Owners have filed 16 complaints with NHTSA about this car, most about the automatic emergency braking and suspension. The 9 checks below target those problems, in the order you would do them at the car.
2025Tick items off on your phone at the car, or print it. Ticks stay on this device.
0/9 checked
2025 Kia Niro: inspection sheet
Before you go, or before you touch the car0/2
Engine off, key in hand0/2
Ask the seller not to warm the car up first0/1
At least 20 minutes, with some highway0/4
These checks are specific to this model year. For tires, body panels, fluids, and the other basics every used car needs, use the general inspection guide.
These years share the 2025's design and most of its parts, so their problems are the ones to look for on this car too.
Worth adding to your 2025 checks
EPA figures for each version of the 2025 Kia Niro. Use them to confirm you are looking at the version that was advertised, and as a yardstick on the test drive.
| Version | Drive | EPA rating |
|---|---|---|
| Electric | FWD | 253 mi range |
| 1.6L 4-cylHybrid | FWD | 53 mpg |
| 1.6L 4-cylPlug-in hybrid | FWD | 510 mi range |
NHTSA complaints for the 2025 Kia Niro, grouped by the part owners named. Open a row to read what goes wrong.
The driver-assist systems sometimes fail to react to vehicles ahead. One crash report says the front collision sensor gave no warning at night but seemed to work in daylight, and the air bags did not deploy. Another describes adaptive cruise control holding 45 mph while closing on slower traffic, with no braking and no alert. Both reports point to a real collision risk if the driver trusts the system and stops watching the road.
A loud, constant groaning noise was traced to shredded rack and pinion gears. The same filing also reports high RPM at low speeds, a random switch to manual mode, a transmission replaced twice, and over 4 months at the dealer. A second report describes tires wearing out oddly by the second oil change on a car driven mostly on the highway. New tires and an alignment were needed, and the dealer refused responsibility. Neither filing reports a crash.
Excerpts from complaints Niro owners filed with NHTSA, as written. Listen for the same symptoms on your test drive.
I purchased this vehicle new from the dealer last year. The second time I went to them for an oil change the tires were worn out oddly and needed to be replaced. They said the car needed an alignment that I had to pay for. I purchased replacement tires from another shop and had the alignment paid for at another shop. The dealer refused any responsibility. This vehicle has not been in any accidents and miles driven are highway miles
Filed with NHTSA, July 2026
Complaints for this year next to the average for the other model years, area by area.
The 2025 has the most owner complaints of the 2 Niro years we cover, about 1.8 times the average of the others. Newer years have had less time to collect complaints, so compare like with like.
Redesigns and mid-cycle updates change what can go wrong.
The 2025 is the third model year of the Niro's second generation (2023 on).
Kia updated the Niro for 2026, so a 2025 does not have those changes.
What changed for 2026 (not on a 2025)
Recall repairs are free at any Kia dealer, but the seller may never have had them done. Check each campaign number against the VIN.
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023-2025 Niro EV, Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV), and Hybrid vehicles. The floor wiring assembly beneath the front passenger seat may become damaged, which can prevent the front air bags and seat belts from deploying properly or cause an unintended side curtain air bag deployment.
Risk: Air bags and seat belts that deploy improperly or an air bag deploying unintentionally can increase the risk of injury in a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect, replace and reroute the floor wiring assembly, as necessary, free of charge. In addition, dealers will install wiring covers. Owner notification letters were mailed February 27, 2025. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC332.
Cars shoppers compare with the Kia Niro, with their own 2025 checklists.
2025 owner complaints, side by side
