Ford Explorer vs Kia Niro
For 2017–2022 models, the Kia Niro has 17.7 owner complaints per 10,000 sold, against 33.4 for the Ford Explorer. Below: what each one’s owners report most, when it shows up, and what it costs to fix.
Both rates cover the same model years (2017–2022), counting each complaint once and dividing by US sales, so the more popular vehicle isn’t penalized for being popular. Years too new to judge are left out. How this is calculated.
Ford Explorer
33.4 complaints per 10,000 sold
1.9× the Kia Niro’s rate
- Complaints
- 4,584
- Sold
- 1,373,612
- Recall campaigns
- 55
- Open NHTSA investigations
- 3
Fewest: 2022. Every year →
Most-reported problems
-
Doors, windows, latches, seats and trim
Typically around 82,000 mi
-
Electric power steering motor and module
Typically around 78,000 mi · repair $750–$2,230
-
Power steering pump, rack and lines
Typically around 77,000 mi · repair $750–$2,230
-
Harsh, delayed or erratic shifting
Typically around 88,300 mi
-
Water leaks and seals
Typically around 60,000 mi
Kia Niro
17.7 complaints per 10,000 sold
47% fewer than the Ford Explorer
- Complaints
- 270
- Sold
- 152,692
- Recall campaigns
- 4
- Open NHTSA investigations
- 0
Fewest: 2021–2022. Every year →
Most-reported problems
-
Wiring harness, grounds and connectors
Typically around 50,880 mi
-
Cooling system: radiator, water pump, thermostat, fan
Typically around 98,000 mi · repair $260–$1,910
-
Hybrid or EV traction battery and inverter
Typically around 6,140 mi · repair $2,740–$5,240
-
Body control and other modules
Typically around 27,500 mi
-
Manual clutch, flywheel and hydraulics
Typically around 73,500 mi · repair $1,070–$1,980
Common questions
Which has fewer problems, the Ford Explorer or the Kia Niro?
For 2017–2022 models, the Kia Niro has 17.7 owner complaints per 10,000 sold and the Ford Explorer has 33.4, counting the same model years for both.
What is the most common problem on the Ford Explorer?
The most-reported problem on the Ford Explorer is doors, windows, latches, seats and trim, typically around 82,000 miles.
What is the most common problem on the Kia Niro?
The most-reported problem on the Kia Niro is wiring harness, grounds and connectors, typically around 50,880 miles.
Source: NHTSA owner complaints, recalls and investigations; US sales from public industry figures; repair costs from book labor hours and parts pricing at national rates. Complaints are self-reported and not independently verified. Problem lists cover each vehicle’s full history. This is not a recommendation to buy or avoid either vehicle.