2017 Kia Niro problems, complaints & recalls

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

Owners have filed 75 complaints with NHTSA about the 2017 Kia Niro, most often about engine. There are 4 recalls for this model year.

Complaints
75
Recalls
4
Crashes
3
Fires
4
Injuries
1
Median mileage
89,380 mi
at time of problem

Key facts

  • Engine is the most-reported problem area, named in 33 of 75 complaints (44%).
  • Transmission & Drivetrain (19) and electrical system (19) follow.
  • Half of the complaints that list mileage happened before 89,380 mi.
  • Owners reported 3 crashes, 4 fires and 1 injury.
  • The 2017 Kia Niro has 4 recalls on file.
  • It ranks 3rd of 10 Kia Niro model years by our severity-weighted complaint score (1st = worst).

2017 Kia Niro problems by category

  • Engine
    33 complaints
  • Transmission & Drivetrain · 1 crash
    19 complaints
  • Electrical System
    19 complaints
  • Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    12 complaints
  • Other / Unknown · 2 crashes
    11 complaints
  • Body & Structure
    6 complaints
  • Steering
    6 complaints
  • Brakes
    2 complaints
  • Driver Assistance & Safety Tech
    1 complaints
  • Seats & Seat Belts
    1 complaints
  • Acceleration & Cruise Control
    1 complaints
  • Lighting
    1 complaints

A complaint can mention more than one problem area, so categories add up to more than the total.

Most-reported components

Component (as filed with NHTSA)Complaints
Engine29
Power train19
Electrical system17
Unknown or other11
Fuel/propulsion system10
Steering6
Structure:body4
Engine and engine cooling3

When problems happen (mileage)

1Under 10k210k–30k330k–60k560k–100k5100k–150k150k+
Mileage at the time of the problem, for 2017 Kia Niro complaints that list mileage.

2017 Kia Niro recalls (4)

  • Recall 23V534000Jul 31, 2023121,411 vehicles
    POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:INTERNAL:CLUTCHES/BANDS:ACTUATORS/SOLENOIDS

    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.

    Risk: A fire increases the risk of injury.

    Remedy: 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.

  • Recall 22V836000Nov 11, 202227,030 vehicles
    HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM

    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.

    Risk: Overheated rear seats increase the risk of a fire.

    Remedy: 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.

  • Recall 18V666000Sep 25, 201827,030 vehicles
    HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM

    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.

    Risk: The increased electrical resistance can overheat the rear seat which is above the PRA, increasing the risk of a fire.

    Remedy: 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.

  • Recall 18V257000Apr 20, 201827,029 vehicles
    HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM

    Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017 Kia Niro vehicles. The Hydraulic Clutch Actuator (HCA) inner oil seal may leak, allowing oil to accumulate in the cap area, possibly resulting in an electrical short.

    Risk: An electrical short can increase the risk of a fire.

    Remedy: 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 June 15, 2018. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC163.

Recent 2017 Kia Niro complaints

Excerpts of the newest owner complaints, lightly cleaned of personal details. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

  1. Filed Sep 20, 2026TNElectrical System
    September 18th I had to jump the battery from the 12 volt switch at the drivers side dash. Going to the dealership where I had bought it on August 27th I noticed smoke rolling out from behind the car. I exited off the highway 40 and checked the oil it was clean and full. Water level in radiator was also fine. It smoked several times during the trip but the service department at Parkside Kia was no longer opened so I returned the next morning when I got there they service…
    NHTSA complaint #11765600 · source
  2. Filed Sep 16, 2026TNFireElectrical SystemEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    On XXX, at approximately 11:30 a.m., a friend and I were driving on XXX near [XXX], when I noticed smoke coming from the engine compartment. As I pulled over to the side of the road, a warning light appeared on the dashboard. Once stopped, I saw flames coming from the engine compartment. We immediately got out of the car, retrieved our dogs from the back seat, and ran away from the burning car. Another motorist who had witnessed the flames pulled over behind us. Because our…
    NHTSA complaint #11764814 · source
  3. Filed Sep 14, 2026SCElectrical SystemTransmission & Drivetrain
    The vehicle's hydraulic clutch actuator (HCA) has failed and is actively leaking fluid onto the printed circuit board (PCB), creating an immediate electrical short and engine bay fire hazard. This failure is identical to the defect detailed in Safety Recall SC276 (NHTSA Campaign 23V534). As indicated by a search of my VIN, the vehicle was brought in by us previously when we learned there was a recall, and the recall was officially marked "completed" in the NHTSA database.…
    NHTSA complaint #11764064 · source
  4. Filed Aug 27, 2026FLElectrical SystemFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    My 2017 Kia Niro has developed a serious hybrid system failure that causes the vehicle to shut off unexpectedly while driving. For about a month, the car would only start using the “12V Battery Reset” button. Now it starts, but after driving a short distance, the vehicle loses power and shuts off without warning. The only way to restart it is by pressing the reset button again. The AC and accessories continue to run, and the high‑voltage battery appears to charge normally,…
    NHTSA complaint #11760037 · source
  5. Filed Aug 1, 2026TXBrakesElectrical SystemTransmission & Drivetrain
    2017 Kia Niro Hybrid subject to Safety Recall SC276 (NHTSA Campaign 23V534) for the Hydraulic Clutch Actuator (HCA). Fluid contamination of the HCA PCB can cause an electrical short and engine compartment fire risk. Official remedy is HCA inspection/replacement as necessary plus a new fuse. Three dealer visits: Shortly after purchase for SC276 recall and routine service. Dealer performed HCA Inspect/Replace, reported no problem codes, and replaced the fuse. After sudden…
    NHTSA complaint #11754127 · source
  6. Filed Jul 28, 2026GAElectrical SystemEngineTransmission & Drivetrain
    My 2017 Kia Niro exhibits a dangerous low-speed engine surging hazard matching Safety Recall SC276. An authorized Kia dealership technician inspected the vehicle under RO #6115244 and formally documented 'seeping fluid residue' inside the clutch actuator housing. However, the dealership and Kia Corporate are refusing to honor the recall remedy and have released the car at a $0.00 balance while explicitly stating in writing that the vehicle is 'not safe to drive.' I am…
    NHTSA complaint #11753205 · source
  7. Filed Jul 19, 2026TXOther / Unknown
    I am submitting this complaint regarding a repeat failure of the Active Air Flap System on my 2017 Kia Niro, which I believe raises a broader safety and reliability concern. On XXX, my vehicle displayed a check engine light and “Check Active Air Flap System” warning. An authorized Kia dealer, Huffines Kia Corinth in Texas, diagnosed the issue and replaced the active air flap assembly (listed on the repair order as “FLAP ASSY–ACTIVE AIR”) at approximately 87,638 miles. At…
    NHTSA complaint #11751394 · source
  8. Filed Jun 18, 2026CAEngine
    Kia Dealership (DCH Kia of Temecula) Repair order 237695 shows Recall SC276 was 'passed' via inspection on October 16, 2025. However, the Hydraulic Clutch Actuator has now suffered the exact fluid leak the recall warned about, destroying the slave cylinder. The dealership is refusing to honor the safety recall, leaving an active fire hazard unaddressed.
    NHTSA complaint #11745143 · source

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Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data, as of Oct 10, 2026. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology