What's Wrong with the 1st Generation (2017–2020) Niro?

Niro owners have made 20 complaints about the 2017–2020 model years. Using our PainRank™ system we've ranked it 12th out of 42 Kia generations in overall reliability, with some electrical and engine concerns.

What Owners Complain About

Sometimes it helps just to tally up the complaints and see where the biggest stacks are. Use this information to learn about troublespots or to run for the hills.

Worst Issues

What Breaks the Most

Years to Avoid

1st Generation (2017–2020) Niro Key Numbers

  1. 4 model years

    Grouping all models by their year can reveal some baddies.

  2. 20 complaints

    Running tally of owner grievances filed to CarComplaints.com.

  3. 12th in reliability

    Overall reliability rank out of 42 eligible generations.

Recent 1st Generation (2017–2020) Niro News

There's a lot of news out there, but not all of it matters. We try to boil down it to the most important bits about things that actually help you with your car problem. Interested in getting these stories in an email? Signup for free email alerts over at CarComplaints.com.

  1. Part of the Niro’s hybrid system is overheating to the point where it might start a fire, leading to a recall of 27,000 vehicles.

    The power relay assembly tested by Kia is located underneath the rear seat, but a bad connection between the main relay contacts can cause increased electrical resistance that generates heat.

    Don’t let anyone tell you that the Niro comes with seat heaters in the back row.

    keep reading article "Niro’s Rear Seats Might Get Torched by Overheating Power Relay Assembly"