Kia has issued a recall for 80,255 Niro crossovers due to potential damage to wiring that could impact the functionality of airbags. The recall applies to all Niro models from the years 2023 to 2025, including the hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and all-electric variants. Specifically, vehicles with manually-adjusted front passenger seats are affected.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has highlighted that improper routing of a wiring assembly beneath the front passenger seat could lead to damage when the seat is adjusted forward or backward. This damage could result in airbags and seatbelt pre-tensioners failing to deploy in the event of a crash, unintended deployment of side airbags, and the inability to deactivate the passenger-side front airbag when a child or lightweight occupant is seated.
Drivers may notice an illuminated airbag warning light on the dashboard if any issues with the wiring arise. While Kia has reported two warranty claims related to this issue, there have been no reported crashes or injuries.
To address the problem, Kia dealerships will conduct inspections on the wiring assembly of the front passenger seat in affected vehicles. Any damaged wiring will be replaced, additional protective covering will be added, and the wires will be repositioned to prevent future damage. All repairs will be carried out at no cost to the owners, and Kia will reimburse any repair expenses that customers have already incurred.
Owners of the affected Niro models will receive notification by mail starting on March 14, and they can also contact Kia’s customer service department at 1-800-333-4542 for further information. The reference number for this recall is SC332.
The current-generation Kia Niro, introduced for the 2023 model year, features a more expressive design while retaining the range of electrified powertrains available in the previous generation. As one of Kia’s small car offerings, the Niro serves as the entry-level choice for each available powertrain option.
