MODEL
Kia Niro Plug-In Safety
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.
The Kia Niro Plug-In, across model years 2019 through 2025, lacks a federal star rating. NHTSA has not published crash-test results for this vehicle, leaving a significant gap in its safety profile. Consequently, MotorCaliber cannot assign a Safety Index score. Owners have filed 72 complaints with NHTSA. Of these, 13 allege a connection to a crash, and 12 report injuries. While these remain unverified allegations, an 18 percent rate of crash-related complaints is notable. No complaints allege fires or fatalities. Five recalls have been issued for the Niro Plug-In across the covered model years. This count is moderate over a six-year period. Prospective buyers and current owners should check for open recalls specific to their vehicle's VIN. The absence of comprehensive crash-test data, combined with these recall and complaint figures, suggests safety-conscious consumers should proceed with caution and ensure all applicable recalls are addressed.
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.