transmission Major
Transmission Minor
Drive System
Fuel System/Emissions
Exhaust
Suspension/Steering
Brakes
Climate System
Build Quality
Electrical Accessories
Body Hardware
Paint/Trim
Noises/Leaks
In-car Electronics
Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey for about 380,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2025 vehicles are holding up in 20 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, electric motor, EV charging, and brakes, to power equipment and the electrical accessories.
Recalls
PROVIDED BY
POWER TRAIN
Jul 31, 2023
A fire increases the risk of injury.
Summary:
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2022 Niro and 2018-2022 Niro Plug-in Hybrid vehicles. Fluid may leak into the printed circuit board inside the hydraulic clutch actuator, which can result in an engine compartment fire.
What should you do:
Dealers will inspect and replace the hydraulic clutch actuator as necessary and install a new fuse, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 29, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC276.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 23V534000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 121411
HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM
Nov 11, 2022
Overheated rear seats increase the risk of a fire.
Summary:
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Kia Niro hybrid electric vehicles previously recalled under recall 18V-666. The Main Relay within the Power Relay Assembly (PRA) may have inadequate connections between its contacts, causing increased electrical resistance, which can overheat the rear seats.
What should you do:
Dealers will inspect the PRA and replace either the PRA or the Main Relay, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 9, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC256. This recall supersedes NHTSA recall number 18V-666. Vehicles already repaired under the previous recall will need to have the new remedy completed.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 22V836000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 27030
HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM
Sep 25, 2018
The increased electrical resistance can overheat the rear seat which is above the PRA, increasing the risk of a fire.
Summary:
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Kia Niro hybrid electric vehicles. The Main Relay within the Power Relay Assembly (PRA) may have inadequate connections between its contacts, causing increased electrical resistance.
What should you do:
Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the Power Relay Assembly (PRA) for damage. If no damage is found, the main relay will be replaced. If damage is found, the PRA will be replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began November 23, 2018. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC168.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 18V666000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 27030
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