Kia is recalling over 80,000 Niro electric vehicles in the United States.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on the 26th (local time), Kia identified problems with the electrical wiring system in the 2023-2025 Niro electric vehicles, plug-in hybrids, and hybrid models, leading to a total recall of 80,255 vehicles for inspection and repair.
NHTSA explained that the wiring under the passenger seat may be damaged, causing the front seat airbags and seat belts to malfunction or the side curtain airbags to deploy unexpectedly. Authorities warned that "such issues could increase the risk of injury in a collision."
According to the recall report, it was identified that repeated sliding movements to adjust the front seats in some vehicles equipped with manual passenger seats of the Niro model could damage parts of the floor wiring system, leading to problems related to the airbags.
However, vehicles produced since mid-December of last year were found to have the floor wiring system properly installed, including additional protective covers.
Owners of the recalled vehicles will receive a recall notice by mail in March, after which they can receive free inspections and repairs through their dealers.