MODEL
Kia Niro Plug-In
NHTSA safety across every Kia Niro Plug-In model year we cover.
Across the 6 model years of the Kia Niro Plug-In we cover (2019 to 2025), no year has an NHTSA crash-test score on record. 5 recalls have been issued across those years.
The Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid sits in the compact crossover segment, offering a practical five-door body style that blends everyday utility with electrified efficiency. It targets environmentally conscious commuters and small families who want a versatile, right-sized vehicle without committing fully to battery-electric ownership. The Niro PHEV has carved out a niche as one of the more accessible plug-in options in its class.
At MotorCaliber, our safety picture for the Kia Niro Plug-In covering model years 2019 through 2025 is shaped by one significant gap: NHTSA has not crash-tested this vehicle during the years we cover, meaning there is no federal star rating or Safety Index score to anchor shoppers. That absence alone is worth flagging before you sign anything. On the recall front, five recalls have been issued across the covered model years. That is a moderate count for a six-year window, and shoppers should verify whether any open recalls apply to a specific vehicle using NHTSA's VIN lookup tool before purchase or continued operation. Owner complaint data adds texture. Across 72 total complaints, 13 allege a crash connection and 12 report injuries. These are unverified allegations, not confirmed incidents, but a crash-allegation rate of roughly 18 percent of complaints is a figure worth taking seriously. Zero fire complaints and zero fatality complaints offer some reassurance in those specific categories. The honest bottom line: the Niro Plug-In is not a poorly regarded vehicle in the broader market, but from a pure safety-data standpoint, the lack of NHTSA crash-test results leaves a meaningful hole in what we can tell you. Combined with five recalls and a non-trivial injury-complaint count, safety-focused shoppers should approach this one with eyes open and recalls resolved.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAYReviewers generally find the Niro Plug-In to be a sensibly packaged compact crossover with a composed, if unexciting, driving character. They tend to praise its well-organized cabin, straightforward controls, and competitive value positioning within the plug-in hybrid segment. Ride comfort is typically described as smooth for daily commuting, though some reviewers note the interior materials feel modest relative to the class.
- NHTSA has not crash-tested the Niro Plug-In for any model year between 2019 and 2025, so there are no federal star ratings available to guide your safety comparison against competing vehicles.
- Five recalls have been issued across the 2019-2025 model years. Always run the specific VIN through NHTSA's free recall lookup tool to confirm whether any recall work remains open on a vehicle you are considering.
- Owner complaints include 13 crash allegations and 12 reported injuries out of 72 total complaints. These are unverified claims, but the proportion tied to crashes and injuries is elevated enough that shoppers should review the complaint narratives on NHTSA's website for any patterns relevant to their model year.
- Because no crash-test data exists for this model in our covered range, safety-conscious buyers may want to cross-shop plug-in hybrid alternatives that have earned published NHTSA or IIHS ratings, giving them a concrete benchmark for structural protection.
Most-recalled year on record: 2023 Kia Niro Plug-In with 2 recalls.