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 2026 is the cleanest year on record.
506
Total complaints
6
Recall campaigns
2017–2026
Years covered
3
Years to avoid
Complaints by model year
Niro years to avoid
| Year | Why | Complaints | vs avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | High complaint rate | 116 | |
| 2019 | High complaint rate | 84 | |
| 2018 | High complaint rate | 81 |
Every Niro year
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Investigations |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 4 | 0 | |
| 2025 | 25 | 1 | |
| 2024 | 15 | 1 | |
| 2023 | 71 | 2 | |
| 2022 | 45 | 1 | |
| 2021 | 12 | 1 | |
| 2020 | 53 | 1 | |
| 2019avoid | 84 | 1 | |
| 2018avoid | 81 | 3 | |
| 2017avoid | 116 | 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 2026.
What is the best year for the Kia Niro?
By complaint volume, 2026 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 506 consumer complaints on file.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through August 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated August 28, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.