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Electrical systemPart report

2018 Kia Niro Electrical system Problems

Complaints
18about this part
Share
30%of 60 total for the year
Median mileage
1,927miles
Trend
RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 18 complaints about the electrical system of the 2018 Kia Niro, 30% of the 60 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 1,927 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“Rear hatch indicator suddenly comes on while driving and rear hatch opens on own. Even after hard slamming shut hatch is not latching all the time and randomly loosening and opening on its own. Loud rattle is also coming from rear of vehicle. This is a newly purchased automobile.”

NHTSA complaint #11129850, filed 2018-09, 250 miles

“Wiring harness chewed up by rodents 6 weeks after buying car new. Only 1900 miles on car. Car was parked between '01 toyota tacoma and '04 f250 diesel, which have been there since new without problems, as was a '06 vw diesel, and a '12 vw diesel, also parked there since new. The use of soy based insulation on the wiring has turned vehicles into rolling food sources. With critical functions now controlled electrically rather than mechanically (throttle transmission and steering), this a major safety hazard, not to mention extremely costly $2000 to $5000 to repair. …”

NHTSA complaint #11081995, filed 2018-03, 1,927 miles

“My kia niro 2018 backup camera takes a few seconds to start up when the vehicle is put in reverse. the time it takes differs from a second to sometimes 5 seconds. I know of accident caused in a McDonalds drive through where someone was backing up but the cam didn't turn on right away and they got in a small accident.”

NHTSA complaint #11761999, filed 2026-09

“On March 28, 2023 the vehicle HEV warning light came on. I called the dealership where I was informed they did not have any mechanics available to look at it until August. No one to work on Hybrid. I then took it to a mechanic shop, And I was informed to take it to the dealer. I could not drive the vehicle. I called KIA, Temple Hills back, I was told if you tow the vehicle here it will just sit. …”

NHTSA complaint #11549759, filed 2023-10

“Driver heated seat shorted out and caused burn to leg. System has not been repaired, will wait to hear from Kia Customer Affairs prior to decision to repair. I was injured by this and have concerns about the safety of the vehicle, will this happen again if a new grid is installed. Kia dealership confirmed that the grid showed high resistivity but also claimed since nothing is melted I couldn't have been burned. The vehicle has only been inspected by the dealership currently. there were and are no indicators, warning lights or messages about the failure available. …”

NHTSA complaint #11709595, filed 2026-01

Related service bulletins

Electrical system: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2025318%
2024330%
20231432%
2022723%
2021222%
2020821%
20191323%
20181830%
20172328%

Other parts of the 2018 Kia Niro

Transmission and drivetrain
19 complaintsEngine
17 complaintsOther or unknown
11 complaintsBrakes
6 complaintsVehicle speed control
4 complaintsBody and structure
3 complaintsExterior lighting
2 complaintsFuel system
2 complaintsAir bags
1 complaintsEngine cooling
1 complaintsSeats
1 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2018 Kia Niro

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 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