What 27 owners told NHTSA about the 2022 Kia Niro EV

The contact owns a 2022 Kia Niro. The contact stated that while driving from a complete stop at 5 MPH, the vehicle was T-boned on the passenger's side by a Jeep Grand Cherokee driving at high speed. Due to the impact, the contact's head struck the dashboard. The other vehicle fled the scene of the crash. The airbag deployed on the passenger side but did not deploy on the driver's side. No warning light illuminated. There was no reported fire. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot, where the contact was informed that the vehicle would be destroyed. The contact sustained an eye and face injury, body aches, and a detached ear. Medical attention was received at the hospital, where the contact was stabilized and referred to the Primary Care Physician for future care. The contact called both an unknown local dealer and an independent mechanic, but there was no response. The manufacturer was not contacted. The contact called the auto finance company and was referred to the insurance company. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ODI 11743136

Problem 1, Check Engine Light: I purchased the used car on Jan 9 2025, around 23,400 miles from Kia Dealership, capitol Expy in San Jose. Today 05/27/2026, the odometer reads 26, 407 miles. My car is used only twice a week - 20 miles on Fridays, 12 miles on Wednesdays. My car has less than minimum wear and tear and is barely used. I completed my 25K service after Thanksgiving in Nov 2025. I have not even driven 1500 miles and the car is back in for service. Prior to this, within a month of purchasing my car Kia replaced the battery in my car. Around Mar 15, 2026, the Check Engine Light displayed. I called the Kia Dealership on Capitol Expy in San Jose 3-4 times, but they Kia dealership don't call back. On 05/15/2026, for the first time I drove about 50 miles return trip. While driving North on I-280 from [XXX] to [XXX] , over rolling hills that had some incline, the Check Engine Light came on.I scheduled service. I experienced that the vehicle struggle to climb the incline of rolling hills, after the battery charge was exhausted and the engine was running only on gas. The gas was 3/4 full. This is a safety hazard for me to be interrupted by Check Engine Light twice while driving and that too when my car has not even completed 30K miles. My car is sin Service on 05/26/2026 and in the shop for 3 days diagnosis. The Kia Dealership has yet to determine the problem. I have had to rent my own rental car even though I purchased Extended Warranty on the car. Problem 2, Blind Spot Warning Light on right side mirror: On 05/13/2026 and on 05/22/2026, the Blind Spot warning light on right side mirror does not display oncoming traffic when my car is parallel to the lane markings. On 05/13/2026, I was driving at 30mph and on 05/22/2026 I was stationary in the center divider. In both instances, the passing driver had to honk at me really loud -- to avert an accident. Both problems are severe safety hazards. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11740374

am writing to formally request assistance regarding my Kia vehicle which I purchased used at approximately 38,000 miles. Shortly after purchase, the vehicle became undrivable and has since required repeated repairs without resolution. To date, the vehicle has been presented for repair on six separate occasions for the same issue and has remained out of service for a significant period of time. Based on these repeated failures and lack of resolution, the vehicle may reasonably be considered defective at this point. Despite being unable to use the vehicle, I have continued to make monthly payments, resulting in considerable financial hardship. In an effort to resolve this matter, I consulted with a Maryland MVA investigator, who advised me to contact Kia directly and report that the vehicle appears to have been sold with a pre-existing defect. I have also communicated with the selling dealership, Eastern Motors; however, I was informed that due to changes in management, they are unable to provide further assistance and consider the matter outside of their control. Additionally, I have previously reached out regarding this issue and have not received a response. Given the timing of the failure, the repeated unsuccessful repair attempts, and the extended period the vehicle has been out of service, I respectfully request that Kia conduct a thorough review of this matter. I am respectfully requesting Kia’s assistance in resolving this matter. Specifically, I would like to explore options such as a replacement vehicle, repurchase (buyback), reimbursement of payments made, or other goodwill support. I remain open to a fair and reasonable resolution. Please advise what documentation or additional information is required to proceed. I am prepared to provide all relevant records, including purchase documentation and complete service history. Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter. I look forward to your response.

NHTSA ODI 11736000

Intermittent warning to "Refill Inverter Coolant" displays on the dash screen. This is a known issue pursuant to SA512 (ELE 270 Rev 3) due to faulty coolant that crystallizes and interferes with the sensor. However, per Kia, it is only covered under standard warranty (5 years/60k miles) and while my vehicle is within the year warranty, it is over the mileage. Quote was to replace "Chiller, water pump and flush coolant system" at a cost of $2369.02 including parts and labor. Dealership will not perform recommended maintenance of coolant flush (every 37k miles) without replacing these parts. If this was a known defect why is there a limitation to the SA? It should be covered as a recall, not a voluntary service alert. I am unable to properly monitor the in-dash warnings regarding coolant levels until this problem is fixed

NHTSA ODI 11733667

The vehicle has a recurring P0420 code (“Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold Bank 1”). A boroscope inspection at Ricardo Caballero Kia Santa Isabel (invoice #[XXX] dated December 5, 2025) confirmed internal disintegration of the catalytic converter, with physical pieces of the catalyst falling out when the exhaust pipe was removed. This failure appears related to Recall 23V534 (SC276) and TSB PS709 (overheating / coolant boiling issues in 2017-2022 Niro Hybrid models). Motorambar, Inc. (official Kia distributor in Puerto Rico) has ignored my warranty claim since December 2 and December 22, 2025 (more than four months). Motorambar is now refusing to authorize a courtesy loaner vehicle at the dealer Ricardo Caballero Kia Santa Isabel, claiming the tests will take less than 5 days. This leaves me without transportation. The catalytic converter is fully covered under the Federal Emissions Warranty (8 years / 80,000 miles). I request that NHTSA investigate this as a potential safety and emissions defect and require Kia / Motorambar to: 1. Immediately repair or replace the catalytic converter under warranty at no cost. 2. Provide a courtesy loaner vehicle during the repair. 3. Reimburse previous diagnostic costs of $449.17. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11728234

The contact owns a 2022 Kia Niro. The contact stated that the rearview camera displayed a distorted image while the vehicle was in reverse(R). The failure obstructed the driver's visibility, preventing the driver from safely operating the vehicle. Additionally, there was a delay with the image appearing on the screen when the vehicle was in reverse(R). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but it was unknown if the vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, the vehicle failed to start up, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the battery terminals were loose. The vehicle was repaired; however, when the contact arrived to retrieve the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The dealer inspected the vehicle; however, no cause for the failure was found. The contact was informed by the dealer that the vehicle had an open recall, NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V426000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION). The vehicle remained at the dealer unrepaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000.

NHTSA ODI 11712922

Vehicle with code p0420, Kia dealership technician say: the problem was the spark, proceeded to change it and clear code. Check engine turn on again, the same person say: it’s a ring piston, the car was leaked engine oil to exhaust and he see blue smoke, no evidence for part of dealership and dealership never mention the car was consuming excessive engine oil. I mentioned the law of emission to change the catalyst and the boss say: I can’t change it but the problem will be come but never do anything to change it. In other dealership Kia the technician dismantle the exhaust and see ceramic part coming from the catalyst, his recommendation is change it. Dealership make a formal petition to motorambar distributor official ok Kia in PR and motorambar refuse to change the part with the evidence provide by dealership: technician report and photos. I call motorambar in 2 times and the only thing motorambar do is creating ticket to escalated to technician, never received call from this ticket, this occurred on fort week of December 2025 and today is 19 January of 2026 and not received any call from motorambar.

NHTSA ODI 11711969

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? -I have received a "Check Brake Light" warning several times now, even after replacing the bulbs. I have replaced them twice now in the past 6 months and the issue persists. I believe it to be a faulty sensor or something similar. Yes, it is available to inspect upon request. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? I do not know if my brake light is functioning properly as this warning indicator comes on intermittently even though the light has been replaced and even when it seems there is nothing wrong with the light. It is very stressful. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? I took my car to the dealership in November 2025 and they couldn't find any issue. The indicator light did not come on at the dealership but came on again later in the week. They even replaced both brake lights hoping that would help. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? The dealership service center Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No other symptoms.

NHTSA ODI 11703967

I was driving on a 70mph hwy and traffic came to a full and sudden stop due to a car cutting across lanes a few cars ahead of me. There was no time for me to stop and I couldn’t see the traffic stopped. The car in front of me was able to stop without hitting anyone but I could not. Airbags did not deploy and this concerned me even though I was not injured.

NHTSA ODI 11703599

Spontaneous combustion of the Sunroof. The Kia Niro is garage held in Colorado. While the temperature was in the teens the car has been driven and kept in much lower temps. No, Snow was on top of the car. When parking the car in the garage a loud noise was heard and the entire sunroof shattered

NHTSA ODI 11701647

This car was purchased certified pre-owned from a Kia Dealership with 46,227 miles in October 2024. Within a month (Nov 2024), the electrical system would die overnight and we would require a jump start. This seemed to align with colder temperatures. After the first or second jump start, a headlight blew out. We replaced it. Then a tail light blew out and we replaced that one too. It seemed that there must be a connection between the electrical failure and the headlights / tail lights burning out. We took it in for a software update to see if that solved it, we also had them check the hybrid battery and the 12V battery. No other issues were detected. Eventually the problem just stopped happening. Now in Nov 2025, a year later, the problem has returned. The car's electrical system dies overnight and we have to jump start the car. And another tail light / turn signal has burned out. This time, we called a dealership to ask about any recalls or pending software updates and they said there was nothing showing in their system. We are now driving without a turn signal, which is a significant safety hazard. We will have to go back and replace the tail light / turn signal bulb. But what about the situation recurring? How do we get the car to stop 'dying' overnight in cold weather?

NHTSA ODI 11699174

I was turning into a parking spot when my brakes suddenly felt loose, as if they had lost hydraulic pressure, and my vehicle accelerated into a wall. I had my vehicle serviced 3 weeks ago, and my brakes were fine. The day before the incident, I was coming to a stop, and the car was lurching forward as I was trying to stop. This isn't the first time the issue has occurred, and I had previously mentioned it to the dealership, but they found nothing upon checking. I was going to take it into the dealership, but I got into the accident.

NHTSA ODI 11688712

express my concern regarding a persistent and unresolved defect in the 12-volt battery of my 2022 Kia Niro, which I purchased from Hanlees Kia in 2022. In 2023, I brought my vehicle back to Hanlees Kia due to the battery dying prematurely. At that time, the dealership informed me of a battery jump start button on the dashboard. It was later revealed to me by Kia service in Stockton—after the vehicle was held for over two weeks—that the issue originates from the 12-volt battery located under the driver’s seat, which is defective. Despite this discovery, I was told by the dealership that even though the battery is defective that I should have brought the vehicle in earlier—specifically before 2025—to qualify for any warranty or replacement coverage. This is simply not true, as I did bring the car in promptly when I noticed the battery issues in 2023, but unfortunately, this did not result in a satisfactory resolution. Further, I am not alone in facing this issue. Several Kia Niro owners in have shared similar experiences on social media platforms, including Facebook. These owners have reported the same battery problems during their warranty period and were repeatedly told by dealerships that the cause of the issue was unknown, leaving them frustrated and without a solution. It is concerning that Kia engineers appear to have been aware of this defect for some time, as evidenced by the installation of the dashboard battery bypass button. This workaround indicates that Kia has acknowledged the problem internally but has not adequately addressed it for customers under warranty. As a loyal Kia customer, I respectfully request a full investigation and resolution of this battery defect issue, including an official acknowledgment of the defect and a replacement or repair under warranty. The inconvenience, safety concerns, and ongoing costs caused by this defect are unacceptable for a vehicle of this quality and price point. Thank you

NHTSA ODI 11666923

The incident, occurring on [XXX], was first submitted by phone, followed by email to [XXX] on 27 May with incident description and sketch. I was given the Complaint ID no ODI11663050. However, now when I search for that number, nothing shows up! I have not received any information that the complaint has been investigated and dismissed! In order to publicize this event as much as possible to warn the public about this dangerous safety issue, I have posted the following on my X account ( [XXX] ) and have asked family and friends to spread the information as much as possible. Appreciate you contacting me at [XXX] and/or [XXX] about this. Post 1: Hybrid Car Warning! If you drive a hybrid and get a Hybrid Motor Failure warning, STOP IMMEDIATELY and seek help! My 2022 Kia Niro Hybrid flashed this warning—I drove straight to an auto shop nearby. What happened next was terrifying… ( 1/3) Post 2: As I tried braking to park, the brakes failed, and the car accelerated instead! I barely avoided the shop, parked cars & trees—but I jumped a curb, went in & out of a ditch, and stopped across a major road. A red light saved me from being hit! ( 2/3) Post 3: The airbag deployed, hitting my chest hard. My chest is in pain. I had a major lumbar surgery in 2021 and my back is a mess ChatGPT indicates several possible causes, but the most relevant is a hybrid motor failure may cause unintended acceleration & brake issues. Post 4: Drivers, take these warnings seriously! ️ Stay safe! #HybridCar #Safety INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11665549

The contact owns a 2022 Kia Niro. The contact stated that the Hybrid Engine alarm activated and illuminated. The contact parked the vehicle for a few hours, and when restarting the vehicle, the alarm was no longer displayed. The contact continued to drive at approximately 5 mph. When pressing the brake pedal to park, the brake pedal floored with no resistance, and the vehicle began to accelerate. The contact immediately turned the vehicle towards the left to avoid crashing into a nearby building, jumped a curb into a ditch, causing the vehicle to bounce several times, and landed on the main street where it came to a stop. The air bags were deployed when the vehicle jumped the curb, landing in the ditch. The contact received bruises and cuts to their right leg and femur, chest, and back injuries. Medical attention was needed. The vehicle was damaged on the front end and was towed. It was not determined if the vehicle was totaled as of yet. A police report was filed. The dealer was not informed of the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ODI 11663050

Vehicle has been submitted for repair under recall RCRIT-23V534-0846. DTC P17ED - Engine clutch system EOL fault, is set and has never gone away. Initially the dealership did the recall in the spring of 2024. It was taken to the dealership after an accident and returned with the same DTC. I believe the DTC was never repaired; it is a non-MIL light so it is easy to miss. It was taken back, and they claimed to bleed a clutch. DTC is still present. Taken back again, wiring harness was ordered and replaced, DTC is still present. The dealership (Serra Kia, 12300 30 Mile Rd, Washington Twp., MI 48095, 586-281-2800) has failed to fix this issue. The attached invoice is a 3rd attempt to fix the recall and they refused to do it at no cost.

NHTSA ODI 11626261

I got my oil changed and since I picked it up, I have an EPB light on and my “auto-hold” is orange, I also can’t set my cruise control. This disables safety features on my car- adaptive cruise control.

NHTSA ODI 11625827

My right brake light keeps going out and it was “fix” before my the Kia dealership and they said it was just a lose harness but months later it has happened again, the warning light constantly comes on and the power to the light is intermittent. It is currently back into the shop to run another diagnostic

NHTSA ODI 11590360

I took my car to the Dublin California Kia dealer because my car would not start or allow me to open the doors. When I had it towed to the dealer they said that the lithium ion battery under the rear seat had swollen. They said they would first address the recall for the (HCA) recall number 23V534. They completed the recall and was given the okay to replace the battery. Car was in the shop for 2 weeks. When I got the car back I didn't drive for 4 days. When I went to drive the car it would not start again. I had the car towed to Kia Vacaville, California shop. They informed me that the recall was performed incorrectly at the first dealer and that the new battery under the rear seat was swollen. The car has been in the shop for 2 weeks again. I am very concerned that this is a dangerous problem and do not feel safe driving this vehicle.

NHTSA ODI 11576918

The contact owns a 2022 Kia Niro. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V534000 (Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact recently received a recall notice that stated that parts were now available. The dealer was notified of the letter but stated that parts remained unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ODI 11563231

The contact's husband owns a 2022 Kia Niro. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V534000 (Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11560736

The contact owns a 2022 Kia Niro. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. The check engine and Hybrid System warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the hydraulic clutch actuator. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V534000 (Power Train). The VIN was included but parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. VIN tool confirms parts not available. The failure mileage was 60,000.

NHTSA ODI 11558404

Kia issued a recall warning dated September 29, 2023 regarding a fire hazard in our car. The recall stated that remedy was not available. After two months of no remedy from Kia and failure of Kia's Customer Care Center to respond to our requests for help, we went to the Kia dealer in Van Nuys, California to inspect the car to ascertain if it was still safe. The dealer refused to inspect or take any remedial action. To date there has been nothing from Kia to correct the problem. However, the 2023 and 2024 Kia Niro Hybrids do not have the fire hazard problem; these years were NOT in the recall warning. Kia should have offered a remedy by now since the problem was obviously corrected in the next two years.

NHTSA ODI 11557904

Car keeps notifying me of an issue with my left break lights, it has been inspected twice to which both times, Kia services said it just needed a new light but yet this problem keeps happening. Nothing pops up on diagnostics and there are no recalls, this is a brand new car less than a year with no history of accidents. It’s a safety issue now because it could be a wiring issue.

NHTSA ODI 11531915

The silver accent bar on the center console below the air vents creates a major glare when the sunlight hits it. It reduces visibility by causing a distraction and feels as if you're staring into the sun. The photo doesn't do it justice but this has happened multiple times and I have to hold up my arm to block the glare. Additionally when the sunlight hits the screens on the dashboard and center console they become unreadable.

NHTSA ODI 11467170