repaired · 2025 Q3
Clutches/bands: actuators/solenoids
Risk. A fire increases the risk of injury.
2018 Kia NiroProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 60 owner complaints about the 2018 Kia Niro, most often about the power train. It is covered by 3 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 September 15, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Kevauto, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2018 Kia Niro has problems
60 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
19Power train
18Electrical system3 crash/fire/injury
17Engine
6Service brakes4 crash/fire/injury
4Vehicle speed control
3Structure
2Fuel/propulsion system
2Exterior lighting
1Seats
22 other systems
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Power train | 19 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 18 | 3 |
| Engine | 17 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 6 | 4 |
| Vehicle speed control | 4 | 0 |
| Structure | 3 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 2 | 0 |
| Exterior lighting | 2 | 0 |
| Seats | 1 | 1 |
| 2 other systems | 2 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
3 recalls
2018 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.
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
2018 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
1 investigation
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2018 Kia Niro, and the recalls they led to.
- Pedestrian alert soundsLed to recall 22V-063
In owners' words
What Niro owners report
Recent power train complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
The dealership is falsely reporting to Kia Corporate and the NHTSA that Recall SC276 is 'completed' by only replacing a fuse. They are refusing to replace the actively leaking, fire-hazardous Hydraulic Clutch Actuator unless I pay an out-of-pocket diagnostic fee. They are violating federal recall…
The contact owns a 2018 Kia Niro. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the temperature gauge became elevated, and the vehicle stalled. The message "Check Hybrid System - Turn Engine Off" was displayed. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number:…
The vehicle experienced a sudden powertrain failure while driving. A certified Kia dealership diagnostic scan confirmed active Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P17ED (Engine Clutch System) and a physical hydraulic clutch fluid leak around the transmission housing area. These symptoms match the exact…
Own a 2018 Niro?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.