Research · Small Station Wagons
2021 Kia Niro Plug-in HybridRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 1 owner complaint for the 2021 Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid. Most complaints involve power train (1). The EPA rates it 46 mpg combined.
Combined MPG
46mpg
EPA · 1 version
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
1
Top: power train
Fuel cost / yr
$1,300est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2021 Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid as of Nov 12, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 12, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
1 complaints filed with NHTSA · Oct 2023 – Oct 2023
- Power train1
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 12, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Power train
1 report
“The contact owns a 2021 Kia Niro. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V534000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the repair was not yet available. No further information was provided. 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.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 12, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
1 version rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Small Station Wagons
- Engines
- 1.6L 4-cyl plug-in hybrid
- Transmissions
- Automatic (AM-S6)
- Drive
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- EV range
- 560 mi (EPA)
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 12, 2026EPA listing
EPA fuel economy by version
City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Niro Plug-in Hybrid Auto (AM-S6), 4 cyl, 1.6 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 48 | 44 | 46 | $1,300 | 90 |
- 46mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 12, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
1 tested variant
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2021 Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid as of Nov 12, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 12, 2026Vehicle 15643
Maintenance basics
General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
- Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
6–12 months - Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
Every oil change - Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
1–2 years - Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
1–2 years - Brake fluid—
2–3 years - Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
5–10 years - Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
— - 12V battery—
3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
2021 Niro Plug-in Hybrid questions
How many recalls does the 2021 Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 12, 2026.
What are the most common 2021 Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid problems?
Owners filed 1 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are power train (1). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2021 Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid get?
The EPA rates the 2021 Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid at 46 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (1 version rated).
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 12, 2026