The automaker Kia America is recalling over 80,000 vehicles from the market due to wiring under the front passenger seat that can get damaged and prevent airbags and seat belts from deploying correctly.
The damaged wiring can also cause unintended deployment of the side airbag, according to documents filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
The recall covers 80,255 vehicles Niro EV, Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV), and Hybrid models from 2023 to 2025.
To remedy the situation, dealers will inspect, replace, and reroute the floor wiring harness as needed, free of charge. Additionally, dealers will install cable covers. Owners will be notified by letters sent in March.
This recall comes after another one in November, when Hyundai and Kia recalled over 208,000 electric vehicles to fix a transistor in a charging control unit that could get damaged and stop the 12-volt battery from charging. This, in turn, could lead to power loss while driving, increasing the risk of an accident.