2021 Kia Niro EV Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
No verdict The 2021 Kia Niro EV has 2 NHTSA complaints, 1 recall, and a complaint index of 0, ranking 7th (lowest) among the 7 model years with data. Its single recall covers a rearview camera circuit board issue on 2020-2022 Niro EV vehicles.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 0/100
- #7 of 7 Niro EV years
- Verdict
- No verdict
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 2
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 1
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 0
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Top issue
- Brakes
Top 2021 Kia Niro EV problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Brakes1 (50%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras1 (50%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
2021 Kia Niro EV recalls
1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.
- NHTSA 25V426000Jun 20, 2025Collision Avoidance & Cameras11,327 vehicles
Back over prevention: sensing system: camera
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Niro EV vehicles. The circuit board for the rearview camera may become damaged and cause the rearview camera image not to display. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Risk: A rearview image that does not display reduces the driver's view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the rearview camera, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 7, 2025. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC342.
2021 compared with other Niro EV years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2021 Kia Niro EV reliable?
- Based on NHTSA data, the 2021 Kia Niro EV has only 2 complaints and a complaint index of 0, the lowest complaint index among the 7 Niro EV model years with data.
- Does the 2021 Kia Niro EV have any recalls?
- Yes, one recall (campaign 25V426000) covers a rearview camera circuit board that may fail to display an image, affecting 2020-2022 Niro EV vehicles. Dealers replace the rearview camera free of charge.
- What is the top complaint area for the 2021 Kia Niro EV?
- NHTSA lists Brakes and Collision Avoidance & Cameras as the top problem areas, each accounting for 1 of the 2 complaints (50% share).
- How does the 2021 Niro EV compare to other Niro EV years?
- The 2021 model ranks 7th of 7 years by complaint index (0), while 2022 (index 100) and 2023 (index 83) carry Avoid verdicts and 2020 and 2024 carry Caution verdicts.