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2023 Kia Niro

The Verdict

90 Smooth Ride

The 2023 Kia Niro has 40 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. The most reported issues are body (15 complaints) and electrical (12 complaints). With a Klunk Score of 90/100, it earns a "Smooth Ride" rating. If you're shopping for a Kia Niro, consider the 2024 model year which has 80% fewer complaints.

Safe Bet

The 2024 has 80% fewer complaints

View the 2024 Kia Niro dashboard →

90

Klunk Score: Smooth Ride

This vehicle year has significantly fewer complaints than average. A reliable choice.

How is this calculated?

The Klunk Score ranks this vehicle year against all others in our database based on total owner complaints filed with NHTSA. 100 = fewest complaints (top tier), 0 = most complained-about. Scores above 60 are better than average; below 40 means more problems than most.

Recalls 1

Active safety recalls from NHTSA for this vehicle year.

25V024000 SEATS

Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023-2025 Niro EV, Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV), and Hybrid vehicles. The floor wiring assembly beneath the front passenger seat may become damaged, which can...

Risk

Air bags and seat belts that deploy improperly or an air bag deploying unintentionally can increase the risk of injury in a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect, replace and reroute the floor wiring assembly, as necessary, free of charge. In addition, dealers will install wiring covers. Owner notification letters were mailed February...

Reported Apr 10, 2026

Get notified if a recall hits this car.

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Under the Hood

Each number is a complaint. Darker = bigger problem.

YearBodyBrakesElectricalEngineTransmission
202160120
202256673
20231531264
202440211
2025100110

By Category

Body
15
Electrical
12
Engine
6
Transmission
4
Brakes
3

By Severity

1
16
2
16
4
8

Worst Problems

Complaints

Body 2

There's a problem with the horn in my car. Either the high or low. The problem is intermittent and the horn will fail and it is not available in emergency situations. I brought this to the dealership and made them aware but they refuse to take this seriously and two adequately evaluate the car. They blew the horn and said it was working. It was not working and I said it was intermittent and they said well we could not find any problem. There were no warning lights. Nothing else. The horn is just intermittently failing.

9d ago
Body 1

The contact owns a 2023 Kia Niro. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at 40 MPH, the vehicle hydroplaned and pulled to the left unexpectedly. The contact initially contacted the dealer and was informed of the headlamp replacement and general inspection. Additionally, while the contact's husband was driving, the driver-side front tire experienced a blowout near a service station; the technician advised that the tire exhibited steel tread. An independent mechanic attempted a wheel alignment but discovered a rusted, bent tie rod, preventing the service. Following dealer instructions, the vehicle was towed to the dealer, where the wheels, both hub bearings, tie rods, and brake calipers were replaced. Despite the repairs, the owner refused to reclaim the vehicle due to the recurring mechanical defects. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 71,000.

12d ago
Body 2

Car seat lower hip straps frayed on both sides. Had we been in an accident I have no doubt the strap would have ripped. I have 3 personal friends who checked their same Evenflo Revolve 350 car seat to find fraying in the exact same spots. And dozens of posts online with pictures showing the exact issues as well. The integrity of that straps in these seats are obviously compromised for so many people to be having them fray in the exact location. Evenflo is telling us all it's due to "external factors such as a mouse" but it would not all be the same car seat it happens to, in the exact same place on the seat, to people who drive their vehicles daily and have no other wings of rodents in their vehicle or issues with the other car seats installed in the vehicle.Baby/children's car seat safety is SO important and the strength of these straps needs investigated before someone is in a crash and their child's harness rips! Uploading my own personal photos-but I have many screenshots of pictures and posts from others having the same issue that I can provide upon request.

1mo ago
Body 2

The contact owns a 2023 Kia Niro. The contact stated that while driving at 25 MPH, the vehicle independently accelerated. The contact constantly depressed the brake pedal to stop the vehicle. The contact was able to coast the vehicle to the residence while depressing the brake pedal to prevent the unintended acceleration. Neither a dealer nor an independent mechanic was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 11,000.

2mo ago
Brakes 1

I bought my Niro hybrid EX Touring new from the dealership in 2023. The first issue arose when the car shut off completely while driving and was towed to the dealership. Later, I started hearing a squeaking/rubber rubbing sound. The car would make squeaking and creaking noises when turning or going over minor bumps. The "rubber rubbing sound" happened when I was at a full stop, right after removing my foot from the brake, as the car began to move forward. These issues were both reported to the dealership, and they did an inspection. The dealership service center has been able to hear the sounds. Since then, the calliper boots have been replaced multiple times and the full calliper kit once. The strut bearing has also been replaced multiple times. Consistent issues with the car's braking system is a significant safety issue. I have no idea what damage the rest of my car could have sustained, and I have not been able to get an answer for why this is happening. I have also been in contact with the manufacturer.

5mo ago
Electrical 2

I am filing a complaint regarding my 2023 Kia Niro and Safety Recall SC332. The recall involves a damaged floor wiring assembly that may prevent proper airbag and seat belt deployment, creating a serious safety risk. I scheduled and brought my vehicle to Cowboy Kia, Conroe on Feb 2,2026 specifically to have this recall repaired, but the dealership did not complete the recall service and returned the vehicle without fixing the issue or providing a clear explanation. This is a manufacturer-issued safety recall and should be addressed promptly at no cost. I am requesting immediate repair and an explanation for the failure to perform the recall work.

5mo ago
Brakes 1

When attempting to activate the parking brake there is no response from the vehicle. No matter how many times in attempting to activate the parking brake it would not activate. The only way to successfully activate the parking brake was if "auto hold" was on and i turned off the vehicle. i have a safety concern regarding this matter as the vehicle could potentially roll away if the car is unattended. The problem has not been reproduced or confirmed by the service center as of yet but it will be inspected on 01/14/2026. There are no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure.

6mo ago
Electrical 1

The contact owns a 2023 Kia Niro. The contact stated that the vehicle had been "Hacked" by a stalker. While driving, the vehicle was controlled by the hacker to randomly steer to the right. Additionally, the contact stated that the hacker caused several features on the instrument panel to become disabled. No additional information was available. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 45.

7mo ago
Electrical 2

USB connectivity is intermittent. This involves using the USB A connection in the center console as a port for stored media (music files) on a USB drive and Android Auto. The connection will connect and disconnect randomly regardless of the car being stationary or moving. The intermittent connectivity occurs regardless for all USB cables or thumb drives that I have tried. The vehicle is available for inspection. This presents a safety hazard due to the loss of connectivity for Android Auto while driving and the resultant sudden increase in driver distraction that is generated. Multiple steps and layers of infotainment screen navigation can be required to get to a workaround for music or navigation. The problem has been explained to the dealer service center multiple times but they are unable to replicate it and are explained that they are unaware of the issue on other similar vehicles. Video recordings of the intermittent functioning have been shown to the dealer. Since they could not replicate it, they are unwilling to correct the issue. The issue was first noticed in October 2024 and initially explained to the dealer service in February 2025.

7mo ago
Transmission 2

My car has clunking noises coming from the front left suspension, they occur more often and getting louder. After doing some research online, I found that the symptoms are similar to the NHTSA recall number 24V-057. Unfortunately, the NHTSA recall didn't include Niro plug-in hybrid manufactured in year 2023, only Niro EV. I took it to the service center nearby. They said it's the strut, so what they will do is to dismantle it and put more lubrication when I return again to perform a strut "maintenance". If there are still noises, then they will order a new replacement strut. However, from what I read online, it's actually the driveshaft that causes the problem, hence the recall 24V-057. Please investigate into Kia Niro 2023 plug-in hybrid vehicles having the same problems and issue new recall if possible. Thank you.

8mo ago
Engine 2

I am experiencing the same issues as the individual who documented incident #11685147. When I turn the shifter to drive and let my foot off the brake, with auto-hold on, the will still roll backwards, even on flat ground, and not respond to me pushing the gas pedal. I have to put the vehicle back into park, and try again. Oftentimes I have to shut the vehicle completely off to be able to get the vehicle to respond to me shifting it to drive and accelerating forward. This occurs multiple times, but I have dated the incident to be the approximate time when this issue started.

8mo ago
Body 1

Driving VA Interstate 64. Traveling right side travel lane approximately 70 mph. Had ADAS engaged. Car entering highway, moved to center travel lane to pass. As I approached entering highway car, suddenly, my car stalled, engine off and I was stopped in center travel lane. Able to start car by putting transmission in park and pressing start button. Called KIA Car Care Center - They have no record of this type situation occurring throughout country. Took car to dealer. Their Technology Service Rep checked whole system and found no problems including memory bank listing the stall/stoppage incident. I will go to dealer and ask for their report. 2nd incident. Happened within first month or ownership 10/23. I dismissed incident as something I must have done due to my lack of familiarity with new technology.

10mo ago
Electrical 1

On multiple occasions, the car has flashed an error on the dash stating there was a problem with the hybrid system. It immediately slows down without time to merge over causing extreme danger on a busy highway several cars swerved to miss the Kia because there was nothing I can do. this has happened several times and Kia is well aware as I’ve had multiple communications with them.

10mo ago
Electrical 4

I was driving my 2023 Kia Niro PHEV into my garage after running an errand, going very slowly. Suddenly the vehicle--all on its own--surged forward, slammed into the rear wall (triggering air bags), ricocheted backward across the street, and struck a neighbor's fence. I was able to get out of the car but I was in shock; paramedics were called. Ultimately, my injuries were found to be limited to bruised ribs, but it has been very painful and limiting. The vehicle was towed to a repair shop where it was pronounced a total loss. I received a settlement check from my insurance company, but I am out-of-pocket for the deductible, costs relating to getting a new vehicle, and of course the pain and suffering. I was told there was an event data recorder (EDR) on the vehicle, and my insurance adjuster will tell me what it reveals (I hope). There was no warning of any kind that this was about to happen. I was fortunate that it happened where it did; had I been driving the vehicle on the street, I could have killed someone (including myself).

12mo ago
Electrical 2

I received a recall notice SC332 several weeks ago. In February I visited ALM Kia in Perry, GA. The sercice advisor ordered parts, I have checked with ALM Kia several times and they keep telling me the parts have not arrived. This is a serious safety issue and I need your help. Thank You, [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

15mo ago
Engine 1

This May of been a cause of a defective Harness Assembly that has taken a few tries to get repaired (Harness is fixed but problem still continues randomly). Since then, my car has stalling problems, randomly, sometimes multiple time in one drive. I have no way to replicate it on my own just that it "can happen" anytime and has subjected me to waiting on the side of the road for the engine computer to "reset" or needs for a tow. Ive been in the dealership at least twice for this with a 3rd this week. Me and the dealer thought it may go away with the new harness installed but it still remains

16mo ago
Brakes 4

On Oct 4, 2024, a driver rolled into my car on an incline. While waiting for the police, I looked inside my car and thought the engine was still on. (Flashers). I turned the power button and the car began to roll backwards. I jumped in and tried the break. Pedal went all the way to the floor and car rolled faster. Moved gear shift around and kept rolling faster and faster (incline). I had my left foot out of the car and right on the break. At one point, I was thrown out of the car and my left leg was run over. Car stopped when it hit a tree. Three weeks in hospital and rehab. Still haven’t been able to return to work.

18mo ago
Transmission 1

Each time I don't drive for a few days and start driving again, the car jerks/jolts as it's shifting gears (both when I'm accelerating and decelerating). The sudden jolts is dangerous as I'm gauging cars ahead and behind me as I'm driving. But when I brought it up to the service department, they said they can't diagnose it if it isn't happening at the moment, but by the time I've driven to a dealership, my car is warmed up and not jolting anymore.

18mo ago
Body 4

My wife was in an accident on [XXX] around [XXX] at the intersection of [XXX] . She had exchanged safety information with the person whose vehicle had stalled. She went to shut off the car upon exchanging the information and after pressing the ignition button the vehicle began to roll. She was outside of the vehicle when she had pressed the ignition button. She tried physically to stop the vehicle, trippped and was dragged until the vehicle came to a stop after running over her leg and hitting a tree. The vehicle had recall items addressed on October 2 or 3rd. She was trying to stop the vehicle from rolling as she knew that school was letting out and a school bus would be coming on the road she was at. I contacted the dealer about it and they stated that they had never heard of this happening with there vehicles and to call customer service. The police officer verified verbally that the vehicle was in park when he checked on the condition of my wife who sustained serious injuries on her left leg and was hospitalized for surgery and wound treatment. This is the first time that we ever had an issue with the vehicle. It started when the vehicle in front of her had stalled and backed into her (although his story changed after the injury to my wife). INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

20mo ago
Transmission 1

Car makes "clicking noises" when accelerating or braking that appears coming from engine bay or front wheels. Other users reported similar issue on consumer forum: [XXX] ) Car dealership does not have availability to diagnose the issue until next month. Car currently has 55,000 miles. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

23mo ago

40 total

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