2021 Kia NIRO: complaints, problems and recalls
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
9 owner complaints analyzed
1 distinct recall campaigns
Not available median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2021 model year. Data snapshot: . 0 complaints include usable failure mileage.
This selection has limited data. It remains available for lookup but is excluded from search indexing.
Most common problems
Power Train is the most frequently named component, appearing in 3 of 9 complaints (33.3%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission and shifting | 2 | 22.2% |
| Braking behavior | 2 | 22.2% |
| Engine operation | 1 | 11.1% |
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Power Train | 3 |
| Electrical System | 2 |
| Engine | 2 |
| Unknown Or Other | 2 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 1 |
| Visibility:Sun/Moon Roof Assembly | 1 |
| Visibility/Wiper | 1 |
Power Train: 3; Electrical System: 2; Engine: 2; Unknown Or Other: 2; Vehicle Speed Control: 1; Visibility:Sun/Moon Roof Assembly: 1; Visibility/Wiper: 1
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 0 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 0 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 0 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 0 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 0 |
| 150,000 and above | 0 |
Under 25,000: 0; 25,000 to 49,999: 0; 50,000 to 74,999: 0; 75,000 to 99,999: 0; 100,000 to 149,999: 0; 150,000 and above: 0
No usable failure mileage is recorded. 9 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 2021 | 1 |
| 2022 | 1 |
| 2023 | 2 |
| 2024 | 2 |
| 2026 | 3 |
2021: 1; 2022: 1; 2023: 2; 2024: 2; 2026: 3
Pattern summary
Power Train leads the component reports. Transmission and shifting appears in 2 complaint narratives. Braking behavior appears in 2 complaint narratives. Engine operation appears in 1 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Examples from the source records
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 11423414 · 2021-07-04 (July 4, 2021)
There is a silver strip of "trim" running completely across the dashboard just above the radio controls. It is so reflective that a glare occurs periodically throughout the day when the sun hits it. It's so bad that it blocks the left side mirror with the reflection and can even blind the driver. This needs to be addressed by Kia. Easy solution is to have Kia remove the strips, paint them black, and re-install them.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11423414 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11484542 · 2022-09-15 (September 15, 2022)
While driving on a major highway, my sunroof suddenly exploded. Luckily the screen was pulled shut otherwise I would have been covered in glass. I was able to drive to the next exit and park the vehicle to then get out and observe the damage. There was a gaping hole in the sunroof. I called a tow who brought me to a Kia dealership. I explained what happened and after inspecting the car the dealership told me it was road debris that caused the issue. I did not see or hear anything hit my car prior to the explosion of the sunroof and I ques…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11484542 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11550728 · 2023-10-18 (October 18, 2023)
Vehicle is available for inspection upon request. HEV light lit up on dashboard and a warning message was displayed alerting me to immediately pull over and turn off the vehicle. At the same time the vehicle was not responding and acceleration became troubling and with marked hesitation. After waiting several minutes I attemped to turn the vehicle on again but the warning light and alarm went off. Vehicle is currently at the dealership but they have not offer a solution or even a temporary remedy.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11550728 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11555688 · 2023-11-17 (November 17, 2023)
Problem has not been remedied. What is my recourse? How long do I have to drive around worried about the car going on fire?
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11555688 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11570590 · 2024-02-07 (February 7, 2024)
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 w…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11570590 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11600985 · 2024-07-10 (July 10, 2024)
I was backing out of a tandem parking spot in a private garage and got too close to a pillar, and tried to pull forward into the spot. It felt like the car got snagged on the pillar, but while pulling forward slowly, the gas pedal snapped off and the car accelerated quickly and uncontrollably. I was able to avoid hitting other cars but drove straight into a concrete wall despite immediately braking. I'm relatively uninjured, but if it had happened in a less controlled environment and/or I hadn't reacted as quickly, there could have been serious…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11600985 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11725753 · 2026-03-20 (March 20, 2026)
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.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11725753 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11730504 · 2026-04-10 (April 10, 2026)
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…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11730504 at NHTSA ↗
Recall history
1 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.
23V534000 · Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Internal:Clutches/Bands:Actuators/Solenoids
Reported: 2023-07-31 (July 31, 2023)
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.
Consequence: A fire increases the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the hydraulic clutch actuator as necessary and install a new fuse, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 29, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC276.
NHTSA campaign record ↗