2018 KIA NIRO Engine Problems

Just before Hurricane Helene, I brought my 2018 Kia Niro Hybrid to Asheville Kia (NC) after noticing coolant loss and white smoke coming from the exhaust. The dealership charged me $1,400 for a repair involving new gaskets and the EGR cooler. Within a month, the same symptoms returned. I returned to the dealership and explained I believed the original issue had not been resolved. I had done research and found reports of similar problems in other Niro Hybrids. I specifically mentioned the coolant heat exchanger as a possible source, but they dismissed my input and pushed a $3,500 muffler system replacement. I asked for diagnostic proof, and they initially showed a photo of the muffler with no visible leak. Later, they claimed a "small leak" was found during a pressure test — but the symptoms didn’t align. I then took the vehicle to John’s Kwik Lube in Spruce Pine, NC,...

Known issues with wiring cause check engine light to come on and also now the door open sensors to stay on. Just paid $800 for a known issue to the wiring that a Kia technical bulletin wss issued for, however the cost was left to the customer.

Internal combustion engine coolant leaking out exhaust. The heat exchanger located in the catalytic converter system is leaking, leading to the ICE coolant draining. This leads to the engine overheating, and damage. Signs of the issue started with the coolant level lowering quickly, then the car heater stopped working. This confirmed by an independent mechanic.

The contact owns a 2018 Kia Niro. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the vehicle was shuddering and failed to start. The battery charge was low. The HEV warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer informed the contact that a field expert would be determining the cause of the failure. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 140,000.

Coolant leak within the heat exchanger of the catalytic converter. Increases likelihood of overheating and engine damage. Especially when driving long distances, or within heavy traffic. Increases emissions as burning off coolant within exhaust.

Fire warning recall notice issued in July 2023. Follow up with both Kia and with Kia dealership that I purchased the vehicle from still says that there is no fix to this problem. THE PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD (PCB) IN THE HYDRAULIC CLUTCH ACTUATOR (HCA) MAY BECOME CONTAMINATED WITH FLUID. A FLUID-CONTAMINATED PCB MAY LEAD TO AN ELECTRICAL SHORT CIRCUIT, THEREBY INCREASING THE RISK OF AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE WHILE DRIVING. With the potential of a fire risk while driving, why is the manufacturer not required to remedy this situation in a more timely manner. It has been over 6 months since the recall was issued yet the manufacturer is allowed to continue producing vehicles but not required to repair those vehicles that may be affected and cause significant risks to the driver at potentially other property. NHTSA should mandate inspection and repairs of recalled vehicles which should take a priority...

Nothing has happened yet, but I am very concerned about my car catching on fire due to the recall notice I received. I want it fixed ASAP!

Got the recall letter but kia dealer and customer service have no info about when the remedy will be available. This is a major issue as I need to sell the car now to use the cash for other urgent matters. Dont even think the dealer will give a decent wholesale amount or take them on a trade. It is lowering the value and decreasing the demand as its a safety hazard for the vehicle which isnt fair . How long are they legally allowed to drag this out with no compensation to all those waiting ? Is there a class action suit ? Thank you for your help ! [XXX] [XXX] or cell [XXX] . INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

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. April 8, 2023 had it towed to another shop, the mechanic stated he thought it was the battery, which I was informed hybrid has 3 batteries, to check with the dealer to see if they had them, or could order one. Called the dealership Temple Hills, stathat they had never heard of a battery for that car. I was told to call back next week, after he spoke with...

The contact owns a 2018 Kia Niro. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine revved up. The contact stated that the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle was slow to respond. Eventually, the vehicle shifted into gear and started to move. The contact stated that the check HEV and turn off engine error messages were displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that a faulty engine clutch activator needed to be replaced. The mechanic informed the contact that the vehicle was not covered under a recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V534000 (Power Train). The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

HEV warning light on, car monitor says possible MCU failure. I just bought this car. This car is in perfect condition, no accidents all service actions in order but the warning lights make it seem like the electric engine is about to fail.

The car can slow down suddenly in the middle of traffic even if I accelerate. The engine has a problem according to the mechanics who was trying to fix my car twice without succes. The car does not hold coolant liquid for more than 15 minutes. It looks like the coolant is staying somewhere in the engine. It overheats too. Yes the car is available for inspection upon request. It's a high risk because the car can suddenly slow down in the middle of traffic or when leaving a light turned green. And the last time I drove it there a weird smell. Yes, an independant service center located at College Park Maryland informed me about the issue. The vheicle or compenent has not been inspected yet by the manufacturer, police, insurance representative or others. When the car starts slowing down in the middle of traffic, I feel a kind...

On Kia Niro, there is a part called the Exhaust Heat Recovery System (EHRS). This part pumps coolant into the exhaust system. If this particular piece fails, coolant in then pumped into the exhaust, burned up, and exits through the tail pipe. This piece failed on my car, which lead to coolant being burned in the tailpipe without my knowledge, which ultimately lead to no coolant in the engine and overheating and breaking down on the highway. After a full engine replacement, my car is still rapidly going through coolant. I imagine that this could lead to a car fire. I still have the faulty part installed in my car, however I am looking to replace it asap. While not 100% confirmed, my dealer is "pretty sure" that piece is what is causing the rapid loss of coolant in my car. This piece has not been inspected by the manufacturer,...

I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY. AFTER SLOWED DOWN AND STOPPED COMPLETELY, SUDDENLY IT LOSE POWER TO RUN. TRYING TO STEP DEEPER THE GAS PEDAL, BUT NO REACTION AT ALL. AFTER TURN OFF AND TURN ON ENGINE FEW TIMES, IT CAN RUN AGAIN, BUT THIS TIME, THE REAL PROBLEM OCCUR. THE ENGINE SOUNDS SO LOUD..IT'S HYBRID CAR SUPPOSED TO SO QUIET (THAT'S WHAT SOUNDS USUALLY). LATER ON, I FOUND OUT HOW TO STILL CAN DROVE IT, BUT WITH HIGH RISK SUDDENLY LOSE POWER ON THE STREET. LATER FOUND OUT, WHEN THE CAR IN MOTION, THE HYBRID SYSTEM DIDN'T WORKED COMPLETELY, AND THE TRANSMISSION SOUND VERY ROUGH. EVERY TIME WHEN COME TO BRAKE OR WANT TO SLOW DOWN, CAN FEELS OBVIOUSLY AND HEARD THE TRANSMISSION IS VERY ROUGH MAKING CLUTCH LOUD SOUNDS. THE CRUISE CONTROL SYSTEM ALSO TOTALLY NOT FUNCTION. WHEN IN STATIONARY, VERY FIRST WHEN STARTED THE ENGINE, MADE LOUD...

ENGINE/TRANSMISSION BECOMES VERY SLUGGISH AS TEMPERATURES DROP AND THE TRANSMISSION SEEMS TO BE "ENGINE BRAKING" THE VEHICLE, MAKING COASTING NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE. PUTTING THE VEHICLE IN NEUTRAL ALLOWED THE CAR TO NORMALLY COAST BUT ONCE BACK IN DRIVE, ACCELERATION WAS TAXING. THE VEHICLE LACKS ANY POWER AND IS RUINING THE FUEL ECONOMY TRYING TO GET THE CAR UP TO SPEED.