Kia Niro EV Best and Worst Years (2019–2025)
The 2022 and 2023 Kia Niro EV are the years to avoid, with complaint index scores of 100 and 83 (worst in the lineup) and 30 and 15 complaints respectively, driven mainly by electrical system problems. The 2019 model year has the best complaint index at 33, with no other year formally rated Best.
- Model years
- 7
- 2019–2025
- NHTSA complaints
- 90
- Recall campaigns
- 6
- Crashes reported
- 9
- Fires reported
- 0
- Top problem area
- Electrical System
Niro EV Complaint Index by year
Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.
Kia Niro EV problems and recalls by year
| Year | Verdict | Index | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Recalls | Top issue | MPG | NCAP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Good | 33 | 17 | 1 | 0 | 0 | Transmission & Powertrain | — | — |
| 2020 | Caution | 50 | 19 | 1 | 0 | 2 | Electrical System | — | — |
| 2021 | No verdict | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 | Brakes | — | — |
| 2022 | Avoid | 100 | 30 | 4 | 0 | 2 | Electrical System | — | — |
| 2023 | Avoid | 83 | 15 | 2 | 0 | 3 | Electrical System | — | — |
| 2024 | Caution | 67 | 6 | 1 | 0 | 2 | Electrical System | — | — |
| 2025 | No verdict | 17 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | Engine | — | — |
Niro EV years to avoid: what went wrong
2022 Kia Niro EV Index 100 · 30 complaints · 2 recalls
The 2022 Niro EV ranks worst of all years, with a complaint index of 100 and 30 complaints, including 4 crashes and 1 injury. Electrical system issues make up 40% of its complaints, with a median failure mileage of 36,020. Owners also reported transmission and powertrain problems, including vehicles rolling in park, and engine issues at the same median mileage. Two recalls apply: one for a rearview camera circuit board fault and one for a high-voltage battery safety plug that may overheat, melt, and cause loss of drive power or fire, with Kia advising against garage charging until repaired.
2023 Kia Niro EV Index 83 · 15 complaints · 3 recalls
The 2023 Niro EV has a complaint index of 83, the second-worst, with 15 complaints, 2 crashes, and 3 injuries. Electrical system problems account for 53% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 6,000, including reports of the vehicle failing to charge properly at home. Brake complaints, at a median mileage of 12,030, and fuel system issues were also reported. Three recalls affect this year, covering a damaged floor wiring assembly near the front passenger seat, improperly tightened differential gear bolts, and a drive shaft that may break under load.
Most common Kia Niro EV problems (all years)
Share of NHTSA complaints by component group. A complaint naming two components counts once in each.
- Electrical System35 (39%)
- Other30 (33%)
- Transmission & Powertrain19 (21%)
- Engine15 (17%)
- Brakes11 (12%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras8 (9%)
- Fuel System8 (9%)
- Lane Departure3 (3%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires3 (3%)
- Visibility & Wipers3 (3%)
Frequently asked questions
- Which Kia Niro EV years should I avoid?
- NHTSA data points to 2022 and 2023 as the years to avoid, with complaint index scores of 100 and 83, the two highest among all Niro EV years.
- What is the best Kia Niro EV year?
- No year carries a formal 'Best' verdict, but 2019 has the lowest complaint index at 33 and ranks best among the years with data.
- What is the main problem with the Kia Niro EV?
- Across all years, the Electrical System is the top problem area, accounting for 35 of 90 total complaints (39%), followed by Transmission & Powertrain at 21%.
- Are there recalls on the 2022 and 2023 Kia Niro EV?
- Yes. The 2022 model has 2 recalls, including a rearview camera fault and a high-voltage battery safety plug that can overheat or melt. The 2023 model has 3 recalls, covering wiring near the front passenger seat, differential gear bolts, and a drive shaft that can break under load.
- Is the 2020 or 2024 Kia Niro EV reliable?
- Both 2020 and 2024 carry a 'Caution' verdict based on NHTSA complaints, with complaint indexes of 50 and 67 respectively, placing them between the better 2019 model and the worse 2022 and 2023 models.