This page covers 9 recalls, 91 owner complaints and EPA fuel economy for the 2017 Kia Niro.
49 mpg combined
4.8 L/100km
Small Station Wagons
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted.
The 2017 Kia Niro draws its heaviest complaint volume around the engine and powertrain, with electrical issues close behind. On the engine side, owners frequently report coolant leaks traced to the exhaust heat exchanger, sometimes leading to overheating and, in several cases, coolant mixing with engine oil, a pattern that has resulted in long-block engine replacements. Powertrain complaints describe sudden loss of drive power at highway speeds, sometimes accompanied by a transmission failure warning and a prompt to stop the vehicle; a handful of owners also report smoke appearing from under or behind the vehicle during these episodes. Electrical complaints tend to cluster around warning lights illuminating together, engine, hybrid system, and electrical system lights coming on simultaneously, often paired with a noticeable jolt or partial power loss while driving. A smaller number of owners report exterior door handles breaking off during normal use.
91
Total Complaints
4
Crash-Related
5
Fire-Related
3
With Injuries
By System
The 2017 Kia Niro has 9 recalls, with the most serious being two distinct fire risks: a hydraulic clutch actuator that can leak fluid onto its circuit board and cause an engine compartment fire, and a power relay assembly under the rear seat where poor electrical connections generate heat that can ignite the surrounding area.
Prior repair attempts on both fire-related issues did not fully resolve them, and additional recalls were issued to address the remaining risk. The clutch actuator oil seal can leak and allow oil to accumulate in the cap area, leading to an electrical short, while the power relay assembly's main relay contacts can overheat the rear seat material above them. These fire risks are the primary concern across the recall history for this vehicle.
On the steering side, the electric power steering motor connector may have been damaged during assembly, causing the power steering assist to cut out. This forces the driver to use significantly more effort to turn the wheel, particularly at low speeds, raising the risk of losing control.
At a glance
What can fail
Fluid may leak onto the hydraulic clutch actuator's circuit board, causing it to short circuit.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the hydraulic clutch actuator, replace it if needed, and install a new fuse to reduce fire risk.
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Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Fluid may leak into the circuit board inside the hydraulic clutch actuator, potentially causing an engine compartment fire.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and replace the hydraulic clutch actuator if needed and install a new fuse at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The Main Relay in the Power Relay Assembly may have weak electrical connections, causing increased resistance and overheating of the rear seats.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the Power Relay Assembly and replace it or the Main Relay as needed, at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The main relay contacts in the Power Relay Assembly under the rear seat may not connect properly, causing increased electrical resistance and heat that could start a fire.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the Power Relay Assembly for heat damage. If undamaged, the main relay will be replaced. If damaged, the entire assembly will be replaced.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The Main Relay in the Power Relay Assembly may have loose or corroded electrical connections that increase resistance and can cause electrical faults.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the Power Relay Assembly for damage. If undamaged, the Main Relay will be replaced; if damaged, the entire assembly will be replaced.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The clutch hydraulic actuator may have rough spots that damage the oil seal, causing oil to leak into the electrical area and create a fire risk.
What the fix does
Dealers will check the hydraulic clutch actuator and replace it if needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The hydraulic clutch actuator's inner oil seal can leak, causing oil to build up under the cap and potentially create an electrical short.
What the fix does
Dealers will check the actuator cap for leaked oil and replace the actuator assembly or cap with added sealant as needed, at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The electrical connection to the power steering motor may have been damaged during assembly, potentially causing loss of power steering assist and making the steering wheel harder to turn.
What the fix does
The dealer will replace the power steering motor.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The Motor Driven Power Steering connector may be damaged, causing loss of electric power steering assistance.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the MDPS motor at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
