NHTSA // SAFETY RECORD
2021 Kia Niro Plug-In Safety Record
The 2021 Kia Niro Plug-In has not been crash-tested by NHTSA, so it carries no Safety Index. Its federal safety record shows 1 recall and 9 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
CRASH
DATANot crash-tested
The 2021 Kia Niro Plug-In does not have a federal crash-test rating. NHTSA has not subjected this model to its battery of tests, leaving no star ratings for consumers to consult. The available federal record shows a single recall campaign and nine owner-reported complaints. While this offers some insight into post-sale issues, the lack of crash-test data prevents any assessment of its crashworthiness.
The 2021 Kia Niro Plug-In was not crash-tested by NHTSA, carries one recall campaign, and is classified in the Light recall and complaint burden band according to federal NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
- shoppers who want the full federal safety picture in one place
| NHTSA crash test | Not crash-tested |
|---|---|
| Recall and complaint burden | Light |
| Recalls on file | 1 |
| Owner complaints | 9 (unverified allegations) |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 Kia Niro Plug-In?
A single recall defines much of the 2021 Kia Niro Plug-In's safety profile, a multi-year campaign encompassing 2017 through 2022 Niro and Niro Plug-In Hybrid vehicles. This recall addresses transmission fluid intrusion into the printed circuit board, a critical powertrain issue that prospective owners should verify as remedied. Owner complaints remain low for the model year at nine, spread across the powertrain, engine, electrical system, and speed control. No fire-related reports appear in the vehicle's record. With no NHTSA-tested sibling years, the 2021 Niro Plug-In lacks adjacent crash-test data for comparative context.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2021 Kia Niro Plug-In have any recalls?
The 2021 Kia Niro Plug-In carries one recall, covering the powertrain automatic transmission, specifically its internal clutch and solenoid actuator components. The campaign notes that fluid may leak into the printed circuit board assembly. NHTSA has not issued a park-outside or do-not-drive advisory tied to this campaign in the data provided, but owners should verify current repair status by VIN at nhtsa.gov.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:INTERNAL:CLUTCHES/BANDS:ACTUATORS/SOLENOIDS23V534000
Risk: A fire increases the risk of injury.
Remedy: 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.
Reported 2023-07-31
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2021 Kia Niro Plug-In?
Nine complaints have been reported to NHTSA for this model year, with the top alleged problem areas being the powertrain, the engine, and the electrical system, followed by vehicle speed control and visibility concerns. One reported crash and one reported injury appear in the record. These are unverified consumer allegations and have not been confirmed as defects.
9 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2021 Kia Niro Plug-In?
A critical safety note for the CR-V: the transmission-related recall affecting this model year may still be outstanding on individual vehicles. Prospective buyers should verify completion of this recall by checking the specific VIN on nhtsa.gov. This publication makes no inferences about ownership cost or long-term condition from safety data.
- NHTSA has not crash-tested the 2021 Kia Niro Plug-In, so no star ratings or Safety Index score exists for this model year, and no crash-safety conclusion can be drawn from that absence.
- The one recall on record for this model year involves potential transmission fluid leakage into the printed circuit board of the automatic transmission, a campaign that also covers 2017 through 2022 Niro and Niro Plug-In Hybrid vehicles.
- Nine unverified complaints have been filed with NHTSA for this model year, with powertrain, engine, and electrical system listed as the most frequently alleged problem areas, and one reported crash and one reported injury noted in the record.
- Buyers should verify by VIN at nhtsa.gov whether the transmission recall has been remedied, as multi-year campaigns are sometimes completed on some vehicles and left open on others.
FAQ2021 Kia Niro Plug-In safety questions
Was the 2021 Kia Niro Plug-In crash-tested by NHTSA?
No. NHTSA has not run a New Car Assessment Program crash test on this configuration, so it carries no Safety Index. Its safety record here is built from 1 recall and 9 owner complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2021 Kia Niro Plug-In have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 1 vehicle recall is on file for the 2021 Kia Niro Plug-In. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2021 Kia Niro Plug-In?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 9 owner complaints are on file for the 2021 Kia Niro Plug-In. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Kia Niro Plug-In 2021.
- SCORE This configuration was not crash-tested by NHTSA, so it carries no Safety Index. We report its recall and complaint record only.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.