VehicleVerdict

2023 Kia Niro Ev problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Worth extra scrutiny

The 2023 Kia Niro Ev sits mid-pack among Niro Ev years: 30 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 24, with 3 recalls and no defect investigations.

Electrical System leads the complaint categories with 9 reports (30% of the total).

30

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

0

Investigations

4

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

9

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2023 compare to other Niro Ev years?

Niro Ev NHTSA complaints by model year, 2023 highlighted45 complaints2019: 24 complaints2020: 27 complaints2021: 2 complaints2022: 45 complaints2023: 30 complaints2024: 8 complaints2025: 0 complaints
Niro Ev NHTSA complaints by model year, 2023 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Niro Ev years to avoid →

What are the most common 2023 Kia Niro Ev problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System930%
Other413%
Fuel System310%
Brakes310%
Transmission27%
Speed Control27%
Driver Assistance27%
Seat Belts13%
Airbags13%
Seats13%
Body & Structure13%
Tires & Wheels13%

Does the 2023 Kia Niro Ev have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

25V024000Electrical SystemJanuary 17, 2025 · 80,255 units

Defect

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 prevent the front air bags and seat belts from deploying properly or cause an unintended side curtain air bag deployment.

Consequence

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 27, 2025. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC332.

24V271000TransmissionApril 16, 2024 · 8 units

Defect

Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023 Niro EV and 2024 EV9 vehicles. The differential gear bolts in the gear drive unit may not be tightened properly, which can result in a loss of drive power or cause the differential to lock up.

Consequence

A loss of drive power or differential lock up can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the gear drive unit, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 17, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC308.

24V057000TransmissionJanuary 31, 2024 · 1,243 units

Defect

Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Niro EV and 2023 EV6 vehicles. One of the drive shafts may have been improperly heat-treated, allowing it to break under load and resulting in a loss of drive power.

Consequence

A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the drive shaft, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC295.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“While driving on freeway, at a speed of 65-70MPH. Vehicle appeared to lose power. Navigation screen turned off, dash display dimmed and vehicle seemed to coast and not accelerate. Speed did drop down a bit, but then powered came back on, screen turned on and was able to accelerate again. No warning…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · September 10, 2024

“While driving on freeway, at a speed of 65-70MPH. Vehicle appeared to lose power. Navigation screen turned off, dash display dimmed and vehicle seemed to coast and not accelerate. Speed did drop down a bit, but then powered came back on, screen turned on and was able to accelerate again. No warning…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · September 10, 2024

“While driving on freeway, at a speed of 65-70MPH. Vehicle appeared to lose power. Navigation screen turned off, dash display dimmed and vehicle seemed to coast and not accelerate. Speed did drop down a bit, but then powered came back on, screen turned on and was able to accelerate again. No warning…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · September 10, 2024

“I had front collision that caused by having difficulty switching my foot from acceleration pedal (gas pedal) to brake pedal, my foot movement from gas pedal to brake pedal has been restricted by friction between my shoe and brake pedal that delayed my foot movement and caused the accident,…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · November 25, 2023 · crash

“Check electric vehicle system warning light indicator illuminates and car stops driving on highway! A/C and defrost won't work properly and when turned on causes the above warning light and malfunction. Car will not charge at "fast" charging stations and will leave you stranded on highway. I live…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · June 15, 2026

2023 Kia Niro Ev — common questions

Is the 2023 Kia Niro Ev reliable?

It is close to typical for the Niro Ev: 30 NHTSA complaints, 3 recalls, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 2023 Niro Ev problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (9 complaints), other (4 complaints), brakes (3 complaints).

Does the 2023 Kia Niro Ev have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2023 Kia Niro Ev. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

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.