NHTSA lists 1 safety recall and 18 owner complaints for the 2025 Kia Niro. Most complaints involve suspension (3) and electrical system (3). The EPA rates it 49–113 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 4 stars overall.
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023-2025 Niro EV, Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV), and Hybrid vehicles. The floor wiring assembly beneath the front passenger seat may become damaged, which can prevent the front air bags and seat belts from deploying properly or cause an unintended side curtain air bag deployment.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“Finally got car back from previous repairs and it was making a loud groaning noise all the time. Took it back to dealership and they said they had to repair the rack and pinion system and the gears were shredded. Employee says they now have another niro with the same problem as my original symptoms when transmission was replaced twice. Car has consistently had problems with the RPMs being incredibly high at low speeds but the dealership can’t seem to replicate the problem. Car randomly switched over to manual mode after a long drive. Video of problems given to employee and just said he’s going to give them to his field technician. Car has now been at the dealer for over 4 months and was finally returned because they can’t reproduce the problem.”
“Transmission was replaced but then completely shut down as I was making a right turn. Multiple indicators on dash went off and safety errors kept scrolling across dash. Vehicle then wouldn’t shift at all. TCM was replaced but vehicle has high RPMs at low speeds. Has been at the dealership now for over 90 days.”
“I was slowly driving in the parking lot of the Meadowmeer Golf course on [XXX] today, Monday XXX at about 11:30AM. As I began the turn to pull into a parking space, at about 5 miles an hour, the car rapidly and unexpectedly accelerated. I immediately slammed on the brakes, leaving skid marks on the payment. Before the car stopped it drove into a curb around a flower garden. The i-pedal was not engaged. Myself and the passengers were frightened but not injured. No one has inspected the car as yet. There were no messages. I am trying to reach the dealer Kia of Bremerton, WA but they have not yet been responsive. The car has been driven about 9500 miles in total. I bought it as a certified used car from Kia on XXX.”
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 | 126 | 101 | 113 | $700 | — |
| Niro FE Auto (AM-S6), 4 cyl, 1.6 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 53 | 54 | 53 | $1,200 | 167 |
| Niro Auto (AM-S6), 4 cyl, 1.6 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 53 | 45 | 49 | $1,300 | 181 |
| 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 18 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are suspension (3), electrical system (3), vehicle speed control (2). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2025 Kia Niro at 49–113 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (3 versions rated).
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2025 Kia Niro 4 out of 5 stars overall.