Research · Small Station Wagons
2023 Kia Niro Plug-in HybridRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 6 owner complaints for the 2023 Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid. Most complaints involve power train (2) and vehicle speed control (1). The EPA rates it 48 mpg combined.
Combined MPG
48mpg
EPA · 1 version
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
6
Top: power train
Fuel cost / yr
$1,250est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2023 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
6 complaints filed with NHTSA · May 2023 – Sep 2025
- Power train2
- Vehicle speed control1
- Forward collision avoidance1
- Lane departure1
- Other / unknown4
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
2 reports
“Unknown which component exactly as it does not throw a fault. I believe it to be transmission related as the behavior seems like a clutch to me, but dealership has not been able to confirm. Vehicle rolls freely in directions other than what is selected and does not respond to throttle input. Described the issue to dealer numerous times and they claim to have seen it. I do not believe they actually have. It is currently at the dealer for the fourth time about the issue. Currently claiming engine issues but the engine isnt even on when it experiences the problem. (PHEV) Has been occurring since purchase but very intermittent. Could not reproduce until enough trial and error when it did occur that I could reliably reproduce it. During my own testing and diagnostic is how I found it can roll freely in the wrong directions and is much more dangerous than just shaking was. Description: Within the first few minutes of the vehicle being turned on it can shudder against the brakes when stopped. It can stop responding to throttle inputs and roll freely in directions other than the selected gear while throttle input is ignored. It will start responding again after some…”
Vehicle speed control
1 report
Forward collision avoidance
1 report
“2023 Kia Niro electronic dash went blank, no speed indication, no adaptive cruise, no lane departure warning, no forward collision warning capabilities.”
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
- 510 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 | 49 | 47 | 48 | $1,250 | 71 |
- 48mpg 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 2023 Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid as of Nov 12, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 12, 2026Vehicle 18801
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.
2023 Niro Plug-in Hybrid questions
How many recalls does the 2023 Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 12, 2026.
What are the most common 2023 Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid problems?
Owners filed 6 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are power train (2), vehicle speed control (1), forward collision avoidance (1). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2023 Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid get?
The EPA rates the 2023 Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid at 48 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (1 version rated).
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 12, 2026