2024 Kia Niro: Recalls, Complaints & California Lemon Law

The 12-volt battery system in my 2024 Kia Niro (VIN: [XXX] ) has suffered two total failures in under one year of ownership (approx. 10,000 miles). In both instances, the vehicle was completely unresponsive, with no power to essential systems. Safety Risks and Incidents: 1. [XXX]: Vehicle experienced a total power loss. It would not start and all electrical systems were dead. 2. [XXX]: Identical failure. These failures create a significant safety risk by potentially stranding the driver in hazardous locations and disabling critical safety systems, including hazard lights, power steering assist, and emergency braking. If a total power loss occurs while the vehicle is in motion, it could result in a sudden loss of motive power and control, posing an unreasonable risk of accidents or injury. Dealer/Manufacturer Confirmation: The problem was confirmed by Ourisman Kia of [XXX] ). The dealer replaced the 12-volt battery after identifying diagnostic code D04 ("Insufficient Battery Charge Condition Identified"). Despite proof of regular use (1,000 miles/month), Kia America has denied warranty coverage, claiming "insufficient driving". Warning Symptoms: There were no warning lamps or messages prior to either failure. The vehicle functioned normally until it became completely inoperable. I have since installed a third-party battery monitor to mitigate the risk of being stranded by a third failure. Evidence of Trend: A technician at the dealership noted a similar 12V failure in another new 2024 model (Carnival). Numerous other 2024 Niro owners report identical "parasitic drain" issues on NHTSA and consumer forums, suggesting a systemic manufacturing or software defect in the charging system. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA #11709314

I picked up this car on 12/30/2023. On 1/10/2024, I noticed that the power folding side mirrors were folding slower than normal. On 1/13/2024, I went into the Kia Access app and was greeted by an error message stating that remote commands could not be sent as the battery was under 40%, however the app showed the battery at 80%. On 1/14/2024, I discovered the app was referencing the 12-volt battery, as the car's power mirrors and locks did not function. I needed the car to get to a relative's house to figure out a furnace issue, so the timing could not have been worse. I had a tow set up and the driver advised the 12-volt battery had 3 volts of charge. The driver jumped started the car and it went up to 14 volts once the car was on. Once the car was off, the battery dropped down to 9 volts. On 1/15/2024, the car dealership started to look into the car but could not be due to technical issues with their technical assistance system with Kia Corporate. The dealer-installed locator was removed and there still is a draw on the battery when the car is off. On 1/18/2024, the car dealership called me to ask if I had any third-party apps or Kia Connect. I advised I am not aware of any, however if that was the cause of the battery drain, there is most certainly a design flaw with the battery management system in the car and the car should turn off those features to protect the battery should it get low enough. On 1/23/2024, the car dealership advised that the 12-volt battery was replaced, however they are seeing a draw on the battery. The dealership asked me to unregister my car with Kia Connect. I did so, but re-iterated that if this fixes the issue, there is definitely a design flaw with the battery management system in the car and there should be a software fix made. A simple Google search or NHTSA search for any of Kia's/Hyundai's EVs with dead 12-volt batteries show many users with similar issues. I urge the NHTSA to look into this issue across Kia's/Hyundai's EV lineup.

NHTSA #11567398

The contact owns a 2024 Kia Niro EV. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the driver's side seat belt warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to diagnose the failure but informed the contact that the vehicle had been repaired. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, who then diagnosed a failure with the floor wiring harness. The vehicle was repaired. Several days later, upon attempting to start the vehicle, it failed to start as expected, prompting the contact to call Roadside Assistance, who informed the contact that the battery had been drained, requiring a jump start. The vehicle was towed back to the dealer, who was unable to diagnose the failure but confirmed the battery diagnosis. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 300.

NHTSA #11576930

have had a serious issue with my 2025 Kia Niro PHEV. I first reported the problem to the dealer when the car was a few months old and they were of no help. I had an accident as a result of this issue. I was very fortunate that the only result was a completely ruined drivers door. I have had a problem of the car freezing in neutral after starting. It will not turn off or shift. After 5-10 minutes it seems to unfreeze and will allow me to turn it off and start over successfully. This has happened about 6-8 times since I got the car. The dealer was unable to address it since I could not duplicate the problem at the dealership. Aug.25 this happened in my garage. I started to get out of the car as I have done on other occasions when this occurred, and just after I stepped out, it shifted into reverse. I was able to jump in the car and hit the break. The car door (opened) crashed into the wall next to the garage causing extensive damage to the door of the car and to an adjacent bike. Other than a few bruises , I was very fortunate not to have been seriously injured or to have injured someone else. If this had happened in a parking lot, it would have posed serious danger to passerby's and other vehicles.

NHTSA #11685023

I have taken the car to Brown-Daub Kia in Easton twice, on May 1, 2025 and May 30, 2025, requesting the safety recall work (SC332) be completed. Both times I have been told they are unable to complete the work because they are unable to connect with Kia in some way.

NHTSA #11664685

I currently have rental car from Avis that has a open recall.

NHTSA #11642807

The interior surface of the windshield freezes during cold weather operation, beginning at the edges of the windshield and progressing toward the center directly into the driver’s line of sight. This significantly impairs visibility and requires approximately 20–30 minutes of vehicle warming before safe operation is possible. The condition has occurred repeatedly since November under normal winter temperatures. No warning lights or system messages appear prior to the event. The vehicle has fewer than 8,000 miles. The vehicle has been inspected multiple times by authorized dealerships. Three separate dealerships performed diagnostics and preventative service, including cleaning A/C drains and ventilation components; however, the condition persists. Dealership personnel advised they could not open a technical case unless the freezing could be observed in person, which has prevented further escalation because the condition is temperature-dependent. Photos and videos documenting the freezing have been provided to the manufacturer and dealerships. The issue has not been resolved and continues to present a safety concern because driver visibility is obstructed during normal winter driving conditions. The suspected cause is improper windshield installation or sealing allowing moisture intrusion, although the exact failure mechanism remains unconfirmed.

NHTSA #11721626

The shiny black interior located on the center console is highly reflective resulting in sun glare shining into your eyes for a large portion of the day. This causes serious visibility issue while driving and is a safety hazard. I reported this issue to the dealership within two weeks of purchasing my car. I have not had the dealership, independent service center, manufacturer, insurance company, or anyone else inspect this issue, but am agreeable to having this issue inspected upon request. There are no indication lights or alert systems related to this issue. Lastly, this issue is a common complaint reported on online platforms. It’s a significant safety issue as it impairs visibility and should be addressed. Thank you for your time.

NHTSA #11681038

I was travelling on a road today and was in the right hand lane with adaptive cruise control on. I then switched lanes to the left hand lane (it's only 2 lanes) and the adaptive cruise control was still on. I noticed the car travelling faster than it should be for there being a stopped vehicle ahead. I was prepared to stop on the brakes and luckily I was! The collision warning came on and I immediately applied the brakes. How is it that the collision warning came on before adaptive cruise control came on? This is at least the 3rd time something like this has happened.

NHTSA #11744241

The contact owns a 2024 Hyundai Niro Hybrid. The contact stated that while at a stop light the warning message "transmission overheating" had displayed and the vehicle did not drive forward. The contact attempted to push the vehicle offer the road when suddenly the vehicle accelerated forward and drove on the opposite side of the over a curb and drove into oncoming traffic and crashed head on into a second vehicle. The vehicle the drover over a curb and down an embankment and crashed. The failure mileage was 140,000.

Allegedly reported: 2 injuries (as reported to NHTSA). NHTSA #11738543

Forward collision system fully activated while driving eastbound in the fast lane on [XXX] . The sun was behind me. No glare. No cars or objects were in front of me or next to me. The dashboard started flashing and warning sounds activated and the car slammed on the brakes itself. The seatbelt locked up and left me bruised. Miraculously, the cars behind me avoided crashing into me while I accelerated out of it. I could have been killed. Dealership minimized my concerns. I don’t want to drive this car ever again unless someone can make sure it doesn’t happen again. This safety feature malfunctioning is a death trap. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Allegedly reported: 1 injury (as reported to NHTSA). NHTSA #11692576

The contact owns a 2024 Kia Niro. The contact stated that while driving in slow traffic, the vehicle accelerated unintentionally and crashed into the rear of another vehicle. The contact stated that while reversing, the failure recurred and the rear end of the vehicle crashed into the front end of another vehicle. The air bags did not deploy. There was no warning light illuminated. None of the vehicle's occupants sustained injuries. No police report was filed. The contact drove to a nearby safe location, and the vehicle was towed to the dealer. The insurance company then towed the vehicle to a tow lot and inspected the vehicle. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer to be diagnosed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was filed. The manufacturer informed that the contact engineers would be sent to diagnose the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 13,000.

NHTSA #11682894

What happened? While driving my 2025 KIA Niro on [XXX] , I stopped at a red light behind another vehicle. Suddenly, my car was rear-ended by another vehicle, causing a significant impact that pushed my car forward into the vehicle in front. The seat belts deployed but I sustained a broken nose from hitting the steering wheel. My daughter and I were taken to the hospital for treatment. Component or System that Failed or Malfunctioned: The floor wiring assembly beneath the front passenger seat, which may have prevented the front airbags and seat belts from deploying properly, and could have caused an unintended side curtain airbag deployment. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. Safety Risk: The malfunction posed a serious safety risk as the airbags and seat belts may not have functioned as intended, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash. Reproduction of the Problem: The problem has not been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center yet. Inspections: The vehicle has been inspected by the police and insurance representatives after the accident. Warning Lamps, Messages or Symptoms: There were no warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure. Best Assessment of Incident and Cause: The recall notice issued by KIA indicates that the floor wiring assembly beneath the front passenger seat may become damaged, which can prevent the front airbags and seat belts from deploying properly or cause an unintended side curtain airbag deployment. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Allegedly reported: 2 injuries (as reported to NHTSA). NHTSA #11643288

The contact owns a 2024 Kia Niro. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 65-70 MPH on the highway, the radio panel went blank. The vehicle was blowing cold air on the driver's side while the passenger’s side was blowing hot air. The contact stated that there was slush on the driveway and the vehicle slid. There was a triangle symbol with an exclamation mark displayed. The message that the camera had disengaged was displayed. The contact turned off the vehicle, and the vehicle failed to restart. The contact attempted to start the vehicle and after several hours, the vehicle started. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that rodents had built a nest in the engine due to the soy-based insulated wires. The dealer noticed a mouse, nuts, and seeds after disassembling the vehicle. The dealer ordered an electrical wiring harness. The dealer called the tire manufacturer, who confirmed the tires were working as designed. The contact replaced the tires. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact called and notified the insurance company of the issues. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 9,999. The VIN was not available.

NHTSA #11651839

The car sear base comes with a plastic seatbelt guide. When you install the car seat using the anchors, tighten the belt and press down on the tightening lever, a piece of the plastic guide bows upward and causes the car seat to become stuck when rotating. Evenflo asked for it back and sent the same one model which is having the same issue.

NHTSA #11642771

Emergency stop blocked by a piece of the bottom dash panel under the steering column. There are castings in the underside of the panel covering the steering column that prevent the right foot of a driver with a larger foot/shoe to operate the brake pedal. I have a size 11 shoe and my foot catches on this plastic casting and interferes with the brake operation. Last night a car pulled out of a parking spot in front of me and the protuberance block my foot from applying the brakes. This has happened multiple times and I am forced to drive without my right shoe for safety sake !

NHTSA #11596449

The contact owns a 2024 Kia Niro. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V024000 (Seat, Electrical). The contact stated that on one occasion while driving at approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle crashed head-on into a pole. The air bags did not deploy and the seat belt did not retract. The contact sustained shoulder, collarbone, neck, head, and back injuries. Medical attention was not needed. A police report was filed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where an Event Data Recorder was completed and it was informed that the air bags should have deployed. The vehicle's cosmetic damages were repaired. The contact stated that on another occasion while driving at 35 MPH, another vehicle crashed into the driver's door rear of the vehicle and the air bags did not deploy. The contact sustained back, chest, and left hip injuries. Medial attention was needed. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and repaired for cosmetic damages. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 3, 000.

Allegedly reported: 1 injury (as reported to NHTSA). NHTSA #11646344