Kia Niro VIN Number Check

Run a free NHTSA vPIC decode on a Kia Niro VIN to confirm the model year and engine, then see which of the 12 NHTSA recall campaigns for 2017–2026 cover that year.

VIN prefixKND

Free decode plus the NHTSA recalls for its model year. 17 characters, no I, O or Q.

Kia Niro

About the Kia Niro

Kia has sold the Niro in the US since the 2017 model year, and there have been two generations. The DE came first (2017–2022), and the SG2 took over for 2023–2026. Across those years NHTSA lists 12 vehicle recall campaigns and 527 owner complaints. Complaints pile up on the DE. Its 2017 and 2019 model years alone account for 200 of them, with owners bringing up powertrain most often and engine and cooling after that. EPA rates the DE at 43–50 mpg combined, while the SG2, whose lineup includes hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions, gets 48–53 mpg, counting the plug-in hybrid on gas alone. A free VIN decode gives you NHTSA vPIC’s record for the car (model year, engine, plant) and the NHTSA recalls for its model year. It won’t show theft, flood or lemon-law history.

US model years2017–2026

GenerationsDE · SG2

NHTSA recall campaigns12

Owner complaints527 at NHTSA

Kia Niro photographed at a US vehicle auction — Auction lot photo, for illustration

Generations

Kia Niro generations

Two generations since the 2017 model year. The DE (2017–2022) has both the most owner complaints and the most recall campaigns (8).

2 / 2

SG2

2023–20262nd generation

Photo: Kevauto, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

201720202025

2023–2026· Generation 2 of 2

SG2 · 2nd generation

PlatformHyundai-Kia K3

EPA combined mpg48–53

NHTSA recalls4

Engines (EPA)

1.6 L 4-cyl (hybrid) · 2023–2026
1.6 L 4-cyl (plug-in hybrid) · 2023, 2025–2026

Drive & transmission (EPA)

FWD
automated manual/dual-clutch (2023–2026), automatic (2023–2026)

Known issues to check

Electrical system (35)Forward collision avoidance (22)Powertrain (transmission, driveline) (13)

Mentions in 106 NHTSA complaints.

Sample VIN pattern · SG2KNDCR3LE?P5······NHTSA vPIC decodes it as a 2023 Kia Niro EX, built in Hwasung, South Korea

Check a Niro VIN

Sources: Wikipedia · EPA · NHTSA · vPIC

NHTSA campaign data

Which Niro model years each recall covers

NHTSA data

NHTSA has 12 campaigns on file for Niro model years 2017–2026, and the 2017 shows up in more of them than any other year (5), ahead of the 2023 (4). Move the line to your model year to see which apply.

Pick a row

What to ask

Source: NHTSA recall database, vehicle campaigns only; row text is NHTSA’s summary. A listed year does not mean every car is covered, so check the VIN.

Canada rows: Transport Canada recalls database. Transport Canada recalls that match an NHTSA campaign are folded into that row by VinNumber.net; rows with the Canadian flag have no NHTSA match. Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada · Transport Canada.

Owner reports · NHTSA complaints

What Kia Niro owners report

Owner summaries + NHTSA data

Between them, the 2017 and 2019 hold 200 of the 527 complaints, or 38%. Tap any bar or generation.

527NHTSA complaints, 2017–2026

47mention a crash

11mention a fire

36injuries reported

Owner complaints by model yearSG2: 106 complaints · most for the 2023 (65)

Top complaint areas · SG2

Mentions in 106 complaints, 2023–2026.

Electrical system35

Forward collision avoidance22

Powertrain (transmission, driveline)13

Air bags10

Speed control / acceleration10

Fuel system8

Crashes 19Fires 0Injuries 16

2023–2026 (SG2)

NHTSA data summary

The 2023 stands out. On its own it has 65 of the SG2’s 106 complaints (61%), and owners across the generation name electrical system most often (35 mentions), then forward collision avoidance (22). No other generation’s complaints mention crashes as often as the SG2’s, at 19 of 106 (17.9%, against 8.9% across all Niro model years).

What Niro owners report across recent generations

Owner summary

2023–present (2nd generation)

Owner data is thin, with fewer than 70 NHTSA complaints in any year across the hybrid, plug-in and EV versions and only a few CarComplaints reports. NHTSA owners of the 2023 mention braking, forward collision warnings, battery and charging concerns. CarComplaints owners of the 2023 describe weak A/C, paint wearing off the door handles and charging that stops at random. Recalls cover floor wiring under the passenger seat on 2023–2025 models that may keep air bags from deploying properly, and instrument clusters on some 2023 models. [1] [2]

2017–2022 (1st generation)

The 2017 and 2019 draw the most complaints. NHTSA owners of the 2017 hybrid describe coolant leaks and overheating, often traced to a leaking exhaust heat exchanger, along with smoke and hybrid warnings. CarComplaints lists a broken door handle, hybrid system codes and mice chewing a fuel line for 2017, and Check Hybrid Engine System errors and a loud clunk when starting from a stop for 2019. A recall covers power steering connectors on some 2017 models that may be damaged and cut steering assist. [3] [4] [5]

What to check before buying

Run the VIN through the NHTSA recall lookup, including the seat wiring recall on 2023 to 2025 models and the power steering recall on 2017 models.
On an older hybrid, ask whether the exhaust heat exchanger has been replaced and check the coolant level.
On the drive, watch for hybrid warnings and listen for a clunk when pulling away.

Sources (5) and method

Sources:

Counts: NHTSA complaints file, records to October 1, 2026, one count per complaint; areas are NHTSA component groups.

Owner summary updated September 25, 2026.

Owner complaints · by model year

Niro complaint breakdown by model year

NHTSA data

Every Niro version is counted together. Tap a year to see its top systems.

527complaints, 2017–2026

47mention a crash

11mention a fire

36injuries reported

1complaint reports a death

Most complaints: 2017 (101), 2019 (99), 2018 (73)

2017 · 101 complaints

Crashes 4 · fires 6 · injuries 5

Engine32

Electrical system23

Power train22

Unknown or other16

Fuel/propulsion system11

Systems as NHTSA names them; a complaint can list several. Source: NHTSA complaints data, records to October 1, 2026.

EPA fuel economy & emissions

Niro CO₂, smog rating and yearly fuel cost

EPA data

EPA lists 42 Niro versions for model years 2017–2026 (hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric). The lowest tailpipe CO₂ is 71 g/mi, for the 2026 plug-in hybrid. Electric versions have none at the tailpipe. Pick a model year and powertrain to see each version.

DE2017–2026

43–50 mpg · plug-in hybrid counted on gas alone · 105 MPGe plug-in hybrid · 112–113 MPGe electric · CO₂ 0–208 g/mi

SG22023–2026

48–53 mpg · plug-in hybrid counted on gas alone · 108 MPGe plug-in hybrid · CO₂ 71–181 g/mi

Model year2025

53combined MPG

167CO₂ grams per mile (tailpipe)

$1,250EPA yearly fuel cost

6/10Smog rating

1 = worst · 10 = cleanest

8/10Greenhouse gas rating

California LEV-III SULEV30 · Federal Tier 3 Bin 30Emission standard

Best (lowest) CO₂ by model year

HybridPlug-in hybridElectric

Annual fuel cost is EPA’s estimate at its current fuel-price assumptions (15,000 miles a year, 55% city driving), so older years are priced at today’s fuel prices. Smog rating and emission standard can differ by sales area (federal vs. California); both are shown. Plug-in hybrids: mpg is on gas alone; MPGe combines gas and electricity. Source: fueleconomy.gov.

Compare rivals

Niro vs Toyota Prius vs Hyundai Ioniq

NHTSA + EPA data

Take 2017–2022. NHTSA lists 8 recall campaigns for the Niro, against 10 for the Toyota Prius and 7 for the Hyundai Ioniq. Pick a range to compare.

Kia NiroDE

Model years 2017–2022

NHTSA recall campaigns: 8
NHTSA owner complaints: 421
EPA combined mpg: 43–50
Engines (EPA): 4-cyl 1.6 L · Electric
Also listed: hybrid, plug-in hybrid
Drive (EPA): FWD

Most-reported complaint areas (NHTSA)

Powertrain (transmission, driveline) 119
Engine and cooling 103
Electrical system 103

Toyota Prius

Model years 2017–2022

NHTSA recall campaigns: 10
NHTSA owner complaints: 322
EPA combined mpg: 41–56
Engines (EPA): 4-cyl 1.5, 1.8 L
Also listed: hybrid, plug-in hybrid
Drive (EPA): AWD/4WD, FWD

Most-reported complaint areas (NHTSA)

Brakes 48
Electrical system 45
Visibility (glass, wipers, mirrors) 42

Hyundai Ioniq

Model years 2017–2022

NHTSA recall campaigns: 7
NHTSA owner complaints: 176
EPA combined mpg: 52–59
Engines (EPA): 4-cyl 1.6 L · Electric
Also listed: hybrid, plug-in hybrid
Drive (EPA): FWD

Most-reported complaint areas (NHTSA)

Electrical system 63
Brakes 39
Speed control / acceleration 24

NHTSA recalls (vehicle campaigns for all powertrain versions; equipment and tire campaigns left out), complaints (not sales-adjusted) and 5-Star overall ratings for the latest year rated for all three; EPA mpg, engines and drive. Rivals: same EPA class, picked by VinNumber.net.

Kia Niro VIN number location

Where to find the VIN on a Niro

Tap a spot. Every location should show the same 17 characters.

White Kia Niro (second generation) crossover, front three-quarter view, with the VIN locations marked

Photo: Hans Haase, CC BY-SA 3.0, cropped

Illustration: VinNumber.net

Photo: Kevauto, CC BY-SA 4.0; edited and VIN pins added by VinNumber.net

The Niro hybrid and EV places its VIN at the base of the driver's side windshield and on the door jamb sticker. Hybrid and plug-in variants add a battery system label under the rear seat. The B-pillar label between the front and rear doors is a standard secondary location. Niro underwent a redesign for 2023, the VIN decode will confirm the specific generation and powertrain type. The SG2 generation starts with the 2023 model year; the VIN’s 10th character (P for 2023) shows which side of that line a car falls on.

Windshield plateRead it through the glass at the base of the driver's side windshield.
Source: Kia Niro (SG2) Owner's Manual: Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
Door jamb labelOpen the driver's door: the certification label on the B-pillar lists the VIN.
Source: Kia Niro (SG2) Owner's Manual: Vehicle certification label
Floor under passenger seatStamped into the floor under the front passenger seat; lift the cover flap to read it.
Source: Kia Niro (SG2) Owner's Manual: Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)

The title, registration and insurance card show the VIN as well. All locations should match.

FAQ

Common Kia Niro VIN questions

Which Kia Niro model years have the most owner complaints?

The 2017 leads with 101, ahead of the 2019 (99) and 2018 (73). Those first two alone make up 38% of the 527 Niro complaints filed with NHTSA, not adjusted for sales.

How many recalls has the Kia Niro had?

NHTSA’s recall records show 12 vehicle campaigns for model years 2017–2026, leaving out equipment and tire campaigns. By generation, DE leads with 8. Then come the SG2 (4), and a campaign can span two generations.

Which Kia Niro recalls are high risk?

NHTSA’s record names a fire risk in 18V-257, 18V-666, 22V-836, 23V-534 and 24V-358. Each should show as closed on a VIN check.

Which Niro generation am I looking at?

By US model year, the DE is 2017–2022 and the SG2 2023–2026. Read the year off the VIN’s 10th character (P is 2023).

What fuel economy does the Kia Niro get?

It varies. EPA rates the 2023–2026 SG2 at 48–53 mpg combined, depending on engine and drive, with the plug-in hybrid counted on gas alone (108 MPGe on gas and electricity), up from 43–50 mpg for the 2017–2022 DE (fueleconomy.gov).

How does the Kia Niro compare with the Toyota Prius and Hyundai Ioniq on recalls?

For 2017–2022 models the Niro has 8 NHTSA recall campaigns. The Toyota Prius has 10, the Hyundai Ioniq 7. Complaints run 421, 322 and 176 in that order, with no sales adjustment.

What crash rating does the Kia Niro have?

NHTSA’s 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2025 Niro 4 stars overall. One version, FWD, is rated.

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