Kia has announced a recall of over 80,000 vehicles due to a potential safety issue involving the airbag system. The recall affects the 2023-2025 Niro Hybrid, Plug-in Hybrid, and EV models, where damaged wiring beneath the front passenger seat could interfere with airbag and seat belt functionality or cause unintended airbag deployment.
In this article, we will delve into the details of the issue.
Kia recalled vehicles over safety issue
Kia has announced a recall of 80,255 Niro models manufactured between 2023 and 2025 over safety risks involving airbags and seat belts. The affected vehicles include Niro EV, Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV), and Hybrid models equipped with manual front passenger seats.
The issue stems from wiring located beneath the passenger seat that can become damaged due to frequent adjustments. This damage may prevent airbags and seat belts from functioning correctly in a crash or could cause unintended airbag deployment, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Although no crashes or injuries have been reported, the potential for increased injury risk has prompted Kia to take precautionary measures.
To resolve the problem, Kia will inspect and repair the wiring assembly for free. Dealerships will also install protective covers to prevent future damage. Vehicle owners will begin receiving notification letters by March 14, 2025, with instructions on how to proceed.
This recall follows a series of recent safety actions by Kia, including a November recall of over 208,000 electric vehicles due to issues with charging components. Last year, the company also recalled more than 427,000 Telluride SUVs over a defect that could cause the vehicles to move while in park.
For additional information, affected owners can contact Kia’s customer service at 1-800-333-4542 or visit the NHTSA’s website. Kia encourages all vehicle owners to address the issue promptly to ensure their safety on the road.
