2021 Kia Niro EV recalls and problems

The 2021 Kia Niro EV has 1 safety recall and 2 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Kia dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

Crashes / fires

0 / 0

Injuries / deaths

0 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2021 Kia Niro EV vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2021 Kia Niro EV recalls

Recall 25V-426: Back Over Prevention

Reported Jun 20, 2025 · 11,327 vehicles affected · Kia America, Inc.

Problem: Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Niro EV vehicles. The circuit board for the rearview camera may become damaged and cause the rearview camera image not to display. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Risk: A rearview image that does not display reduces the driver's view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will replace the rearview camera, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 7, 2025. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC342.

2021 Kia Niro EV problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Back Over Prevention	1
Service Brakes	1

Most reported parts

Back Over Prevention › Back-Up Alarm — 1

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2021 Kia Niro EV complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Service Brakes · reported May 28, 2025

The rear brake rotors on the vehicle are pitted, as confirmed by a local repair shop. The "incident" is ongoing. Kia refuses to repair or replace them under warranty (25,500 miles on the car), claiming they are wear item. However, pitting is not wear, in fact quite the opposite. My analysis (30+ yrs in the auto business): As an EV, regenerative braking means the actual brake systems are rarely used. Noise at low speeds prompted the inspection at a local shop. Braking under high speeds does not result in noise, telling me the system relies too heavily on the front brakes. The result is the rear…

Back Over Prevention · reported Jul 30, 2021

I'm a new Niro Ev driver. The VESS noise when reversing the vehicle is very loud. It is too loud, I live in close proximity to neighbors and have to get up early for work and the sound is a major nuisance, I would not want a neighbor that has this car . I understand VESS in place for safety but the reverse backup beeping is just a step down from a garbage truck backing up, especially in the silence of a residential neighborhood in the early AM hours. Furthermore, I and others as seen on web forums will reverse faster than we normally would do to be able to take the car out of reverse as…

Other Kia Niro EV years

2025 2024 2023 202220212020 2019

Compare all Kia Niro EV years · All Kia models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2021 Kia Niro EV have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2021 Kia Niro EV: 25V-426 (back over prevention). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2021 Kia Niro EV?

Owners report back over prevention problems most often (1 reports), followed by service brakes (1).

Are Kia recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Kia dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.