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Kia America, Inc. has issued a recall for certain 2022 Niro EV vehicles due to an overheating high-voltage battery safety plug. This defect could lead to a loss of drive power or fire, increasing the risk of crashes and injuries.
Key Highlights:
- Recall Campaign: NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V358000
- Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
- Component: Electrical System
- Units Affected: 2,209
Detailed Overview:
Kia America, Inc. has announced a recall for specific 2022 Niro EV vehicles. The problem arises from the high voltage battery safety plug which may overheat and melt. This can lead to a loss of drive power or even a fire, significantly increasing the risk of an accident and potential injuries.
Remedy Actions:
Owners are advised not to charge their vehicle in a garage or any other covered structure until the recall repair is completed. Kia dealers will replace the safety plug free of charge. The owner notification letters are expected to be mailed by July 19, 2024. For reference, Kia’s number for this recall is SC314.
Important Safety Information:
The root cause is suspected to be a supplier deviation in the manufacturing of the Female-Female (F-F) terminal. If this high electrical resistance occurs while driving or during battery charging, the safety plug may melt, thereby increasing the risk of loss of motive power and/or fire. Warning signs include the illumination of the EV Service Warning light, smell of melting plastics, and/or smoke.
Component Details:
- Component Name: Safety Plug Assembly (Female)
- Part Number: 37518-K4000
- Supplier: KET, located in Incheon, Korea.
Additional Information:
Description of Remedy Program:
Owners will receive a notification by first class mail with instructions to bring their vehicle to a Kia dealer. The dealers will replace the safety plug with a new one. The new safety plug has a solid bus bar connection with no Female-Female terminal, eliminating the defect. Owners will be reimbursed for any repair expenses already incurred under Kia’s General Reimbursement Plan filed on May 1, 2024.
Production Correction:
Vehicles manufactured beginning on December 3, 2021, are equipped with safety plugs without any supplier manufacturing deviations in the Female-Female terminal.
Recall Schedule:
- Dealer Notification: Planned for July 16, 2024
- Owner Notification: Planned for July 19, 2024
Contact Information:
Owners may contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or visit the NHTSA website at www.nhtsa.gov for more details.
This recall aims to ensure the safety of all Kia Niro EV drivers by addressing a significant potential hazard related to the vehicle’s electrical system.
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