2017 Kia Niro Hybrid Problems And Complaints

Kia Niro user complaints and problems

Engine problems

• Engine stall, misfire, and failure to start: These three problems were reported by three separate owners against their 2017 Kia Niro hybrid. According to the reports, one owner complained that while driving the engine stalled without any warning light. Another owner complained that while driving the engine started to misfire. The last complaint mentioned that the hybrid system warning message lit up on the instrument panel while driving and the owner decided to pull over. After turning off the ignition, the engine failed to restart.
• Loss of power and oil leak: A couple of complaints mentioned these problems. One owner reported that the engine leaked oil and it was detected while driving. The other report stated that the engine suddenly lost power while the owner was driving.
• Cracked catalytic converter: A single report was filed regarding a catalytic converter crack. The crack resulted in rapid combustion of engine coolant while driving causing the engine to overheat.
• Coolant leak: A few users reported a coolant leak they faced with their 2017 Kia Niro. The coolant leaked into the engine chambers and outside resulting in low coolant levels and overheating of the engine.
• Transmission slipping: One owner faced this issue. He mentioned that while the vehicle was parked with the transmission slotted into park mode, it slipped out and the vehicle rolled away.

Electrical problems

• Battery fire: In one case, the vehicle was destroyed due to a fire from the turn indicators. Upon further inspection, the reason for the fire was declared to be the battery.
• Power steering failure: A serious power steering failure was reported by one user. The incident occurred while the owner was attempting to back out of the garage, the vehicle’s power steering system failed completely, making it hard to turn the vehicle.

Exterior problems

• Rear door handle breaking off: Several owners complained about a poor quality rear door handle. The complaints said that when the owners attempted to open the door the handle broke off completely.

2017 Kia Niro recalls

S.No.	Recall Date	NHTSA Campaign ID	Issues noticed	Additional remarks	Remedy
1	March 10, 2017	17V159000	Loss of Electric Power Steering Assist	Loss of power steering assist would require higher steering effort, especially at lower speeds, which may increase the risk of a crash.	Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the MDPS motor, free of charge. The recall began on April 3, 2017.
2	April 20, 2018	18V257000	Clutch Actuator Oil Leak may cause Fire	An electrical short can increase the risk of a fire.	Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the HCA caps for leaked oil and replace the HCA assembly if needed, or replace the HCA cap with additional sealant. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on June 15, 2018.
3	September 25, 2018	18V666000	Electrical Resistance at Main Relay May Cause Fire	The increased electrical resistance can overheat the rear seat which is above the PRA, increasing the risk of a fire.	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 on November 23, 2018.

Should you buy a used Kia Niro?

The Kia Niro is incredibly fuel-efficient for a hybrid crossover and its striking design, cavernous cargo space, and lucrative base price makes it a compelling option in its class. The reliability of the SUV has been decent for a newly-launched vehicle and given its brand new status, getting a used example might be tough. However, you can always go for a brand new one since it makes more sense.