Kia NIRO transmission problems
35 complaint narratives mention transmission terms.
Key facts
341 owner complaints analyzed
6 distinct recall campaigns
45,000 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2017 to 2026 model years. Data snapshot: . 81 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Transmission and shifting evidence
35 of 341 complaints match this topic (10.3%). The keyword filter can include complaints that mention a transmission without reporting its failure. View matching rules.
Owner report 11114382 · 2018-07-29 (July 29, 2018)
THIS CAR HAS BEEN IN THE DEALERSHIP 8 TIMES SINCE I PURCHASED IT IN FEBRUARY 2017. THE AIRBAG SENSORS WERE DEFECTIVE AND REPAIRED. THE CAR MALFUNCTIONS OVER A BRIDGE CONSTANTLY ON MY WAY TO WORK. KIA DOESN'T KNOW WHY IT DOES THIS. THE LATEST ISSUE IS THE TRANSMISSION FAILING IN TRAFFIC AND THERE BEING NO ACCELERATION. I'VE BEEN IN A LOT OF UNSAFE SITUATIONS BECAUSE OF THESE ISSUES. KIA CORPORATION HAS BEEN INVOLVED AND A TECH HAS BEEN FLOWN OUT TO INVESTIGATE MY CAR. I'M CURRENTLY SUING THEM TO REPURCHASE IT AS A LEMON. THIS COULD BE THE BEGINN…
Owner-reported narrative. 11,500 miles reported. Look up ODI 11114382 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11343331 · 2020-08-04 (August 4, 2020)
WHILE PARKED AND ENGINE OFF, THE TRANSMISSION SLIPPED OUT OF PARK AND ROLLED BACK INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. NO ONE WAS IN THE VEHICLE AT THE TIME. WHEN I RETURNED TO THE VEHICLE, IT WAS STILL SHOWING IT IN PARK AND OFF.
Owner-reported narrative. 37,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11343331 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11562090 · 2023-12-27 (December 27, 2023)
The contact's daughter owns a 2017 Kia Niro. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the Check Hybrid System, Turn Off Engine message displayed, and the HEV warning light illuminated. The vehicle then stalled. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine and battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then towed to an independent mechanic, who determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made…
Owner-reported narrative. 120,787 miles reported. Look up ODI 11562090 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11563216 · 2024-01-03 (January 3, 2024)
My car slowed, smelled hot, and then transmission overheat light came on approximately 130 miles from my home. I had it towed to nearest Kia service due to my warranty, Lehighton Kia dealer by AAA (Kia roadside wanted $293). Dealer claimed it was Clutch Actuator (said nothing about recall) and claim to be attempting to confirm warranty with Zurich for days with no success, I had no issue calling Zurich to confirm warranty would cover it. They said parts were unavailable in US, some in Korea, no guarantee where they would be distributed to an…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11563216 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11731378 · 2026-04-15 (April 15, 2026)
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Niro. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH, there was smoke coming from the rear of the vehicle. The message, "Turn Off the Vehicle and Stop" was displayed, and the transmission failure warning light was illuminated. The contact pulled over and turned off the vehicle. Once the vehicle was turned off, the smoke dissipated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed that there were holes in the engine, power steering, and there was an engine oil leak. The engine, transmission, and battery …
Owner-reported narrative. 50,500 miles reported. Look up ODI 11731378 at NHTSA ↗