Kia · Niro · 2023
2
Recalls
36
Complaints
5/5
Safety Rating
The 2023 Kia Niro has 2 recalls and 36 owner-reported complaints on file with NHTSA. Overall safety rating: 5 out of 5 stars. Most reported issue: unknown or other (6 reports).
Source: NHTSA Public Records · Updated Apr 22, 2026
This page combines three types of NHTSA data: recall campaigns (official manufacturer or government actions), owner complaints (unverified consumer reports), and crash test ratings (where available). A vehicle with many complaints is not necessarily less reliable — complaint volume correlates with sales volume and vehicle age. Recalls indicate identified defects, not overall quality. To compare this model year with others, use the year navigation in the sidebar or return to the model overview page.
Frontal Crash Test

Side Crash Test

Overall Frontal Rating
Driver and Passenger Assessment
Driver Side
Passenger Side
Overall Side Rating
Side Barrier and Side Pole Tests
Driver Side
Passenger Side
Rollover Resistance
11.8% rollover risk in single-vehicle crash
Safety Features
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023 Sportage, Sportage Hybrid, Sportage Plug-in Hybrid, Niro Hybrid, Niro Plug-in Hybrid, Soul, and Telluride vehicles equipped with a digital instrument cluster containing a 4.2" LCD screen. The instrument cluster may fail to display any information when the vehicle is started. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers 101, "Control and Displays," and 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems."
Remedy Status
Dealers will update the instrument cluster software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 26, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC270.
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023-2025 Niro EV, Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV), and Hybrid vehicles. The floor wiring assembly beneath the front passenger seat may become damaged, which can prevent the front air bags and seat belts from deploying properly or cause an unintended side curtain air bag deployment.
Remedy Status
Dealers will inspect, replace and reroute the floor wiring assembly, as necessary, free of charge. In addition, dealers will install wiring covers. Owner notification letters were mailed February 27, 2025. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC332.
I am filing a complaint regarding my 2023 Kia Niro and Safety Recall SC332. The recall involves a damaged floor wiring assembly that may prevent proper airbag and seat belt deployment, creating a serious safety risk. I scheduled and brought my vehicle to Cowboy Kia, Conroe on Feb 2,2026 specifically to have this recall repaired, but the dealership did not complete the recall service and returned the vehicle without fixing the issue or providing a clear explanation. This is a manufacturer-issued safety recall and should be addressed promptly at no cost. I am requesting immediate repair and an explanation for the failure to perform the recall work.
My car has clunking noises coming from the front left suspension, they occur more often and getting louder. After doing some research online, I found that the symptoms are similar to the NHTSA recall number 24V-057. Unfortunately, the NHTSA recall didn't include Niro plug-in hybrid manufactured in year 2023, only Niro EV. I took it to the service center nearby. They said it's the strut, so what they will do is to dismantle it and put more lubrication when I return again to perform a strut "maintenance". If there are still noises, then they will order a new replacement strut. However, from what I read online, it's actually the driveshaft that causes the problem, hence the recall 24V-057. Please investigate into Kia Niro 2023 plug-in hybrid vehicles having the same problems and issue new recall if possible. Thank you.
When attempting to activate the parking brake there is no response from the vehicle. No matter how many times in attempting to activate the parking brake it would not activate. The only way to successfully activate the parking brake was if "auto hold" was on and i turned off the vehicle. i have a safety concern regarding this matter as the vehicle could potentially roll away if the car is unattended. The problem has not been reproduced or confirmed by the service center as of yet but it will be inspected on 01/14/2026. There are no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure.
Driving VA Interstate 64. Traveling right side travel lane approximately 70 mph. Had ADAS engaged. Car entering highway, moved to center travel lane to pass. As I approached entering highway car, suddenly, my car stalled, engine off and I was stopped in center travel lane. Able to start car by putting transmission in park and pressing start button. Called KIA Car Care Center - They have no record of this type situation occurring throughout country. Took car to dealer. Their Technology Service Rep checked whole system and found no problems including memory bank listing the stall/stoppage incident. I will go to dealer and ask for their report. 2nd incident. Happened within first month or ownership 10/23. I dismissed incident as something I must have done due to my lack of familiarity with new technology.
On multiple occasions, the car has flashed an error on the dash stating there was a problem with the hybrid system. It immediately slows down without time to merge over causing extreme danger on a busy highway several cars swerved to miss the Kia because there was nothing I can do. this has happened several times and Kia is well aware as I’ve had multiple communications with them.
I was driving my 2023 Kia Niro PHEV into my garage after running an errand, going very slowly. Suddenly the vehicle--all on its own--surged forward, slammed into the rear wall (triggering air bags), ricocheted backward across the street, and struck a neighbor's fence. I was able to get out of the car but I was in shock; paramedics were called. Ultimately, my injuries were found to be limited to bruised ribs, but it has been very painful and limiting. The vehicle was towed to a repair shop where it was pronounced a total loss. I received a settlement check from my insurance company, but I am out-of-pocket for the deductible, costs relating to getting a new vehicle, and of course the pain and suffering. I was told there was an event data recorder (EDR) on the vehicle, and my insurance adjuster will tell me what it reveals (I hope). There was no warning of any kind that this was about to happen. I was fortunate that it happened where it did; had I been driving the vehicle on the street, I could have killed someone (including myself).
I received a recall notice SC332 several weeks ago. In February I visited ALM Kia in Perry, GA. The sercice advisor ordered parts, I have checked with ALM Kia several times and they keep telling me the parts have not arrived. This is a serious safety issue and I need your help. Thank You, [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
I bought my Niro hybrid EX Touring new from the dealership in 2023. The first issue arose when the car shut off completely while driving and was towed to the dealership. Later, I started hearing a squeaking/rubber rubbing sound. The car would make squeaking and creaking noises when turning or going over minor bumps. The "rubber rubbing sound" happened when I was at a full stop, right after removing my foot from the brake, as the car began to move forward. These issues were both reported to the dealership, and they did an inspection. The dealership service center has been able to hear the sounds. Since then, the calliper boots have been replaced multiple times and the full calliper kit once. The strut bearing has also been replaced multiple times. Consistent issues with the car's braking system is a significant safety issue. I have no idea what damage the rest of my car could have sustained, and I have not been able to get an answer for why this is happening. I have also been in contact with the manufacturer.
On Oct 4, 2024, a driver rolled into my car on an incline. While waiting for the police, I looked inside my car and thought the engine was still on. (Flashers). I turned the power button and the car began to roll backwards. I jumped in and tried the break. Pedal went all the way to the floor and car rolled faster. Moved gear shift around and kept rolling faster and faster (incline). I had my left foot out of the car and right on the break. At one point, I was thrown out of the car and my left leg was run over. Car stopped when it hit a tree. Three weeks in hospital and rehab. Still haven’t been able to return to work.
This May of been a cause of a defective Harness Assembly that has taken a few tries to get repaired (Harness is fixed but problem still continues randomly). Since then, my car has stalling problems, randomly, sometimes multiple time in one drive. I have no way to replicate it on my own just that it "can happen" anytime and has subjected me to waiting on the side of the road for the engine computer to "reset" or needs for a tow. Ive been in the dealership at least twice for this with a 3rd this week. Me and the dealer thought it may go away with the new harness installed but it still remains
My wife was in an accident on [XXX] around [XXX] at the intersection of [XXX] . She had exchanged safety information with the person whose vehicle had stalled. She went to shut off the car upon exchanging the information and after pressing the ignition button the vehicle began to roll. She was outside of the vehicle when she had pressed the ignition button. She tried physically to stop the vehicle, trippped and was dragged until the vehicle came to a stop after running over her leg and hitting a tree. The vehicle had recall items addressed on October 2 or 3rd. She was trying to stop the vehicle from rolling as she knew that school was letting out and a school bus would be coming on the road she was at. I contacted the dealer about it and they stated that they had never heard of this happening with there vehicles and to call customer service. The police officer verified verbally that the vehicle was in park when he checked on the condition of my wife who sustained serious injuries on her left leg and was hospitalized for surgery and wound treatment. This is the first time that we ever had an issue with the vehicle. It started when the vehicle in front of her had stalled and backed into her (although his story changed after the injury to my wife). INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
USB connectivity is intermittent. This involves using the USB A connection in the center console as a port for stored media (music files) on a USB drive and Android Auto. The connection will connect and disconnect randomly regardless of the car being stationary or moving. The intermittent connectivity occurs regardless for all USB cables or thumb drives that I have tried. The vehicle is available for inspection. This presents a safety hazard due to the loss of connectivity for Android Auto while driving and the resultant sudden increase in driver distraction that is generated. Multiple steps and layers of infotainment screen navigation can be required to get to a workaround for music or navigation. The problem has been explained to the dealer service center multiple times but they are unable to replicate it and are explained that they are unaware of the issue on other similar vehicles. Video recordings of the intermittent functioning have been shown to the dealer. Since they could not replicate it, they are unwilling to correct the issue. The issue was first noticed in October 2024 and initially explained to the dealer service in February 2025.
Engine light indicating error code P040100. Dealership noted excessive buildup in emission tube, cooler plugged and needs replaced, EGR valve needs replaced. Car has less than 35k miles.
Car makes "clicking noises" when accelerating or braking that appears coming from engine bay or front wheels. Other users reported similar issue on consumer forum: [XXX] ) Car dealership does not have availability to diagnose the issue until next month. Car currently has 55,000 miles. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The air-conditioning compressor failed internally sending debris into the condenser. I have read Kia owners online forums and this is a known problem to Kia, but they have not issued a recall. See: [XXX] I was at the Dealer today and saw another Niro EV with the same AC not working problem. I have attached a picture. My car was repaired under warranty. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Last year, I purchased a new 2023 Kia Niro Hybrid and had a 24-month lease contract on it. After 9 months (5,700 miles), my car started having problems (Forward Collision Warning, random loss of power steering). My car had to be towed twice to a KIA dealership, where I was told nothing was wrong with my car. They finally agreed to run a scan on the electric syste, where they found a few communication issues. After doing a system update, KIA told me the problems were fixed, however, the car kept having the same problems plus a new one (random Automatic Emergency Braking). At this point, the car was too unreliable to drive so I returned it to my KIA dealership. Although the car clearly had problems that Kia couldn’t fix, I had to pay to get out of my lease and ended up buying another car, not a KIA. I am reporting the issues with the 2023 KIA Niro Hybrid to make sure people are aware of the issues on this particular car in case it is put on the pre owned market. I believe we’ve been very lucky not to get into an accident, my [XXX] drove it in the city and on the highway and I can't imagine what would have happened if the Automatic Emergency Braking would have gone off then. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
My car drives forward when in reverse. This happened twice. Second time I was able to get it on video. Car Is currently at dealership
I am experiencing the same issues as the individual who documented incident #11685147. When I turn the shifter to drive and let my foot off the brake, with auto-hold on, the will still roll backwards, even on flat ground, and not respond to me pushing the gas pedal. I have to put the vehicle back into park, and try again. Oftentimes I have to shut the vehicle completely off to be able to get the vehicle to respond to me shifting it to drive and accelerating forward. This occurs multiple times, but I have dated the incident to be the approximate time when this issue started.
While entering into a parking spot at minimal speed, the vehicle experienced an unexpected spontaneous acceleration, causing it to lunge forward, climb onto the curb, and collide with the adjacent building. This resulted mainly in damage to the front end and front passenger door, and the shattering of a large tempered glass window that cushioned the impact. Thankfully, there were no pedestrians on the sidewalk, and the impacted office space was unoccupied at the time of the incident. It is important to note that I was not utilizing the cruise control at the time of the spontaneous acceleration incident and that the vehicle had only been driven 1760 miles since it was purchased, further highlighting the totally unexpected nature of the occurrence. This alarming event of the car accelerating on its own, when it had come to an almost full stop, leads me to believe that the car could pose a significant safety risk. I am deeply troubled by the potential consequences of this spontaneous acceleration; no warning light or collision safety feature turned on. I consider that it is imperative for Kia to conduct a thorough investigation and retrieve the vehicle data to determine the root cause of the incident.
I was driving when another vehicle hit my driver side tire area. Car was totaled but no airbags deployed. It is not available since it has been towed to the salvage yard. I have back pain, however we were fortunate not to have more injuries. It was inspected but not sure if they found anything wrong with the airbags.
Showing 1–20 of 25 complaints
The 2023 Kia Niro has 2 recalls recorded by NHTSA.
NHTSA has received 36 owner-reported complaints for the 2023 Kia Niro.
The 2023 Kia Niro received an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars from NHTSA.
The most commonly reported complaint categories for the 2023 Kia Niro are unknown or other (6 reports), electrical system (3 reports), power train (3 reports).
Yes. NHTSA has 2 recalls on record for the 2023 Kia Niro. Scroll up to review the published recall summaries, consequences, and remedies. To check for unrepaired recalls on your specific vehicle, use your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
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This page summarizes publicly available data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaint counts reflect reports submitted to NHTSA by vehicle owners and do not by themselves prove defect severity or vehicle safety. Safety ratings may not be available for all vehicle-years. This site is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. For official information, visit the official NHTSA page for this vehicle.