Kona Electric battery recall (2018–2020)
at any mileage · High risk
model years 2018–2020 only
Signs: Fire risk with some LG cells — battery replacement campaign
Fix: Check recall status with the VIN (free)
free / recall
Common faults, service intervals and costs
Kia Niro
2016–now
1
engines covered
3
known faults
79,073
roadworthiness tests in the statistics
7
official recalls
Enter your VIN and mileage and get a plan built for your exact engine and gearbox.
The Kia Niro has been built since 2016.
For this generation we cover 1 engines and 3 known faults, each with the mileage range where it usually appears.
The most expensive known risk is ICCU / 12V charging unit (E-GMP): it usually appears at 20,000–160,000 km and costs €0–2,000 to fix.
In UK roadworthiness tests in 2024, at 0–50 thousand km this model most often failed on: tyres and wheels (5.1 %), lights, wipers and visibility (4.3 %), brakes (0.4 %). It fails more often than an average car of the same age and mileage on: tyres and wheels.
Engines
| Engine | Fuel | Timing drive | Oil |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electric (Hyundai / Kia) | Electric | None (EV) | — |
Faults by engine
Electric (Hyundai / Kia)
ICCU / 12V charging unit (E-GMP)
usually 20,000–160,000 km · High risk
model years 2021–2023 only
Signs: 'Check EV system', loss of power, 12V battery flat (Ioniq 5 / EV6 2021–2023)
Fix: Recall / software update; replace ICCU
€0–2,000
Reduction gear / motor noise
usually 60,000–200,000 km · Wear part
Signs: Whine or clunk
Fix: Inspect; oil change / repair
€100–1,500
Scheduled service
Intervals and typical prices for the Electric (Hyundai / Kia) engine. Other engines differ in oil, timing drive and some filters; the app gives the exact plan.
| Item | Interval | Typical price |
|---|---|---|
| Tyre rotationWheels | every 10,000 km | €20–45 |
| Cabin (pollen) filterClimate | every 15,000 km or every 12 months | €15–40 |
| Brake fluidBrakes | every 24 months | €50–95 |
| A/C service (regas + desiccant)Climate | every 24 months | €70–150 |
| Drive unit oil checkTransmission | every 150,000 km | €0–120 |
| Brake pads (regen-assisted)Brakes | usually at 80,000–160,000 km | €60–150 |
| Tyres (set of 4, EV-rated)Wheels | usually at 30,000–50,000 km | €450–900 |
| Wiper bladesBody | checked at service | €20–50 |
| 12V batteryElectrical | checked at service | €100–220 |
Roadworthiness tests by mileage
Share of tests in the United Kingdom (DVSA MOT, 2024) that this model failed because of each system. Bold red means more often and green less often than an average car of the same age and mileage. Sample: 79,073 tests.
| thousand km | 0–50 | 50–100 | 100–150 | 150–200 | 200–250 | 250+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 0.4 % | 1.3 % | 2.1 % | 2.0 % | 2.3 % | 2.6 % |
| Suspension | 0.1 % | 0.1 % | 0.2 % | 0.4 % | 1.2 % | 1.2 % |
| Steering | 0.1 % | 0.1 % | 0.2 % | 0.3 % | 0.4 % | 1.0 % |
| Tyres and wheels | 5.1 % | 6.9 % | 6.4 % | 6.0 % | 5.7 % | 3.5 % |
| Lights, wipers and visibility | 4.3 % | 5.7 % | 5.7 % | 8.0 % | 8.8 % | 9.8 % |
| Body and corrosion | 0.1 % | 0.1 % | 0.1 % | 0.4 % | 0.2 % | 0.7 % |
| Exhaust, emissions and leaks | 0.2 % | 0.2 % | 0.4 % | 0.4 % | 0.7 % | 1.4 % |
Owner complaints in the US
Which systems owners reported to the US agency NHTSA and at what mileage. Complaints are not confirmed faults and some relate to recalls. Sample: 109 complaints.
Official recalls
Recalls the manufacturer published in the United Kingdom for this model (7). The same recalls usually apply across Europe. Ask an authorised dealer to check by VIN whether your car is affected and whether the work has been done.
- Fire risk Kia Niro HCA Fuse Replacement02/03/2025 · R/2025/059
- Engine / loss of power Kia EV9 and Niro SG2 Gear Drive Unit Recall30/08/2024 · R/2024/276
- Suspension / axles Kia EV6 and Niro SG2 Driveshaft Recall11/04/2024 · R/2024/163
- Electronics / software A combination of the instrument cluster software and electrical noise while the vehicle is starting may result in cluster booting errors21/07/2023 · R/2023/211
- Engine / loss of power A potential coolant leak in the Electric Power Control Unit (EPCU) could cause a loss of power whilst driving.05/05/2023 · R/2023/121
- Other A reduction of contact pressure on the main relays causes heat build up in the main power relay assembly.28/05/2019 · R/2019/167
- Fire risk Burrs in the inner hydraulic clutch actuator housing can cause damage to the oil seal14/08/2018 · R/2018/207
Sources and notes
Faults, intervals and prices are indicative and collected from public sources and owner experience; always rely on the service book and a qualified workshop. Test statistics: DVSA – Anonymised MOT tests and results, Open Government Licence v3.0. Owner complaints: NHTSA ODI (public domain). Recalls: DVSA Vehicle Safety Branch Recalls Database, OGL v3.0. Brand and model names are trademarks of their owners and are used only to describe the vehicles.
Updated 07/10/2026