GREEN CHOICE
2018
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Used 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017
GREEN CHOICE

Kia Niro

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Thanks to its high stance, conservative styling, and a more normal, traditional-acting automatic transmission, the Kia Niro is a genre-splitting hybrid that combines fuel economy with versatility. It uses the same drivetrain as its sibling hybrid -- the Hyundai Ioniq -- and also suffers from some of that car's shortcomings. When compared with conventional wagons and small SUVs, the Niro's 43 mpg overall is impressive.
Alerts
There is 1 recall on this vehicle. Learn More.
GREEN CHOICE
2018
New 2023 2022
Used 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017

Kia Niro

Reliability

We expect the 2022 Niro will be more reliable than the average new car. This prediction is based on data from 2019 and 2020 models. Select the used car model year to see reported issues with those similar past models.

Overall Reliability
Most Common Trouble Spots
Common Trouble Spot
Common Trouble Spot
See all 2018 Potential Trouble Spots
The 2018 Kia Niro has been recalled 1 time by NHTSA. View Recalls
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Overall Reliability Verdict
NA
POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
Engine Major
NA
Engine Minor
NA
Engine Cooling
NA
Transmission Major
NA
Transmission Minor
NA
Drive System
NA
Fuel System
NA
Electric System
NA
Climate System
NA
Suspension
NA
Brakes
NA
Exhaust
NA
Paint/Trim
NA
Body Integrity
NA
Body Hardware
NA
Power Equipment
NA
In-car Electronics
NA
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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 over 300,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2021 vehicles are holding up in 17 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, and brakes to power equipment and the electrical system. NA indicates that we did not receive a large enough sample size to provide data for a specific year. An X indicates that the vehicle was not manufactured for a specific year.

Learn more about car Reliability.

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

Power or manual windows, locks and latches, tailgate, hatch or trunk, doors or sliding doors, mirrors, seat controls, safety belts, sunroof, convertible top.

What Owners Say

Locks and latches

"A couple months after owning rear passenger side door handle fell off. Repaired at dealership. A year after purchase front passenger side door handle fell off and a couple of weeks later the rear passenger side door handle fell off again. Replaced at dealership. Dealership contacted Kia and my car manufacture date now included in Technical Service Bulletin which originally just for 2017 models. Having an upgraded repair done next week."

Luan R., IL (2018 Kia Niro EX 1.6-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

"rear passenger side door latch completely broke off the car when a passenger tried to open the door from the outside."

Chad S., IA (2018 Kia Niro EX 1.6-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

"Door handle broke on passenger front. This was a known factory issue and all passenger door handles were replaced under warranty."

Mark C., TX (2018 Kia Niro EX 1.6-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

"Left rear door handle fell off 3 days after purchase. Got the run-around from the dealer - ordered the wrong color, had to make 2 40-mile round trips to get it fixed."

Anonymous, WA (2018 Kia Niro Touring 1.6-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
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Fuel System

Check engine light, sensors (includes O2 or oxygen sensor), emission control devices (includes EGR), engine computer, engine computer, fuel cap, fuel gauge/sender, fuel injection system, fuel pump, fuel leaks, stalling or hesitation.

What Owners Say

Emission control devices (includes EGR)

"Bad catalytic converter"

Anonymous, (2018 Kia Niro LX 1.6-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
Fuel injection system

"The car ran fine, but it reported an “Engine malfunction” several time. Ultimate the fuel injectors were replaced under warrantee by Kia. No problems noted since then."

Errol D., AZ (2018 Kia Niro Touring 1.6-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

Suspension

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

Power steering pumps and hoses

"The car made a small squeaking sound when I turned the wheel. It was repaired under warranty."

Anonymous, CA (2018 Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid 1.6-L 4 Cyl plug-in hybrid)
Shocks or struts

"We think it might be the shocks as it is a very bumpy ride."

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

Power Equipment

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, remote engine start, alarm or security system

What Owners Say

Hybrid/electric battery replacement

"each morning after purchase, car would not start. I believe the dealer knew the hybrid battery in this car was defective but still allowed me to drive it home. It was days before they changed the battery system"

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

"A cell went bad in the battery that supplies power to the electric motor, and the car would not start. Kia paid to have the car towed to the dealer, where they replaced it for free (under warrantee)."

Anonymous, OR (2018 Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid 1.6-L 4 Cyl plug-in hybrid)

In-car Electronics

CD or DVD players, radio, speakers, GPS, communication system (e.g., OnStar), display screen freezes or goes blank, phone pairing (e.g. Bluetooth), voice control commands, steering wheel controls, portable music device interface (e.g., iPod/MP3 player), backup or other camera/sensors.

What Owners Say

Display screen goes blank

"It happen right after I took it in for a software update. The display screen would go blank, except for when I was backing up. The camera still was able to display. The music still played in car play also, you just could not see the icons. It is still under warranty and they were able to reload the software and fix the problem."

Anonymous, NC (2018 Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid 1.6-L 4 Cyl plug-in hybrid)

Climate System

Blower (fan) motor, A/C compressor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate control, refrigerant leakage, electrical failure.

What Owners Say

Evaporator

"Air conditioner would not work. The car was out of service for 2 weeks while they waited for parts to repair."

Rudy C., OH (2018 Kia Niro LX 1.6-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

Engine Minor

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

What Owners Say

Engine computer

"Sure of cause, but car lost power while driving. It may have been old gas as an issue since i maths later were on same tank. (We mainly use it short distances, so usually electric. Finally reset all systems and no problems since."

Anonymous, NC (2018 Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid 1.6-L 4 Cyl plug-in hybrid)

Engine Cooling

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

Brakes

Antilock system (ABS), parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, rotors, pulsation or vibration, squeaking, brake failure or wear.

Drive System

Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, 4WD/AWD components, driveline vibration, traction control, electronic stability control (ESC), electrical failure.

Paint/Trim

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

Exhaust

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

Transmission Minor

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

Electric System

Alternator, starter, hybrid battery and related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, distributor or rotor failure, spark plugs and wires failure.

Engine Major

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

Body Integrity

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

Compare 2018 Models

No Data Available
Recalls
PROVIDED BY
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.
Read Recall Details
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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