What Kia Niro EV owners have reported to NHTSA, the service bulletins the manufacturer sent dealers, and any federal defect investigations, by model year. See Kia Niro EV safety recalls or check your VIN.
Complaints owners filed with NHTSA, by the model year of the vehicle. A high count can also mean a popular year, so compare it with how many were sold.
| Year | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Injured | Deaths | TSBs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| 2025 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 12 |
| 2024 | 6 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 24 |
| 2023 | 15 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 44 |
| 2022 | 30 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 40 |
| 2021 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 43 |
| 2020 | 19 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 63 |
| 2019 | 17 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 51 |
The vehicle systems named most often in Kia Niro EV complaints (one complaint can name several).
In the owners’ own words, as filed with NHTSA. Unverified reports; NHTSA removes personal details before publishing.
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Niro. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the coolant system warning light illuminated. The contact stated that after entering the vehicle following a charging session, there was a burning odor coming from the vehicle while the coolant system warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the 12-volt battery voltage decreased from 12 volts to 2 volts. The vehicle was taken to the dealer several times, and TSB: ELE270 was associated with the issue. The contact was informed that the inverter coolant pipes had failed and needed to be replaced, and that the BSC-1 coolant needed to be replaced with BSC-2 coolant. The vehicle was repai…
I am submitting a complaint regarding a safety issue with the rearview camera on my 2020 Kia Niro EV. VIN # [XXX] The rearview camera display has stopped functioning properly. Based on technical research and driver community reports, this issue appears to stem from an electrical surge that causes the camera circuit to malfunction. Upon checking owner forums, I became aware of an active manufacturer campaign/recall (Kia Recall SC342) related to this fault. However, I have not received any official recall notification or letter from Kia regarding my vehicle. Because a non-functioning rearview camera significantly reduces rear visibility and poses a clear safety hazard, I request that the NHTS…
I was slowly driving in the parking lot of the Meadowmeer Golf course on [XXX] today, Monday XXX at about 11:30AM. As I began the turn to pull into a parking space, at about 5 miles an hour, the car rapidly and unexpectedly accelerated. I immediately slammed on the brakes, leaving skid marks on the payment. Before the car stopped it drove into a curb around a flower garden. The i-pedal was not engaged. Myself and the passengers were frightened but not injured. No one has inspected the car as yet. There were no messages. I am trying to reach the dealer Kia of Bremerton, WA but they have not yet been responsive. The car has been driven about 9500 miles in total. I bought it as a certified u…
Component or system that failed: High-Voltage Electrical System / High-Voltage Battery Safety Plug Assembly (specifically covered under Recall SC314 / NHTSA Campaign 24V-358). It is NOT wear and tear as falsely claimed by the dealer. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request at the owner's residence. How safety was put at risk: The vehicle triggers an active "Check EV System" master warning while driving, creating a severe risk of sudden loss of motive power (stalling) on public roads. The high-voltage charging system is also completely disabled, leaving an elderly driver stranded without transportation. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer?: Yes. Rick Case K…
COMPONENT/SYSTEM: The 12-volt auxiliary battery system, the interior fuse box (Total Integrated Power Module) containing an auto-cutoff relay, and the high voltage battery system. All components are available for inspection. SAFETY RISK: The vehicle has lost power and died while being driven, and has left occupants stranded on multiple occasions. A sudden loss of motive power in traffic creates a serious risk of collision to occupants and to other motorists. The vehicle has failed to start dozens of times. FAILURE DESCRIPTION: The 12-volt battery in my 2022 Kia Niro EV has repeatedly discharged, leaving the vehicle dead and unable to start. ~Six 12V batteries have been installed between Ja…
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Niro EV. The contact stated that the rearview camera intermittently failed to display an image when the vehicle was shifted into reverse. The contact stated that reverse engaged normally, and the audible alert was sounded; however, the display screen periodically remained blank. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent but had occurred several times. The contact stated that the rearview camera operated properly for a while before the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to a dealer prior to the expiration of the warranty. The dealer was unable to duplicate the failure, and the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure …
This complaint supplements a previously submitted report filed today, June 18, 2026, (Original is Complaint Number: 11845044) regarding the same vehicle and condition (TSB ELE234 drive unit rumble noise). The correct VIN for this vehicle is [XXX] â a 2019 Kia Niro EV EX Premium, 138,457 miles. I am filing on behalf of the vehicle owner, [XXX], who has authorized me to act as his advocate. The owner is a Ukrainian speaker and I am assisting with all documentation and communications. In addition to TSB ELE234 (drive unit motor rumble, April 2021), this vehicle is also subject to Kia Service Action SA512 (April 2023): Inverter Coolant/Debris Flushing for the "Refill Inverter Coolant" cluster…
Our 2019 Kia Niro EV (approximately 138,000 miles) exhibits an abnormal rumble/growling noise from the front drive unit while driving slowly in "D" range and when accelerating or decelerating between 0â25 mph. This symptom matches exactly the condition described in Kia Technical Service Bulletin ELE234 (Rev. 1, April 2021): "Drive Unit Inspection & Replacement for EV Motor Rumble Noise," which covers all 2019MY Niro EV vehicles produced from December 5, 2018. To our knowledge, TSB ELE234 has never been performed on this vehicle. The repair involves replacement of motor/roll mount brackets and, if necessary, traction motor or reduction gear replacement. Kia has a documented, tiered repair …
Repair instructions and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about known issues. A TSB is not a recall, and the repair is usually free only while the car is under warranty; ask your dealer for the bulletin number.
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: PARTIAL REPAIR â ELECTRICAL A/C COMPRESSOR - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information regarding the partial repair of the Air Conditioning (A/C) compressor assembly on some 2011MY~ Optima Hybrid (TF HEV, JF HEV/PHEV), 2015MY~ Soul EV (PS EV), 2017MY~ Niro (DE HEV/PHEV/EV), 2022MY~ EV6 (CV), 2021MY~ Sorento (MQ4 HEV/PHEV), 2023MY~ Sportage (NQ5 HEV/PHEV), and 2023MY~ Niro (SG2 EV/HEV/PHEV) vehicles.
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: AVN GEN 5.0 WIDE SOFTWARE UPDATE - This bulletin provides information on the Audio Video Navigation (AVN) system software update for certain vehicles equipped with AVN5W and Navigation System listed in the table below. Affected vehicles may overestimate travel times during route calculation.
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: BSA REPLACEMENT (PI2603Y) - This bulletin provides information related to the Technical Service Bulletin previously published under PI2603, titled âBMS Battery Diagnostic Logic Improvement.â If one or more of the Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) listed in the bulletin are present or stored after the Battery Management System (BMS) software upgrade has been performed per PI2603, follow the procedure outlined in this publication to replace the Battery System Assembly (BSA) on the applicable vehicle.
PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN: OWNER NOTIFICATION (PI2603) - This document is the owner notification advising that Kia is conducting a Product Improvement Campaign to update the battery management system (BMS) software to enhance battery diagnostic performance in certain 2020-2022 MY Niro EV vehicles.
PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN: QUESTION AND ANSWER (PI2603) - This document is the Question and Answer Guide containing the most frequently asked questions regarding the Product Improvement Campaign PI2603.
PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN: DEALER PARTS AND SERVICE MANAGER MEMO (PI2603) - This document is the announcement to the dealer Parts and Service managers advising that Kia is conducting a Product Improvement Campaign to update the battery management system (BMS) software to enhance battery diagnostic performance in certain 2020-2022 MY Niro EV vehicles manufactured from June 2, 2020 through November 8, 2021.
PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN: DEALER PRINCIPAL MEMO (PI2603) - This document is the announcement to the dealer principals advising that Kia is conducting a Product Improvement Campaign to update the battery management system (BMS) software to enhance battery diagnostic performance in certain 2020-2022 MY Niro EV vehicles manufactured from June 2, 2020 through November 8, 2021.
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM SOFTWARE UPDATE USING UPDATE.KIA.COM - This bulletin provides information and service procedures for updating the infotainment systems on applicable Kia vehicles using the Kia Navigation Updater available at update.kia.com. The software update may improve system performance, enhance existing features, and apply the latest operating software for supported vehicles (2021-2026MY All Models).
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: INFOTAINMENT SOFTWARE UPDATE PROCEDURE - This bulletin provides information on the process for downloading infotainment software updates and preparing USB for installation on applicable Kia vehicles. The software downloads and USB preparation process is similar across all supported platforms; however, inâvehicle installation procedures vary by head unit type.
VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN: INCORRECT AMOUNT OF AIR CONDITIONING REFRIGERANT (SC358) - This bulletin provides information regarding an incorrect amount of air conditioning refrigerant in certain 2025MY Niro EV, HEV, and PHEV (SG2 P/HEV, SG2 EV) vehicles manufactured between September 2, 2024 and May 19, 2025. During assembly, the affected vehicles may have been produced with the incorrect amount of refrigerant during the in-line manufacturing process. As a result, the HVAC system may provide insufficient cooling in the cabin when vehicle owners are operating the vehicle.
VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN: OWNER NOTIFICATION (SC358) - This document is the owner notification advising that Kia is conducting Voluntary Service Campaign on certain 2025 MY Niro, Niro Plug-in Hybrid, and Niro EV vehicles, manufactured from September 2, 2024 through May 19, 2025, to inspect and, if necessary, recover and charge the air conditioner refrigerant.
VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN: QUESTION AND ANSWER (SC358) - This document is the Question and Answer guide containing the most frequently asked questions regarding the Voluntary Service Campaign SC358.
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opens these when complaints point to a possible safety defect. Many end in a recall.
NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles. The standard applies to hybrid and electric vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 KG or less or are defined as low-spe
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation public data (complaints, manufacturer communications, investigations), model years 2010 and later. Had a safety problem? Report it to NHTSA.
In complaints filed with NHTSA for model years 2019–2026, owners most often name: electrical system, unknown or other, power train. 90 complaints are on record.
No. A complaint is an unverified report from an owner. A technical service bulletin (TSB) is the manufacturer telling dealers how to fix a known issue; it is not a safety recall and is usually covered only under warranty. A recall is a formal safety action, and its repair is free.
File a vehicle safety complaint at NHTSA.gov. NHTSA reads every report, and patterns of complaints are what open defect investigations and, eventually, recalls.
