2019 Kia Niro Phev: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 26 owner complaints on record; most reports concern power train; the 2018 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Jul 2023
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 26 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“The contact owns a 2019 Kia Niro PHEV. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V534000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer informed the contact to ship the vehicle to the United States for the repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.”Owner report · Power Train · Aug 2024
“When accelerating from a dead stop, sometimes the car makes a very loud 'clunk' noise and lurches forward. Similar to the feeling when someone drives a manual transmission and takes the clutch out too fast. The car eventually finds the first gear and keeps driving, but this problem happens daily. Maybe around 5-10% of the time after every stop. There are multiple similar complaints on the NHTSA website and on online forums. It is a well-documented issue.”Owner report · Power Train · Jul 2024
“Recall letter from KIA states "WARNING: You may experience illumination of the HEV warning light. If this occurs, pull over to a safe location and contact Kia Roadside Assistance ... to request to have your vehicle towed to the nearest authorized Kia dealership as soon as possible." This implies that the car is not safely driveable if the HEV warning light illuminates. My HEV warning light illuminated, but neither of two local Kia dealerships is willing to take responsibility since the "remedy is not available" from Kia. This means I have lost the safe use of my car for an indefinite period without any compensation from Kia.”Owner report · Engine · Dec 2023
Show 7 more owner reports
“From a stop, I step on the gas quickly and it feels like the transmission has just broken. It causes my pulse to increase and scares and distracts me so much I've almost had an accident a several times. I have scheduled an appointment with Kia to assess the problem. I will provide an update once they have concluded their assessment.”Owner report · Power Train · Jul 2023
“The rubber pad on the brake pedal came off almost causing me not to be able to stop effectively. What was left is a small steel pedal which sometimes is challenging to feel.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Feb 2023
“Received automated message that my engine may be compromised and to schedule maintenance, I took my car to the dealership service that same day. I was advised that the fuel injectors needed replaced, the car still was not working the was advised a cylinder needed to be replaced that did not correct the issues and was advised the engine needed to be replaced on my 2019 Kia Niro PHEV that has 17,801 miles. Dealership has my vehicle now for over 5 weeks With no estimated completion date.”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Aug 2021
“The contact owns a 2019 Kia Niro. The contact stated that while driving at night with the low-beam headlights activated, the illumination was either too bright or improperly position causing the light beam to become visibility hazards to the oncoming drivers. The contact indicated that oncoming motorist constantly flashed their lights indicating that the high-beam headlights were activated even though only the low-beam headlights were illuminated. The cause of the failure was not determined. The contact referenced the NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V771000 (Exterior Lighting). The local dealer was notified of the issue. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 50.”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · Nov 2020
“The vehicle accelerated as if I had pressed on gas pedal when it came to a stop just before putting it in park gear. This is a safety issue, as it can hit someone or something. This happened at about 6400 miles and again at about 6600 miles. Both times it happened in my driveway, which is flat.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Sep 2020
“1. Steering wheel coupler makes a grinding noise when turning and getting louder every day. Dealer claims there is nothing wrong. 2. Toxic nauseating ammonia type fume is emitted from the heater core when the heater is turned on. I have to open windows to be able to drive. Deeker claims nothing is wrong. Both problems reported by other niro owner at kia niro forums.”Owner report · Steering · Mar 2020
“Ongoing issue: randomly from a complete stop, upon acceleration there is a loud clunking noise. As if I am being rear-ended. Possibly the transmission. Happens more often in cold weather when the gas engine is in use more.”Owner report · Power Train · Jan 2020
Recalls - 1 campaign
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.
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.
How other years compare
Counts are not adjusted for time on the road here - see all Niro Phev years ranked fairly for the age-adjusted comparison.
Check your exact Niro Phev by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2019 Kia Niro Phev reliable?
NHTSA has 26 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 2019 Kia Niro Phev. The most complained-about area is power train.
Does the 2019 Kia Niro Phev have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning power train. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.