Kia America has initiated a recall of more than 80,000 Niro vehicles from model years 2023-2025 due to a critical wiring defect that could compromise essential safety systems, the automaker said in a report filed with National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
The recall affects the company's Niro EV, Plug-in Hybrid, and Hybrid crossover SUVs, targeting a potentially dangerous floor wiring issue beneath the front passenger seat.
Newsweek reached out to Kia America via email on Saturday for comment.
Why It Matters
This safety recall addresses a significant risk to vehicle occupants, as the wiring defect could prevent proper deployment of airbags and seat belts during accidents.
Additionally, the damaged wiring could trigger unexpected deployment of side curtain airbags, potentially increasing injury risks during normal vehicle operation.
This recall comes amid heightened scrutiny of automotive safety systems, following a previous November 2024 action when Hyundai and Kia recalled over 208,000 electric vehicles for a separate issue involving charging control units.
In documents filed with federal regulators, the affiliated Korean automakers explained that a faulty transistor in the charging control unit could fail, preventing the 12-volt battery from charging.
What To Know
The recall encompasses 80,255 vehicles across three Niro variants:
- 2023-2025 Kia Niro standard models
- 2023-2025 Kia Niro EV
- 2023-2025 Kia Niro PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid)
Kia discovered the potential safety issue in November 2024, though no injuries have been reported in vehicles with either power or manual front passenger seats.
What People Are Saying
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration: "Air bags and seat belts that deploy improperly or an air bag deploying unintentionally can increase the risk of injury in a crash."
What Happens Next
Kia will begin notifying affected vehicle owners by mail on March 14, 2025. Owners can take several immediate actions:
- Contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542 (reference recall number SC332)
- Reach out to NHTSA's Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236
- Visit nhtsa.gov to check their vehicle's recall status using the NHTSA recall database
Owners can use their Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to check if their vehicle is affected by visiting the NHTSA recall database. Kia dealers will perform all necessary repairs and modifications free of charge.
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