Kia is recalling 2,200 Niro EVs due to a faulty battery safety plug that has the potential to melt, leading to fire hazards or power loss issues. The car manufacturer recommends that owners refrain from charging the impacted EVs in garages or enclosed spaces until the recall has been completed.

Kia Niro EV Recall Alert

As reported by CarScoops, Kia is recalling 2,209 2022 model year Niro EVs due to a potential issue with the high voltage battery safety plug. This defect can lead to overheating and melting, posing risks of fire or power loss during operation. Although no injuries or fires have been documented, owners are cautioned against charging their vehicles in garages until a replacement safety plug is installed.

CarScoops referenced the Safety Recall Report, there is a concern that the contact surfaces of the high voltage battery safety plug in the Kia Niro EVs may develop significant electrical resistance over time. While the exact reason for this occurrence remains uncertain to Kia, the automaker suspects it may be linked to a deviation in the manufacturing process of the Female-Female terminal by the supplier.

This electrical resistance issue, regardless of its root cause, could pose significant risks if it happens during charging or driving, potentially leading to the safety plug melting, power loss, or even fire hazards.

Kia's awareness of a potential problem dates back to July 2023, following a report of a Niro EV experiencing a sudden shutdown while in operation, with subsequent inspection revealing signs of safety plug melting at a dealership. Despite investigating the matter at the time, Kia perceived it as an isolated incident.

Solution

According to InsideEVs, owners of the affectec vehicles will receive notification by mail containing instructions to bring their cars to a Kia dealership. There, the battery safety plug will be replaced at no cost with an updated version featuring a secure bus bar connection, eliminating the female-to-female terminal.

READ MORE: Lancia Introduces All-New 2025 Ypsilon HF, Redefining Driving Legacy with 237-Horse Electric Powertain

In the meantime, Kia advises owners to refrain from indoor charging of the EVs as the safety plug could overheat during the charging process, potentially leading to fire hazards. Kia mentioned that while the exact cause has not been identified yet, a deviation by the supplier in producing the female-to-female terminal of the safety plug is under suspicion.

The defective plug could result in the contact surfaces developing significant electrical resistance over time, potentially causing the connector to melt either during charging or while driving.

InsideEVs also reported that earlier this year, a separate recall involving the newest generation of the Kia Niro EV was disclosed. Specifically, on select units manufactured between June 27 and July 13, 2023, there is a possibility that the front left drive shaft, not adequately heat treated by the supplier, could fracture when subjected to stress. This issue impacts an estimated 204 vehicles in the United States.

About Kia Niro EV

According to PC Mag, the upcoming 5-seat SUV is anticipated to have an approximate range of 300 miles and be priced between $35,000 and $50,000. Kia aims for the EV3 to capture market share from its Niro EV, which has a starting price of $39,600.

Currently, the Niro is available in three variants: hybrid ($26,940), plug-in hybrid ($34,390), and all-electric ($39,600). Following the launch of the EV3, Kia suggests that the Niro could become the preferred choice for hybrid buyers. However, Kia has not provided information on the potential discontinuation of the all-electric Niro model.

RELATED ARTICLE: 2025 Kia Sorento Hybrid Comes with Redesigned Look, Pricier Cost

Copyright @ MOTORTIMES, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.