NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2024 Kia Niro Safety Ratings
The 2024 Kia Niro scores 83 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 1 recall, and 8 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
A 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, combined with a single recall and no do-not-drive designation, establishes a strong federal safety profile for the 2024 Kia Niro. This model year achieved a NHTSA Safety Index of 83/100, placing it firmly in the Strong band.
The 2024 Kia Niro received a 5-star overall crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 83/100 based on NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 144 SUVs from 2024 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2024 Kia Niro ranks 104 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 83 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 11.8% |
| Recalls on file | 1 |
| Owner complaints | 8 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 104 of 144 SUVs tested for 2024 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2024 Kia Niro?
The 2024 Kia Niro marks a meaningful step forward in federal safety standing. Its NHTSA Safety Index climbed to 83/100, a 4-point gain over the 2023 model year's 79/100, moving the vehicle from the Average band into the Strong band. That improvement is anchored in a crash-protection sub-score of 61 out of 70, which reflects the 5-star overall NHTSA result and the perfect 5-star side-impact score. The avoidance-tech sub-score of 5 out of 10 reflects that forward collision warning is listed as both standard and optional depending on trim, while lane departure warning and electronic stability control are standard across the board. The defect record sub-score of 16.75 out of 20 is shaped by a single recall campaign tied to floor wiring beneath the seats, a concern spanning the 2023-2025 Niro hybrid family. Eight unverified owner complaints, including alleged injuries in 5 reports, are modest in volume but the Forward Collision Avoidance component appearing in 2 of those reports is worth noting given that system's partial-standard status. Taken together, this model year's data profile is stronger than its immediate predecessor across every major dimension tracked by this index.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2024 Kia Niro perform in crash tests?
The 2024 Kia Niro achieved the highest possible mark in side-impact protection, earning 5 out of 5 stars from NHTSA. This strong performance contributed to an overall rating of 5 stars. In frontal crash assessments, the Niro received 4 stars. Its rollover risk was determined to be 12 percent, with a dynamic tip test showing no tip, resulting in a 4-star rollover rating.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 19254
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2024 Kia Niro have any recalls?
One recall covers the 2024 Kia Niro. The campaign, initiated by Kia America, targets the floor wiring assembly beneath the seats across certain 2023-2025 Niro EV, Plug-in Hybrid, and Hybrid vehicles. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is noted in the available data, but owners should verify remedy status by VIN.
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
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2024 Kia Niro?
Eight owner complaints have been reported to NHTSA for this model year. The top alleged problem areas are the Electrical System with 3 reports, Forward Collision Avoidance with 2 reports, and single reports each for Power Train, Visibility/Wiper, Tires, and an unknown category. These are unverified consumer allegations, not confirmed defects.
8 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2024 Kia Niro?
The 2024 Kia Niro carries a critical open recall concerning the floor wiring assembly, necessitating VIN-specific verification for any used purchase. This recall represents an outstanding safety concern that should be addressed by the seller prior to a transaction.
- The 2024 model year's Safety Index of 83/100 represents a 4-point rise from the 2023 Niro's 79/100, the single largest year-over-year index gain in this vehicle's recent history tracked here.
- NHTSA's side-impact test produced a perfect 5-star score for this model year, while both frontal and rollover protection landed at 4 stars, making side protection the standout category.
- The sole 2024 recall targets the floor wiring assembly beneath the seats and spans the Niro hybrid family broadly, meaning used-market buyers must confirm by VIN whether the remedy has been completed on a specific unit.
- Two of the eight unverified owner complaints filed with NHTSA specifically allege issues with the Forward Collision Avoidance system, a notable concentration given that this technology is listed as standard on only select configurations of this model year.
RANKINGSWhere the 2024 Kia Niro places
The 2024 Kia Niro qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2024 Kia Niro safety questions
Was the 2024 Kia Niro crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2024 Kia Niro, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 83 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 2024 Kia Niro crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2024 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 2024 Kia Niro have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 1 vehicle recall is on file for the 2024 Kia Niro. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2024 Kia Niro?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 8 owner complaints are on file for the 2024 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 (2024)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 Lexus Rz 300e | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2024 Tesla Model Y Rwd | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2024 Subaru Forester Wilderness | 98/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2024 Lexus Rz 450e | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2024 Buick Encore GX | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 2 |
| 2024 Nissan Murano | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 19254), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Kia Niro 2024.
- 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 104 of 144 in the SUV class for 2024.
- 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.