A 2022 Kia Niro experienced serious safety and performance problems early in ownership, significantly impacting reliability. At just over 11,000 miles, the vehicle unexpectedly accelerated on its own from low speeds without the accelerator being pressed. Additionally, the smart cruise control system failed to operate properly, displaying warning messages during freeway driving.
Despite these alarming symptoms, diagnostic scans found no fault codes, and technicians were unable to replicate the issues during test drives. After calibration of advanced driver assistance systems and a thorough multi-point inspection, the vehicle was initially declared functioning normally.
However, the problems escalated in severity. Over a 56-day period, the vehicle was in the shop for extended repairs related to a dramatic drop in charging speed. Where charging once took about an hour using high-powered chargers, it now required nearly twice the time. Diagnostic testing revealed failures in the electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) and power line communication (PLC) signals. Multiple inspections, wiring tests, and data logging were performed with technical specialists involved.
Technicians eventually replaced an updated high-voltage battery safety plug and repaired a bus bar within the battery assembly. After reinforcing and securing components, the system was retested. Charging speed improved but remained below original performance. Final system checks confirmed the electric vehicle system was operating normally before the vehicle was returned.
Despite these efforts, the prolonged repair time and unresolved safety concerns—especially the unexplained unintended acceleration and inconsistent smart cruise control—raised serious questions about the vehicle’s reliability.
Under California’s lemon law, vehicles that continue to exhibit defects after multiple repair attempts and accumulate significant time in the shop may qualify for repurchase. Given the extensive downtime and persistent issues, the vehicle was deemed a candidate for a lemon law claim.
Since 2009, the Lemon Law Experts have helped thousands of California consumers resolve similar cases, securing buybacks and compensation for legal fees. If you’re facing ongoing issues with your vehicle, contact the Lemon Law Experts for a free consultation. Our experienced team can help you understand your rights and work toward a successful lemon law resolution.
