2018 Kia Niro Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
GoodComplaint Index
25/100
#7 most-complained of 9 Niro years
The 2018 Kia Niro ranks 7th of 9 model years with a Complaint Index of 25 and a "Good" verdict relative to other Niro years. NHTSA lists 60 complaints, 3 recalls, and 5 crashes, with Electrical System, Engine, and Transmission & Powertrain each accounting for 32% of complaints.
- Complaints
- 60
- Recalls
- 3
- Crashes / fires
- 5 / 0
- Injuries / deaths
- 4 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 47.5
- 49.5 city / 45 hwy
Top 2018 Kia Niro problems
NHTSA owner 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%)
What owners report
- Owners report the automatic emergency braking system failing to stop the vehicle in time, leading to collisions.
- Some describe pressing the brake pedal and feeling little to no resistance or stopping power, even at highway speeds.
- Backup camera reportedly takes several seconds to activate when shifting into reverse, delaying visibility while backing up.
- Rodents chewing through the wiring harness has been reported shortly after purchase, at low mileage.
- Owners describe sudden loss of engine power while driving, with acceleration not responding until the engine is turned off and restarted.
- Door handles have reportedly popped off or fallen off while the vehicle was parked and unlocked.
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 based on complaints?
- Relative to other Niro model years, the 2018 has a Complaint Index of 25 and ranks 7th worst out of 9 years, earning a "Good" verdict. It has fewer complaints (60) than the 2017 (82) but more than several later years.
- What are the most common problems on the 2018 Kia Niro?
- NHTSA data shows Electrical System, Engine, and Transmission & Powertrain each make up 32% of complaints, while Brakes account for 10% with 4 reported crashes.
- Does the 2018 Kia Niro have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2018 Niro, covering the Transmission & Powertrain (hydraulic clutch actuator fluid leak) and Fuel System (Power Relay Assembly connection issues) twice.
- What year Kia Niro should I avoid instead of 2018?
- Based on Complaint Index, the 2022 (75), 2023 (100), and 2024 (88) Niro years carry an "Avoid" verdict, all higher than the 2018's index of 25.
- How is fuel economy on the 2018 Kia Niro?
- EPA rates the 2018 Niro at 47.5 mpg combined (49.5 city, 45 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $1,350.