KNDCR3L16R51203142024 KIA NiroWind
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.
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
8 owner complaints filed — top areas: Other (38%), Electrical (38%), Engine/Powertrain (13%). Common issues: electrical problems. 2 crashes reported.
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 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
No specific quality data available for this plant. No documented recall or complaint concentrations on record.
Safety Intelligence
Composite analysis from NHTSA recall, complaint, and crash data
✓ No high-risk recall components found
- ▸Electric/hybrid vehicle — monitor for battery thermal events
- ⚠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
NHTSA Safety Recalls
1 RECALLNHTSA 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.
1 of 1 recall has a low industry completion rate — statistically likely unrepaired.
Statistical model based on recall age, component type, and manufacturer. Not a repair confirmation. Demand dealer service records.
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
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...
~48% of these vehicles are statistically unrepaired
High RiskSource: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type
Recall Intelligence
Detailed analysis of recall history and severity
1 in 2 complaints involved an injury — significantly above average, indicating real-world safety incidents.
Complaint Intelligence
8 complaints analyzed across 4 system categories
⚠ Complaint rate is accelerating — issue may be getting worse
Owner Complaints
HIGH VOLUME8 safety complaints filed with NHTSA
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.
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.
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.
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)
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)
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.
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)
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
3 complaints use high-severity language including injury, hazardous, killed — these are not minor inconveniences.
Complaint & Reliability Timeline
Annual complaints (blue) vs. composite reliability score (amber) — recall years marked in red
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.
Legal & Regulatory Actions
Known class action lawsuits, settlements, and manufacturer extended warranty programs
5-Year Ownership Cost Estimate
Based on EPA fuel data, standard depreciation, and US average insurance/maintenance costs
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
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
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Tailored for the 2024 KIA Niro — specific failure modes your mechanic must check, not a generic list
Recall Probability Forecast
Estimated likelihood of a new recall in the next 18 months based on NHTSA signals
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.
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
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.
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
| VIN | KNDCR3L16R5120314 |
| Model Year | 2024 |
| Make | KIA |
| Model | Niro |
| Trim | Wind |
| Series | Wagon Body Style |
| Vehicle Type | MULTIPURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLE (MPV) |
Body & Configuration
| Body Style | Sport Utility Vehicle [SUV]/Multipurpose Vehicle [MPV] |
| Doors | 5 |
| Drive Type | 4x2 |
| Fuel Type | Electric |
Manufacturer
| Manufacturer | KIA CORPORATION |
| Assembly City | HWASUNG |
| Assembly Country | SOUTH 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 Count | 1 |
| NHTSA Complaint Count | 8 |
VIN Structure Decode
ISO 3779 character-by-character breakdown of this Vehicle Identification Number
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.