Kia Niro Recall 2023: Engine Fire Risk for Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrids

Legally reviewed by: Jessica Anvar Stotz, JD, MBA

Earlier this year, Kia issued a recall for Niro hybrid and plug-in hybrid (Kia Niro PHEV) models due to a potential short circuit that could result in engine fires, as announced by the NHTSA on Monday. This recall affects 121,411 Niro hatchbacks produced between 2017 and 2022. Every Kia Niro plug-in hybrid from the model years 2018-2022 is also included in the recall, accounting for 16,504 units or 13.6% of the total.

Problems with the Kira Niro Engine

Contaminants in the fluid can affect the circuit board responsible for communicating with the 6-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. If this circuit board in the hydraulic clutch actuator gets contaminated, it can short-circuit, potentially leading to a fire hazard.

Drivers will be alerted to this issue by the illumination of a HEV warning light in the instrument cluster. Kia has received reports of 10 cases of localized melting of the circuit board but has not recorded any incidents of vehicle fires.

In January of this year, Kia’s North America Safety Office was first alerted to the issue after receiving several incident reports. In one case, the hybrid warning light came on- dealers discovered localized heat damage to the hydraulic clutch actuator connector and harness in the Niro Hybrid. Shortly thereafter, during a preliminary evaluation, another case with similar details emerged, this time involving a Niro Plug-in Hybrid.

What Should I do if I am Experiencing Kia Niro Hybrid Problems?

Kia is strongly advising Niro owners to promptly bring their vehicles to an authorized Kia service center for a thorough inspection. Notifications were sent out to affected drivers by September 26, 2023. Authorized dealers will either replace the actuator or install a new fuse with a modified capacity to reduce the risk of engine fires. All expenses related to this service will be fully covered by Kia.

If you find that your vehicle is included in a recall, here are steps you should take:

1. Check Your Vehicle: First, verify if your vehicle is subject to the recall. You can do this by checking your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) against the official recall notices provided by the manufacturer. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) offers this excellent tool that uses your vehicle’s VIN to check for recalls.
2. Contact the Manufacturer: Reach out to the vehicle manufacturer’s customer service or recall hotline to confirm the details of the recall, including the reason for the recall and the necessary actions to rectify the issue.
3. Schedule Repairs: If your Kia is affected, schedule a repair appointment with an authorized service center. The manufacturer typically covers the cost of repairs for recalled vehicles.
4. Prepare for the Repair: Prior to your appointment, ensure that you bring all necessary documents, such as your vehicle’s registration and proof of ownership, to expedite the repair process.
5. Complete the Repair: Attend the scheduled repair appointment, where the authorized service center will fix the issue that prompted the recall.
6. Follow Up: After the repair is complete, follow up with the service center to ensure that all recall-related repairs have been successfully conducted.
7. Stay Informed: Continue to monitor the manufacturer’s communications for any further updates or instructions related to the recall.

You should take action as soon as you are aware of a recall involving your vehicle.

Is your vehicle part of the Kia Niro EV Recall? Call the Kia Lemon Law Experts for Help

Here is what you should know if your Kia Niro EV is involved in a recall:

• Safety First: Your safety is of utmost importance. If your vehicle is part of a recall, it means there is a potential safety issue. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
• Check the Recall Notice: Read the recall notice provided by Kia. It should outline the reason for the recall and the necessary steps to address the issue.
• Contact Us: If you are unsure about your rights and what to do next, don’t hesitate to contact the Kia Lemon Law Experts. Our team specializes in helping consumers with lemon law cases and recalls. We’ll provide you with a free consultation to understand your situation.
• Know Your Rights: As a vehicle owner, you have rights under lemon law regulations. If your vehicle has recurring issues or safety concerns even after repair attempts, you may be entitled to compensation, including a replacement vehicle or a refund.
• Document Everything: Keep detailed records of all communication with Kia and any repair attempts. This documentation will be crucial if you need to pursue a lemon law claim.
• Act Promptly: Recalls have deadlines, be sure to address them in a timely manner to ensure your safety and rights are protected.

At the Lemon Law Experts, we have a proven track record of helping consumers like you with their lemon law cases and recall-related issues. If you are dealing with a Kia Niro EV recall or any other vehicle concerns, contact our team expert guidance and support. For a free, no-obligation review of your case today, call us at or fill out a form on our site today.