Kia has launched a global recall for over 14,000 first-generation e-Niro EVs because of a battery-monitoring problem that can increase fire risk.
What happened?
According to electrive, the recall applies to first-generation all-electric Kia e-Niros produced between May 19, 2020, and March 18, 2022.
The campaign covers 14,117 vehicles worldwide, Kia says, including 11,331 in Europe and 1,791 in Germany, all of which must be checked at authorized workshops.
Kia attributes the issue to faulty monitoring logic in the battery management system, or BMS. Under certain conditions, the high-voltage battery may no longer be properly controlled, which can overheat cells and raise the chance of a fire.
The malfunction is not limited to one use case. Kia says it can happen during driving, while the car is parked, or when it is plugged in for charging.
This recall applies only to the first-generation e-Niro. The second-generation model sold as the Niro EV uses different battery hardware and is not included.
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Why does it matter?
Kia's parent company, Hyundai, has also recalled the Kona Electric and Ioniq Electric over similar battery management system concerns.
A recall tied to fire risk is more than a technical problem. It can quickly disrupt daily routines. When a major automaker issues a warning like this, it can also shake consumer confidence in the reliability people expect when making such a significant purchase.
When it's related to EVs, it may also deter people considering making the switch to the cleaner form of transportation.
What's being done?
The main fix at authorized workshops will be updated battery management system software, according to Kia. Beyond the software update, technicians will inspect the high-voltage battery, with the software work itself taking about 30 minutes.
Should that inspection reveal damage, Kia says it will replace the entire battery pack free of charge; that repair can take up to six hours.
Kia is handling the recall under internal code "261261," and affected owners will be contacted directly to schedule an appointment.
Kia says the defect has not been linked to any reported injuries or property damage.
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