Kia Niro PHEV Best and Worst Years (2018–2025)
The 2019 Kia Niro PHEV is the year to avoid, with a complaint index of 100, 26 complaints, and a transmission-related recall. No year earns a Best rating; 2020 and 2023 are the strongest choices with Good verdicts.
Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls per model-year, ranked within this model — not a reliability rating. Methodology.
- Model years
- 8
- 2018–2025
- NHTSA complaints
- 68
- Recall campaigns
- 3
- Crashes reported
- 3
- Fires reported
- 0
- Top problem area
- Transmission & Powertrain
Niro PHEV 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 PHEV problems and recalls by year
| Year | Verdict | Index | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Recalls | Top issue | MPG | NCAP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Caution | 57 | 13 | 1 | 0 | 1 | Transmission & Powertrain | 47.5 | — |
| 2019 | Avoid | 100 | 26 | 0 | 0 | 1 | Transmission & Powertrain | — | — |
| 2020 | Good | 29 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 1 | Transmission & Powertrain | — | — |
| 2021 | No verdict | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | Transmission & Powertrain | — | — |
| 2022 | Caution | 71 | 12 | 0 | 0 | 1 | Transmission & Powertrain | — | — |
| 2023 | Good | 43 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 2 | Transmission & Powertrain | — | — |
| 2024 | No verdict | 86 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | Engine | — | — |
| 2025 | No verdict | 14 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 | Electrical System | — | — |
Niro PHEV years to avoid: what went wrong
2019 Kia Niro PHEV Index 100 · 26 complaints · 1 recalls
The 2019 Niro PHEV has the highest complaint index (100) among all model years, with 26 complaints logged. Transmission and powertrain issues make up 35% of these, at a median mileage of 800, including reports of the vehicle moving in the wrong direction relative to the gear selected. Electrical system problems account for 19% (median mileage 275), including backup camera visibility issues. Owners also reported brake failures, including one case involving a tire blowout combined with reduced braking ability. NHTSA recall 23V534000 covers a hydraulic clutch actuator fluid leak that can affect engine operation. Engine and fuel system complaints round out the remaining reports.
Most common Kia Niro PHEV problems (all years)
Share of NHTSA complaints by component group across all model years.
- Transmission & Powertrain26 (38%)
- Other16 (24%)
- Electrical System12 (18%)
- Engine12 (18%)
- Brakes6 (9%)
- Fuel System4 (6%)
- Structure & Body4 (6%)
- Visibility & Wipers4 (6%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras3 (4%)
- Steering3 (4%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- What year Kia Niro PHEV should I avoid?
- The 2019 model year should be avoided. It has the highest complaint index (100) of any Niro PHEV year, with 26 complaints and a transmission-related recall.
- Is the 2019 Kia Niro PHEV reliable?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, 2019 ranks worst among Niro PHEV years, with transmission and powertrain issues reported at a median mileage of 800 and electrical problems at a median mileage of 275.
- Which Kia Niro PHEV years are best?
- No Niro PHEV year earns a Best verdict. 2020 and 2023 are rated Good, with complaint indexes of 29 and 43 respectively, making them the lowest-risk choices.
- Does the Kia Niro PHEV have a transmission recall?
- Yes. Recall 23V534000 covers 2017-2022 Niro and 2018-2022 Niro Plug-in Hybrid vehicles for a hydraulic clutch actuator fluid leak that can affect engine operation, most relevant to the 2019 model year.
- How many complaints does the Kia Niro PHEV have overall?
- Across 2018-2025, NHTSA lists 68 total complaints and 3 recall campaigns for the Niro PHEV, with Transmission & Powertrain issues making up 38% of all complaints.