NHTSA lists 1 safety recall and 19 owner complaints for the 2020 Kia Niro. Most complaints involve electrical system (6) and fuel/propulsion system (3). The EPA rates it 43–112 mpg combined.
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2022 Niro and 2018-2022 Niro Plug-in Hybrid vehicles. Fluid may leak into the printed circuit board inside the hydraulic clutch actuator, which can result in an engine compartment fire.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“The contact owns a 2020 Kia Niro. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the coolant system warning light illuminated. The contact stated that after entering the vehicle following a charging session, there was a burning odor coming from the vehicle while the coolant system warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the 12-volt battery voltage decreased from 12 volts to 2 volts. The vehicle was taken to the dealer several times, and TSB: ELE270 was associated with the issue. The contact was informed that the inverter coolant pipes had failed and needed to be replaced, and that the BSC-1 coolant needed to be replaced with BSC-2 coolant. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The contact stated that the coolant system warning light was illuminated after the vehicle was returned. The contact was concerned that the vehicle posed a fire risk because the vehicle was being charged in the garage at the residence. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 58,000.”
“About 7 months ago, "Refill Inverter Coolant" warning came up. Since then, I've scheduled service appoitment wtih Van Nuys Kia dealership 5 times to resolve this issue, but even after recent appoitment 2 weeks ago, this warning is still came up on my dashboard. Every time I start the car, the persistent refill inverter coolant light comes on. I believe I am experiencing this issue because KIA and their dealership where I bought my car doesn't want take ownership of this issue and resolve it. I am deeply concerned about my safety and the safety of my children when I drive my Kia vehicle.”
“Faulty EPCU and circuit board damaged from coolant leak, as described by Kia technician. Other components have been affected. Estimated $3,000 in parts left to replace. Total repair cost is looking to exceed $13,000. On last failure of car, I was driving as the Electical Vehicle Systems error occurred and the car went into neutral and when it slowed down, went into Park. Car would start and drive 10-15 feet before becoming inoperable again. Dealership says they fixed by adding coolant and they couldn't replicate the error. It took me 200 ft of driving to do it. I turned on the AC and the error happened. Could have been coincidental. Kia has declined/refused repairs because serious fault happened at 60,800 miles and they say its out of warranty. Issue had been going on for about 30,000 miles at that point with no resolution ever being reached. Car has been throwing errors and codes and repeated attempts to have Kia check my car for the recall that had been issued were ignored and i was told the recall wasnt the issue. April 29, 2023 was the first time I contacted Kia service about the Low Inverter Coolant message I was getting. Kia insisted that coolant just…”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Niro Electric Auto (A1) · Front-Wheel Drive | 123 | 102 | 112 | $700 | — |
| Niro FE Auto (AM6), 4 cyl, 1.6 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 52 | 49 | 50 | $1,300 | 177 |
| Niro Auto (AM6), 4 cyl, 1.6 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 51 | 46 | 49 | $1,300 | 183 |
| Niro Touring Auto (AM6), 4 cyl, 1.6 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 46 | 40 | 43 | $1,500 | 207 |
| 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 |
1 safety recall as of Oct 30, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 19 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (6), fuel/propulsion system (3), power train (3). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2020 Kia Niro at 43–112 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (4 versions rated).