Automaker Kia America is recalling over 80,000 vehicles due to a potential safety issue with the floor wiring beneath the front passenger seat. The problem can cause the airbags and seat belts to malfunction, as well as trigger an unintended side curtain air bag deployment.
The recall affects 80,255 2023-2025 Niro EV, Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV), and Hybrid vehicles. To fix the issue, dealers will inspect and replace the floor wiring assembly as needed, and install wiring covers for free. Owners will be notified by letter in March.
This recall comes on the heels of a similar recall in November, when Hyundai and Kia recalled over 208,000 electric vehicles to address a problem with a charging control unit transistor that could be damaged and stop charging the 12-volt battery, increasing the risk of a crash.