VIN REPORT

KNDCR3L16R51203142024 KIA NiroWind

9of 100
Low Risk
Buyer Risk Score
Recalls
1
1 campaign found
Safety Grade
C+
78/100 composite
Complaints
8
NHTSA filed
Vehicle Age
2 yrs
Made in SOUTH KOREA
BUYPurchase Verdict

2024 KIA Niro was analyzed across NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, crash test data, and public auction records. There is 1 open recall on record — verify these have been repaired before purchase. 8 owner complaints include 5 reported injuries, indicating real-world safety incidents beyond normal wear.

49 MPG
Verdict & Risk Assessment
📄

Executive Summary

2024 KIA Niro

2024 KIA Niro was analyzed across NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, crash test data, and public auction records. There is 1 open recall on record — verify these have been repaired before purchase. 8 owner complaints include 5 reported injuries, indicating real-world safety incidents beyond normal wear.

  • 1 open recall — verify these have been repaired before purchase
  • 5 injuries reported across 8 owner complaints
  • Common owner-reported issues: electrical problems
  • Complaint rate is accelerating — issues appear to be getting worse, not better
  • Complaint language indicates serious real-world safety incidents beyond routine mechanical failures
Owner Complaint Intelligence

8 owner complaints filed — top areas: Other (38%), Electrical (38%), Engine/Powertrain (13%). Common issues: electrical problems. 2 crashes reported.

9
of 100
Low Risk
Low risk profile — minor signals only, likely routine.
LOWMODERATEHIGHCRITICAL
2 Contributing Risk Factors
Accelerating complaint trend — problems increasing over time
+6
1 model-wide recall on record
+3
Critical Alerts

Title Brand Check

Mined from auction damage fields and listing titles — not a DMV title history pull

No auction records available. Title brand status could not be verified — request title history from seller or state DMV.

Vehicle

Vehicle Specifications

Decoded from NHTSA vPIC database

Make
KIA
Model
Niro
Year
2024
Trim / Series
Wind
Body Style
Sport Utility Vehicle [SUV]/Multipurpose Vehicle [MPV]
Vehicle Type
MULTIPURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLE (MPV)
Drive Type
4x2
Fuel Type
Electric
Doors
5
Manufacturer
KIA CORPORATION
Assembly
HWASUNG, GYEONGGI-DO, SOUTH KOREA
GVWR
Class 1C: 4,001 - 5,000 lb (1,814 - 2,268 kg)
Electrification
BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle)

Assembly Plant Quality

Plant: HWASUNG, GYEONGGI-DO

CQuality55/100
Standard📍 HWASUNG, GYEONGGI-DO

No specific quality data available for this plant. No documented recall or complaint concentrations on record.

Safety

Safety Intelligence

Composite analysis from NHTSA recall, complaint, and crash data

C+
Score: 78/100
Crash Test Rating20/40
Recall Safety28/30
Complaint History30/30
5/100Low

✓ No high-risk recall components found

85/100
Comprehensive
15 of 20 safety features detected
None
  • Electric/hybrid vehicle — monitor for battery thermal events
Moderate
  • 5 injuries reported in complaints

Lemon law eligibility depends on state law, number of repair attempts, and days out of service. Consult an attorney for actual eligibility.

Driver Assistance Features

ADAS equipment data from NHTSA vPIC database

Forward Collision WarningStandard
Automatic Emergency BrakingStandard
Pedestrian AEBStandard
Rear AEBStandard
Lane Departure WarningStandard
Lane Keep AssistStandard
Lane Centering Assist?Unknown
Blind Spot MonitoringStandard
Rear Cross Traffic AlertStandard
Adaptive Cruise ControlStandard
Adaptive Headlights?Unknown
Auto High BeamStandard
Parking Assist?Unknown
Backup CameraStandard
Electronic Stability ControlStandard
Tire Pressure Monitoring?Direct
Event Data Recorder?Unknown
Crash Notification?Unknown
Dynamic Brake SupportStandard
Keyless IgnitionStandard
Recalls1

NHTSA Safety Recalls

1 RECALL
1found

NHTSA VIN-specific recall lookup returned no data for this VIN. The 1 recall below are model-wide and may or may not apply to this exact vehicle depending on production date. Verify at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Estimated Repair Completion (Statistical)

1 of 1 recall has a low industry completion rate — statistically likely unrepaired.

52%
avg repaired

Statistical model based on recall age, component type, and manufacturer. Not a repair confirmation. Demand dealer service records.

KIA Recall Completion Rate — Industry Context
86%Fair

KIA completes recalls at a fair rate (86%). If this vehicle has open recalls, follow up with a dealer — average remedy time is ~20 months.

Avg time to remedy open recall: ~20 months · Source: NHTSA Recall Completion Rate Reports

Avg Fix Time
20mo
#25V024000
Invalid Date

SEATS

SummaryKia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023-2025 Niro EV, Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV), and Hybrid vehicles. The floor wiring assembly beneath the front passenger seat may become damaged, which can prevent the front air bags and seat belts from deploying properly or cause an unintended side curtain air bag deployment.
Read full details...
ConsequenceAir bags and seat belts that deploy improperly or an air bag deploying unintentionally can increase the risk of injury in a crash.
Est. Repair Completion~52%

~48% of these vehicles are statistically unrepaired

High Risk

Source: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type

Recall Intelligence

Detailed analysis of recall history and severity

Exterior/Other
1
Part Replacements
0
Software/OTA Updates
0
Buyback/Refund
0
High-Effort Repairs
1 in 2

1 in 2 complaints involved an injury — significantly above average, indicating real-world safety incidents.

Complaints8

Complaint Intelligence

8 complaints analyzed across 4 system categories

Other
1 inj3
Electrical
1 crash2 inj3
Engine/Powertrain
1 crash2 inj1
Visibility
1
2025
4
2026
4
Accelerating +100%
8
Last 24 months
0
Prior 24 months

⚠ Complaint rate is accelerating — issue may be getting worse

Engine stalling3
Electrical failure2
Conditions Reported
Rain/wet (2)Cold weather (1)Highway/high-speed (1)

Owner Complaints

HIGH VOLUME

8 safety complaints filed with NHTSA

8found
2
Crashes
5
Injuries
ODI #11744241FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

I was travelling on a road today and was in the right hand lane with adaptive cruise control on. I then switched lanes to the left hand lane (it's only 2 lanes) and the adaptive cruise control was still on. I noticed the car travelling faster than it should be for there being a stopped vehicle ahead. I was prepared to stop on the brakes and luckily I was! The collision warning came on and I immediately applied the brakes. How is it that the collision warning came on before adaptive cruise control came on? This is at least the 3rd time something like this has happened.

ODI #11738543POWER TRAINCRASH2 INJURIES

The contact owns a 2024 Hyundai Niro Hybrid. The contact stated that while at a stop light the warning message "transmission overheating" had displayed and the vehicle did not drive forward. The contact attempted to push the vehicle offer the road when suddenly the vehicle accelerated forward and drove on the opposite side of the over a curb and drove into oncoming traffic and crashed head on into a second vehicle. The vehicle the drover over a curb and down an embankment and crashed. The failure mileage was 140,000.

ODI #11721626VISIBILITY/WIPER

The interior surface of the windshield freezes during cold weather operation, beginning at the edges of the windshield and progressing toward the center directly into the driver’s line of sight. This significantly impairs visibility and requires approximately 20–30 minutes of vehicle warming before safe operation is possible. The condition has occurred repeatedly since November under normal winter temperatures. No warning lights or system messages appear prior to the event. The vehicle has fewer than 8,000 miles. The vehicle has been inspected multiple times by authorized dealerships. Three separate dealerships performed diagnostics and preventative service, including cleaning A/C drains and ventilation components; however, the condition persists. Dealership personnel advised they could not open a technical case unless the freezing could be observed in person, which has prevented further escalation because the condition is temperature-dependent. Photos and videos documenting the freezing have been provided to the manufacturer and dealerships. The issue has not been resolved and continues to present a safety concern because driver visibility is obstructed during normal winter driving conditions. The suspected cause is improper windshield installation or sealing allowing moisture intrusion, although the exact failure mechanism remains unconfirmed.

ODI #11709314ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The 12-volt battery system in my 2024 Kia Niro (VIN: [XXX] ) has suffered two total failures in under one year of ownership (approx. 10,000 miles). In both instances, the vehicle was completely unresponsive, with no power to essential systems. Safety Risks and Incidents: 1. [XXX]: Vehicle experienced a total power loss. It would not start and all electrical systems were dead. 2. [XXX]: Identical failure. These failures create a significant safety risk by potentially stranding the driver in hazardous locations and disabling critical safety systems, including hazard lights, power steering assist, and emergency braking. If a total power loss occurs while the vehicle is in motion, it could result in a sudden loss of motive power and control, posing an unreasonable risk of accidents or injury. Dealer/Manufacturer Confirmation: The problem was confirmed by Ourisman Kia of [XXX] ). The dealer replaced the 12-volt battery after identifying diagnostic code D04 ("Insufficient Battery Charge Condition Identified"). Despite proof of regular use (1,000 miles/month), Kia America has denied warranty coverage, claiming "insufficient driving". Warning Symptoms: There were no warning lamps or messages prior to either failure. The vehicle functioned normally until it became completely inoperable. I have since installed a third-party battery monitor to mitigate the risk of being stranded by a third failure. Evidence of Trend: A technician at the dealership noted a similar 12V failure in another new 2024 model (Carnival). Numerous other 2024 Niro owners report identical "parasitic drain" issues on NHTSA and consumer forums, suggesting a systemic manufacturing or software defect in the charging system. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

ODI #11692576UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE1 INJURY

Forward collision system fully activated while driving eastbound in the fast lane on [XXX] . The sun was behind me. No glare. No cars or objects were in front of me or next to me. The dashboard started flashing and warning sounds activated and the car slammed on the brakes itself. The seatbelt locked up and left me bruised. Miraculously, the cars behind me avoided crashing into me while I accelerated out of it. I could have been killed. Dealership minimized my concerns. I don’t want to drive this car ever again unless someone can make sure it doesn’t happen again. This safety feature malfunctioning is a death trap. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

ODI #11651839ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,TIRES,ENGINE

The contact owns a 2024 Kia Niro. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 65-70 MPH on the highway, the radio panel went blank. The vehicle was blowing cold air on the driver's side while the passenger’s side was blowing hot air. The contact stated that there was slush on the driveway and the vehicle slid. There was a triangle symbol with an exclamation mark displayed. The message that the camera had disengaged was displayed. The contact turned off the vehicle, and the vehicle failed to restart. The contact attempted to start the vehicle and after several hours, the vehicle started. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that rodents had built a nest in the engine due to the soy-based insulated wires. The dealer noticed a mouse, nuts, and seeds after disassembling the vehicle. The dealer ordered an electrical wiring harness. The dealer called the tire manufacturer, who confirmed the tires were working as designed. The contact replaced the tires. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact called and notified the insurance company of the issues. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 9,999. The VIN was not available.

ODI #11643288ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGSCRASH2 INJURIES

What happened? While driving my 2025 KIA Niro on [XXX] , I stopped at a red light behind another vehicle. Suddenly, my car was rear-ended by another vehicle, causing a significant impact that pushed my car forward into the vehicle in front. The seat belts deployed but I sustained a broken nose from hitting the steering wheel. My daughter and I were taken to the hospital for treatment. Component or System that Failed or Malfunctioned: The floor wiring assembly beneath the front passenger seat, which may have prevented the front airbags and seat belts from deploying properly, and could have caused an unintended side curtain airbag deployment. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. Safety Risk: The malfunction posed a serious safety risk as the airbags and seat belts may not have functioned as intended, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash. Reproduction of the Problem: The problem has not been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center yet. Inspections: The vehicle has been inspected by the police and insurance representatives after the accident. Warning Lamps, Messages or Symptoms: There were no warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure. Best Assessment of Incident and Cause: The recall notice issued by KIA indicates that the floor wiring assembly beneath the front passenger seat may become damaged, which can prevent the front airbags and seat belts from deploying properly or cause an unintended side curtain airbag deployment. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

ODI #11642771Carry Handle, Shell, Base

The car sear base comes with a plastic seatbelt guide. When you install the car seat using the anchors, tighten the belt and press down on the tightening lever, a piece of the plastic guide bows upward and causes the car seat to become stuck when rotating. Evenflo asked for it back and sent the same one model which is having the same issue.

Complaint Severity Analysis

NLP analysis of complaint language — not all complaints are equal

35/100
High Severity
3 of 8 complaints use high-severity language

3 complaints use high-severity language including injury, hazardous, killed — these are not minor inconveniences.

injuryhazardouskilleddeathhospital

Complaint & Reliability Timeline

Annual complaints (blue) vs. composite reliability score (amber) — recall years marked in red

Annual complaints and reliability score for KIA Niro — recall years marked in red
02405010020252026Complaints/yrReliability (0–100)
Annual complaints (left axis)
Reliability score 0–100 (right axis, higher = safer)
Crash-involved complaints that year
Chart Analysis

The blue line shows 8 NHTSA complaints on file for the KIA Niro — a relatively low volume that spans from 2025 to 2026.

The amber reliability line averaged 85/100 across the vehicle's life — relatively stable, with the lowest point of 85/100 in 2025.

Red dots on the amber line flag 2 years (2025, 2026) where complaints included crash events — these are the highest-severity incidents in the dataset.

Details & Analysis
Financial

5-Year Ownership Cost Estimate

Based on EPA fuel data, standard depreciation, and US average insurance/maintenance costs

$1,250
Annual Fuel
EPA estimate
$2,016
Annual Insurance
US average
$600
Annual Maintenance
2-yr-old vehicle avg
$0
Annual Depreciation
Current period
Estimated 5-Year Total Cost
Fuel + Insurance + Maintenance + Depreciation
$19,330

Estimates use EPA fuel economy data, AAA 2024 national averages for insurance and maintenance, and a standard depreciation curve. Actual costs vary by location, driving habits, and vehicle condition.

5-Year Total Cost of Ownership

Estimated based on EPA fuel data, risk-adjusted maintenance, and depreciation

$26,994
~$450/mo over 5 yrs
$1.1/mi
cost per mile
Electricity
$6,250
Insurance (est.)
$8,400
Maintenance
$2,500
Repair Risk Buffer
$1,500
Depreciation
$8,344

Estimated 5-year cost of ownership: $26,994 (~$450/mo). Repair risk buffer is standard due to vehicle risk profile. EV maintenance costs are lower (no oil changes, fewer brake replacements).

Negotiation Ammunition

Use these data-backed findings to negotiate the price down

1 open recall (unverified repair status)−$500
High-severity owner complaint language−$700
Total recommended deduction−$1,200

Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Tailored for the 2024 KIA Niro — specific failure modes your mechanic must check, not a generic list

HIGH
Verify recall SEATS has been repaired
Recall on record for: Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023-2025 Niro EV, Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV), and Hybrid vehicles. The floor w
MEDIUM
Test drive and inspect: FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
Multiple owner complaints filed for this component — verify it functions correctly during test drive.
MEDIUM
Test drive and inspect: POWER TRAIN
Multiple owner complaints filed for this component — verify it functions correctly during test drive.
MEDIUM
Test drive and inspect: VISIBILITY/WIPER
Multiple owner complaints filed for this component — verify it functions correctly during test drive.
MEDIUM
Get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic
For any used vehicle with a risk score above Low, a $100–$150 independent inspection is always worth it.
MEDIUM
Run a VIN check on NHTSA.gov to confirm all recalls are closed
Free at nhtsa.gov/vehicle-safety/recalls — enter the VIN and confirm all campaigns show as completed.
MEDIUM
Verify title is clean and check for salvage/rebuilt brands at your state DMV
Title washing across state lines is common — confirm with your state DMV before finalizing purchase.

Recall Probability Forecast

Estimated likelihood of a new recall in the next 18 months based on NHTSA signals

20%
18-month
36%
2-year
Moderate Probability
Cumulative 2-year risk: 36%

20% estimated recall probability — some indicators present but not alarming.

  • Accelerating complaint rate — increasing pressure on NHTSA to act

Maintenance Schedule

OEM-specified service intervals for this vehicle

Maintenance intervals vary significantly by make, model, year, engine, and driving conditions. Always follow the manufacturer's official schedule — not generic industry estimates.

Tip: Request the seller's service records and compare against the manufacturer schedule. Missing intervals are a negotiation point.

History & Auctions

Auction History

Public sale records from Copart, IAAI, and auction aggregators

Searching Public Auction Records

Checking Copart, IAAI, BidFax, and other sources for KNDCR3L16R5120314. Results appear automatically when found.

Insurance Cost Estimate

Estimated annual premiums based on vehicle profile, theft data, and NHTSA safety ratings

Full Coverage
$1,770–$2,250/yr
~$148–$188/mo
Liability Only
$560–$710/yr
~$47–$59/mo
Category: Standard Vehicle

Based on 2024 national avg ($2,011/yr full coverage). Individual rates vary by driver, location & insurer. Always compare 3+ quotes.

Manufacturer NHTSA Penalty History

Federal fines issued for recall delays and safety violations

KIA has been fined $27M+ by NHTSA. Most recently in 2020: Failure to promptly conduct recalls for Theta II engine defect.

2020$27MFailure to promptly conduct recalls for Theta II engine defect

State-Specific Legal Protections

What consumer laws apply to this vehicle purchase in your state

Select your state to see what consumer protection laws, lemon law coverage, and title disclosure requirements apply to this vehicle purchase.

Complete Data Table

All decoded fields in a single flattened view

Vehicle Identity

VINKNDCR3L16R5120314
Model Year2024
MakeKIA
ModelNiro
TrimWind
SeriesWagon Body Style
Vehicle TypeMULTIPURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLE (MPV)

Body & Configuration

Body StyleSport Utility Vehicle [SUV]/Multipurpose Vehicle [MPV]
Doors5
Drive Type4x2
Fuel TypeElectric

Manufacturer

ManufacturerKIA CORPORATION
Assembly CityHWASUNG
Assembly CountrySOUTH KOREA

VIN Structure

WMI (Chars 1–3)KND
Check Digit (Char 9)6
Model Year Code (Char 10)R
Plant Code (Char 11)5
Sequence (Chars 12–17)120314

Safety Data

NHTSA Recall Count1
NHTSA Complaint Count8

VIN Structure Decode

ISO 3779 character-by-character breakdown of this Vehicle Identification Number

K
1
N
2
D
3
C
4
R
5
3
6
L
7
1
8
6
9
R
10
5
11
1
12
2
13
0
14
3
15
1
16
4
17
WMI (1–3)
VDS (4–8)
Check Digit (9)
Model Year (10)
Serial (11–17)
K
World Manufacturer
Country & region of manufacture
Position 1
N
Manufacturer
Specific manufacturer identifier
Position 2
D
Vehicle Type
Division or vehicle type
Position 3
CR3L1
Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS)
Body style, engine type, restraint system
Position 4–8
6
Check Digit
Mathematical validation character
Position 9
R
Model Year
Year of manufacture
Position 10
5
Assembly Plant
Where the vehicle was assembled
Position 11
120314
Production Sequence
Unique serial number for this vehicle
Position 12–17
Country of Manufacture
South Korea
From VIN position 1 (K)
Model Year Character
"R" → 2024
Could also be 1994
Check Digit (Pos 9)
✓ Valid
ISO 3779 weighted-sum algorithm
Research This Model

Disclaimer: Data sourced from NHTSA public APIs and scraped auction listings. For informational purposes only. Not a substitute for a paid vehicle history report. Retrieved: 6/20/2026, 12:43:32 AM.