2017 Kia Niro recalls and problems

The 2017 Kia Niro has 4 safety recalls and 83 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Kia dealer.

Recalls
4
Complaints
83
Crashes / fires
4 / 5
Injuries / deaths
4 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2017 Kia Niro vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2017 Kia Niro recalls

Recall 23V-534: Power Train

Reported Jul 31, 2023 · 121,411 vehicles affected · Kia America, Inc.

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

Recall 22V-836: Hybrid Propulsion System

Reported Nov 11, 2022 · 27,030 vehicles affected · Kia America, Inc.

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

Recall 18V-666: Hybrid Propulsion System

Reported Sep 25, 2018 · 27,030 vehicles affected · Kia Motors America

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

Recall 18V-257: Hybrid Propulsion System

Reported Apr 20, 2018 · 27,029 vehicles affected · Kia Motors America

Problem: Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017 Kia Niro vehicles. The Hydraulic Clutch Actuator (HCA) inner oil seal may leak, allowing oil to accumulate in the cap area, possibly resulting in an electrical short.

Risk: An electrical short can increase the risk of a fire.

Fix: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the HCA caps for leaked oil and replace the HCA assembly if needed, or replace the HCA cap with additional sealant. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall is expected to begin June 15, 2018. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC163.

2017 Kia Niro problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Engine30
Electrical System23
Power Train19
Unknown or Other12
Fuel/Propulsion System10
Steering7
Structure7
Engine and Engine Cooling4
Air Bags2
Service Brakes2
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)1
Tires1

Most reported parts

  • Structure › Body — 5
  • Electrical System › 12v/24v/48v Battery — 2
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System — 1
  • Structure › Body › Door › Handle › Exterior — 1
  • Lane Departure › Blind Spot Detection — 1
  • Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Evaporative Emissions › Canister — 1
  • Electrical System › Wiring › Fuses and Circuit Breakers — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 50,500 miles (median of owner reports).

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 2017 Kia Niro complaints

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

Engine · reported Oct 30, 2026
Second failure of the EGR cooler on this vehicle in under 90 days. Kia's own Pitstop PS730 (May 2022) identifies internal leakage of the EGR cooler on 2017 to 2022 Niro HEV as the cause of coolant loss, random misfires, and overheating. First failure: coolant tracked through the intake into the cylinders, all-cylinder misfires and loss of power, repaired by Crain Kia of Fayetteville AR on RO 1436350, picked up September 4, 2026, customer paid $1,931.52. Second failure: on October 30, 2026 the same dealer confirmed on video that the replacement EGR cooler it installed September 4 had failed and…
Electrical System · reported Sep 20, 2026
September 18th I had to jump the battery from the 12 volt switch at the drivers side dash. Going to the dealership where I had bought it on August 27th I noticed smoke rolling out from behind the car. I exited off the highway 40 and checked the oil it was clean and full. Water level in radiator was also fine. It smoked several times during the trip but the service department at Parkside Kia was no longer opened so I returned the next morning when I got there they service department technician could not find anything wrong with the battery and he never seen any smoke. Now, I will take it to…
Power Train · reported Sep 14, 2026
The vehicle's hydraulic clutch actuator (HCA) has failed and is actively leaking fluid onto the printed circuit board (PCB), creating an immediate electrical short and engine bay fire hazard. This failure is identical to the defect detailed in Safety Recall SC276 (NHTSA Campaign 23V534). As indicated by a search of my VIN, the vehicle was brought in by us previously when we learned there was a recall, and the recall was officially marked "completed" in the NHTSA database. However, the dealership at the time claimed the vehicle was not affected by the recall, stating there was nothing wrong.…
Electrical System · reported Aug 27, 2026
My 2017 Kia Niro has developed a serious hybrid system failure that causes the vehicle to shut off unexpectedly while driving. For about a month, the car would only start using the “12V Battery Reset” button. Now it starts, but after driving a short distance, the vehicle loses power and shuts off without warning. The only way to restart it is by pressing the reset button again. The AC and accessories continue to run, and the high‑voltage battery appears to charge normally, but the car cannot maintain 12V power under load. This is consistent with a DC‑DC converter or 12V subsystem…
Service Brakes · reported Aug 1, 2026
2017 Kia Niro Hybrid subject to Safety Recall SC276 (NHTSA Campaign 23V534) for the Hydraulic Clutch Actuator (HCA). Fluid contamination of the HCA PCB can cause an electrical short and engine compartment fire risk. Official remedy is HCA inspection/replacement as necessary plus a new fuse. Three dealer visits: Shortly after purchase for SC276 recall and routine service. Dealer performed HCA Inspect/Replace, reported no problem codes, and replaced the fuse. After sudden complete loss of propulsion on the freeway at 60-65 mph with a passenger. Engine RPM rose sharply as if in neutral. No…

Other Kia Niro years

Compare all Kia Niro years · All Kia models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2017 Kia Niro have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2017 Kia Niro: 23V-534 (power train), 22V-836 (hybrid propulsion system), 18V-666 (hybrid propulsion system), 18V-257 (hybrid propulsion system). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2017 Kia Niro?

Owners report engine problems most often (30 reports), followed by electrical system (23). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 50,500 miles.

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.