Problems · NHTSA complaints

2024 Kia Niro problems

Owners filed 16 complaints about the 2024 Kia Niro with NHTSA between Jan 2024 and Sep 2026. The most-cited component is electrical system (6).

Complaints
16
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
4
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
6
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
01 —By component

Complaints by component

One complaint can cite several components
  1. Electrical system6
  2. Forward collision avoidance3
  3. Power train2
  4. Engine2
  5. Vehicle speed control1
  6. Visibility/wiper1
  7. Tires1
  8. Seats1
  9. Air bags1
  10. Carry handle, shell, base1
  11. Service brakes1
  12. Other / unknown5

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 Oct 29, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Trend

When complaints were filed

Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
View as table
Model yearComplaints filed per calendar year
20243
20257
20266

Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.

03 —Owner reports

Top problems in owners’ words

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first

Electrical system

6 reports2 crashes
“The 12-volt battery system in my 2024 Kia Niro (VIN: [XXX] ) has suffered two total failures in under one year of ownership (approx. 10,000 miles). In both instances, the vehicle was completely unresponsive, with no power to essential systems. Safety Risks and Incidents: 1. [XXX]: Vehicle experienced a total power loss. It would not start and all electrical systems were dead. 2. [XXX]: Identical failure. These failures create a significant safety risk by potentially stranding the driver in hazardous locations and disabling critical safety systems, including hazard lights, power steering assist, and emergency braking. If a total power loss occurs while the vehicle is in motion, it could result in a sudden loss of motive power and control, posing an unreasonable risk of accidents or injury. Dealer/Manufacturer Confirmation: The problem was confirmed by Ourisman Kia of [XXX] ). The dealer replaced the 12-volt battery after identifying diagnostic code D04 ("Insufficient Battery Charge Condition Identified"). Despite proof of regular use (1,000 miles/month), Kia America has denied warranty coverage, claiming "insufficient driving". Warning Symptoms: There were no…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 7, 2026Electrical systemODI 11709314

Forward collision avoidance

3 reports
“My 2024 Kia Niro Hybrid has experienced multiple issues that I believe should be documented. The vehicle previously displayed an Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) warning. It was taken to an authorized Kia dealership for diagnosis and repair. Although repairs were performed for the EPB-related issue, I am submitting this report so the condition is documented if similar reports are being received from other owners. In addition, the vehicle developed a persistent creaking/clicking noise during forward driving. The noise was not present when the vehicle was new and began after normal use. It is most noticeable during forward driving and is not heard while backing up. The vehicle has been inspected by an authorized Kia dealership on multiple occasions, including a ride-along with a technician. After evaluating the vehicle, the dealership advised that the noise was normal and that the vehicle was functioning as intended. No additional repair was recommended. Although the dealership concluded the noise is normal, I remain concerned because the noise did not exist when the vehicle was new and has persisted. I am submitting this complaint so NHTSA has a record of the…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 30, 2026Unknown or other, Forward collision avoidanceODI 11753848

Power train

2 reports2 crashes1 related recall
“I have experienced two incidents of sudden, severely reduced propulsion while driving my 2024 Kia Niro Hybrid. The incidents occurred several weeks apart. During both incidents, pressing the accelerator did not produce normal acceleration. The vehicle continued moving with very limited propulsion, but the gasoline engine remained at 0 RPM and did not engage when additional power was requested. There were no warning lights, error messages, or other indications of a malfunction on the dashboard. During both incidents, I shifted to Neutral and back to Drive while safely coasting, but this did not correct the problem. After coming to a safe stop, placing the vehicle in Park, turning it completely off, and restarting it, normal acceleration and gasoline-engine operation immediately returned. After the first incident, the vehicle was scanned for diagnostic trouble codes and none were found. This failure creates a serious safety concern because the vehicle may unexpectedly be unable to accelerate when merging, crossing traffic, or otherwise attempting to avoid a collision.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 28, 2026Power train, Vehicle speed control, EngineCrash reportedODI 11767593

Engine

2 reports1 crash
“The contact owns a 2024 Kia Niro. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 65-70 MPH on the highway, the radio panel went blank. The vehicle was blowing cold air on the driver's side while the passenger’s side was blowing hot air. The contact stated that there was slush on the driveway and the vehicle slid. There was a triangle symbol with an exclamation mark displayed. The message that the camera had disengaged was displayed. The contact turned off the vehicle, and the vehicle failed to restart. The contact attempted to start the vehicle and after several hours, the vehicle started. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that rodents had built a nest in the engine due to the soy-based insulated wires. The dealer noticed a mouse, nuts, and seeds after disassembling the vehicle. The dealer ordered an electrical wiring harness. The dealer called the tire manufacturer, who confirmed the tires were working as designed. The contact replaced the tires. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact called and notified the insurance company of the issues. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 31, 2025Electrical system, Tires, EngineODI 11651839

Vehicle speed control

1 report1 crash

Visibility/wiper

1 report
“The interior surface of the windshield freezes during cold weather operation, beginning at the edges of the windshield and progressing toward the center directly into the driver’s line of sight. This significantly impairs visibility and requires approximately 20–30 minutes of vehicle warming before safe operation is possible. The condition has occurred repeatedly since November under normal winter temperatures. No warning lights or system messages appear prior to the event. The vehicle has fewer than 8,000 miles. The vehicle has been inspected multiple times by authorized dealerships. Three separate dealerships performed diagnostics and preventative service, including cleaning A/C drains and ventilation components; however, the condition persists. Dealership personnel advised they could not open a technical case unless the freezing could be observed in person, which has prevented further escalation because the condition is temperature-dependent. Photos and videos documenting the freezing have been provided to the manufacturer and dealerships. The issue has not been resolved and continues to present a safety concern because driver visibility is obstructed during…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 3, 2026Visibility/wiperODI 11721626
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 29, 2026

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.