Photo: Mr.choppers, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons Photo: Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons Photo: Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons Photo: Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Verdict
Compact SUV offered as a hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric (e-Niro), rated 4 stars by Euro NCAP in 2016 (5 stars with the optional safety pack). The best-documented fault is the low-speed behaviour of the hybrids' dual-clutch gearbox. Several fire recalls have affected the range (hybrid clutch actuator, high-voltage battery of the e-Niro): insist on proof that they have been carried out, using the serial number.
- Reliability
- 5.0/5
- Indicative prices
- €14,300 – €21,700
- Monthly cost
- €330
- Euro NCAP
- 4/5
Which version to choose
Versions to favour: Hybride 141, e-Niro 204 (64 kWh).
Hybride 141
✓ RecommendedHybrid · Automatic · 141 hp · Crit'Air 1
1.6 GDi engine with 105 hp combined with a 43.5 hp electric motor, 141 hp in total, six-speed dual-clutch gearbox (DCT6). Test the gearbox at low speed.
Plug-in 141
Hybrid · Automatic · 141 hp · Crit'Air 1
Plug-in hybrid with an 8.9 kWh battery, 141 hp combined, same DCT6 gearbox. Boot reduced to 324 litres according to Fiches-auto.
e-Niro 136 (39 kWh)
Electric · Automatic · 136 hp · Crit'Air green
100 kW (136 hp) motor, 39.2 kWh battery, 289 km WLTP range according to Kia France.
e-Niro 204 (64 kWh)
✓ RecommendedElectric · Automatic · 204 hp · 15.9 kWh/100 km · Crit'Air green
150 kW (204 hp) motor, 64 kWh battery, 455 km WLTP range according to Kia France. Consumption claimed at 15.9 kWh/100 km.
Market prices
€14,300 – €21,700
Indicative range: 2017 to 2022, yearly medians of 201 online listings collected by iAutos (years with at least 3 listings).
Collected on 20 October 2026 from the sources below. Our own survey of listings, by year and mileage, will refine it.
Known faults
DCT6 gearbox: jerking at low speed
Severity 1/3 · AnnoyingOn 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
Recall: hydraulic clutch actuator, fire risk (hybrids)
Manufacturer recallWorldwide 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
Sources
- Rückruf Kia: Sicherheitsrisiko durch Kupplungsaktuator — Auto Motor und Sport (new tab)
- Brandgefahr durch Feuchtigkeit im Kupplungsaktuator — Krafthand (new tab)
- Recall 23V534 Kia Niro, hydraulic clutch actuator — NHTSA (new tab)
- 2018-2022 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid recalled due to fire risk — Green Car Reports (new tab)
Recall: high-voltage battery safety plug (2021-2022 production)
Manufacturer recallA 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
2026 recall: battery monitoring (e-Niro)
Manufacturer recallRecall 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
Manufacturer recalls
See the official list on RappelConso (new tab) (French government recall site: category “Automobiles et moyens de déplacement”, search “Kia Niro”). A dealer for the brand can also check, using the vehicle identification number (VIN), that recalls have been carried out.
Real monthly cost
Fuel, insurance, maintenance and depreciation, excluding finance. Move the slider to match your mileage. How it is calculated
| Fuel or electricity | €35 |
|---|---|
| Insurance | €87 |
| Maintenance | €29 |
| Depreciation | €179 |
| Total per month | €330 |
⚠ Estimates to treat with caution
- Maintenance: published servicing price plus an estimated allowance for tyres and brakes.
- Maintenance: budget of a closely related model.
- Depreciation estimated at 12% of the median price a year, as no year-by-year valuation is usable.
Calculation details (12,000 km a year)
- Electricity€35
e-Niro 204 (64 kWh) version: combined consumption of 15.9 kWh/100 km, increased by 15% for real-world driving, at 0.194 €/kWh, for 1,000 km a month.
15.9 × 1.15 × 0.194 € × 10 = €35
Electricity price: EDF regulated Base tariff, home charging (as of 7 October 2026).
- Insurance€87
Average monthly premium published for this model by insurance comparison sites (comprehensive cover when stated). Your premium depends on your profile.
- Maintenance€29
Servicing and wear parts (tyres, brakes) for 12,000 km a year, per month.
- Depreciation€179
Value lost in a year by a typical example, from the valuation gap between two years, per month.
Inspection checklist
Kia Niro I — inspection checklist
Things to check
- Hybrid and plug-in: test drive at low speed and in manoeuvres (pulling away, hill starts, traffic) to detect jerking or hesitation from the DCT6 gearbox.
- Ask for proof that the clutch actuator recall (hybrids) has been carried out, using the serial number, at a Kia dealer.
- e-Niro: check with Kia that the battery management recall (2026) and the high-voltage safety plug recall (2021-2022 production) have been carried out.
- Plug-in hybrid and electric: test a full charge and check the charging cable is present.
- Check the service book, in particular the oil changes and any work on the gearbox.
- Have the fault codes read from the control unit before buying.
Questions to ask the seller
- Have the recalls (clutch actuator, high-voltage battery) been carried out at Kia? Do you have the paperwork?
- Has the gearbox or clutch been repaired or replaced?
- For the electric or plug-in version: how has the car been charged, and which battery version is fitted?
Test-drive tip: read the fault codes
A warning light that is off proves nothing: a fault may have been cleared just before the viewing. A Bluetooth OBD2 scanner, plugged in under the steering wheel and read on your phone, shows stored codes and whether all emissions readiness tests have run since the last reset.
Electric or hybrid equivalent
No direct electric or hybrid equivalent in our guides. Simulate combustion vs electric cost
Alternatives
Photo: Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0
Hyundai Ioniq
I · 2016–2022
- Price
- €12,000 – €18,000
- Reliability
- 4.5/5
- Fuel types
- Hybrid, Electric
Photo: Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0
Hyundai Kona
I · 2017–2023
- Price
- €13,645 – €19,490
- Reliability
- 4/5
- Fuel types
- Petrol, Diesel, Hybrid, Electric
Photo: Kevauto, CC BY-SA 4.0
Toyota C-HR
I · 2016–2023
- Price
- €15,600 – €23,900
- Reliability
- 4.5/5
- Fuel types
- Hybrid, Petrol
Photo: Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0
Kia XCeed
I · since 2019
- Price
- €17,550 – €27,945
- Reliability
- not rated
- Fuel types
- Petrol, Diesel, Hybrid
Photo: Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0
Nissan Leaf
II (ZE1, 2017-2024) · 2017–2024
- Price
- €10,480 – €21,900
- Reliability
- 4.5/5
- Fuel types
- Electric
Before you buy: check and equip
Check the history
Before paying, check the administrative status (lien, objection, declared claims) and the mileage recorded at the roadworthiness test.
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.
Insure the car
Insurance prices vary widely from one model to another: get a quote before signing.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Kia Niro hybrid reliable?
The most frequently cited weak point is the DCT6 gearbox, with jerking at low speed according to Fiches-auto and Autodoc, with no frequency statistics found. A fire recall concerns the hybrids' clutch actuator: check that it has been carried out using the serial number.
What rating did the Kia Niro achieve at Euro NCAP?
In 2016, 4 stars with standard equipment and 5 stars with the optional safety pack, according to Euro NCAP. La Tribune Auto reports 83% for adult protection, 80% for children, 57% for pedestrians and 59% for safety assist for the 4-star rating.
What is the range of the e-Niro?
289 km WLTP for the 39.2 kWh 136 hp version and 455 km WLTP for the 64 kWh 204 hp version, according to Kia France's technical data sheets.
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