*KIA has issued a recall for 80,255 2023-2025 Niro EV, Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV), and Hybrid vehicles, noting the wiring issue in the affected cars could prevent airbags from deploying

Emmanuel Akosile | 绿帽献妻

KIA has issued a recall for 80,255 2023-2025 Niro EV, Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV), and Hybrid vehicles.

绿帽献妻 learnt the floor wiring assembly beneath the front passenger seat may become damaged, which can prevent the front airbags and seat belts from deploying properly or cause an unintended side curtain airbag deployment.

The automobile manufacturer also noted that air bags and seat belts that deploy improperly or an air bag deploying unintentionally can increase the risk of injury in a crash, agency report said.

As regards what consumers should do in addressing the defect, KIA said the car dealers would inspect, replace and reroute the floor wiring assembly, as necessary, free of charge.

Besides, the dealers will install wiring covers, report stated.

Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed by March 14, 2025, while vehicle owners may contact Kia Customer Service on 1-800-333-4542.

KIA’s number for this recall is SC332.

Affected vehicle owners may also contact the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline on 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153) or visit nhtsa.gov.

Meanwhile, to determine if your vehicle is included in this recall, you are advised to visit the NHTSA recall page and enter the licence plate number or 17-digit VIN, according to report.