2018 Kia Niro Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Good The 2018 Kia Niro ranks 7th out of 9 model years with a complaint index of 25 and a Good verdict. It has 60 complaints, 3 recalls, and no do-not-drive recalls, making it one of the stronger years for this model.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 25/100
- #7 of 9 Niro years
- Verdict
- Good
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 60
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 3
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 5
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 4
- Top issue
- Electrical System
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 47.5
- 49.5 city / 45 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 4 / 0
Top 2018 Kia Niro problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Electrical System19 (32%)
- Engine19 (32%)
- Transmission & Powertrain19 (32%)
- Other11 (18%)
- Brakes6 (10%)
- Structure & Body4 (7%)
- Fuel System2 (3%)
- Airbags1 (2%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Brakes reportedly fail to stop the car fully even with automatic emergency braking engaged or full pedal pressure applied.
- Some drivers report the brake pedal feeling like it has no pressure, sometimes leading to rear-end collisions.
- The backup camera has been reported to take several seconds to activate after shifting into reverse.
- Owners describe rodents chewing through the wiring harness shortly after purchase, causing electrical faults at very low mileage.
- The rear hatch has been reported to open on its own while driving and fail to latch properly after being closed.
- Some owners report the engine losing power suddenly while decelerating, requiring the vehicle to be restarted to regain response.
2018 Kia Niro recalls
3 NHTSA recall campaigns 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.
- NHTSA 22V836000Nov 11, 2022Fuel System27,030 vehicles
Hybrid propulsion system
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Kia Niro hybrid electric vehicles previously recalled under recall 18V-666. The Main Relay within the Power Relay Assembly (PRA) may have inadequate connections between its contacts, causing increased electrical resistance, which can overheat the rear seats.
Risk: Overheated rear seats increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the PRA and replace either the PRA or the Main Relay, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 9, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC256. This recall supersedes NHTSA recall number 18V-666. Vehicles already repaired under the previous recall will need to have the new remedy completed.
- NHTSA 18V666000Sep 25, 2018Fuel System27,030 vehicles
Hybrid propulsion system
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Kia Niro hybrid electric vehicles. The Main Relay within the Power Relay Assembly (PRA) may have inadequate connections between its contacts, causing increased electrical resistance.
Risk: The increased electrical resistance can overheat the rear seat which is above the PRA, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the Power Relay Assembly (PRA) for damage. If no damage is found, the main relay will be replaced. If damage is found, the PRA will be replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began November 23, 2018. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC168.
2018 Kia Niro 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 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2018 Kia Niro reliable?
- NHTSA data gives the 2018 Niro a complaint index of 25 and a Good verdict, ranking 7th out of 9 model years. It has fewer reported problems than the 2017, 2019, and 2023 model years.
- What problems does the 2018 Kia Niro have?
- NHTSA complaints center on the Electrical System, Engine, and Transmission & Powertrain, each accounting for 32% of complaints. Brakes make up 10% of complaints and are linked to 4 of the 5 reported crashes.
- Does the 2018 Kia Niro have any recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2018 Niro, covering the transmission's hydraulic clutch actuator and two fuel system recalls related to the Power Relay Assembly. None are do-not-drive recalls.
- How does the 2018 Niro compare to other years?
- The 2018 Niro's complaint index of 25 is much lower than the 2017 (88), 2019 (75), and 2023 (100) model years, all rated Avoid. The 2021 and 2025 Niro years rate Best with complaint indexes of 0 and 13.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2018 Kia Niro?
- The EPA rates the 2018 Niro at 47.5 mpg combined (49.5 city, 45 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $1,350.