2018 Kia Niro Phev Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 31%of 13 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 10,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the engine of the 2018 Kia Niro Phev, 31% of the 13 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 10,000 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Vehicle randomly flashes message to check hybrid system. Warning message disappear after vehicle reset but the message has repeatedly come up very often now. Message pops up during many different scenarios: after charging, before charging, while charging, and during operation.”
NHTSA complaint #11190496, filed 2019-03, 15,000 miles“2018 Kia niro plug-in hybrid, 16,235mi. Vehicle has been in 5 times in last several months for a total of over 30 days in shop. Transmission will do a very hard downshift intermittently when stopping. Makes vehicle dip hard..noticeable on dash cam video. On harder acceleration, power train has trouble deciding what to do and often there is a noticeable delay in acceleration. Feels sort of like it is slipping, but is a delay in powering the electric motor fully and starting the gas motor.this has caused a couple close calls when pulling into traffic expecting the car to react appropriately. …”
NHTSA complaint #11299943, filed 2020-01, 5,000 miles“In July 2023, Kia identified a defect that can increase the risk of an engine compartment fire while driving; namely that the printed circuit board in the hydraulic clutch actuator may become contaminated with fluid and lead to an electrical short circuit. To date, there is still no remedy available. I am filing this complaint for your assistance in ensuring the company provides a remedy within a reasonable time.”
NHTSA complaint #11563151, filed 2024-01“Year/Make/Model: 2018 Kia Niro Hybrid Mileage at time of incident: approximately 69,000 Component: Hybrid Propulsion System / Powertrain My 2018 Kia Niro Hybrid has experienced five recurring Hybrid System Failure — Turn Off Engine errors occurring without warning while the vehicle was being operated. Each occurrence rendered the gas engine ineffective in moving the vehicle, creating an immediate safety hazard. The driver was forced to quickly navigate to safety each time. The vehicle has been brought to the dealership four times for this issue — February 25, May 4, May 15, and May 30, 2025. …”
NHTSA complaint #11741362, filed 2026-06Engine: other model years
Other parts of the 2018 Kia Niro Phev
6 complaintsElectrical system
2 complaintsOther or unknown
2 complaintsBody and structure
2 complaintsVehicle speed control
2 complaintsAir bags
1 complaintsBrakes
1 complaintsElectronic stability control
1 complaintsForward collision avoidance
1 complaintsFuel system
1 complaintsSuspension
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2018 Kia Niro Phev
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology