2017 Kia Niro

Defect. 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.

Defect. 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.

Defect. 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.

Defect. 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.

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 cell phones were still inside the car, we used his phone to call [XXX]. The Tennessee Highway Patrol and the Fire Department responded to the scene. The car was completely destroyed by the fire and was declared a total loss. We were unable to retrieve anything from the car. There was no collision with another car or object. The car is now located at [XXX]. Telephone [XXX]. On XXX KIA Ourisman of [XXX] had installed a rebuilt engine, as according to them, the original engine had “thrown a rod.” An insurance claim has been filed with GEICO. Complaints have been filed with KIA of [XXX] and [XXX] KIA of [XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

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. However, the dealership at the time claimed the vehicle was not affected by the recall, stating there was nothing wrong. They simply performed the minor step of changing a fuse to mark it as completed but did not provide an actual remedy or replacement for the actuator assembly itself. The original manufacturing defect has now actively manifested, causing a severe, active fire risk. The vehicle is currently grounded at an authorized Kia dealership. The dealership and Kia Corporate have acknowledged the dangerous defect by offering a partial goodwill gesture to cover the replacement parts. However, they are refusing to cover the $750+ labor charge required to safely replace the fire-prone assembly. Furthermore, the dealership has held my vehicle for over a month, taking a full month just to communicate this partial remedy. I am filing this complaint because a previously executed safety recall has catastrophically failed, and the manufacturer is refusing to completely remediate an active, federally documented

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, but the car cannot maintain 12V power under load. This is consistent with a DC‑DC converter or 12V subsystem failure, which is a known issue in early Kia Niro hybrids. This sudden shutdown creates a dangerous situation, especially in traffic. I am reporting this as a safety defect due to the unexpected loss of motive power. There is no recall for this issue, but many owners have reported similar failures.

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 complete loss of propulsion on the freeway at 60-65 mph with a passenger. Engine RPM rose sharply as if in neutral. No accelerator response. Brake system warning lights illuminated. Had to pull over to the shoulder, shut off and restart before it would move. Took to dealer same day. They kept it several days, found no codes, could not duplicate, and released as "good to go." Vehicle later would not move and entered limp mode. Towed to dealer. That morning I replaced spark plugs myself with new NGK Laser Iridium Premium and informed the dealer. HCA fluid reservoir was empty. Dealer diagnosed internal leak in the HCA causing clutch contamination. Photos showed green fluid on undercarriage. Repair estimate exceeds $6900. Same Multi-Point Inspection that diagnosed the internal leak marked fluid leaks and fluids as Passed. Report still recommended spark plug replacement despite being told they were just replaced. Sudden loss of propulsion on public freeway with a passenger present, followed by complete loss of driv

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 requesting federal intervention for safety campaign non-compliance.

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 around 105,000 miles, the same warning and check engine light have returned, indicating that the Active Air Flap System is again malfunctioning despite the prior repair and part replacement. This suggests either repeated component failure or an underlying design or control issue that was not resolved. Owners of Kia Niro and related Hyundai/Kia models frequently report similar Active Air Flap System warnings and related diagnostic codes, and Kia has issued technical guidance addressing inspection, cleaning, and software behavior for this system. Although these issues may not yet be the subject of a formal recall, the pattern of repeated failures across multiple vehicles points to a systemic problem in a component tied to engine cooling and efficiency, which can reasonably affect safety, emissions, and vehicle reliability. I am asking NHTSA to review Kia’s handling of Active Air Flap System failures on the Niro and related models, including repeat failures after dealer repair, and to consider whether this issue

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.

On or around March 20, 2026, my 2017 Kia Niro Hybrid experienced a complete failure of the high-voltage hybrid battery system, rendering the vehicle undriveable. The vehicle was towed to Kia of South Austin. As of the date of this complaint (74 days later), no diagnosis has been provided, no parts have been ordered with trackable confirmation, and no repair timeline has been given. Kia Techline corporate engineers are reportedly involved but have provided no resolution. A sudden high-voltage battery failure in a hybrid vehicle raises potential safety concerns I believe warrant NHTSA's attention, particularly given the extended inability to diagnose or repair the system.

The vehicle experienced a dangerous driving failure due to a hydraulic clutch actuator system issue and was towed to Kia Delray. The authorized dealership has officially diagnosed the issue as a "brake/clutch fluid leak" (attached diagnostic estimate), which is exactly the hazardous condition outlined under Safety Recall 23V534 (SC276). However, the dealer refuses to perform the free recall repair remedy, claiming that the recall campaign was technically marked as completed after a previous interim fuse replacement. They are demanding $5,642.21 out-of-pocket and threatening to charge $75/day storage fees starting Monday morning. I am seeking immediate federal regulatory intervention as this vehicle has a well-documented fire and safety hazard that the manufacturer refuses to cure.

The Hydraulic Clutch Actuator (HCA) and the Under Hood Wiring Harness have failed due to internal fluid contamination and corrosion. Yes available for inspection. The vehicle experienced a sudden loss of motive power while driving. Per Safety Recall SC276, this component failure creates an electrical short and internal corrosion that poses a significant fire risk and potential for a sudden stall at high speeds, endangering the driver and other motorists. YES. Rusty Wallace Kia of alcoa confirmed the failure on 04/27/2026. They diagnosed the vehicle with DTCs P17EE and U1010. They provided a repair quote (RO XXX) for $9,431.48 to replace the corroded HCA and harness. YES. The vehicle was inspected by an authorized Kia dealer (Rusty Wallace Kia of alcoa ). They are refusing to perform the Recall SC276 mandated repair, claiming it was "already completed" with a fuse swap in Jan 2024, even though the safety defect has now manifested as a full component failure. Yes. The HEV warning light and Check Engine light appeared. Symptoms include "Check Hybrid System" messages and the vehicle failing to engage the engine clutch. These symptoms appeared recently at approximately 107,000 miles. Then when i checked the car it vanished, no error on dashboard ,so i took the car back and was driving error showed up at 109k miles again They asked to repair the vehicle and the repair is not in my budget and i told them that its the recall related issue and they are denying and saying recall was do

The contact owns a 2017 Kia Niro. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH, there was smoke coming from the rear of the vehicle. The message, "Turn Off the Vehicle and Stop" was displayed, and the transmission failure warning light was illuminated. The contact pulled over and turned off the vehicle. Once the vehicle was turned off, the smoke dissipated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed that there were holes in the engine, power steering, and there was an engine oil leak. The engine, transmission, and battery were replaced. However, 2 months later, the contact attempted to start the vehicle; however, the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was scheduled to be towed to another dealer, Buster Miles Kia (1401 S Quintard Ave, Anniston, AL 36201). The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure, and it was determined that the repair was not covered under warranty or recall. The failure mileage was approximately 50,500.

I am making a complaint in reference to my 2017 Kia Niro. On or about June 2025 I attempted to open my back driver side door and the handle broke off the car in my hand. We had this replaced at our cost. Since this repair, the back passenger door handle has done the same thing. I have notified KIA headquarters of this and they say they cannot help with this. I am concerned of the safety concerns with the inability to access the back seat quickly in case of emergency because this is where my grandchildren ride. I saw there was a bulletin that when one handle breaks, all door handles with the exception of the drivers door, must be replaced at the same time. I notified the Kia dealership of this and they denied it and told me they had no indication this was required and advised me to take it to my nearest Kia dealership. (3 hour drive).

The contact owns a 2017 Kia Niro. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH on the highway, the vehicle jolted and shook abnormally. The electrical system warning light illuminated, and the vehicle lost partial power. The engine and hybrid warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was coasted off the roadway to a gas station. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with a blown high-voltage fuse. The vehicle was repaired with a higher voltage fuse. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case. The approximate failure mileage was 101,000. The VIN was not available.

-Car was leaking or burning coolant causing engine to overheat. -Car was diagnosed with: Exhaust heat exchanger is leaking coolant and needs to be replaced. After costly repair, car continued to leak coolant and overheated. -Car was taken back to the dealership and diagnosed with: Engine Assembly - Long Block - Replace | Engine long block needs replacement due to coolant in the oil. This was at a certified Kia Dealership. No insurance reps or police were involved. An engine light has come on a couple of times over the years that was interpreted to mean replacing the gas cap. After replacing the gas cap, the engine light didn't come back on. My safety was impacted as a person living in a cold, rural state to have a sudden mechanical failure where I couldn't run the heat and had to stop the car immediately.

The contact owns a 2017 Kia Niro. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the message "Check Hybrid System" was displayed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the hydraulic clutch actuator and power assembly had failed. The dealer related the failure to Kia Safety Recall Campaign Number: SC163 (Hydraulic Clutch Actuator (HCA) Inspection, Repair or Replacement). The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where the part was replaced a second time; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that while attempting to drive out of a parking space, the vehicle stalled and became undrivable. The vehicle was towed to Executive Kia (1164 N Colony Rd, Wallingford, CT 06492), where it was diagnosed and determined that the HCA needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the HCA failure had caused a hole in the bottom of the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the recall repair failed to correct the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and the case was escalated to a case manager, who informed the contact that the case would fall under Goodwill assistance. The failure mileage was unknown.

The push-button locks (the plastic button that covers the electronic components) on the exterior of the driver's door and passenger's door fell off. The problem was confirmed by the Kia dealership, and attempting to push the buttons back on did not work (the buttons promptly fell back off). There was no warning that the buttons were loose before they fell off. The dealership stated that the only solution would be to replace the entire door handle.

I previously had major issues and recall 23V534000 fixed on my 2017 Kia Niro. I had issues again and took it to the local Kia dealership in Wichita, KS. They found a leak in a seal causing fluid to leak on to the clutch actuator. The service tech indicated it is related to the recall. I have spoken with Kia customer service escalations on multiple occasions. Originally they stated it was related to the recall. When I spoke when them today, on the phone they said all the parts that are affected are what were changed out previously. When they called back, they changed the story and said it is not related and they would not pay for it to be fixed, even though they previously said it was the exact thing related to the recall. When I emailed and asked for it in writing as to why it was denied, she changed the reasoning. It was nothing the same that she had told me on the phone. This is a safety issue that should be fixed by the manufacturer and they are refusing to fix it and telling me I have to pay over $5000 to fix it. Completely unacceptable.

Power sterring went out - MDPS. Car has less than 50,000 miles. This is apparently happening to many of this model & a recall was done on a very small number of vehicles for the same issue. The recall should be expanded. This is very unsafe.

When I was driving, a propulsion system warning went off. Then a malfunction in the vehicle’s powertrain/propulsion system lit up on the GPS screen. Shortly afterward, the engine began smoking, and a loud popping sound occurred simultaneously. The vehicle then experienced a sudden loss of propulsion, requiring me to pull over immediately to avoid a hazardous situation. An authorized Kia dealer subsequently diagnosed a blown head gasket with internal coolant intrusion, confirming an internal powertrain failure consistent with propulsion system malfunction, and the vehicle became inoperable. The vehicle was inspected in October and the loss-of-propulsion failure occurred in December.

The contact owns a 2017 Kia Niro. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact used a personal code reader and retrieved a fault code related to the evaporative emissions. The contact replaced the gas cap. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed the vehicle with internal failure. The independent mechanic provided the contact with the Manufacturer's Service Action Number: SA395. The contact was informed that the failure might be related to the evaporative emissions system. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHSTA Hotline for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 135,000.