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Kia Niro I faults

4 faults documented by at least two sources, listed by version then by mileage at onset when known.

Good choice, check first
Reliability
5.0/5

4 known faults

Hybride 141

  1. DCT6 gearbox: jerking at low speed

    Severity 1/3 · Annoying

    On hybrid and plug-in hybrid Niros, the six-speed dual-clutch gearbox can cause jerking at low speed, hesitation when pulling away or uneven gear changes, especially in town and in traffic jams (Fiches-auto). Autodoc places the first symptoms between 40,000 and 60,000 km, IEMS rather between 60,000 and 80,000 km: the sources do not agree. No reliable frequency statistics have been found, and some owners report no fault at all.

    Versions
    Hybride 141, Plug-in 141
    Onset
    not documented
    Repair
    not documented

  2. Recall: hydraulic clutch actuator, fire risk (hybrids)

    Manufacturer recall

    Worldwide recall covering the hydraulic clutch actuator (HCA) of hybrid and plug-in hybrid Niros: moisture can reach the connector or the electronic board and cause a short circuit, with a risk of fire. The HEV warning light may come on. The remedy consists of checking the actuator, replacing it if necessary and fitting a lower-rated fuse, free of charge. The NHTSA cites Niro Hybrid 2017-2022 and Plug-in 2018-2022 (campaign 23V534). Check that it has been carried out using the serial number.

    Fixed free of charge by a dealer and not counted in the reliability score: ask for proof the work was done (invoice, or a VIN check at a dealer).

    Versions
    Hybride 141, Plug-in 141
    Onset
    not documented
    Repair
    not documented

Plug-in 141

  1. DCT6 gearbox: jerking at low speed

    Severity 1/3 · Annoying

    On hybrid and plug-in hybrid Niros, the six-speed dual-clutch gearbox can cause jerking at low speed, hesitation when pulling away or uneven gear changes, especially in town and in traffic jams (Fiches-auto). Autodoc places the first symptoms between 40,000 and 60,000 km, IEMS rather between 60,000 and 80,000 km: the sources do not agree. No reliable frequency statistics have been found, and some owners report no fault at all.

    Versions
    Hybride 141, Plug-in 141
    Onset
    not documented
    Repair
    not documented

  2. Recall: hydraulic clutch actuator, fire risk (hybrids)

    Manufacturer recall

    Worldwide recall covering the hydraulic clutch actuator (HCA) of hybrid and plug-in hybrid Niros: moisture can reach the connector or the electronic board and cause a short circuit, with a risk of fire. The HEV warning light may come on. The remedy consists of checking the actuator, replacing it if necessary and fitting a lower-rated fuse, free of charge. The NHTSA cites Niro Hybrid 2017-2022 and Plug-in 2018-2022 (campaign 23V534). Check that it has been carried out using the serial number.

    Fixed free of charge by a dealer and not counted in the reliability score: ask for proof the work was done (invoice, or a VIN check at a dealer).

    Versions
    Hybride 141, Plug-in 141
    Onset
    not documented
    Repair
    not documented

e-Niro 136 (39 kWh)

  1. Recall: high-voltage battery safety plug (2021-2022 production)

    Manufacturer recall

    A European recall (KBA 14845R) concerns Niros built between 20 July 2021 and 22 February 2022: the contact area of the high-voltage battery safety plug can show high electrical resistance, then overheat and melt, causing loss of propulsion or a fire. Have the serial number checked at Kia.

    Fixed free of charge by a dealer and not counted in the reliability score: ask for proof the work was done (invoice, or a VIN check at a dealer).

    Versions
    e-Niro 136 (39 kWh), e-Niro 204 (64 kWh)
    Onset
    not documented
    Repair
    not documented

  2. 2026 recall: battery monitoring (e-Niro)

    Manufacturer recall

    Recall of August 2026 for the first-generation e-Niro built from 19 May 2020 to 18 March 2022 (14,117 vehicles worldwide, including 11,331 in Europe): insufficient monitoring logic in the battery management system can increase the risk of fire. Remedy: battery management software update, with pack replacement if damage is found.

    Fixed free of charge by a dealer and not counted in the reliability score: ask for proof the work was done (invoice, or a VIN check at a dealer).

    Versions
    e-Niro 136 (39 kWh), e-Niro 204 (64 kWh)
    Onset
    not documented
    Repair
    not documented

e-Niro 204 (64 kWh)

  1. Recall: high-voltage battery safety plug (2021-2022 production)

    Manufacturer recall

    A European recall (KBA 14845R) concerns Niros built between 20 July 2021 and 22 February 2022: the contact area of the high-voltage battery safety plug can show high electrical resistance, then overheat and melt, causing loss of propulsion or a fire. Have the serial number checked at Kia.

    Fixed free of charge by a dealer and not counted in the reliability score: ask for proof the work was done (invoice, or a VIN check at a dealer).

    Versions
    e-Niro 136 (39 kWh), e-Niro 204 (64 kWh)
    Onset
    not documented
    Repair
    not documented

  2. 2026 recall: battery monitoring (e-Niro)

    Manufacturer recall

    Recall of August 2026 for the first-generation e-Niro built from 19 May 2020 to 18 March 2022 (14,117 vehicles worldwide, including 11,331 in Europe): insufficient monitoring logic in the battery management system can increase the risk of fire. Remedy: battery management software update, with pack replacement if damage is found.

    Fixed free of charge by a dealer and not counted in the reliability score: ask for proof the work was done (invoice, or a VIN check at a dealer).

    Versions
    e-Niro 136 (39 kWh), e-Niro 204 (64 kWh)
    Onset
    not documented
    Repair
    not documented

Price and diagnose repairs

Read fault codes

An OBD scanner plugged in under the steering wheel shows stored fault codes, even with warning lights off: useful during the test drive.

Parts and maintenance

Compare prices of parts for the Kia Niro I (timing, brakes, filters) to estimate the repairs to plan for.

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