2019 Kia Niro PHEV Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
AvoidComplaint Index
100/100
#1 most-complained of 8 Niro PHEV years
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
The 2019 Kia Niro PHEV ranks 1st worst out of 8 model years, with a complaint index of 100 and 26 NHTSA complaints, mostly transmission and electrical issues. It carries a Kia recall for a hydraulic clutch actuator fault, earning it an Avoid verdict relative to other Niro PHEV years.
- Complaints
- 26
- Recalls
- 1
- Crashes / fires
- 0 / 0
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- —
Top 2019 Kia Niro PHEV problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Transmission & Powertrain9 (35%)
- Other6 (23%)
- Electrical System5 (19%)
- Engine4 (15%)
- Fuel System3 (12%)
- Brakes2 (8%)
- Steering2 (8%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras1 (4%)
What owners report
- Owners report a delayed or jerking response when accelerating from a stop, often with a loud clunk that feels like being rear-ended.
- Some describe the vehicle briefly moving in the opposite direction of the selected gear if shifted quickly during the system check.
- Steering wheel coupler noise, described as grinding or squealing, was reported during slow turns and while backing up.
- One owner reported brake failure at highway speed after a rear tire blew out, requiring the driver to steer off the road to stop.
- Backup camera image was reported as grainy in low light, with the reverse lighting called inadequate for the camera.
- Forward collision warning was reported to trigger intermittently while the vehicle was stopped, with no fault found by the dealer.
2019 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.
2019 compared with other Niro PHEV years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2019 Kia Niro PHEV reliable?
- Among Niro PHEV model years, 2019 has the highest complaint index (100) and ranks 1st worst out of 8 years tracked by NHTSA, earning an Avoid verdict relative to other years.
- What problems does the 2019 Kia Niro PHEV have?
- NHTSA complaints point mainly to Transmission & Powertrain issues (9 complaints, 35% share, median mileage 800) and Electrical System issues (5 complaints, 19% share, median mileage 275), including clunking on acceleration and camera/lighting faults.
- Does the 2019 Kia Niro PHEV have a recall?
- Yes, one recall campaign (23V534000) covers 2017-2022 Niro and 2018-2022 Niro Plug-in Hybrid vehicles for fluid leaking into the hydraulic clutch actuator's circuit board, which can cause an engine compartment issue; dealers inspect and replace the actuator and install a new fuse.
- How does the 2019 Niro PHEV compare to other years?
- 2019 has a complaint index of 100, higher than 2018 (57, Caution), 2020 (29, Good), 2022 (71, Caution), and 2023 (43, Good), making 2019 the highest-complaint year among the eight tracked.
- At what mileage do 2019 Niro PHEV problems typically appear?
- NHTSA data shows a median mileage of 3,000 for overall failures, with Transmission & Powertrain complaints centering around 800 miles and Electrical System complaints around 275 miles.