Kia has issued a major recall impacting 80,255 vehicles in the United States due to faulty wiring that could compromise the proper deployment of airbags and seat belts. This Kia airbag recall affects select 2023-2025 Niro models, including Hybrid, Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV), and EV variants.
Which Kia Models Are Affected?
The recall includes the following models manufactured between August 10, 2022, and December 13, 2024:
- 2023-2025 Kia Niro Hybrid
- 2023-2025 Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV)
- 2023-2025 Kia Niro EV
As of now, Kia has reported no injuries, crashes, or fatalities linked to this issue.
Why Are These Kia Vehicles Being Recalled?
The recall was prompted by a defect in the floor wiring assembly located beneath the front passenger seat. According to Kia and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), this wiring is susceptible to damage from repeated seat adjustments, leading to:
- Failure of airbags and seat belts to deploy during a crash.
- Unintended deployment of the side curtain airbag, increasing the risk of injury.
Airbags and seat belts are critical safety systems, and any malfunction poses a serious safety risk.
How Will Kia Remedy the Issue?
Kia will address the problem free of charge for affected vehicle owners. The fix involves:
- Inspecting the floor wiring assembly under the front passenger seat.
- Replacing and rerouting the wiring if necessary.
- Installing protective wiring covers to prevent future damage.
Kia dealerships are prepared to perform these repairs, and owners will be notified by mail starting March 14, 2025.
What Should Owners Do?
If you own one of the affected models, here’s what you need to do:
- Check Your Vehicle’s Recall Status: Visit Kia’s official recall website or the NHTSA recall database and enter your 17-digit VIN to see if your car is included in the recall.
- Schedule Repairs: Contact your nearest Kia dealership to schedule an inspection and repair. These services are free.
- Watch for Notification Letters: Kia will send letters to owners with further details.
For additional support, you can reach out to:
- Kia Customer Service: 1-800-333-4542 (reference recall number SC332).
- NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline: 1-888-327-4236.
Staying Updated on Recalls
Recalls are an essential part of vehicle safety. If your car is on the Kia recall list, it’s vital to act quickly to avoid potential risks. Both Kia and NHTSA offer user-friendly tools to check your vehicle’s recall status and arrange for repairs.
This is not Kia’s first significant recall. In late 2024, Kia and Hyundai recalled over 208,000 EVs to address a separate issue involving the charging control unit, which could lead to loss of drive power. These recalls highlight the ongoing challenges automakers face as they adopt new technologies in hybrid and electric vehicles.
If you own a 2023-2025 Niro Hybrid, PHEV, or EV, don’t delay—schedule an inspection at your nearest dealership to keep your vehicle in top safety condition.
