Kia Niro years to avoid
The Kia Niro years to avoid are 2017, 2019, 2018 — each drew complaint volumes well above the model's norm or has an open safety investigation. The 2021 is the cleanest year on record.
468
Total complaints
6
Recall campaigns
2017–2025
Years covered
3
Years to avoid
Complaints by model year
Niro years to avoid
| Year | Why | Complaints | vs avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | High complaint rate | 109 | |
| 2019 | High complaint rate | 83 | |
| 2018 | High complaint rate | 79 |
Every Niro year
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Investigations |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 19 | 1 | |
| 2024 | 13 | 1 | |
| 2023 | 65 | 2 | |
| 2022 | 40 | 1 | |
| 2021 | 12 | 1 | |
| 2020 | 48 | 1 | |
| 2019avoid | 83 | 1 | |
| 2018avoid | 79 | 3 | |
| 2017avoid | 109 | 4 |
Common questions
What are the worst Kia Niro years?
Based on NHTSA complaint rates and open investigations, the Niro years to avoid are 2017, 2019, 2018. The cleanest year on record is 2021.
What is the best year for the Kia Niro?
By complaint volume, 2021 has the cleanest NHTSA record among Niro years with enough data to compare.
How many recalls does the Kia Niro have?
Across all model years, the Niro has 6 distinct NHTSA recall campaigns and 468 consumer complaints on file.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.