Does the 2019 Kia Niro 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 the printed circuit board and cause engine complications. Dealers inspect and replace the actuator and install a new fuse free of charge.

How common are transmission problems on the 2019 Kia Niro?

NHTSA lists 22 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2019 Niro, which is 39% of all 56 complaints filed for that model year — the highest percentage among Niro model years shown in the data.

At what mileage do 2019 Niro transmission problems usually show up?

The median mileage at failure among reported cases is 54,700 miles, though some owners reported symptoms as early as 9,000 to 23,000 miles.

Did the 2019 Niro transmission issue cause any crashes or injuries?

No. NHTSA data for this component and model year shows 0 crashes, 0 fires, and 0 injuries reported.

2019 Kia Niro Transmission & Powertrain Problems

NHTSA lists 22 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2019 Kia Niro, 39% of its 56 total complaints — the highest share of any Niro model year. A related recall (23V534000) covers a hydraulic clutch actuator fluid leak. Median mileage at failure was 54,700.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints: 22; 39% of 56
Crashes reported: 0
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 0
Median mileage: 54,700 mi
Related recalls: 1

Typical transmission symptoms owners report

Owners describe the car jerking or lurching forward with a loud bang, clack, or scraping noise when coming to a stop, sometimes only once every 15 stops.
Some drivers report a pause or hesitation on acceleration from a stop, followed by a sudden lunge forward that feels like being hit from behind.
At least one owner said the vehicle unexpectedly moved forward while the gear indicator showed reverse.
Multiple owners tie the jerking and noise to the hydraulic clutch actuator covered by recall 23V534000, with some reporting long waits for repair parts.
One owner reported the vehicle lost power and stopped unpredictably in a traffic lane, requiring a tow.

When 2019 Kia Niro transmission complaints were filed

First complaint Oct 18, 2019, latest Sep 16, 2026.

22 complaints filed with NHTSA from Oct 2019 to Sep 2026; peak Apr 2021 (2).

Transmission & Powertrain recalls for the 2019 Kia Niro

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.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints by Niro model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

201719 (23%)
201819 (32%)
201922 (39%)
20208 (21%)
20213 (33%)
20224 (13%)
20236 (14%)
20241 (11%)
20251 (6%)

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2019 Kia Niro 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 the printed circuit board and cause engine complications. Dealers inspect and replace the actuator and install a new fuse free of charge.
How common are transmission problems on the 2019 Kia Niro?: NHTSA lists 22 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2019 Niro, which is 39% of all 56 complaints filed for that model year — the highest percentage among Niro model years shown in the data.
At what mileage do 2019 Niro transmission problems usually show up?: The median mileage at failure among reported cases is 54,700 miles, though some owners reported symptoms as early as 9,000 to 23,000 miles.
Did the 2019 Niro transmission issue cause any crashes or injuries?: No. NHTSA data for this component and model year shows 0 crashes, 0 fires, and 0 injuries reported.