Model year guide

2021 Kia niro

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2021 Kia niro is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 10 on record.

2021 Kia niro — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2021 Kia niro at a glance

Safety recalls1
Owner complaints9
Combined49 mpg
Typical price$31,158

Free: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

2021 Kia niro recalls 1

Power Train:automatic Transmission:internal:clutches/bands:actuators/solenoids NHTSA Campaign #23V534000 · 31/07/2023

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.

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.

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.

2021 Kia niro common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 9 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Vehicle Speed Control
Test cruise control and throttle response, and watch for any hesitation or unintended acceleration.
Visibility
Test wipers, washers, defrosters and all mirrors. Check the windshield for cracks and any camera/sensor for fogging or faults.
Visibility/wiper
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.

2021 Kia niro MPG & running costs

Combined49 mpg
City51 mpg
Highway46 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$1,350

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov.

What's a 2021 Kia niro worth?

Low
$29,410
Typical price
$31,158
High
$37,190

From 10 comparable 2021 Kia niro listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2021 Kia niro costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$6,750
Depreciation (5 yrs)$17,950
Total$24,700
Per mile$0.33

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. Depreciation compares today's typical asking price for this model year ($31,158) with the same model 4 model-years older ($16,796), from CarLogs listing data. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2021 Kia niro trims & engines on record

Trims
LX, LXS · Touring, Touring Special Edition · EX Premium
Engines
1.6L 4-cyl 104 hp

2021 Kia niro vehicles on record

2021 Kia niro 2021 Kia niro Touring, Touring Special EditionKNDCC3LCXM5463624 2021 Kia niro 2021 Kia niro LX, LXSKNDCB3LC3M5464911 2021 Kia niro 2021 Kia niro LX, LXSKNDCB3LC0M5464087 2021 Kia niro 2021 Kia niro LX, LXSKNDCB3LC0M5462730 2021 Kia niro LX, LXSKNDCB3LC7M5470159 2021 Kia niro 2021 Kia niro LX, LXSKNDCB3LC1M5470108 2021 Kia niro 2021 Kia niro LX, LXSKNDCB3LC3M5465671 2021 Kia niro 2021 Kia niro EX PremiumKNDCE3LC5M5465307 2021 Kia niro 2021 Kia niro Touring, Touring Special EditionKNDCC3LC2M5463472 2021 Kia niro 2021 Kia niro LX, LXSKNDCB3LC0M5464073

Other Kia niro model years

2019 2018 2017

2021 Kia niro — frequently asked questions

Does the 2021 Kia niro have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for the 2021 Kia niro. Whether an individual car still needs a recall repair depends on its VIN — check it on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are free.

What are the most common problems with the 2021 Kia niro?

Across all 9 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are power train, engine, electrical system.

What gas mileage does the 2021 Kia niro get?

The 2021 Kia niro has a U.S. EPA estimate of 49 mpg combined (51 city / 46 highway).

How much is a 2021 Kia niro worth?

Comparable 2021 Kia niro listings run roughly $29,410–$37,190, typically around $31,158 (from 10 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.