CarRecallDB

2018 Kia Niro recalls and problems

3 recalls and 60 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2018 Kia Niro.

3
recalls
60
owner complaints
5
complaints mentioning a crash
0
mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2018 Kia Niro recalls

Power train: automatic transmission, internal, clutches/bands, actuators/solenoids

NHTSA campaign 23V534000 · reported July 31, 2023 · Kia America, Inc. · 121,411 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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.
The risk
A fire increases the risk of injury.
The fix
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.

Hybrid propulsion system

NHTSA campaign 22V836000 · reported November 11, 2022 · Kia America, Inc. · 27,030 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Kia Niro hybrid electric vehicles previously recalled under recall 18V-666. The Main Relay within the Power Relay Assembly (PRA) may have inadequate connections between its contacts, causing increased electrical resistance, which can overheat the rear seats.
The risk
Overheated rear seats increase the risk of a fire.
The fix
Dealers will inspect the PRA and replace either the PRA or the Main Relay, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 9, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC256. This recall supersedes NHTSA recall number 18V-666. Vehicles already repaired under the previous recall will need to have the new remedy completed.

Hybrid propulsion system

NHTSA campaign 18V666000 · reported September 25, 2018 · Kia Motors America · 27,030 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Kia Niro hybrid electric vehicles. The Main Relay within the Power Relay Assembly (PRA) may have inadequate connections between its contacts, causing increased electrical resistance.
The risk
The increased electrical resistance can overheat the rear seat which is above the PRA, increasing the risk of a fire.
The fix
Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the Power Relay Assembly (PRA) for damage. If no damage is found, the main relay will be replaced. If damage is found, the PRA will be replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began November 23, 2018. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC168.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Sep 15, 2026 · Engine

The dealership is falsely reporting to Kia Corporate and the NHTSA that Recall SC276 is 'completed' by only replacing a fuse. They are refusing to replace the actively leaking, fire-hazardous Hydraulic Clutch Actuator unless I pay an out-of-pocket diagnostic fee. They are violating federal recall safety mandates by…

Sep 15, 2026 · Unknown or other

My 2018 Kia Niro had the Hydraulic Clutch Actuator (HCA) replacement in 2024 due to a recall. About two years later, it failed again causing the call to completely stop working creating safety issues for me. The car was towed to the dealership but Kia refused to pay for the fix. I eventually paid for the fix and…

Sep 3, 2026 · Electrical system · crash reported

My kia niro 2018 backup camera takes a few seconds to start up when the vehicle is put in reverse. the time it takes differs from a second to sometimes 5 seconds. I know of accident caused in a McDonalds drive through where someone was backing up but the cam didn't turn on right away and they got in a small accident.

Aug 18, 2026 · Power train · 158,000 miles

The contact owns a 2018 Kia Niro. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the temperature gauge became elevated, and the vehicle stalled. The message "Check Hybrid System - Turn Engine Off" was displayed. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V534000 (Power Train). The…

Jul 7, 2026 · Power train

The vehicle experienced a sudden powertrain failure while driving. A certified Kia dealership diagnostic scan confirmed active Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P17ED (Engine Clutch System) and a physical hydraulic clutch fluid leak around the transmission housing area. These symptoms match the exact criteria of NHTSA…

Niro model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2017 48245
2018 36050
2019 15642
2020 13923
2021 1910

Across all years, the 2017 Niro has the most complaints (82). All Kia Niro years →

Questions

Does the 2018 Kia Niro have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2018 Kia Niro, the most recent reported on July 31, 2023 (Power train: automatic transmission, internal, clutches/bands, actuators/solenoids). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Kia Niro?
Owners have filed 60 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is power train (19 complaints), followed by electrical system (18).
How many 2018 Kia Niro complaints mention a crash or fire?
5 of 60 complaints report a crash and 0 a fire; 4 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received September 15, 2026.