VehicleVerdict

2025 Kia Niro problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 19 complaints on file for the 2025 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.

In government crash testing it earned 4 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

19

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

2

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

4

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2025 compare to other Niro years?

Niro NHTSA complaints by model year, 2025 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, 2025 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Niro years to avoid →

What are the most common 2025 Kia Niro problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Other632%
Driver Assistance316%
Electrical System211%
Speed Control15%
Steering15%
Suspension15%
Tires & Wheels15%
Airbags15%
Transmission15%
Engine15%
Seat Belts15%

Does the 2025 Kia Niro have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign 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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“On November 3, 2025 I had an accident/event in my KIA Niro. At 2:20 I had been sitting in my car with the engine running and the gear was in (P) park. I was on an incline. When I saw the child I was babysitting ‘s bus arrived, hopped out of the car (it was still running) and walked behind the…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · November 3, 2025 · crash

“The contact leased a 2025 Kia Niro. The contact was stopped at a traffic light during the night. When the light changed, the contact was partially turning when the other vehicle slammed into the contact's vehicle. No injuries were reported. The contact stated that the front collision sensor failed.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Driver Assistance · January 9, 2026 · crash

“Transmission was replaced but then completely shut down as I was making a right turn. Multiple indicators on dash went off and safety errors kept scrolling across dash. Vehicle then wouldn’t shift at all. TCM was replaced but vehicle has high RPMs at low speeds. Has been at the dealership now for…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · May 1, 2026

“Situation: Slowing on exit lane from freeway while in I-Pedal mode. Anomaly: As i gradually lifted the accelerator pedal, at about 61 mph the car strongly accelerated. My response: I lifted my foot entirely off the accelerator pedal and scanned the dash to confirm that cruise control was not…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · May 12, 2026

“Took car in and dealership kept it. Recall indicated that parts were available, however, dealership says that because there's additional fraying of wires, they don't have the parts. When I contacted Kia corporate, they confirmed that they have release of parts indicated as "TBD." According to NHTSA…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts · January 8, 2025

2025 Kia Niro — common questions

Is the 2025 Kia Niro reliable?

The record is thin — 19 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 2025 Niro problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are other (6 complaints), driver assistance (3 complaints), electrical system (2 complaints).

Does the 2025 Kia Niro have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2025 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 2025 Kia Niro?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2025 Kia Niro earned an overall rating of 4 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.