Tag: Niro

VESS is restored to the Niro, with a twist

VESS module

VESS is restored I’ve fussed with and complained about the Kia Niro Virtual Engine Sound System (VESS) for months and had disconnected it following the video linked here. But this left potential liability issues and so VESS is restored while adding a disconnect switch following the instructions from another video linked below. The issue is …

Continue reading

Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2025/07/vess-is-restored-to-the-niro-with-a-twist/

What happens when the Niro is charged to 100%

Niro range

Charged to 100% A bit ago, I noted that Kia recommends charging the Kia  Niro EV to 100% once a month. So, I charged to 100% two days ago with astounding results. For the record, I don’t put many miles on the car and will likely only charge to 100% every other month. First note …

Continue reading

Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2025/07/what-happens-when-the-niro-is-charged-to-100/

Kia EV jump start process

Kia EV jump start

EV jump start Your Kia electric vehicle (EV) uses a 12-volt battery to actually start the car, much like a 12-volt battery is used to start an internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle. Plus an EV jump start is possible! If the start battery has died, you will be locked out of your car. You can …

Continue reading

Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2025/06/kia-ev-jump-start-process/

Complaint filed with #NHTSA

Pitted rotor

NHTSA A few days ago, I alluded to attempting to work with Kia on what I believe should be a warranty issue. I was rebuffed by both a local dealer and the company itself. So today I filed a detailed complaint with NHTSA, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. I will give you a detailed …

Continue reading

Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2025/05/complaint-filed-with-nhtsa/

Kia refuses to do anything about its overly loud VESS module

Loud VESS module I filed a complaint with Kia America about the overly loud VESS module in the Kia Niro EV. You may recall that I disconnected the module recently. All I’ve done is start a fight! The response I got did nothing but lay out what I and everyone else knows (there was also …

Continue reading

Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2025/05/kia-refuses-to-do-anything-about-its-overly-loud-vess-module/

My only real complaint about the Kia Niro EV

Kia Niro EV If I have a single complaint regarding the Kia Niro EV I now drive, its the obnoxiously loud back-up warning the VESS (Virtual Engine Sound System) system gives off. And I’m not alone. The rules in the U.S. state that “The vehicle must make a continuous noise level of at least 56 …

Continue reading

Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2025/04/my-only-real-complaint-about-the-kia-niro-ev/

Kia Niro EV first impressions

Kia Niro EV The lease on my Polestar 2 recently expired, and I purchased a pre-owned 2022 Kia Niro EV outright (22,000 miles). Over the last few years a rather healthy used EV market has developed, which is great for the industry. The Kia does not have the prestige of the Polestar but there were …

Continue reading

Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2024/10/kia-niro-ev-first-impressions/