VehicleVerdict

2021 Kia Niro Ev problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 2 complaints on file for the 2021 Kia Niro Ev — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

2

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

1

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2021 compare to other Niro Ev years?

Niro Ev NHTSA complaints by model year, 2021 highlighted45 complaints2019: 24 complaints2020: 27 complaints2021: 2 complaints2022: 45 complaints2023: 30 complaints2024: 8 complaints2025: 0 complaints
Niro Ev NHTSA complaints by model year, 2021 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Niro Ev years to avoid →

What are the most common 2021 Kia Niro Ev problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes150%
Driver Assistance150%

Does the 2021 Kia Niro Ev have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

25V426000Driver AssistanceJune 20, 2025 · 11,327 units

Defect

Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Niro EV vehicles. The circuit board for the rearview camera may become damaged and cause the rearview camera image not to display. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Consequence

A rearview image that does not display reduces the driver's view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the rearview camera, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 7, 2025. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC342.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“The rear brake rotors on the vehicle are pitted, as confirmed by a local repair shop. The "incident" is ongoing. Kia refuses to repair or replace them under warranty (25,500 miles on the car), claiming they are wear item. However, pitting is not wear, in fact quite the opposite. My analysis (30+…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · May 20, 2025

“I'm a new Niro Ev driver. The VESS noise when reversing the vehicle is very loud. It is too loud, I live in close proximity to neighbors and have to get up early for work and the sound is a major nuisance, I would not want a neighbor that has this car . I understand VESS in place for safety but the…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Driver Assistance · July 29, 2021

2021 Kia Niro Ev — common questions

Is the 2021 Kia Niro Ev reliable?

The record is thin — 2 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 2021 Kia Niro Ev have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2021 Kia Niro Ev. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2021 Kia Niro Ev under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Kia Niro Ev years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Niro Ev years to avoid are 2022. The cleanest record among Niro Ev years belongs to 2025.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.