Kia Niro vs Toyota Highlander
For 2017–2022 models, the Toyota Highlander has 14.7 owner complaints per 10,000 sold, against 17.7 for the Kia Niro. 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.
Kia Niro
17.7 complaints per 10,000 sold
1.2× the Toyota Highlander’s rate
- 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
Toyota Highlander
14.7 complaints per 10,000 sold
17% fewer than the Kia Niro
- Complaints
- 2,059
- Sold
- 1,398,932
- Recall campaigns
- 15
- Open NHTSA investigations
- 0
Fewest: 2022. Every year →
Most-reported problems
-
Doors, windows, latches, seats and trim
Typically around 56,000 mi
-
Harsh, delayed or erratic shifting
Typically around 16,000 mi
-
Body control and other modules
Typically around 46,000 mi
-
Airbags, seatbelts and restraints
Typically around 60,100 mi
-
Automatic transmission internals
Typically around 73,350 mi · repair $2,910–$5,410
Common questions
Which has fewer problems, the Kia Niro or the Toyota Highlander?
For 2017–2022 models, the Toyota Highlander has 14.7 owner complaints per 10,000 sold and the Kia Niro has 17.7, counting the same model years for both.
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.
What is the most common problem on the Toyota Highlander?
The most-reported problem on the Toyota Highlander is doors, windows, latches, seats and trim, typically around 56,000 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.