*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.
Electrical system › 12v/24v/48v battery
September 18th I had to jump the battery from the 12 volt switch at the drivers side dash. Going to the dealership where I had bought it on August 27th I noticed smoke rolling out from behind the car. I exited off the highway 40 and checked the oil it was clean and full. Water level in radiator was also fine. It smoked several times during the trip but the service department at Parkside Kia was no longer opened so I returned the next morning when I got there they service department technician could not find anything wrong with the battery and he never seen any smoke. Now, I will take it to another Kia dealership in my area because I do not feel side driving it on the highway on a long trip…
Sep 19, 2026Electrical systemFire
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…
Aug 31, 2026Power train
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…
Sep 12, 2026Electrical system
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 â12V Battery Resetâ 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 highâvoltage battery appears to charge normally, but the car cannot maintain 12V power under load. This is consistent with a DCâDC converter or 12V subsystem failure, which is a known issue in early Kia Niro hybrids. This sudden shutdown creates a dangerous…
Jul 20, 2026Service brakes
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…
Jun 15, 2026Electrical system
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.
Jun 19, 2026Unknown or other
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 âCheck Active Air Flap Systemâ 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 âFLAP ASSYâACTIVE AIRâ) 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…
Jul 18, 2026Engine
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.
Jun 10, 2026
Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.