2024 KIA NIRO Complaints

My 2024 Kia Niro Hybrid has experienced multiple issues that I believe should be documented. The vehicle previously displayed an Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) warning. It was taken to an authorized Kia dealership for diagnosis and repair. Although repairs were performed for the EPB-related issue, I am submitting this report so the condition is documented if similar reports are being received from other owners. In addition, the vehicle developed a persistent creaking/clicking noise during forward driving. The noise was not present when the vehicle was new and began after normal use. It is most noticeable during forward driving and is not heard while backing up. The vehicle has been inspected by an authorized Kia dealership on multiple occasions, including a ride-along with a technician. After evaluating the vehicle, the dealership advised that the noise was normal and that the vehicle was functioning as intended. No additional repair was recommended. Although the dealership concluded the noise is normal, I remain concerned because the noise did not exist when the vehicle was new and has persisted. I am submitting this complaint so NHTSA has a record of the issue and can determine whether other owners are reporting similar conditions that may warrant further review.

I was travelling on a road today and was in the right hand lane with adaptive cruise control on. I then switched lanes to the left hand lane (it's only 2 lanes) and the adaptive cruise control was still on. I noticed the car travelling faster than it should be for there being a stopped vehicle ahead. I was prepared to stop on the brakes and luckily I was! The collision warning came on and I immediately applied the brakes. How is it that the collision warning came on before adaptive cruise control came on? This is at least the 3rd time something like this has happened.

The contact owns a 2024 Hyundai Niro Hybrid. The contact stated that while at a stop light the warning message "transmission overheating" had displayed and the vehicle did not drive forward. The contact attempted to push the vehicle offer the road when suddenly the vehicle accelerated forward and drove on the opposite side of the over a curb and drove into oncoming traffic and crashed head on into a second vehicle. The vehicle the drover over a curb and down an embankment and crashed. The failure mileage was 140,000.

The interior surface of the windshield freezes during cold weather operation, beginning at the edges of the windshield and progressing toward the center directly into the driver’s line of sight. This significantly impairs visibility and requires approximately 20–30 minutes of vehicle warming before safe operation is possible. The condition has occurred repeatedly since November under normal winter temperatures. No warning lights or system messages appear prior to the event. The vehicle has fewer than 8,000 miles. The vehicle has been inspected multiple times by authorized dealerships. Three separate dealerships performed diagnostics and preventative service, including cleaning A/C drains and ventilation components; however, the condition persists. Dealership personnel advised they could not open a technical case unless the freezing could be observed in person, which has prevented further escalation because the condition is temperature-dependent. Photos and videos documenting the freezing have been provided to the manufacturer and dealerships. The issue has not been resolved and continues to present a safety concern because driver visibility is obstructed during normal winter driving conditions. The suspected cause is improper windshield installation or sealing allowing moisture intrusion, although the exact failure mechanism remains unconfirmed.

The 12-volt battery system in my 2024 Kia Niro (VIN: [XXX] ) has suffered two total failures in under one year of ownership (approx. 10,000 miles). In both instances, the vehicle was completely unresponsive, with no power to essential systems. Safety Risks and Incidents: 1. [XXX]: Vehicle experienced a total power loss. It would not start and all electrical systems were dead. 2. [XXX]: Identical failure. These failures create a significant safety risk by potentially stranding the driver in hazardous locations and disabling critical safety systems, including hazard lights, power steering assist, and emergency braking. If a total power loss occurs while the vehicle is in motion, it could result in a sudden loss of motive power and control, posing an unreasonable risk of accidents or injury. Dealer/Manufacturer Confirmation: The problem was confirmed by Ourisman Kia of [XXX] ). The dealer replaced the 12-volt battery after identifying diagnostic code D04 ("Insufficient Battery Charge Condition Identified"). Despite proof of regular use (1,000 miles/month), Kia America has denied warranty coverage, claiming "insufficient driving". Warning Symptoms: There were no warning lamps or messages prior to either failure. The vehicle functioned normally until it became completely inoperable. I have since installed a third-party battery monitor to mitigate the risk of being stranded by a third failure. Evidence of Trend: A technician at the dealership noted a similar 12V failure in another new 2024 model (Carnival). Numerous other 2024 Niro owners report identical "parasitic drain" issues on NHTSA and consumer forums, suggesting a systemic manufacturing or software defect in the charging system. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Forward collision system fully activated while driving eastbound in the fast lane on [XXX] . The sun was behind me. No glare. No cars or objects were in front of me or next to me. The dashboard started flashing and warning sounds activated and the car slammed on the brakes itself. The seatbelt locked up and left me bruised. Miraculously, the cars behind me avoided crashing into me while I accelerated out of it. I could have been killed. Dealership minimized my concerns. I don’t want to drive this car ever again unless someone can make sure it doesn’t happen again. This safety feature malfunctioning is a death trap. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

have had a serious issue with my 2025 Kia Niro PHEV. I first reported the problem to the dealer when the car was a few months old and they were of no help. I had an accident as a result of this issue. I was very fortunate that the only result was a completely ruined drivers door. I have had a problem of the car freezing in neutral after starting. It will not turn off or shift. After 5-10 minutes it seems to unfreeze and will allow me to turn it off and start over successfully. This has happened about 6-8 times since I got the car. The dealer was unable to address it since I could not duplicate the problem at the dealership. Aug.25 this happened in my garage. I started to get out of the car as I have done on other occasions when this occurred, and just after I stepped out, it shifted into reverse. I was able to jump in the car and hit the break. The car door (opened) crashed into the wall next to the garage causing extensive damage to the door of the car and to an adjacent bike. Other than a few bruises , I was very fortunate not to have been seriously injured or to have injured someone else. If this had happened in a parking lot, it would have posed serious danger to passerby's and other vehicles.

The contact owns a 2024 Kia Niro. The contact stated that while driving in slow traffic, the vehicle accelerated unintentionally and crashed into the rear of another vehicle. The contact stated that while reversing, the failure recurred and the rear end of the vehicle crashed into the front end of another vehicle. The air bags did not deploy. There was no warning light illuminated. None of the vehicle's occupants sustained injuries. No police report was filed. The contact drove to a nearby safe location, and the vehicle was towed to the dealer. The insurance company then towed the vehicle to a tow lot and inspected the vehicle. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer to be diagnosed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was filed. The manufacturer informed that the contact engineers would be sent to diagnose the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 13,000.

The shiny black interior located on the center console is highly reflective resulting in sun glare shining into your eyes for a large portion of the day. This causes serious visibility issue while driving and is a safety hazard. I reported this issue to the dealership within two weeks of purchasing my car. I have not had the dealership, independent service center, manufacturer, insurance company, or anyone else inspect this issue, but am agreeable to having this issue inspected upon request. There are no indication lights or alert systems related to this issue. Lastly, this issue is a common complaint reported on online platforms. It’s a significant safety issue as it impairs visibility and should be addressed. Thank you for your time.

I have taken the car to Brown-Daub Kia in Easton twice, on May 1, 2025 and May 30, 2025, requesting the safety recall work (SC332) be completed. Both times I have been told they are unable to complete the work because they are unable to connect with Kia in some way.