Over 80,000 Kia Niro Vehicles Recalled for Airbag Issues

Written By: Jessica Anvar Stotz
Legally Reviewed By: Jessica Anvar Stotz

1%, or approximately 800 Kia Niro’s are estimated to be affected by a critical issue with the airbags and seat belts.

Kia has issued a recall for over 80,000 Niro vehicles, spanning the 2023 to 2025 model years, including the Niro EV, plug-in hybrid (PHEV), and hybrid versions.

The 2025 Kia Niro Airbag issue originates from wiring located under the front passenger seat, which can be damaged due to frequent seat adjustments.

This damage has the potential to cause airbags and seat belts to malfunction, posing serious safety risks.

Which Kia Niro Vehicles Are Included?

This recall impacts the following Kia Niro models:

• 2023 Kia Niro EV, PHEV, and Hybrid
• 2024 Kia Niro EV, PHEV, and Hybrid
• 2025 Kia Niro EV, PHEV, and Hybrid

If you own one of these vehicles, we highly recommend checking its recall status. Contact your local Kia dealership for a complimentary inspection and repair to ensure your vehicle is safe and fully operational.

What’s Wrong with the Kia Niro Airbag?

The issue with the Kia Niro’s airbags is linked to the wiring beneath the front passenger seat.

Frequent seat adjustments can cause the wiring to become damaged, which impacts the functioning of both the airbags and seat belts. If the wiring is compromised, it could lead to several dangerous scenarios:

• Airbags may fail to deploy correctly in the event of a crash.
• Side curtain airbags might deploy unintentionally, posing a risk to passengers.
• Seat belts may malfunction, increasing the likelihood of injury during an accident.

Kia dealerships will inspect the wiring, replace it if necessary, and install protective covers to prevent future damage. These repairs will be provided free of charge to affected owners.

The recall is prompted by data collected from Kia vehicles showing that repeated movement of the manual front passenger seat can damage the wiring assembly.

Affected vehicles include certain 2023-2025 Niro EV, Niro Hybrid, and Niro Plug-in Hybrid models. Kia’s investigation confirmed that the wiring damage is related to the seat’s adjustments, with power seat-equipped vehicles not being impacted due to a different wiring setup.

Does Kia Have a Fix for the Niro Hybrid and Niro EV Airbag Recall?

Yes, Kia has a fix in place for the airbag and seat belt issues affecting the Niro Hybrid and Niro EV models.

The solution involves a thorough inspection of the wiring located under the front passenger seat. If any damage is found, the wiring will be replaced as needed.

Additionally, Kia will install protective covers to safeguard the wiring from future damage. These repairs are offered free of charge to owners of the affected vehicles.

If you own one of the recalled models, you should contact your local Kia dealership to schedule an inspection and necessary repairs to ensure your vehicle’s safety systems function properly.

What Should I Do Next?

If your Kia Niro is included in the recall, follow these key steps to address the airbag and seatbelt issues:

1. Check Your Vehicle’s Recall Status
   To determine if your vehicle is affected, visit the official Kia website or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website. You will need your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to check the details of the recall.
2. Contact Your Local Kia Dealership
   Reach out to your nearest Kia dealership to schedule a free inspection and necessary repairs. The dealership will inspect the wiring under the front passenger seat, replace any damaged components, and install protective covers to prevent further damage. These repairs are offered at no cost.
3. Follow the Repair Instructions
   After your vehicle is inspected, follow any guidance provided by the dealership, especially if further repairs or actions are required to fully resolve the issue.
4. Stay Informed
   Keep up with any official communications from Kia about the recall. Stay alert for updates or new instructions, as this will help ensure you’re aware of any further actions you need to take.

If you’re experiencing ongoing airbag or seatbelt issues in your Kia Niro, consider reaching out to a Lemon Law expert for assistance.

If you’ve had multiple repair attempts without a resolution, you may be eligible for compensation, a vehicle replacement, or a refund.

Repeat Airbag Issues? Work with Experts in the Lemon Law!

If your Kia Niro is experiencing recurring airbag or seatbelt issues due to the recall, and these problems persist despite multiple repair attempts, it may be time to explore your legal options under Lemon Law.

The recall addresses damage to the wiring under the front passenger seat, which can affect the proper functioning of airbags and seatbelts—critical components for your safety.

If you have presented your Kia to an authorized Kia dealership for repeat warranty repair attempts related to this or some other issue, you may have a valid Lemon Law claim and could be entitled to a refund, replacement or cash compensation.

A Lemon Law attorney can help you understand your rights and navigate the process of seeking a resolution.

Whether you’re entitled to a refund, a replacement vehicle, or other compensation, an experienced attorney will ensure you receive the support and outcome you deserve.

At the Lemon Law Experts, we specialize in assisting consumers with automotive defects, including ongoing airbag and seatbelt issues.

Our team is skilled at handling Lemon Law cases and can guide you through the process to ensure a favorable resolution.

If you’re dealing with unresolved airbag issues in your Kia Niro, contact us today to learn how we can help.