2018 Kia Niro PHEV Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
CautionComplaint Index
57/100
#4 most-complained of 8 Niro PHEV years
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
The 2018 Kia Niro PHEV has 13 owner complaints and 1 safety recall on file with NHTSA. Its Complaint Index is 57 out of 100 — #4 highest of 8 Niro PHEV model years (verdict: Caution). The most reported problem area is transmission & powertrain (6 complaints, 46% of the total). Complaints report 1 crash.
- Complaints
- 13
- Recalls
- 1
- Crashes / fires
- 1 / 0
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 47.5
- 49.5 city / 45 hwy
Top 2018 Kia Niro PHEV problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Transmission & Powertrain6 (46%)
- Engine5 (38%)
- Brakes2 (15%)
- Electrical System2 (15%)
- Other2 (15%)
- Structure & Body2 (15%)
- Airbags1 (8%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras1 (8%)
- Fuel System1 (8%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires1 (8%)
2018 Kia Niro PHEV recalls
1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.
- NHTSA 23V534000Jul 31, 2023Transmission & Powertrain121,411 vehicles
Power train:automatic transmission:internal:clutches/bands:actuators/solenoids
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.
Risk: 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.
2018 Kia Niro PHEV fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 49.5 MPG
- Highway
- 45 MPG
- Combined
- 47.5 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $1,350
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2018 compared with other Niro PHEV years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2018 Kia Niro PHEV a reliable year?
- Judged by NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2018 Kia Niro PHEV ranks #4 of 8 among Niro PHEV model years (Complaint Index 57/100, verdict: Caution). It has 13 complaints and 1 recalls on file. This reflects reported safety-related problems, not an overall reliability rating.
- What are the most common problems with the 2018 Kia Niro PHEV?
- The most reported problem areas are transmission & powertrain (6 complaints), engine (5 complaints), and brakes (2 complaints). The median mileage at the time of failure in complaints that report it is 11,000 miles.
- Does the 2018 Kia Niro PHEV have any recalls?
- Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for the 2018 Kia Niro PHEV, most recently reported 2023, covering transmission & powertrain.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2018 Kia Niro PHEV?
- EPA rates the 2018 Kia Niro PHEV at 47.5 MPG combined (49.5 city / 45 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $1,350. Where several configurations exist, the median is shown.