NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Kia Niro Safety Ratings
The 2021 Kia Niro scores 85 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 4-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 1 recall, and 9 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
With a single recall logged and a final Safety Index of 85/100, the 2021 Kia Niro Hybrid presents as a strong safety contender for its model year. This performance positions it as a credible choice within the used compact SUV market, a standing reinforced by its solid showing in NHTSA's crash test regimen.
The 2021 Kia Niro Hybrid SUV holds a NHTSA Safety Index of 85 out of 100 and a 5-star NHTSA side-crash rating, according to federal NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 118 SUVs from 2021 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2021 Kia Niro ranks 55 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 85 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 4 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 12.1% |
| Recalls on file | 1 |
| Owner complaints | 9 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 55 of 118 SUVs tested for 2021 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 Kia Niro?
The 2021 Kia Niro Hybrid SUV represents a measurable step forward from the prior model year, with the NHTSA Safety Index rising three points to 85 from the 2020 model's 82, both within the Strong band. That gain is modest but consistent, and the underlying numbers explain why the score sits where it does. Crash protection contributes 61 of a possible 70 points, anchored by the 5-star side rating and supported by 4-star results across frontal and rollover categories. The rollover risk figure of 12 percent and a clean No Tip result on the dynamic test reinforce the structural picture. Where the 2021 year loses ground is avoidance technology, scoring 6 out of 10 because both forward collision warning and lane departure warning are optional rather than standard fitment, meaning not every 2021 Niro on the road carries them. Electronic stability control is standard, which provides a baseline. The defect record sub-score of 18.25 out of 20 reflects the single recall campaign tied to transmission fluid intrusion into the printed circuit board, a powertrain concern spanning a broad multi-year range. With only nine reported complaints on file, the complaint volume for this year is low, though the power train and electrical system categories warrant attention given the nature of the recall.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2021 Kia Niro perform in crash tests?
The 2021 Kia Niro achieves an overall safety rating of 4 out of 5 stars from NHTSA. Its side-crash protection is particularly strong, earning a perfect 5-star rating. Frontal crash protection is rated at 4 stars, matching the 4-star rollover protection score. The measured rollover risk stands at 12 percent, with the dynamic tip test confirming no tip.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15642
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2021 Kia Niro have any recalls?
One recall covers the 2021 Kia Niro. Kia identified a risk of fluid leaking into the printed circuit board within the powertrain automatic transmission, specifically affecting internal clutch and solenoid actuator components. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is noted in the available data, but remedy completion should be confirmed by VIN.
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?
Nine unverified owner allegations have been reported to NHTSA for this model year. The most frequently alleged problem areas are the power train, engine, and electrical system, each drawing multiple reports. One alleged crash and one alleged injury appear in the complaint data. These are unverified consumer allegations, not established findings.
9 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2021 Kia Niro?
For the 2021 Kia Niro, buyers of used models must confirm the remedy status of the transmission fluid and printed circuit board recall. This open recall transfers with the vehicle, and verifying its resolution is the most critical safety step before purchasing.
- The 2021 model year Safety Index of 85 out of 100 is three points higher than the 2020 Niro's 82, a year-over-year improvement within the same Strong band.
- The sole recall for this model year targets fluid intrusion into the automatic transmission's printed circuit board, affecting internal clutch and solenoid actuator components across a broad multi-year production run that includes 2021.
- Forward collision warning and lane departure warning are optional on this model year, not standard, which holds the avoidance technology sub-score to 6 out of 10 and means safety-feature content varies by individual vehicle trim and configuration.
- NHTSA received nine unverified complaints for this model year, with the power train, engine, and electrical system cited most often as alleged problem areas, alongside one alleged crash and one alleged injury.
RANKINGSWhere the 2021 Kia Niro places
The 2021 Kia Niro qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2021 Kia Niro safety questions
Was the 2021 Kia Niro crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2021 Kia Niro, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 85 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2021 Kia Niro crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2021 Kia Niro earned 4 out of 5 stars for overall, 4 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 12.1%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2021 Kia Niro have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 1 vehicle recall is on file for the 2021 Kia Niro. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2021 Kia Niro?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 9 owner complaints are on file for the 2021 Kia Niro. 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.
Other Niro years
Rivals in SUV (2021)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Tesla Model X 5-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Tesla Model X 6-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Tesla Model X 7-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Nissan Murano | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Audi Q5 Sportback | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Mazda CX-3 | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 15642), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Kia Niro 2021.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 55 of 118 in the SUV class for 2021.
- 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.