Are you coming to a complete stop before shifting from R to D? If not, that can cause issues.

For the video you could just include a link in your text. You need a certain number of posts before you can post attachments but a text link should work.

For the record, I've had my PHEV for almost 2 years and have had no issues thus far.

 

Are you coming to a complete stop before shifting from R to D? If not, that can cause issues.

For the video you could just include a link in your text. You need a certain number of posts before you can post attachments but a text link should work.

For the record, I've had my PHEV for almost 2 years and have had no issues thus far.

Mine does it randomly, and at any time. From reversing and going forward, to being stopped at at stop sign after driving a few miles with occasional stop and go at lights, etc. The clunk varies too, from a gentle light jerk with the sound to a head bumping the headrest jerk with a louder sound. I cannot live without my car and my dealership is stingy enough they will not give me a loaner so they can drive it a couple days to try and replicate it. It is a lose lose situation for me here.

 

I agree, you must use the brake and come to a complete stop when backing up. I've done it a couple time, when you back up and the car is barely rolling, you still must come to a stop before shifting into Drive. Also, when stopping at a stop sign, even if you do come to a complete stop, taking off again can be "jerky" if you give it too much throttle. I believe this has to do with the DCT and gear selection/pre-selection. There is a hesitation as the computer realizes you want more acceleration, and shifts down to a lower gear.

 

There is a hill hold feature that might be at fault here. It activates with a strong push on the pedal. Stopping with a light touch, or releasing the pedal at a stop and then a light touch on the brakes to stop creep does not activate hill hold. This is just for diagnostic purposes, what you are describing appears to be a fault.

Another possibility could be if your car is equipped with electric brakes. Pretty sure that is not on 2019 models, but if you have a 2020 model, possible. Electric "parking" brakes are required for full stop/start cruise control on any car and if so equipped could also be at fault for not releasing until you have forced the car to move causing a jerk.

The dealer is completely wrong here for failing to attempt to confirm issue and doing some basic problem solving.

 

Took me a while to realize I was barely using the brakes and that i needed to actually press harder to make the hill start work.

 

At this point I am trying to replicate the problem so I can show the dealer. I've tried both coming to a complete stop and changing gear from R to D when it's still 'rolling'. There is no consistency in when the awkward jerky noise happens. The closest I've come to replicating it is when I'm holding the brake for a bit at a full stop (think at a stop sign turning into an intersection), then i quickly let go and hit the gas - the car jerks loudly.

The hill hold comment is interesting, I thought it was that at first then realized my car does not have it. Also, it has a manual brake.

here's a link to the video

 

At this point I am trying to replicate the problem so I can show the dealer. I've tried both coming to a complete stop and changing gear from R to D when it's still 'rolling'. There is no consistency in when the awkward jerky noise happens. The closest I've come to replicating it is when I'm holding the brake for a bit at a full stop (think at a stop sign turning into an intersection), then i quickly let go and hit the gas - the car jerks loudly.

The hill hold comment is interesting, I thought it was that at first then realized my car does not have it. Also, it has a manual brake.

here's a link to the video

I tried to watch your video but it looks like it's restricted. I think you can tell Google Drive to let anyone have access to it but it's not the default.

You mention a loud noise when it happens, is there a vibration or lurch associated with it? My Niro will make a grumbling noise pulling away from a stop sometimes. Sounds like the suspension unloading or perhaps the brakes dragging slightly. I don't feel anything, it's just a grinding noise. I've gotten used to it over time and just ignore it.

 

As far as I know, hill hold is a feature on all Niros. If this only happens after a stop, brakes would be the chief suspect regardless.

 

this link should work.

It's a noise with a forward jerk. When the car doesn't make the noise it runs fine. Brakes work and no other noises whatsoever.

Interesting comment on the hill assist. If my Nero has it then that could be the problem - it's malfunctioning and not activating when needed and activating when not (causing the jerk)

 

this link should work.

It's a noise with a forward jerk. When the car doesn't make the noise it runs fine. Brakes work and no other noises whatsoever.

Interesting comment on the hill assist. If my Nero has it then that could be the problem - it's malfunctioning and not activating when needed and activating when not (causing the jerk)

It happened for the first and second time to me today in my 2020 Niro. It's going to the dealer tomorrow.

 

That sound is definitely NOT normal.

 

Hill assist is always activated on a firm stop. If you come to such a full stop and immediately try to take off, there will be a pause and that can be perceived as a jerk on takeoff. Normal.

 

Hi - I bought a 2019 Niro PHEV 2 weeks ago and I'm having the same issue. The first time it happened was quite pronounced and surprising - wow, what was that? Since then, it has been infrequent and much less severe. Given the theories of cause by other posters, I'll try to recreate the issue, and report back.

 

after a week of back and forth I FINALLY got an update from Kia. they managed to replicate the problem and are looking into it. they suspect it's a transmission problem but admit they have not seen it before.

@PNWJane - yes, that's exactly how it started with me.then it gets worse. I recommend you contact customer service right away because it takes them about 4-5 days to assign an escalation case manager. Take it to the dealer and have them try and replicate it. they should contact Kia of Portland Service department and talk to Chris McNight.

 

after a week of back and forth I FINALLY got an update from Kia. they managed to replicate the problem and are looking into it. they suspect it's a transmission problem but admit they have not seen it before.

@PNWJane - yes, that's exactly how it started with me.then it gets worse. I recommend you contact customer service right away because it takes them about 4-5 days to assign an escalation case manager. Take it to the dealer and have them try and replicate it. they should contact Kia of Portland Service department and talk to Chris McNight.

Glad you're finally making progress with the issue. There's nothing worse than an intermittent problem. Invariably, they completely fail to show up when you are actively looking for them. Hopefully, now that Kia knows there is a problem they'll be able to find the solution.

For the record, my money is still on a sticky / grabby clutch. If Kia confirms it's in the tranny they'll likely just swap it out rather than tear into it to repair the problem so we may never know.

 

My partner got a 2019 PHEV a few weeks ago and we have also noticed the occasional jerk when accelerating from a full stop. The first time it was fairly loud, although not as loud as the OPs video, but it has happened again afterwards to a lesser extent.

@vsciar, if you have a particular case # with Kia customer service, feel free to post it or PM it so that we can call in and note the same issue is affecting us as well. With the holidays may be a bit busy, but may take it to a dealer within the next week or two especially if it gets worse.

FWIW, we are based out of New England, not sure if climate is a factor but the weather here has been 'cold'... at most mid 40s but was around maybe mid 30s to low 40s when we noticed it at first.

 

Considering how many owners make vague complaints online about jerking, it is interesting that finally Kia has a case that apparently is unique (or at least not normal). I'd love to know how they replicated it and what they think is the problem.

 

the case number I have is: 13444256. Not sure if it's a customer service case number or Kia parts & service case number. Yes, please report it to Kia so that they realize it's not a one-off and try to patch up the issue with a quick fix (after this incident I have lost all trust in Kia). The more they hear about it the more seriously they will take on the issue.

No updates from Kia yet on what the problem is. As soon as I hear i'll post it here.

 

@vsciar , a couple of Canadian owners has the same isssu with their PHEV, they all got theirs between september and now.! keep us posted!

 

the case number I have is: 13444256. Not sure if it's a customer service case number or Kia parts & service case number. Yes, please report it to Kia so that they realize it's not a one-off and try to patch up the issue with a quick fix (after this incident I have lost all trust in Kia). The more they hear about it the more seriously they will take on the issue.

No updates from Kia yet on what the problem is. As soon as I hear i'll post it here.

Have they resolved the issue or told you what it is. My car (2019 KIA NIRO PHEV) is doing this too and my dealership has not heard of it. I have suggested they look on this forum as well but I'm guessing they haven't. It is a solid thunk under the center of the floor upon acceleration from a full stop, like at the stop sign or stoplight, and totally random.

 

This has been the worst experience ever. Talked to Kia of Portland and I'm getting the same response as usual "we don't know what the problem is". They told me the action they have taken is "emailing with engineering" (whatever that means). The dealer keeps blaming Kia motors and Kia motors keeps blaming the dealer.

 

Any dealer will alway's blame the head office because they dont know where to go with a hot potato in their hands.! So the best thing they can do for now, is what they said. They will contact the engineering team at head office, and see what can be done.! If something comes up, a service bulletin will be out for certain PHEV..

But, what you can do: Call the head office (Kia motors USA) and open there too a request ticket for the problem, with the one that you already have from the Portland dealer, you will have more power in your hands to tell them to find the problem and get it fix!

@vsciar, you are not the only one that has this problem.! @M2bernier is already in my FB group and has the same problem with some others. Lets hope someone somewere finds it!

 

Je viens d'acheter un Niro PHEV il y a deux semaines et après l'avoir conduit pendant quelques jours, j'ai commencé à avoir un réflexe puissant lorsque je suis parti d'un arrêt complet. Au début, cela a commencé en mode EV uniquement, mais cela est déjà arrivé en mode hybride à quelques reprises (je ne suis pas sûr que le moteur fonctionne ou s'il fonctionne pour le chauffage). This time is a self-made on a self-driver on a self-speed.

Le défi ici est que cela arrive RANDOMLY et qu'il est impossible de reproduire avec précision. C'est arrivé par temps froid tôt le matin (40 degrés F) quand la voiture a fonctionné pendant un moment, quand je suis reculé et que je passe ensuite à la conduite. Le concessionnaire me surveille, car ils ne sont pas en mesure de reproduire le problème, mais ils ont été refusés. You are here to be a easy vidéo to get the ring 'jerk', mais vous ne pouvez pas le joindre ici. Si quelqu'un d'autre a vu ce problème, s'il vous plaît. The dealer dealer on the base of data global. Ils l'ont conduit avec les capteurs et le «kit de test» et ont déclaré que toutes les conférences étaient correctes. Je pense que la voiture est dangereuse mais apparemment, le concessionnaire n'est pas d'accord.

La voiture a moins de 500 miles au-dessus de c'est donc un défaut d'usine. J'ai signalé le problème au service clientèle et j'attendais de savoir avec quoi ils reviendront.

S'il vous plaît, laissez-moi savoir si vous avez un problème similaire, plus j'ai d'informations, plus ils peuvent aller au fond des choses !!

Merci.

Bonjour, je vous suit! Mon véhicule à le même problème. Nous avons été en mesure de reproduire le bruit (violentes secousses) en présence du technicien de notre concessionnaire. Le véhicule est présentement en observation. Je partagerai le developpement avec vous sur ce forum!

 

I have a 2019 Niro PHEV built in Jan 2019. Thankfully I have not noticed any jerking issues.
It would be helpful for if all who have had this problem would share the last 4 digits of their serial numbers and the build date as that may help to narrow down the potential of a bad bunch of parts.

 

I have a 2019 Niro PHEV built in Jan 2019. Thankfully I have not noticed any jerking issues.

It's look more from the batch delivered from August till October 2019 ... (for Canada at least)

 

Mine was built in Jan or Feb (I think, can't recall now) and delivered in May. Haven't noticed any issue.

 

latest update from from Kia: the "special" engineer (that flew in from L.a) had a chance to look at the car but could not diagnose the problem. Next appointment date January 22 !!!!!!!! Unbelievable.

 

It might be time to start dropping "lemon law" comments with your dealer. 30 days in the shop is one of the criteria in most states. I agree, it's ridiculous that it's been this long with no solution. If I were the dealer, I would have offered you a new car weeks ago. Of course, that's probably one of the reasons I'm not cut out to be a dealer... ?

 

 

We just leased the same car last month and within the first couple of days the same thing happened. I took it right into the dealer and they drove around with me and of course it did not happen while we were in the car together. They did say that if it only happens once or twice a day it is no big deal. Well, if feels like a big deal when the car lurches forward and you lose control for a second or two. I agree with you, it does not feel safe when it happens and it certainly does not feel normal.
I would love to know what happens on your end - this is definitely a problem KIA must address.
Thank you.

 

I'm not sure everyone is describing the same behavior here. If you are lurching forward because of a short hesitation after a stop, that is probably due to the hill hold brake function. Takes some getting used to, but there are some workarounds. The easiest is a light touch to a full stop and do not push the brake pedal firmly. If that wasn't possible, release the brake at a stop until the car begins to roll, then press it lightly to stop. Now the car is ready to go without hesitation. A typical place this might be needed is crossing or turning onto a heavily trafficked road after a stop.

A bit scary, but what I learned to do is hit the gas pedal half a second before I actually wanted to move. That works too, and may be useful as there is a normal tendency to depress the brake pedal firmly waiting for a hole in the traffic (which brings on the hesitation in moving).

 

Thank you for this info. It is not a lurching forward due to a short hesitation after a stop - it is definitely the transmission shifting into another gear but with a loud sound and a jolt. We called KIA corporate today and they suggested that we take the car back into the dealership to start a ticket so they can check into this problem. Hopefully they will figure out what's going on.

 

Finally got my car back from KIA. They concluded it was the engine clutch actuator. They replaced it and performed all necessary relearns.

 

Thanks for letting us know. Is this solution working for you?

happydadto5: The owner's manual documents that the engine clutch actuator fluid should be changed at 18 months or 22,500 miles, whichever comes first. At least one member of this forum has documented that he drove over 100k without ever having that service performed. But what might be interesting to you, your dealer, and anyone else having this problem is that the service manual documents that after changing the fluid, the actuator must be made to "re-learn". That involves a piece of computerized diagnostic equipment that a Kia dealer's service garage should have, but some people have reported that their local dealer wasn't familiar with the requirement (my own dealer claims that they know how to do it and will be able to when the time comes for my car).

If I was having this problem, before I had the actuator replaced, I'd suggest to my dealer that they consider bleeding the fluid and then initiate the re-learning process. But before I signed up for that, I'd want to ensure that they would be doing it under warranty, because the procedure is likely to cost over $100 (I think I was quoted $120).

 

My 2019 NIRO PHEV also jerks and does a scary free neutral gear wheeling when revering the car and before the drive shift is engaged. I have stopped myself right before hitting the cars behind me. Never seen this in any of my cars before. This car has a character of its own. It jerks when it wants to- freely rolls in reverse- makes all sorts of unnatural noises from the brakes when starting to drive or backing up. I think Kia installs a poltergeist free of charge in its cars to give it an extra character. I am just glad Kia did not charge me extra for it. Also beware that unlike most other PHEV cars - NIRO can only be charged with a maximum 16 amp. Other PHEV's accept level 2 charging with 32AMP charger. Thank you KIA. I bought mine in October and have 5k on it.

 

Also beware that unlike most other PHEV cars - NIRO can only be charged with a maximum 16 amp. Other PHEV's accept level 2 charging with 32AMP charger. Thank you KIA. I bought mine in October and have 5k on it.

Actually, very few PHEVs have a 32 amp (6.6 kW) charger. There's a few, but the vast majority only have 3.3 kW chargers. In fact, some of the earlier BEVs only had 3.3 kW chargers, which was really dumb. Of course, many of those only had small batteries with under 80 miles of range.

 

Having this problem occasionally (3-4 times in a month) on a newly purchase PHEV US. It seems if accelerator too quick from a stop, it sometimes happens. Pretty random as far as I can tell. Anyone who has a successful outcome at a dealership with getting it fixed, please post what they did. I see the post above with the engine clutch actuator.

 

Latest update: Finally got a chance to drive the Niro for a bit and Kia did NOT fix the problem. Changing the engine clutch actuator did nothing. I got the same jerking issue twice in the past three days.