Recall 17V159 affects 135 2017 Kia Niro Hybrid vehicles for a damaged power steering connector. Repair is free at any franchised Kia dealer.
Kia is recalling 135 2017 Niro Hybrid vehicles because a damaged Motor Driven Power Steering connector can shut off electric power steering assistance. When that assist is lost, steering takes more effort at low speeds and the risk of a crash increases; Kia dealers will repair the problem free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The 2017 Kia Niro Hybrid uses Motor Driven Power Steering, or MDPS, to add electric assist when you turn the wheel. The system uses an electric motor and control wiring to reduce the effort needed at the steering wheel, especially at low speeds or while parking. The connector is the electrical plug that keeps that motor and steering control circuit connected.
On affected Niro Hybrid vehicles, the MDPS connector can be damaged. A damaged connector can interrupt the electrical path that lets the steering motor provide assist. When that happens, the steering gear still has a mechanical connection, but the electric help drops out and the wheel takes more effort to turn.
The warning sign is the Electronic Power Steering, or EPS, warning light on the dashboard. If that light comes on, the steering assist has detected a fault and the vehicle needs recall service from a Kia dealer.
Who's affected?
| 2017 Kia Niro Hybrid | power steering system |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 135 |
Not every 2017 Kia Niro Hybrid crossover is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific crossover is included.
What's the safety risk?
Loss of power steering assist makes the wheel harder to turn, especially at lower speeds, and increases crash risk. If the EPS warning light comes on or steering effort changes, slow down, park safely, and call a Kia dealer for service guidance. Repair is free at any franchised Kia dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2017 Kia Niro Hybrid is included in this recall.
- Contact your nearest franchised Kia dealer to schedule the free MDPS motor replacement for the damaged power-steering connector.
- Bring the recall notice if Kia sent one. If not, reference recall number 17V159 (Kia recall SC145) when you call.
- Limit low-speed maneuvering until the repair is complete, because loss of power steering assist requires higher steering effort.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Kia technician replaces the Motor Driven Power Steering motor connected to the damaged MDPS connector issue. The replacement parts and labor are free under recall 17V159. Kia's General Reimbursement Plan covers repair expenses already paid for this condition. If you've paid out of pocket for a related steering repair, bring your repair paperwork and contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542 to start the reimbursement request.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| March 10, 2017 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| April 3, 2017 | Owner notification mailed |
| April 4, 2017 | Dealer notification began |
| April 4, 2017 | Dealer notification ended |
| April 7, 2017 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| April 7, 2017 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 17V159?
Recall 17V159 covers 135 2017 Kia Niro Hybrid vehicles with a damaged Motor Driven Power Steering connector. The defect can cause a loss of electric power steering assist, requiring higher steering effort and increasing crash risk. Kia dealers will replace the MDPS motor for free.
What should I do if my 2017 Kia Niro Hybrid is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Niro Hybrid is included in recall 17V159000. If it is, call a franchised Kia dealer and schedule the MDPS motor replacement. Reference Kia recall number SC145 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost to owners. Kia dealers will replace the Motor Driven Power Steering motor free of charge, and the repair has been available since the recall began on April 3, 2017.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is heavier steering effort if electric power steering assist is lost. That matters most at lower speeds, where steering takes more force and crash risk increases. If your VIN is included, arrange the free MDPS motor replacement with a Kia dealer.
What if I bought this Kia Niro Hybrid used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recalls follow the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific 2017 Kia Niro Hybrid is included, then call a franchised Kia dealer and reference recall 17V159000 or Kia recall number SC145.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/17V159000 |
|---|---|
| Kia customer service | 1-800-333-4542 |
| NHTSA recall # | 17V159 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 17V159000 |
Source documents
-
Download Misc. Document (PDF) - Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 25, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →