NHTSA lists 1 safety recall and 11 owner complaints for the 2021 Kia Niro. Most complaints involve power train (3) and engine (2). 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.
“This is a hybrid vehicle. It has Dual clutch transmission. Since I have owned it, intermittently the clutch does not disengage completely. This causes the vehicle to try to pull ahead but my foot is on the brake. The vehicle does not stall. Somehow it figures out it can't pull ahead and somehow fully releases. I have brought it to kia at least 3 times. In each case they tell me they cNt get the car to fail and since there are no codes produced they can't fix it. They even held onto the car several days. I asked them to please replace SOMETHING but the say Kia policy will not allow them to do that. So I am stuck with a car that keeps misbehaving. It is embarrassing because problems occur while a passenger is in the car and it seems to them that I am not driving correctly. I don't know what to do.”
“EV motor and drive train have a clattering noise, much like a playing card attached to a bicycle clattering against the wheel spokes. it speeds up and slows down with the acceleration of the motor.”
“I received important safety recall letter for NHTSA recall # 23V534. the HCA & or Fuse might need to be replaced . I brought the 2021 Nero to my local Kia dealership, Eagle kia ,Riverhead NY on January 18th. The dealership still has the vehicle & claims that a code came up when they did the diagnostics That requires a part that must be secured to complete the fix for the recall. they claim they are awaiting approval from kia corporate & NHTSA to add to the technical bulletin. But their is no timeframe they have or when this additional part will be available. The dealership has the fuses & Harness for the HCA replacement, but needs this additional part. I asked what the # of this part is or name, but all they would tell me TBT.”
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 (AM-S6), 4 cyl, 1.6 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 53 | 48 | 50 | $1,300 | 179 |
| Niro Auto (AM-S6), 4 cyl, 1.6 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 51 | 46 | 49 | $1,300 | 183 |
| Niro Touring Auto (AM-S6), 4 cyl, 1.6 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 46 | 40 | 43 | $1,500 | 208 |
| 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 11 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are power train (3), engine (2), electrical system (2). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2021 Kia Niro at 43–112 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (4 versions rated).