Kia has issued a recall for about 121,000 Niro hybrids from model years 2017-2022 and Niro plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) from model years 2018-2022 because a defect could cause an engine compartment fire.
Kia tells the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that flammable fluid can leak onto a circuit board in a Niro’s hydraulic clutch actuator. A fluid-covered circuit board “may lead to an electrical short circuit, thereby increasing the risk of an engine compartment fire while driving,” the company says.
Kia is aware of no actual fires triggered by the problem, but has found three confirmed and seven suspicious incidents of “localized melting” in hydraulic clutch actuators.
Kia has not issued a park outside warning in connection with this recall. That may reflect that the company believes the problem can only occur while driving, not while parked.
Dealers will inspect the relevant circuit board and replace the hydraulic clutch actuator entirely if the board appears damaged. They will also install a new fuse with a different capacity to reduce the risk of short circuit even if the circuit board appears fine.
Recall repairs are always free.
Manufacturers recall many cars at least once. They attempt to contact every owner, but they don’t always reach them all with the news. Find out if your car needs any recall-related repairs at our recall center.
