VehicleVerdict

2017 Kia Niro problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 109 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.3 times the median Niro year — the 2017 model ranks #1 of 9 Niro years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

Engine leads the complaint categories with 31 reports (28% of the total).

109

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

0

Investigations

4

Crash-involved

7

Fires reported

4

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2017 compare to other Niro years?

Niro NHTSA complaints by model year, 2017 highlighted109 complaints2017: 109 complaints2018: 79 complaints2019: 83 complaints2020: 48 complaints2021: 12 complaints2022: 40 complaints2023: 65 complaints2024: 13 complaints2025: 19 complaints
Niro NHTSA complaints by model year, 2017 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Niro years to avoid →

What are the most common 2017 Kia Niro problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine3128%
Electrical System1817%
Transmission1615%
Other1110%
Fuel System109%
Body & Structure76%
Steering76%
Airbags22%
Lighting11%
Seats11%
Speed Control11%
Latches & Locks11%
Driver Assistance11%
Tires & Wheels11%
Brakes11%

Does the 2017 Kia Niro have recalls?

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

23V534000TransmissionJuly 31, 2023 · 121,411 units

Defect

Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2022 Niro and 2018-2022 Niro Plug-in Hybrid vehicles. Fluid may leak into the printed circuit board inside the hydraulic clutch actuator, which can result in an engine compartment fire.

Consequence

A fire increases the risk of injury.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect and replace the hydraulic clutch actuator as necessary and install a new fuse, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 29, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC276.

22V836000Fuel SystemNovember 11, 2022 · 27,030 units

Defect

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Kia Niro hybrid electric vehicles previously recalled under recall 18V-666. The Main Relay within the Power Relay Assembly (PRA) may have inadequate connections between its contacts, causing increased electrical resistance, which can overheat the rear seats.

Consequence

Overheated rear seats increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect the PRA and replace either the PRA or the Main Relay, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 9, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC256. This recall supersedes NHTSA recall number 18V-666. Vehicles already repaired under the previous recall will need to have the new remedy completed.

18V666000Fuel SystemSeptember 25, 2018 · 27,030 units

Defect

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Kia Niro hybrid electric vehicles. The Main Relay within the Power Relay Assembly (PRA) may have inadequate connections between its contacts, causing increased electrical resistance.

Consequence

The increased electrical resistance can overheat the rear seat which is above the PRA, increasing the risk of a fire.

Remedy

Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the Power Relay Assembly (PRA) for damage. If no damage is found, the main relay will be replaced. If damage is found, the PRA will be replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began November 23, 2018. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC168.

18V257000Fuel SystemApril 20, 2018 · 27,029 units

Defect

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017 Kia Niro vehicles. The Hydraulic Clutch Actuator (HCA) inner oil seal may leak, allowing oil to accumulate in the cap area, possibly resulting in an electrical short.

Consequence

An electrical short can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy

Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the HCA caps for leaked oil and replace the HCA assembly if needed, or replace the HCA cap with additional sealant. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall is expected to begin June 15, 2018. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC163.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“Kia Dealership (DCH Kia of Temecula) Repair order 237695 shows Recall SC276 was 'passed' via inspection on October 16, 2025. However, the Hydraulic Clutch Actuator has now suffered the exact fluid leak the recall warned about, destroying the slave cylinder. The dealership is refusing to honor the…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · June 10, 2026

“During first recall 18V-666, Kia stated that I received a new PRA in September 2019 per recall instructions. July 2023, my car would not turn on and was sent to same Kia dealership. Recall 22V-836 applies to my car, and my PRA shows sign of thermal damage yet again. Both main relays that were…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · July 28, 2023 · fire

“WHILE PARKED AND ENGINE OFF, THE TRANSMISSION SLIPPED OUT OF PARK AND ROLLED BACK INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. NO ONE WAS IN THE VEHICLE AT THE TIME. WHEN I RETURNED TO THE VEHICLE, IT WAS STILL SHOWING IT IN PARK AND OFF.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · August 4, 2020 · crash

“While pulling into a parking space my car accelerated, flew over the curb and landed on another parked car. It was very sudden and going very fast ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · July 20, 2022 · crash

“UNKNOWN. Second instance of car not working while driving; this time is was on a highway. Both times "Check Hybrid System" warning comes on. Previously the dealer had to replace entire battery (covered under warranty at the time). This apparently common and may have to do with some fuse. I believe…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · March 5, 2022

2017 Kia Niro — common questions

Is the 2017 Kia Niro reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 109 complaints put the 2017 model at #1 of 9 Niro years. It is one of the Niro years to avoid.

What are the most common 2017 Niro problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (31 complaints), electrical system (18 complaints), transmission (16 complaints).

Does the 2017 Kia Niro have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 2017 Kia Niro. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Kia Niro years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Niro years to avoid are 2017, 2019, 2018. The cleanest record among Niro years belongs to 2021.

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.