2020 Kia Niro

39 complaints on file, page 1 of 2.

1. Filed Sep 29, 2026Failure Jan 7, 2026Colorado Springs, COElectrical system, Adaptive cruise control, Service brakes

   This is a supplemental complaint to NHTSA Complaint #11744598 and #11749340. Multiple 2020 Kia Niro Hybrid and Plug‑In Hybrid vehicles are exhibiting identical Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) failures. I have personally encountered other Niro owners reporting the same intermittent EPB/ABS/ESC warnings. A Kia service coordinator confirmed another 2020 Niro currently in their shop with the same issue. In that case, Kia declined warranty coverage because the owner is the second owner, despite the failure involving safety‑critical brake system components. These repeated occurrences indicate a broader pattern of EPB system malfunction across 2020 Niro Hybrid and PHEV models.

   NHTSA complaint 11767751
2. Filed Aug 31, 2026Failure Aug 30, 202698,000 milesNorth Highlands, CAEngine and engine cooling

   The contact owns a 2020 Kia Niro. The contact stated that while driving 79 MPH, the thermostat displayed that the engine was running hot and there was white smoke coming from the front of the vehicle, with the check engine warning light illuminated. Upon inspection, the contact became aware that a hose underneath the radiator was disconnected, and coolant was leaking from the hose, and the dipstick had dislodged into the engine. The contact stated that while accelerating from a complete stop or while decelerating, the vehicle jolted forward. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 98,000.

   NHTSA complaint 11760958
3. Filed Aug 6, 2026Failure May 23, 2026South Burlington, VTElectrical system, Engine, Visibility/wiper

   AC not working, recall SA512 is needed, Kia wont cover the cost of replacing electrical components. Thermal Runaway / Fire Risk: The broken compressor prevents the battery thermal management system from cooling the main high-voltage lithium-ion battery package, creating an overheating hazard during driving or DC fast-charging. Sudden Loss of Power (Motive Power): Battery overheating can trigger a sudden "safe mode" or turtle mode, dropping your speed to zero unexpectedly on the highway.Impaired Driver Visibility: The lack of functional cabin heating prevents windshield defrosting, severely impairing the driver's ability to see the road safely.

   NHTSA complaint 11755319
4. Filed Jul 9, 2026Failure Jan 28, 2026Colorado Springs, COAdaptive cruise control, Service brakes

   This submission is supplemental information for my prior NHTSA complaint (Complaint #XXX). After filing the original report, I learned additional details from the Kia dealership that serviced my vehicle. The service department stated that they have seen the same electronic parking brake controller and actuator failure on multiple Kia Niro vehicles from model years 2018–2021. They reported that these failures were not covered under warranty for those years, even when the symptoms began during the warranty period. The dealer also explained that Kia made design improvements to the electronic parking brake system in later model years and expanded warranty coverage for the updated EPB assembly and control components. This suggests that Kia was aware of recurring issues with the earlier design, despite no formal recall or service campaign being issued for the affected 2018–2021 vehicles. I am submitting this supplemental information because it indicates a potential pattern of safety‑related failures involving the electronic parking brake system across multiple vehicles and model years. These failures affect the vehicle’s ability to hold position when parked and may interact with braking and stability control systems.”

   NHTSA complaint 11749340
5. Filed Jun 28, 2026Failure May 10, 2025Sunnyvale, CAPower train

   What's malfunctioning: coolant monitoring system shows low coolant warning when coolant level is observably fine. Problem has been ongoing for over a year. Available for inspection: yes. Safety problem: coolant monitoring is inaccurate, causing alarm when coolant levels are fine and possibly causing no alarm when coolant levels are too low. Problem reproduced: yes, by both dealer and independent service center. Vehicle inspected by manufacturer: yes. They attempted service but their repair only lasted a few months. Symptoms prior to failure: no. The problem is that the warning lights are turning on when they should not be. This matches the symptoms of Kia Technical Service Bulletin SA512, but the manufacturer's fix did not work.

   NHTSA complaint 11746979
6. Filed Jun 16, 2026Failure Jan 28, 2026Colorado Springs, COAdaptive cruise control, Automatic emergency braking, Service brakes

   The electronic parking brake controller failed after intermittent warnings that began while the vehicle was still under warranty. The parking brake actuator also failed and had to be replaced. The electronic parking brake system is part of the vehicle’s safety system, and the failure caused the parking brake to malfunction unpredictably. The issue did not store persistent diagnostic codes, making it difficult to diagnose earlier. This is a safety concern because it affects the vehicle’s ability to hold position when parked and can interfere with braking and stability control. Because I am not the original owner, Kia refused to perform this as a warranty repair even though the intermittent failures began while the vehicle was under warranty.

   NHTSA complaint 11744598
7. Filed Jun 2, 2026Failure May 11, 2026mesa, AZUnknown or other

   The AC compressor failed due to an isolation resistance failure at the high voltage inverter. Freon leaked from the AC system into the battery chiller coolant loop, causing crystallization and blockages in the inverter coolant circuit. This is a battery thermal management system failure. The failure was confirmed and diagnosed by an authorized Kia dealer. Warning lights appeared on the dashboard including an inverter coolant warning. The vehicle was driven in ambient temperatures exceeding 108 degrees Fahrenheit in Arizona with no cabin cooling and a compromised battery thermal management system, creating a safety risk to the driver. The dealer quoted repair including AC compressor replacement, battery chiller replacement, and inverter coolant flush. Kia Consumer Affairs denied warranty coverage under the federal emissions warranty despite the vehicle being within the 8 year/80,000 mile coverage window at approximately 58,309 miles. No written explanation for the denial was provided. This failure appears to be a known pattern on this platform based on owner reports. The battery chiller and inverter coolant system are integral to battery thermal management and should be covered under the federal emissions warranty. The vehicle is currently unsafe to operate in extreme Arizona heat without functioning thermal management.

   NHTSA complaint 11741696
8. Filed Apr 30, 2026Failure Apr 27, 2026New Albany, OHElectrical system

   10.25" audio head unit. UVO no longer connects so that 911 and roadside assistance can not be reached. This is a known problem with 2019 and early 2020 Kia Niro's part# 96160-Q4210. I spoke to the Kia UVO Call Center and they confirmed that my unit is not communicating and has not since Dec. 2021. As I usually drive just around town I have not used UVO, but now that I'm on the road I need to be able to use this feature. I'm attaching a quote for a replacement unit

   NHTSA complaint 11734752
9. Filed Apr 24, 2026Failure Mar 8, 2026Wynantskill, NYEngine

   I had my oil changed in Dec. 2025. I drove 1000+ miles w/no issue. Engine suddenly seized w/no engine light warning. Oil dumped all at once. Kia refuses to cover under warranty. THIS HAPPENED TO MY CAR: NTSA announced it had launched an investigation into Hyundai Motor Company and Kia Motor Company for problems with their oil pans and oil drain plugs... consumers have filed complaints their engine’s oil drain plug falls out, causing all the oil to drain out of their engine while driving. In multiple tests the oil drain plug was tightened according to factory torque specifications and the tightening was well documented. Yet, testing shows in multiple cases that while driving, the oil drain plug falls within a few thousand miles after the service. In those cases, the crankcase drained completely. The Hyundai and Kia drain plug falls out due to inferior oil pan material and the drain plug gasket. The testing and investigations appear to show that the oil drain plans are made with THIN METAL AND THE DRAIN PLUG MOUNTING IS POORLY REINFORCED. In addition, the oil pan is coated with a thick paint coating the bonds the gasket to the pan, so the gasket does not come off when the drain plug is removed. That gasket issue alone is not why the oil drain plug falls out, but it is a factor in the chain of events. The oil pan is the biggest problem Apparently, the thin metal, along with engine vibrations and expansion/contraction tend to loosen the drain plug without any other intervention. NHTSA is investigating this as a factory defect ... The problem is two-fold. First, even if the repair shop properly torques the drain plug, the oil drain plug falls out on its own. The customer then blames the shop for shoddy workmanship. Second, Hyundai and Kia dealers are telling customers that servicing their vehicle at an aftermarket shop automatically voids their factory warranty. This is totally false & actually illegal under the terms of the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act.

   NHTSA complaint 11733521
10. Filed Mar 26, 2026Failure Mar 23, 2026Fredericksburg, VAElectrical system, Fuel/propulsion system

    I own a 2020 Kia Niro PHEV. In October 2024, my dealership performed Technical Service Bulletin SA512 on my vehicle addressing the inverter coolant system. I was not informed at that time that the issue was likely to recur or that periodic maintenance would be required. In March 2026, the inverter coolant warning light returned. I brought the vehicle back to the dealership, where I was told the coolant had crystallized. The dealer confirmed this is a known recurring issue with this vehicle and stated it would need to be flushed approximately every two years since we drive relatively low miles per year (despite driving every day). I was not warned of this at any point. Furthermore, many owners likely drive it short distances every day since it is a plug-in electric vehicle. Kia denied goodwill coverage and I paid out of pocket for the repair. When I contacted Kia Customer Care, representatives gave conflicting information. One confirmed SA512 was performed as a service campaign, another stated it was only a TSB and declined coverage since my car is out of warranty (even though the warranty should still cover the battery and this is an electrical issue). A total case specialist I was assigned to said she would talk to the dealer and call me back but never did. The inverter cooling system is safety-relevant as it prevents the battery from overheating. The problem was confirmed and repaired by the dealership. The component is no longer available for inspection as the repair has been completed. Kia's issuance of SA512 suggests this is a known design issue affecting multiple owners of this model, and they informed the dealership that they could not cover the cost because if they did so, they would have to cover everyone with the same problem (again implying that the issue is quite widespread.)

    NHTSA complaint 11727309
11. Filed Mar 23, 2026Failure Mar 8, 2026Wynantskill, NYEngine

    Engine Seized at 79,000 miles on Kia Niro Hybrid on 3/8/2025. Oil was changed at 78,225 miles on 12/16/2025. No issues with vehicle until approx. 1,000 miles later and just a month and a half later when car suddenly lost power on a highway forcing me to try to safely and quickly navigate off the road. This could have caused risk to my life and other lives. The car could not be restarted. Kia said the drain plug was not screwed on and is refusing to honor warranty despite no issues with the oil change. Notably, in October 2022, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced it had launched an investigation into Hyundai Motor Company and Kia Motor Company for problems with their oil pans and oil drain plugs. Specifically, consumers and aftermarket service facilities have filed complaints their engine’s oil drain plug falls out, causing all the oil to drain out of their engine while driving. In multiple tests the oil drain plug was tightened according to factory torque specifications and the tightening was well documented. Yet, testing shows in multiple cases that while driving, the oil drain plug falls within a few thousand miles after the service. In those cases, the crankcase drained completely. [XXX] This issue should be investigated for potential recall to keep drivers, passengers safe on our highways. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

    NHTSA complaint 11726377
12. Filed Feb 26, 2026Failure Feb 24, 2026Houston, TXElectrical system, Visibility/wiper

    One night the tailgate latch began clicking, locking and unlocking itself and then not latching closed, causing the inside light to remain on and the tailgate open indicator to display on the display panel. Then it just went dead and would not open at all, even if using the specific tailgate open key on the key fob. Then a few weeks later while driving on an empty street very slowly as I was turning a corner, with no warning the back windshield suddenly made a loud noise and then spontaneously shattered. I got out and looked around and there was no one else around or any other cars driving by. I did not hear any impact and also had my driver window down and did not hear any shots, and was not able to recover anything from the inside the back of the vehicle or on the ground that could have hit it. Kia will not cover the cost of the back windshield even though I still have 5 years left on the manufacturer warranty, and purchased the dealership warranty. There is a class-action lawsuit against Kia that is for the Telluride model windshields but according to Google my affect some Niros (Sanchez Vs Kia).

    NHTSA complaint 11720581
13. Filed Feb 19, 2026Failure Dec 20, 2025San Diego, CAService brakes

    When I’m braking at slow speeds, 10mph or less the front left tire braking system locks and makes the car skid. This happens randomly. There’s also a clicking sound made from the regen braking to switching to regular braking. The mechanic replaced the hca assembly and wiring kit from a recall but the car is still having the same issues. This also brings up the codes EBS and AUTO HOLD on my dash.

    NHTSA complaint 11719210
14. Filed Dec 24, 2025Failure Sep 12, 2025New Albany, OHElectrical system

    There were no symptoms prior to the warning message and warning symbol on the dash. Warning message was "Check EV System". I took my car to the dealer immediately. The dealer has had my car for 3 1/2 months, since Sept 12, 2025. Now the field tech from Kia, on 12/22/25, says that the Electric Power Control Unit (EPCU) needs to be replaced. This could have cause the vehicle to stop in the middle of traffic and cause an accident.

    NHTSA complaint 11706924
15. Filed Nov 4, 2025Failure Nov 7, 2023Bakersfield, CAEngine, Unknown or other

    AS AT 11/07/2023 KIA AMERICA KNEW OF HCV/HYDRAULIC CLUTCH ACTUATOR -HEV/HYBRID ELECTRIC VEHICLE CAUSED TRANMSISSION PROBLEM IN KIA NIRO HYBRID 2020 AND KIA AMERICA REFUSED TO REPAIR IT. RECALL COMPLETED 5/27/2025 AFTER POWER TRAIN WARRANTY EXPIRED.

    NHTSA complaint 11697442
16. Filed Oct 22, 2025Failure Jul 22, 2025San Bernardino, CABack over prevention

    The contact owns a 2020 Kia Niro. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V426000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION). However, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the rearview camera displayed a black screen while the vehicle was in reverse(R) or the image was frozen. The failure obstructed the driver's visibility, which prevented the driver from safely operating the vehicle. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was not provided.

    NHTSA complaint 11695034
17. Filed Aug 8, 2025Failure Aug 8, 2025110,000 milesBakersfield, CAHybrid propulsion system

    The contact owns a 2020 Kia Niro. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the HEV Hybrid System warning light illuminated, prompting the contact to discontinue driving the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 110,000.

    NHTSA complaint 11679423
18. Filed Jun 6, 2025Failure Jun 3, 202570,500 milesNorthfield, OHEngine and engine cooling

    The contact owns a 2020 Kia Niro. The contact stated that the oil change due in 700 miles message was displayed. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH to have an oil change performed, oil change service at 55 MPH, the contact heard an abnormal popping sound. The contact stated that the low oil pressure warning light became illuminated. The contact stated while approaching the Auto Shop for the oil change, the vehicle lost motive power and made another abnormal sound. The independent mechanic informed the contact that the engine might have failed and referred the contact to the dealer for assistance. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the oil plug had separated, causing a significant oil leak and engine damage. The dealer determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 70,500.

    NHTSA complaint 11665324
19. Filed Apr 30, 2025Failure Apr 29, 2025Daly City, CAElectrical system, Engine

    What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The component that failed was the Hydraulic Clutch Actuator, which is part of the hybrid transmission system. This component was already replaced in May 2024 under recall SC276, but it failed again. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The failure significantly affects the vehicle’s drivability. The most noticeable issue is a loud, explosive-like sound during operation and a slipping sensation, especially when braking at low speeds on city streets. The vehicle feels unstable and difficult to control during these episodes. This creates a serious safety risk for me and for others on the road. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes, it was inspected by a Kia dealership authorized by the manufacturer as part of recall SC276 in Colorado. It was later inspected again in February by Kia Serramonte in California for the same issue, but the problem still persists. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No, there are currently no warning lights illuminated. However, the vehicle shows abnormal behavior such as jerking, loss of power, and a noise similar to an explosion. These symptoms first appeared before the recall in 2024, and then reappeared in August 2024, just a few months after the repair until now. Due to financial limitations, I was only able to take the vehicle in for service in November 2024, and finally left it at the dealership in February 2025. The so-called “repair” lasted two months, but the dealership refused to take responsibility. I had to pay $3,188 out of pocket, and even after that, nothing was fixed — the vehicle remains defective.

    NHTSA complaint 11657864
20. Filed Apr 9, 2025Failure Apr 9, 2025Santa Clarita, CAPower train

    The contact owns a 2020 Kia Niro. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V534000 (POWER TRAIN); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

    NHTSA complaint 11653649