Kia Recalls Over 80,000 Niro Models – Here’s What You Need to Know!
If you own a 2023-2025 Kia Niro, whether it’s a hybrid, plug-in hybrid (PHEV), or all-electric (EV) model, you’ll want to pay attention. Kia has issued a major recall affecting over 80,000 vehicles due to a potential airbag system malfunction caused by a wiring issue. This recall is a precautionary move, ensuring passenger safety and preventing possible failures in airbag deployment and seatbelt pre-tensioners—critical safety features in a crash.
What’s the Issue?
The problem lies with the floor wiring assembly located beneath the front passenger seat in affected Kia Niro models. If you frequently adjust the seat position (sliding it forward and backward), this repeated movement can damage the wiring.
A damaged wiring system could lead to serious safety concerns, including:
- Failure of airbags to deploy in a crash.
- Inadvertent airbag deployment when it’s not needed.
- Malfunctioning seatbelt pre-tensioners, which tighten the seatbelt during impact.
- Inability to deactivate the front passenger airbag, increasing risks for children or lightweight passengers.
If your Niro is affected, you may see an illuminated airbag warning light on your dashboard, signaling an issue with the system.
What Models Are Affected?
This recall only applies to Niro models equipped with manually adjustable front passenger seats, across all three powertrain options:
- 2023-2025 Kia Niro Hybrid (HEV)
- 2023-2025 Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV)
- 2023-2025 Kia Niro EV (All-Electric)
If your Niro has power-adjustable front passenger seats, you don’t need to worry—your vehicle is not part of this recall.
Has This Issue Caused Any Accidents?
According to Kia, no crashes, injuries, fatalities, or fires have been reported due to this issue. However, Kia proactively identified the problem and issued the recall to prevent potential safety risks in the future.
Kia is offering free repairs to all affected owners. The solution involves:
- Inspecting the wiring assembly under the front passenger seat.
- Rerouting the wires to prevent further damage.
- Replacing damaged wiring if necessary.
Owners will be notified by mail starting March 14, 2025. However, if you suspect an issue with your car, you don’t have to wait—you can contact Kia directly to schedule an inspection at your nearest dealership.
If you’re unsure whether your vehicle is included in the recall, you can: Call Kia’s customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Visit Kia’s recall website and enter your VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) to check. If your car is affected, it’s best to schedule an appointment as soon as possible to avoid any safety risks.
Still a Smart Choice?
Despite this recall, the Kia Niro remains a popular and fuel-efficient choice among hybrid and electric SUVs. The 2025 model comes with minor updates while maintaining its competitive pricing and impressive efficiency:
✔️ Niro Hybrid: Up to 53 MPG combined, making it one of the most fuel-efficient hybrids in its class.
✔️ Niro Plug-in Hybrid: 33 miles of all-electric range, perfect for daily commutes with gas backup.
✔️ Niro EV: 253 miles of all-electric range, offering an eco-friendly, long-distance driving experience.
Kia’s proactive recall shows that the company is prioritizing customer safety, ensuring that all vehicles meet high safety standards.
🔹 If you own a 2023-2025 Kia Niro with a manually adjustable passenger seat, don’t ignore this recall—contact Kia for an inspection.
🔹 This wiring issue could prevent airbag deployment, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
🔹 Repairs are free, and Kia will begin notifying owners by March 14, 2025.
Kia remains committed to improving safety and reliability while offering some of the best hybrid and electric SUVs on the market. If you own a Niro, take action now to ensure your vehicle is safe to drive.
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