Recall 23V534 affects 121,411 2017-2022 Kia Niro and Niro PHEV vehicles for hydraulic clutch actuator fluid leaks. Repair is free at any franchised Kia dealer.
Kia is recalling 121,411 2017-2022 Niro and 2018-2022 Niro PHEV vehicles because fluid can leak into the printed circuit board inside the hydraulic clutch actuator. The leak can start an engine compartment fire, increasing injury risk, and Kia dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The hydraulic clutch actuator on 2017-2022 Kia Niro and Niro PHEV vehicles helps manage clutch engagement in the powertrain. It uses hydraulic pressure and an internal electronic control board to move the engine clutch at the right time, so the hybrid system can connect engine power smoothly when needed.
In this recall, fluid can get into the printed circuit board inside that actuator. Once fluid contaminates the board, it can create an electrical short circuit. That short can overheat the actuator area and result in an engine compartment fire.
The warning sign Kia identified is illumination of the HEV warning light. If that light comes on, treat it as a recall-related warning sign and contact a Kia dealer for repair guidance.
Who's affected?
Covers the Niro across the 2017-2022 model years and the Niro PHEV across the 2018-2022 model years, all tied to the hydraulic clutch actuator.
| 2022 Kia Niro PHEV | automatic transmission |
|---|---|
| 2019 Kia Niro PHEV | automatic transmission |
| 2018 Kia Niro PHEV | automatic transmission |
| 2017 Kia Niro | automatic transmission |
| 2020 Kia Niro PHEV | automatic transmission |
| 2021 Kia Niro PHEV | automatic transmission |
| 2018 Kia Niro | automatic transmission |
| 2019 Kia Niro | automatic transmission |
| 2020 Kia Niro | automatic transmission |
| 2021 Kia Niro | automatic transmission |
| 2022 Kia Niro | automatic transmission |
| Units affected | 121,411 |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific crossover is included.
What's the safety risk?
A fire increases the risk of injury. The HEV warning light is the warning sign, so treat that light as a reason to stop in a safe place and call a Kia dealer before you keep driving. Repair is free at any franchised Kia dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2017-2022 Kia Niro or 2018-2022 Kia Niro PHEV is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Kia dealer to schedule the free hydraulic clutch actuator inspection, needed replacement, and fuse installation that address fluid leaking into the actuator circuit board.
- Bring the recall notice if Kia mailed one. Reference recall number 23V534 when you call.
- Avoid parking near flammable materials until the repair is complete, and call the dealer if you notice smoke, a burning odor, or fluid near the engine compartment.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Kia technician inspects the hydraulic clutch actuator and replaces it when the inspection shows replacement is needed, then installs a new fuse. The recall repair is free, including parts and labor. If you already paid for a related hydraulic clutch actuator repair, Kia's standard reimbursement plan covers eligible documented expenses. Bring receipts and repair paperwork to the service desk, or contact Kia customer service to start the reimbursement claim.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| July 31, 2023 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| September 26, 2023 | Dealer notification began |
| September 26, 2023 | Dealer notification ended |
| September 29, 2023 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| December 29, 2023 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 23V534?
Recall 23V534 covers 121,411 2017-2022 Kia Niro and 2018-2022 Kia Niro PHEV vehicles. Fluid can leak into the printed circuit board inside the hydraulic clutch actuator and result in an engine compartment fire. Kia dealers will inspect the actuator, replace it when needed, and install a new fuse for free.
What should I do if my 2017-2022 Kia Niro or 2018-2022 Kia Niro PHEV is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 23V534. If it is, contact a franchised Kia dealer to schedule the hydraulic clutch actuator inspection and fuse installation. Reference recall number 23V534 or Kia recall SC276 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. Kia dealers will inspect the hydraulic clutch actuator, replace it when needed, and install a new fuse free of charge at any franchised Kia dealer.
What is the safety risk in recall 23V534?
The safety risk is an engine compartment fire. NHTSA campaign 23V534 says fluid can leak into the printed circuit board inside the hydraulic clutch actuator, and a fire increases the risk of injury. The repair path is the free dealer inspection, actuator replacement when needed, and new fuse installation.
What if I bought my Kia Niro used?
The free recall repair still applies. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to honor safety recalls regardless of ownership history. If Kia did not mail you a notice on December 29, 2023, check your VIN and reference recall 23V534 or SC276 when you call a Kia dealer.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/23V534000 |
|---|---|
| Kia customer service | 1-800-333-4542 |
| NHTSA recall # | 23V534 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 23V534000 |
Source documents
-
Download Quarterly Report (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Misc. Document (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 20, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →