Will Towing With a 2019 Kia Niro Void the Powertrain Warranty

Updated 08/11/2021 | Published 08/10/2021

Question:

Since Kia does not offer a hitch option for the 2019 Niro, will any damage or premature failure of the power train, i.e., transmission, axle components, engine or battery be covered by the factory warranty when the vehicle is used to tow a light camper, for instance, within the 2800 pound limit generally thought appropriate?

asked by: Aaron R

Helpful Expert Reply:

If the cause of the premature failure is attributed to towing outside of the manufacturers recommend paraments then they can void the powertrain warranty. For example, if the towing capacity is listed at 2,000 lbs and they can prove you were towing a trailer in excess of this which caused said damage then they can void the warranty. If they do not recommend towing at all and can prove you towed with the vehicle then again, they can void the warranty. That said, installing an aftermarket hitch won't void any of these warranties directly. This is further explained under the Magnuson Moss Warranty Act.

The trailer hitch I recommend for a 2019 Kia Niro is the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver part # C13329 which is rated up to 3,500 lbs but if the vehicle is rated lower that's the rating you'll need to abide by.

expert reply by: Conner L