The automaker, Kia America, has begun recalling more than 80,000 vehicles due to ground wires under the front passenger seat that may be damaged and prevent the airbags and seat belts from working properly.
Damaged wires can also cause unintended side airbag deployment, according to documents filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
The recall covers 80,255 vehicles from model years 2023 to 2025.
To correct the situation, dealers will inspect, replace and reroute the ground wiring harness, as needed, free of charge.
In addition, dealers will install wire covers, and owners will be notified via mailings next March.
Sales of electric cars by Kia – the second largest automaker in South Korea – jumped in the United States during the period between January and July last, doubling year-on-year thanks to strong demand for the “EV9” model, according to data. Korean Automobile and Mobility Association.
Kia’s total sales of electric cars in the United States during the first 7 months of last year amounted to 33,957 units, which represents a double increase from 16,941 units in the same period last year, according to what the South Korean Yonhap News Agency reported from the association’s statement. .
