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Electrical systemPart report

2020 Kia Niro Electrical system Problems

Complaints
8about this part
Share
21%of 39 total for the year
Median mileage
—not reported
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the electrical system of the 2020 Kia Niro, 21% of the 39 complaints for this model year. 1 a fire, according to the filers.

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.

“I own a 2020 Kia Niro PHEV. In October 2024, my dealership performed Technical Service Bulletin SA512 on my vehicle addressing the inverter coolant system. I was not informed at that time that the issue was likely to recur or that periodic maintenance would be required. In March 2026, the inverter coolant warning light returned. I brought the vehicle back to the dealership, where I was told the coolant had crystallized. …”

NHTSA complaint #11727309, filed 2026-03

“There were no symptoms prior to the warning message and warning symbol on the dash. Warning message was Check EV System . I took my car to the dealer immediately. The dealer has had my car for 3 1/2 months, since Sept 12, 2025. Now the field tech from Kia, on 12/22/25, says that the Electric Power Control Unit (EPCU) needs to be replaced. This could have cause the vehicle to stop in the middle of traffic and cause an accident.”

NHTSA complaint #11706924, filed 2025-12

“10.25 audio head unit. UVO no longer connects so that 911 and roadside assistance can not be reached. This is a known problem with 2019 and early 2020 Kia Niro's part# 96160-Q4210. I spoke to the Kia UVO Call Center and they confirmed that my unit is not communicating and has not since Dec. 2021. As I usually drive just around town I have not used UVO, but now that I'm on the road I need to be able to use this feature. I'm attaching a quote for a replacement unit”

NHTSA complaint #11734752, filed 2026-04

“2020 Kia Niro was driving fine until one day while driving down the highway at highway speeds (65-70 mph), the car began to lose power and as we switched lanes to get to the side of the highway, the car began to smoke and caught on fire. Our safety was at risk due to the car catching on fire. The problem is unable to be reproduced as the car is a total loss. Vehicle was inspected by police at the scene. There were no warning lights, and the vehicle had been in working condition prior to the incident. …”

NHTSA complaint #11640082, filed 2025-02

“One night the tailgate latch began clicking, locking and unlocking itself and then not latching closed, causing the inside light to remain on and the tailgate open indicator to display on the display panel. Then it just went dead and would not open at all, even if using the specific tailgate open key on the key fob. Then a few weeks later while driving on an empty street very slowly as I was turning a corner, with no warning the back windshield suddenly made a loud noise and then spontaneously shattered. I got out and looked around and there was no one else around or any other cars driving by. …”

NHTSA complaint #11720581, filed 2026-02

Related service bulletins

Electrical system: other model years

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

Other parts of the 2020 Kia Niro

Engine
9 complaintsOther or unknown
9 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
8 complaintsBrakes
5 complaintsForward collision avoidance
5 complaintsAir bags
2 complaintsBack-over prevention (rear camera)
2 complaintsEngine cooling
2 complaintsFuel system
2 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
2 complaintsHybrid propulsion system
1 complaintsSeats
1 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2020 Kia Niro

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