Kia America is recalling 2017-2022 Niro and 2018-2022 Niro Plug-in Hybrid vehicles, according to documents released today by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Fluid may leak into the printed circuit board inside the hydraulic clutch actuator, which can result in an engine compartment fire. More than ~121,000 Kia hybrids are affected. Illumination of the HEV warning light is an indicator.
Kia will instruct dealers to inspect the HCA and replace, if necessary. Kia will also install a new HCA fuse with one of a higher capacity to mitigate the potential risk of fire caused by an electrical short circuit. Kia will reimburse owners for repair expenses already incurred.
Recalled Kias
All 2017-2022 model year Niro hybrid vehicles manufactured from November 1, 2016 through June 16, 2022 (104,907). The recall population was determined by a review of vehicle production and supplier records (Schaeffler Automotive Buehl GmbH & Co.). The vehicles subject to this recall were not produced in VIN order. Customers seeking information about their specific vehicle will be referred to Kia’s Customer Care Center or their Kia dealer.
All 2018-2022 model year Niro Plug-in Hybrid vehicles manufactured from September 26, 2017 through April 13, 2022 (16,504). The recall population was determined by a review of vehicle production and supplier records. The vehicles subject to this recall were not produced in VIN order. Customers seeking information about their specific vehicle will be referred to Kia’s Customer Care Center or their Kia dealer.
Kia dealers will inspect and replace the hydraulic clutch actuator as necessary and install a new fuse, free of charge as required by US law. Owner notification letters are not expected to be mailed until 29 September 2023.
Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia’s number for this recall is SC276. Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov about NHTSA 23V534.
About Ken Zino
Ken Zino, editor and publisher of AutoInformed, is a versatile auto industry participant with global experience spanning decades in print and broadcast journalism, as well as social media. He has automobile testing, marketing, public relations and communications experience. He is past president of The International Motor Press Assn, the Detroit Press Club, founding member and first President of the Automotive Press Assn. He is a member of APA, IMPA and the Midwest Automotive Press Assn.
He also brings an historical perspective while citing their contemporary relevance of the work of legendary auto writers such as Ken Purdy, Jim Dunne or Jerry Flint, or writers such as Red Smith, Mark Twain, Thomas Jefferson – all to bring perspective to a chaotic automotive universe.
Above all, decades after he first drove a car, Zino still revels in the sound of the exhaust as the throttle is blipped during a downshift and the driver’s rush that occurs when the entry, apex and exit points of a turn are smoothly and swiftly crossed. It’s the beginning of a perfect lap.
AutoInformed has an editorial philosophy that loves transportation machines of all kinds while promoting critical thinking about the future use of cars and trucks.
Zino builds AutoInformed from his background in automotive journalism starting at Hearst Publishing in New York City on Motor and MotorTech Magazines and car testing where he reviewed hundreds of vehicles in his decade-long stint as the Detroit Bureau Chief of Road & Track magazine. Zino has also worked in Europe, and Asia – now the largest automotive market in the world with China at its center.
Kia Hybrid Fire Recalls on Niro and Niro Plug-ins
Kia America is recalling 2017-2022 Niro and 2018-2022 Niro Plug-in Hybrid vehicles, according to documents released today by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Fluid may leak into the printed circuit board inside the hydraulic clutch actuator, which can result in an engine compartment fire. More than ~121,000 Kia hybrids are affected. Illumination of the HEV warning light is an indicator.
Kia will instruct dealers to inspect the HCA and replace, if necessary. Kia will also install a new HCA fuse with one of a higher capacity to mitigate the potential risk of fire caused by an electrical short circuit. Kia will reimburse owners for repair expenses already incurred.
Recalled Kias
All 2017-2022 model year Niro hybrid vehicles manufactured from November 1, 2016 through June 16, 2022 (104,907). The recall population was determined by a review of vehicle production and supplier records (Schaeffler Automotive Buehl GmbH & Co.). The vehicles subject to this recall were not produced in VIN order. Customers seeking information about their specific vehicle will be referred to Kia’s Customer Care Center or their Kia dealer.
All 2018-2022 model year Niro Plug-in Hybrid vehicles manufactured from September 26, 2017 through April 13, 2022 (16,504). The recall population was determined by a review of vehicle production and supplier records. The vehicles subject to this recall were not produced in VIN order. Customers seeking information about their specific vehicle will be referred to Kia’s Customer Care Center or their Kia dealer.
Kia dealers will inspect and replace the hydraulic clutch actuator as necessary and install a new fuse, free of charge as required by US law. Owner notification letters are not expected to be mailed until 29 September 2023.
Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia’s number for this recall is SC276. Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov about NHTSA 23V534.
About Ken Zino
Ken Zino, editor and publisher of AutoInformed, is a versatile auto industry participant with global experience spanning decades in print and broadcast journalism, as well as social media. He has automobile testing, marketing, public relations and communications experience. He is past president of The International Motor Press Assn, the Detroit Press Club, founding member and first President of the Automotive Press Assn. He is a member of APA, IMPA and the Midwest Automotive Press Assn. He also brings an historical perspective while citing their contemporary relevance of the work of legendary auto writers such as Ken Purdy, Jim Dunne or Jerry Flint, or writers such as Red Smith, Mark Twain, Thomas Jefferson – all to bring perspective to a chaotic automotive universe. Above all, decades after he first drove a car, Zino still revels in the sound of the exhaust as the throttle is blipped during a downshift and the driver’s rush that occurs when the entry, apex and exit points of a turn are smoothly and swiftly crossed. It’s the beginning of a perfect lap. AutoInformed has an editorial philosophy that loves transportation machines of all kinds while promoting critical thinking about the future use of cars and trucks. Zino builds AutoInformed from his background in automotive journalism starting at Hearst Publishing in New York City on Motor and MotorTech Magazines and car testing where he reviewed hundreds of vehicles in his decade-long stint as the Detroit Bureau Chief of Road & Track magazine. Zino has also worked in Europe, and Asia – now the largest automotive market in the world with China at its center.