VehicleVerdict

2023 Kia Niro problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Worth extra scrutiny

The 2023 Kia Niro sits mid-pack among Niro years: 65 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 48, with 2 recalls and no defect investigations.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across other (14), driver assistance (11), and electrical system (10), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect. In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

65

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

14

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

8

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2023 compare to other Niro years?

Niro NHTSA complaints by model year, 2023 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, 2023 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Niro years to avoid →

What are the most common 2023 Kia Niro problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Other1422%
Driver Assistance1117%
Electrical System1015%
Airbags69%
Transmission58%
Fuel System46%
Engine35%
Brakes35%
Speed Control35%
Visibility & Wipers12%
Seat Belts12%
Steering12%
Body & Structure12%
Suspension12%
Tires & Wheels12%

Does the 2023 Kia Niro have recalls?

2 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.

23V298000Electrical SystemApril 26, 2023 · 108,936 units

Defect

Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023 Sportage, Sportage Hybrid, Sportage Plug-in Hybrid, Niro Hybrid, Niro Plug-in Hybrid, Soul, and Telluride vehicles equipped with a digital instrument cluster containing a 4.2" LCD screen.  The instrument cluster may fail to display any information when the vehicle is started.  As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers 101, "Control and Displays," and 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems."

Consequence

A blank instrument cluster display will not show critical information, such as tire pressure, warning messages, and warning lights, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will update the instrument cluster software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 26, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC270.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“I was driving when another vehicle hit my driver side tire area. Car was totaled but no airbags deployed. It is not available since it has been towed to the salvage yard. I have back pain, however we were fortunate not to have more injuries. It was inspected but not sure if they found anything…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · March 4, 2024 · crash

“My wife was in an accident on [XXX] around [XXX] at the intersection of [XXX] . She had exchanged safety information with the person whose vehicle had stalled. She went to shut off the car upon exchanging the information and after pressing the ignition button the vehicle began to roll. She was…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Driver Assistance · October 4, 2024 · crash

“I was driving my 2023 Kia Niro PHEV into my garage after running an errand, going very slowly. Suddenly the vehicle--all on its own--surged forward, slammed into the rear wall (triggering air bags), ricocheted backward across the street, and struck a neighbor's fence. I was able to get out of the…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · July 3, 2025 · crash

“The contact owns a 2023 Kia Niro. The contact stated that while making a left turn a second vehicle crashed into the front driver's side of the vehicle. The contact stated that during the crash the front driver side air bag, the driver's side curtain airbag and driver's side lower leg air bags all…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · August 25, 2023 · crash

“Car makes "clicking noises" when accelerating or braking that appears coming from engine bay or front wheels. Other users reported similar issue on consumer forum: [XXX] ) Car dealership does not have availability to diagnose the issue until next month. Car currently has 55,000 miles. INFORMATION…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · July 1, 2024

2023 Kia Niro — common questions

Is the 2023 Kia Niro reliable?

It is close to typical for the Niro: 65 NHTSA complaints, 2 recalls, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 2023 Niro problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are other (14 complaints), driver assistance (11 complaints), electrical system (10 complaints).

Does the 2023 Kia Niro have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2023 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.

How safe is the 2023 Kia Niro?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2023 Kia Niro earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

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.