Kia Recalls Niro EVs Due to Fire Risk

Recently, Kia announced a recall of 2,209 Niro EVs from the 2022 model year due to a potential fire risk associated with the high voltage battery safety plug. The safety plug can overheat and melt, leading to a fire or loss of power while driving.

Potential Safety Concern

The Safety Recall Report highlighted that the contact surfaces of the high voltage battery safety plug may develop high electrical resistance over time. Kia suspects that this issue is related to a supplier deviation in the manufacturing of the Female-Female terminal.

Incident Report

Kia first became aware of the problem in July of 2023 when a Niro EV shut off while driving, and the safety plug was found to be melting. While no injuries or fires have been reported, Kia is taking precautionary measures to address the issue.

Precautionary Measures

Owners are advised not to charge their Niro EV in a garage or any covered structure until the recall repair is completed. The repair process involves replacing the safety plug with a new one that has a solid bus bar connection with no Female-Female terminal.

Conclusion

Although no injuries or major incidents have been reported, Kia is proactively addressing the potential fire risk associated with the Niro EV. Owners should follow the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure their safety and prevent any potential issues.