Kia Recalls 2,209 Units Of Its 2022 Niro EVs Over Potential Fire Hazard

As the electric vehicle (EV) industry navigates through the aspects of safety risks, Kia has issued a recall for thousands of its hybrid electric 2022 Niro EVs due to a potential fire risk associated with the high-voltage battery safety plug. The recall is affecting 2,209 EVs in the United States (U.S.) after reports of the safety plug overheating and melting could pose a risk of fire or loss of power.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) spotlighted the issue in its recall report, showing that certain EV model units between July 21, 2021, and December 2, 2021, involving Kia’s 2022 Niro EV models. As a result, Kia has urged affected owners not to charge their 2022 Niro EV models in a garage or any covered structure until the necessary repair is done.

As of now, no injuries, crashes, or fatalities have been reported. Kia is also taking proactive measures to address the issue promptly with recall notification letters anticipated to be mailed by July 19. Furthermore, Kia has told its dealers to replace the safety plug of the affected 2022 Niro EV models and the company will also reimburse affected owners for repair expenses, which is already incurred in Kia’s General Reimbursement Plan. 

Notably, this is not the first time that Kia has recalled its Niro EV model with 204 units recalled because with one of the driveshaft that has not been properly heat treated by Kia’s supplier and could break under load. These affected models then involved units built between June 27 and July 13, 2023. The issue also involved its 2023 EV6 models with issues on its rear inner drive shaft on 1,039 units manufactured between January 26, 2023, and April 8, 2023.

In light of the recall, Kia’s prioritization of its buyer safety on its 2022 Niro EV models pays heed to other automakers to reevaluate its EV models in terms of safety risks. With aims to mitigate any potential risks associated with the safety plug issue, the EV market for 2022 Niro EV models will see whether potential buyers would still lean toward it as an option depending on how the safety issue gets resolved.

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