VehicleVerdict

2021 Kia Niro problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 12 complaints on file for the 2021 Kia Niro — 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.

12

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

1

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2021 compare to other Niro years?

Niro NHTSA complaints by model year, 2021 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, 2021 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Niro years to avoid →

What are the most common 2021 Kia Niro problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission325%
Electrical System217%
Engine217%
Other217%
Visibility & Wipers217%
Speed Control18%

Does the 2021 Kia Niro have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign 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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“EV motor and drive train have a clattering noise, much like a playing card attached to a bicycle clattering against the wheel spokes. it speeds up and slows down with the acceleration of the motor.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · February 3, 2026

“Vehicle is available for inspection upon request. HEV light lit up on dashboard and a warning message was displayed alerting me to immediately pull over and turn off the vehicle. At the same time the vehicle was not responding and acceleration became troubling and with marked hesitation. After…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · October 14, 2023

“Problem has not been remedied. What is my recourse? How long do I have to drive around worried about the car going on fire?”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · September 29, 2023

“There is a silver strip of "trim" running completely across the dashboard just above the radio controls. It is so reflective that a glare occurs periodically throughout the day when the sun hits it. It's so bad that it blocks the left side mirror with the reflection and can even blind the driver.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · July 4, 2021

“EV motor and drive train have a clattering noise, much like a playing card attached to a bicycle clattering against the wheel spokes. it speeds up and slows down with the acceleration of the motor.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · February 3, 2026

2021 Kia Niro — common questions

Is the 2021 Kia Niro reliable?

The record is thin — 12 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2021 Niro problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (3 complaints), electrical system (2 complaints), other (2 complaints).

Does the 2021 Kia Niro have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2021 Kia Niro. 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 under NHTSA investigation?

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

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.