repaired · 2025 Q3
Clutches/bands: actuators/solenoids
Risk. A fire increases the risk of injury.
2017 Kia NiroProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 83 owner complaints about the 2017 Kia Niro, most often about the engine. It is covered by 4 safety recalls, and for recall 22V-836 the manufacturer reports only 67% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through October 30, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Elise240SX, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2017 Kia Niro has problems
83 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
30Engine2 crash/fire/injury
23Electrical system4 crash/fire/injury
19Power train2 crash/fire/injury
10Fuel/propulsion system1 crash/fire/injury
7Structure
7Steering
4Engine and engine cooling
2Air bags
2Service brakes
99 other systems1 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 30 | 2 |
| Electrical system | 23 | 4 |
| Power train | 19 | 2 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 10 | 1 |
| Structure | 7 | 0 |
| Steering | 7 | 0 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 4 | 0 |
| Air bags | 2 | 1 |
| Service brakes | 2 | 0 |
| 9 other systems | 9 | 1 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
4 recalls
2017 Kia Niro recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2024 Q4
Hybrid propulsion system
Risk. Overheated rear seats increase the risk of a fire.
repaired · 2020 Q1
Hybrid propulsion system
Risk. The increased electrical resistance can overheat the rear seat which is above the PRA, increasing the risk of a fire.
repaired · 2019 Q3
Hybrid propulsion system
Risk. An electrical short can increase the risk of a fire.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Kia.
Best & worst years
2017 vs. every other Niro year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Niro median. How we score
'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
In owners' words
What Niro owners report
Recent engine complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
Second failure of the EGR cooler on this vehicle in under 90 days. Kia's own Pitstop PS730 (May 2022) identifies internal leakage of the EGR cooler on 2017 to 2022 Niro HEV as the cause of coolant loss, random misfires, and overheating. First failure: coolant tracked through the intake into the…
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…
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…
Own a 2017 Niro?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.