The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has announced that Kia is recalling over 80,000 of its Niro cars due to a problem that may impair the vehicles’ airbags and seat belts.
In a report submitted to the NHTSA, the automaker stated that frequent alterations to the front passenger seat might seriously jeopardize safety by causing damage to the wiring underneath the seat that regulates vital components like the airbag and seat belts. According to the analysis, this could increase the risk of damage by preventing airbags from deploying correctly in a collision, deploying abruptly, or failing to switch off for young passengers.
80,255 Niro, Niro EV, and Niro Plug-in Hybrid cars with manual front passenger seats that were produced between August 10, 2022, and December 13, 2024, are subject to the recall. According to NHTSA, there have been no recorded collisions, injuries, fatalities, or fires as of January 10.
By March, Kia owners will be informed whether they need to bring their car to the closest dealership for a checkup. To prevent damage, dealership employees will inspect the wiring beneath the front passenger seat, make any necessary repairs or adjustments, and install protective coverings.