Another Kia Recall for potential fires - Lemon Law
Kia, Recall and Fires. Name a more iconic (and often seen) trio.
Due to a danger of fires in 2017-2022 Kia Niro and 2018-2022 Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid vehicles, a Kia Niro hydraulic clutch actuator recall has been announced for more than 121,000 SUVs.
An engine compartment fire could result from fluid leaking into the hydraulic clutch actuator's printed circuit board.
A 2020 Kia Niro Hybrid owner complained about an illuminated hybrid warning light in January, according to information obtained by Kia. From there, thermal damage was discovered in the hydraulic clutch actuator connector and harness by a dealership.
Later, another owner of a 2019 Niro Hybrid that had a warning light that was illuminated and localized melting around the hydraulic clutch actuator connector.
Another instance involving localized melting happened to a 2018 Niro Hybrid as Kia continued to investigate the issue.
Later, Kia discovered corrosion on the printed circuit boards in the three Niro Hybrid vehicles, which persuaded both businesses to seek an outside engineering firm.
In a statement released in July, Kia stated that there was "evidence of fluid contamination on PCB [printed circuit board] possibly from external sources but no evidence of internal leaks or brake fluid on the printed circuit board, 2) contaminated PCB can cause an electrical short circuit, and 3) PCB short circuit can cause a fire as confirmed by duplication testing."
Kia anticipates sending notices of the Niro hydraulic clutch actuator recall on September 29, 2023. The hydraulic clutch actuators will be replaced as necessary, and fresh fuses will be installed, by Kia dealerships.
Here is the writeup from NHTSA:
July 31, 2023 NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 23V534000
A fire increases the risk of injury.
NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V534000
Manufacturer Kia America, Inc.
Components POWER TRAIN
Potential Number of Units Affected 121,411
Summary
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2022 Niro and 2018-2022 Niro Plug-in Hybrid vehicles. Fluid may leak into the printed circuit board inside the hydraulic clutch actuator, which can result in an engine compartment fire.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and replace the hydraulic clutch actuator as necessary and install a new fuse, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 29, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC276.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.