I own a 2021 Kia Niro. The rear backup camera intermittently fails to operate. When shifting into reverse, the display screen will either go completely black or the camera will not activate at all. This issue occurs unpredictably and without warning. As a result, I am unable to see behind the vehicle when reversing, which creates a significant safety concern. The lack of rear visibility increases the risk of a collision, especially in areas with pedestrians, children, or low-visibility obstacles. I am aware that similar rearview camera failures have led to recalls for certain Kia Niro EV models; however, my vehicle is not included in those recalls. Despite this, my vehicle is experiencing the same or a very similar issue. The problem has occurred multiple times from 2023-now and does not appear to be related to specific weather, lighting, or driving conditions. This defect poses a serious safety risk and should be investigated for potential inclusion in a broader recall.
The worst 2021 Kia Niro problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Transmission3
- Electrical2
- Engine2
- Visibility2
- Acceleration1
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Transmission3
- Electrical2
- Engine2
- Visibility2
- Acceleration1
Recalls 1
Power train: automatic transmission: internal: clutches/bands: actuators/solenoids
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- A fire increases the risk of injury.
- 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.
Recall number 23V534000 · Recall details
See all 1 recalls for the 2021 Kia Niro
Defect investigations
Pedestrian alert sounds
the federal safety agency received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles. The standard applies to hybrid and electric vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 KG or less or are defined as low-speed vehicles. The standard became fully applicable to all such vehicles manufactured on or after March 1, 2021.On January 27, 2023, the federal safety agency opened Defect Petition (DP) 22-005 to evaluate the subject matter described in the petition. On June 24, 2023 and as supplemented on June 25, 2023, the petitioner notified the federal safety agency he was withdrawing his petition. The petitioner indicated that, based on his review of data, there is no justification for asserting potential benefits that could be derived from actions sought by my petition. Based on the petitioner's withdrawal, DP22-005 is closed. Closure of this DP does not represent a determination by the federal safety agency regarding the subject matter of the petition.
DP22005
Technical service bulletins for the 2021 Kia Niro 53
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Partial repair – electrical a/c compressor
- Product improvement campaign: BMS battery diagnostic logic improvement (PI2603)
- Infotainment system software update using update.kia.com
- Infotainment software update procedure
- Pitstop: technical operations: external damage to ultrasonic sensor
- Transmission fluid application guide
- Kia connect modem reset (SA611)
- Display audio 2.0V/AVN5W software update
- AVN 5.0 wide dealer mode factory reset
- AVN 5.0 wide non-responsive radio icon (AM, FM, sxm)
2021 Kia Niro fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.6L 4‑cyl Hybrid | FWD | 46-53 | 40-48 | 43-50 |
| 1.6L 4‑cyl Plug-in hybrid | FWD | 48 | 44 | 46 |
| Electric motor Electric 239 mi range | FWD | 123 | 102 | 112 MPGe |
What 2021 Kia Niro owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
This is a hybrid vehicle. It has Dual clutch transmission. Since I have owned it, intermittently the clutch does not disengage completely. This causes the vehicle to try to pull ahead but my foot is on the brake. The vehicle does not stall. Somehow it figures out it can't pull ahead and somehow fully releases. I have brought it to kia at least 3 times. In each case they tell me they cNt get the car to fail and since there are no codes produced they can't fix it. They even held onto the car several days. I asked them to please replace SOMETHING but the say Kia policy will not allow them to do that. So I am stuck with a car that keeps misbehaving. It is embarrassing because problems occur while a passenger is in the car and it seems to them that I am not driving correctly. I don't know what to do.
EV motor and drive train have a clattering noise, much like a playing card attached to a bicycle clattering against the wheel spokes. it speeds up and slows down with the acceleration of the motor.
I was backing out of a tandem parking spot in a private garage and got too close to a pillar, and tried to pull forward into the spot. It felt like the car got snagged on the pillar, but while pulling forward slowly, the gas pedal snapped off and the car accelerated quickly and uncontrollably. I was able to avoid hitting other cars but drove straight into a concrete wall despite immediately braking. I'm relatively uninjured, but if it had happened in a less controlled environment and/or I hadn't reacted as quickly, there could have been serious injuries to myself or others. There was no indication of an issue prior, and the car is currently in storage with my insurance company and will be appraised next week. I have photos of the broken pedal.
I received important safety recall letter for the federal safety agency recall # 23V534. the HCA & or Fuse might need to be replaced . I brought the 2021 Nero to my local Kia dealership, Eagle kia ,Riverhead NY on January 18th. The dealership still has the vehicle & claims that a code came up when they did the diagnostics That requires a part that must be secured to complete the fix for the recall. they claim they are awaiting approval from kia corporate & the federal safety agency to add to the technical bulletin. But their is no timeframe they have or when this additional part will be available. The dealership has the fuses & Harness for the HCA replacement, but needs this additional part. I asked what the # of this part is or name, but all they would tell me TBT.
Problem has not been remedied. What is my recourse? How long do I have to drive around worried about the car going on fire?
Vehicle is available for inspection upon request. HEV light lit up on dashboard and a warning message was displayed alerting me to immediately pull over and turn off the vehicle. At the same time the vehicle was not responding and acceleration became troubling and with marked hesitation. After waiting several minutes I attemped to turn the vehicle on again but the warning light and alarm went off. Vehicle is currently at the dealership but they have not offer a solution or even a temporary remedy.
While driving on a major highway, my sunroof suddenly exploded. Luckily the screen was pulled shut otherwise I would have been covered in glass. I was able to drive to the next exit and park the vehicle to then get out and observe the damage. There was a gaping hole in the sunroof. I called a tow who brought me to a Kia dealership. I explained what happened and after inspecting the car the dealership told me it was road debris that caused the issue. I did not see or hear anything hit my car prior to the explosion of the sunroof and I question their findings that it was debris related.
There is a silver strip of "trim" running completely across the dashboard just above the radio controls. It is so reflective that a glare occurs periodically throughout the day when the sun hits it. It's so bad that it blocks the left side mirror with the reflection and can even blind the driver. This needs to be addressed by Kia. Easy solution is to have Kia remove the strips, paint them black, and re-install them.
Compare the 2021 Kia Niro
Other model years
Questions about the 2021 Kia Niro
Is the 2021 Kia Niro reliable?
Owners have filed 9 complaints about the 2021 Kia Niro, fewer than a typical Niro model year.
What is the 2021 Kia Niro year score?
The 2021 Kia Niro scores 93 out of 100 (good). The score compares it with the other model years of the Kia Niro: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.
What is the most common problem with the 2021 Kia Niro?
Transmission and drivetrain, with 3 complaints. Next is electrical (2).
How many recalls does the 2021 Kia Niro have?
1 recall, covering power train.
Was there a recall on the 2021 Kia Niro transmission?
Yes, 1 recall: 23V534000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the Kia Niro have bad transmission?
The Kia Niro model years with the most transmission complaints are 2019 (22 complaints), 2017 (19 complaints) and 2018 (19 complaints).
What gas mileage does the 2021 Kia Niro get?
Official estimates for the 2021 Kia Niro range from 43 to 50 mpg combined. The most efficient version (1.6L 4-cyl hybrid, FWD) gets 46-53 city and 40-48 highway.
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