The defect
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Kia Niro hybrid electric vehicles. The Main Relay within the Power Relay Assembly (PRA) may have inadequate connections between its contacts, causing increased electrical resistance.
The risk
The increased electrical resistance can overheat the rear seat which is above the PRA, increasing the risk of a fire.
The remedy
Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the Power Relay Assembly (PRA) for damage. If no damage is found, the main relay will be replaced. If damage is found, the PRA will be replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began November 23, 2018. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC168.
NHTSA's own wording · initiated by MFR
Vehicles covered
| Model | Model years |
|---|---|
| Kia Niro | 2017, 2018 |
Components: HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM
Model years in this recall
NHTSA complaints and the number of recall campaigns for each model year this recall covers.
| Model | Year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kia Niro | 2017 | 82 | 4 |
| Kia Niro | 2018 | 60 | 3 |
Other hybrid propulsion system recalls in 2018
11 of the 912 recall campaigns reported to NHTSA in 2018 concerned the hybrid propulsion system; Kia Motors America filed 82 campaigns in all.
| 18V740000 19 Oct 2018 | Chrysler (FCA US LLC) |
| 18V704000 5 Oct 2018 | Hyundai Motor America |
| 18V684000 4 Oct 2018 | Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing |
| 18V397000 14 Jun 2018 | General Motors LLC |
| 18V260000 24 Apr 2018 | Hyundai Motor America |
| 18V257000 20 Apr 2018 | Kia Motors America |
| 18V215000 4 Apr 2018 | Zero Motorcycles Inc. |
| 18V166000 12 Mar 2018 | Hyundai Motor America |
NHTSA recalls (public domain) · all recalls of 2018