NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2023 Kia Niro Safety Ratings
The 2023 Kia Niro scores 79 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Average), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 2 recalls, and 38 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2023 Kia Niro achieved strong crash-test results from NHTSA. However, its overall NHTSA Safety Index of 79/100, which places it in the Average band, reflects two active recalls and a weaker score in avoidance technology. These factors bring its safety rating below that of the previous model year. The 2023 Niro stands as a reasonable safety choice, provided these caveats are understood.
The 2023 Kia Niro received an overall 5-star crash-test rating from NHTSA and a NHTSA Safety Index of 79 out of 100, sourced from NHTSA crash-test, recall, and complaint data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 139 SUVs from 2023 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2023 Kia Niro ranks 111 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 79 / 100 (Average) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 11.8% |
| Recalls on file | 2 |
| Owner complaints | 38 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 111 of 139 SUVs tested for 2023 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2023 Kia Niro?
The 2023 Kia Niro registers an Average 79/100 on MotorCaliber's Safety Index. This score marks a decline from the 2022 model, which achieved the same numerical rating but fell into the Strong band. The difference stems primarily from a defect record sub-score of 12.5 out of 20 and an avoidance technology sub-score of 5 out of 10. Crash protection remains the 2023 Niro's strongest area, with a sub-score of 61 out of 70. This is supported by a 5 out of 5-star overall NHTSA rating, including a perfect 5-star score in side-impact crash tests. However, the vehicle's recall history and owner complaints present a more complex safety profile. Two active recalls affect this generation and powertrain. An instrument cluster and panel electrical issue was filed in April 2023. A separate floor wiring assembly concern under the seats was filed in early 2025. Owner complaints further highlight these areas; 38 allegations have been reported, clustering around the electrical system and forward collision avoidance hardware. This aligns with the below-average score for avoidance technology in the Safety Index. The 2023 Kia Niro demonstrates strong performance in crash protection but is accompanied by a more involved defect and complaint record.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2023 Kia Niro perform in crash tests?
The 2023 Kia Niro achieved an overall 5 out of 5 stars in NHTSA's safety ratings. Its side protection tests earned a perfect 5 stars. Frontal crash protection and rollover resistance both registered 4 out of 5 stars. The measured rollover risk for the Niro is 12 percent, with a dynamic tip result of No Tip. All evaluated categories received a rating.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 18800
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2023 Kia Niro have any recalls?
Two recall campaigns cover the 2023 Kia Niro. The first involves the electrical system, specifically the instrument cluster and panel, affecting this model alongside several other 2023 Kia vehicles. The second, issued more recently, concerns the seats, with a floor wiring assembly issue spanning 2023 through 2025 Niro EV, PHEV, and Hybrid variants. Neither campaign carries a park-outside or do-not-drive designation in the available data.
SEATS25V024000
Risk: Air bags and seat belts that deploy improperly or an air bag deploying unintentionally can increase the risk of injury in a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect, replace and reroute the floor wiring assembly, as necessary, free of charge. In addition, dealers will install wiring covers. Owner notification letters were mailed February 27, 2025. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC332.
Reported 2025-01-17
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL23V298000
Risk: A blank instrument cluster display will not show critical information, such as tire pressure, warning messages, and warning lights, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the instrument cluster software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 26, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC270.
Reported 2023-04-26
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2023 Kia Niro?
Owners have filed 38 unverified complaints with NHTSA for this model year. The most frequently alleged problem areas are Unknown or Other issues (13 reports), Electrical System (10), Forward Collision Avoidance (7), Air Bags (6), and Power Train (5). These are unverified consumer allegations, not confirmed defects.
38 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2023 Kia Niro?
Shoppers considering a used 2023 Kia Niro must prioritize reviewing its recall history, as two distinct recall campaigns remain active for this model year. Before purchase, buyers should run the specific VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup tool. Confirming that the dealer or seller has completed the required remedies is an essential safety step.
- The 2023 Kia Niro's Safety Index dropped from the Strong band (2022) to the Average band despite an identical raw score shift, driven by a defect record sub-score of 12.5 out of 20 tied to its two active recalls.
- Both recalls are specific to this model year's production run: one targets the instrument cluster and panel electrical system, and a second, more recently issued campaign addresses a floor wiring assembly beneath the seats across 2023-2025 Niro variants.
- Thirty-eight unverified NHTSA complaints for this model year include 7 alleged issues with Forward Collision Avoidance hardware, a notable figure given that the avoidance-tech sub-score of 5 out of 10 is already the weakest component of the Safety Index.
- NHTSA's dynamic tip test returned a No Tip result and a 12 percent rollover risk, supporting the 4-star rollover rating and suggesting the vehicle's stability control, which is standard equipment, is functioning as intended in federal testing.
RANKINGSWhere the 2023 Kia Niro places
The 2023 Kia Niro qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2023 Kia Niro safety questions
Was the 2023 Kia Niro crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2023 Kia Niro, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 79 out of 100, placing it in the Average band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2023 Kia Niro crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2023 Kia Niro earned 5 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 11.8%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2023 Kia Niro have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 2 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2023 Kia Niro. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2023 Kia Niro?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 38 owner complaints are on file for the 2023 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 (2023)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Tesla Model X Later Release | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y Later Release | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y Rwd Early Release | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y Rwd Later Release | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Buick Envision | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2023 Lexus Rz 450e | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 18800), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Kia Niro 2023.
- 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 111 of 139 in the SUV class for 2023.
- 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.