80K+ Kias recalled over airbag, seat belt concerns

Automaker Kia is recalling more than 80,000 vehicles due to floor wiring that can impact airbag deployment and seat belts from working properly.

According to documents published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the recall will cover 2023-25 Niro EVs, Niro Plug-in Hybrid, and Niro Hybrid vehicles. It impacts 80,255 vehicles.

If the floor wiring becomes damaged, it can also cause the side curtain air bag to deploy unintentionally.

Dealers will inspect and replace the floor wiring free of cost. They will also install additional protective coverings to prevent future damage to the wires.

The impacted owners will be notified by letters mailed out in March.

Last November, Hyundai and Kia announced more than 200,000 recalls on electric vehicles due to loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.