2021 Kia Niro Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
BestComplaint Index
0/100
#9 most-complained of 9 Niro years
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
The 2021 Kia Niro ranks 9th out of 9 model years, with a complaint index of 0 and only 9 complaints total, earning it a 'Best' verdict relative to other Niro years. It has one recall, tied to a transmission clutch actuator fault.
- Complaints
- 9
- Recalls
- 1
- Crashes / fires
- 1 / 0
- Injuries / deaths
- 1 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 49
- 51 city / 46 hwy
Top 2021 Kia Niro problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine3 (33%)
- Transmission & Powertrain3 (33%)
- Electrical System2 (22%)
- Other2 (22%)
- Visibility & Wipers2 (22%)
What owners report
- Owners report the gas pedal snapping off during low-speed maneuvers, causing sudden uncontrollable acceleration.
- Some describe a reflective dashboard trim strip that creates glare and blocks the view of the side mirror.
- One owner reported the sunroof suddenly exploding while driving on a highway, leaving a hole in the glass.
- Owners mention lingering electrical concerns tied to a recall for the hydraulic clutch actuator, with worries about fire risk.
- Some describe a clattering noise from the EV motor and drivetrain that speeds up and slows down with acceleration.
- A few report the dual clutch transmission intermittently failing to disengage, causing the vehicle to try to move forward while braking.
2021 Kia Niro 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.
2021 Kia Niro fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 51 MPG
- Highway
- 46 MPG
- Combined
- 49 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $1,300
- 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.
2021 compared with other Niro years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2021 Kia Niro reliable?
- Among Niro model years, 2021 ranks best, with a complaint index of 0 and only 9 NHTSA complaints, the lowest complaint index of any year covered.
- What problems does the 2021 Kia Niro have?
- NHTSA complaints point to the Engine and Transmission & Powertrain as the top problem areas, each accounting for 33% of complaints, followed by Electrical System and Visibility & Wipers issues, each at 22%.
- Does the 2021 Kia Niro have any recalls?
- Yes, one recall (campaign 23V534000) covers a hydraulic clutch actuator that can leak fluid onto the circuit board, potentially causing engine problems. It is not a do-not-drive recall.
- How does the 2021 Niro compare to other years?
- The 2021 Niro has a complaint index of 0, far below the 2023 Niro's index of 100 and the 2022 Niro's index of 75, both rated Avoid, making 2021 the strongest year in the lineup.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2021 Kia Niro?
- EPA rates the 2021 Kia Niro at 49 mpg combined, 51 mpg city and 46 mpg highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $1,300.