The problem
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.
The risk
A fire increases the risk of injury.
The fix
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 details
| NHTSA campaign | 23V-534 (23V534000) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer number | SC276 |
| Manufacturer | Kia America, Inc. |
| Component | Power train › Automatic transmission › Internal › Clutches/bands › Actuators/solenoids |
| Report date | July 31, 2023 |
| Owners notified | December 29, 2023 |
| Vehicles affected | 121,411 |
| Initiated by | Manufacturer |
Vehicles covered
- 2017 Kia Niro
- 2018 Kia Niro
- 2019 Kia Niro
- 2020 Kia Niro
- 2021 Kia Niro
- 2022 Kia Niro
- 2018 Kia Niro Phev
- 2019 Kia Niro Phev
- 2020 Kia Niro Phev
- 2022 Kia Niro Phev
Plus 1 other model/year combinations not covered on this site.
Owner complaints about the transmission & drivetrain
- 2017 Kia Niro transmission problems 19
- 2018 Kia Niro transmission problems 19
- 2019 Kia Niro transmission problems 22
- 2020 Kia Niro transmission problems 8
- 2021 Kia Niro transmission problems 3
- 2022 Kia Niro transmission problems 4
- 2018 Kia Niro Phev transmission problems 6
- 2019 Kia Niro Phev transmission problems 9
- 2020 Kia Niro Phev transmission problems 2
- 2022 Kia Niro Phev transmission problems 6
Frequently asked questions
Is the recall 23V-534 repair free?
Yes. Kia dealers will fix the problem at no cost: 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.
How do I know if my car is included?
Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 121,411 vehicles built in a certain window. Check your 17-character VIN with our VIN recall check or at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.