Kia has issued a recall for 80,255 Niro models due to a wiring issue that could impact the deployment of airbags.
The recall affects hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and all-electric versions of the Niro from model years 2023-2025 that are equipped with manually-adjusted front passenger seats. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) states that the floor wiring assembly beneath the front passenger seat may get damaged from the repeated sliding of the seat for adjustment.
2025 Kia Niro EV
The damaged wires could lead to non-deployment of airbags, inadvertent deployment of the passenger side airbag, and the inability to deactivate the front passenger airbag for a child or underweight seat occupant, increasing the risk of injury. If this occurs, the airbag warning light on the dashboard may illuminate.
Kia has stated to the NHTSA that there have been no reported crashes, injuries, fatalities, or fires related to this issue. The automaker attributes the problem to incorrect routing of the wires under the front passenger seat.
2025 Kia Niro EV
The solution involves inspecting and rerouting or replacing the affected wires, which will be performed by dealers at no cost. Kia plans to send notification letters to owners on Mar. 14. Owners can contact Kia’s customer service at 1-800-333-4542 or visit Kia’s recall site for further assistance. The recall reference number is SC332.
This recall covers all model years of the current-generation Niro, which remains unchanged for 2025 and maintains consistent pricing for all three powertrain options. The Niro continues to deliver up to 53 mpg combined in hybrid form, 33 miles of electric range in plug-in hybrid form, and 253 miles of range in all-electric form, serving as Kia’s entry-level model for each powertrain type.