Kia recalls 14,000 electric Niro SUVs over battery monitoring defect

Kia is conducting a global recall of approximately 14,117 electric Niro vehicles after identifying a defect in the battery‑management system that can limit high‑voltage battery monitoring under certain conditions, increasing the risk of fire while the car is parked or charging. The affected cars were built between 19 May 2020 and 18 March 2022. Owners must bring the vehicles to authorized service centers for a mandatory software update; if battery damage is already present, the battery pack will be replaced. In Germany, 1,791 units are covered, and 11,331 units across Europe are included in the recall. The recall is overseen by the German Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) under action code “261261”. Hyundai, Kia’s parent company, previously recalled the Kona and Ioniq models for the same issue.