Irvine, CA – February 4, 2025 – Kia (OTCMKTS:KIMTF) is recalling 80,255 electric and hybrid crossovers whose airbags and seat belts may not work as intended. This augments the risk of an injury in a crash.
The following models are affected:
- 2023 – 2025 Kia Niro EV
- 2023 – 2025 Kia Niro Hybrid
- 2023 – 2025 Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV)
Recall summary
Seat belt pretensioners tighten around the occupant’s torso to prevent him from getting ejected from the car in the event of a crash. Both these and airbags are activated by a dedicated control module.
In the affected crossovers, the wiring that connects all components may get damaged due to improper routing and the movement of the passenger’s seat.
As a result, the airbags and seat belt pretensioners may fail to deploy in a crash or may deploy when not needed.
Recall risks
Inoperable airbags and seat belt pretensioners reduce the level of protection in a crash, upping the risk of injury.
Similarly, an accidental airbag deployment may hurt the car occupants, especially small children.
Warning signs
The driver may notice an illuminated airbag warning light on the dashboard.
Other Kia recalls
Last month, Kia recalled close to 75,000 Sorento SUVs over a issue that could cause their headlights and tail lights to stop working, as reported.
On a separate note, in October 2024 over 12,000 Kia EV9 electric SUVs were recalled due to the risk of crash while self-parking, also as reported.
The repair
Dealers will reroute or replace the wiring under the passenger seat free of charge.
The owners should receive letters with more information by March 14, 2025.
Is your vehicle a part of this recall?
Over 80,000 crossover SUVs are affected by this Kia airbag deployment recall. To do a Kia recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.
