Yet another recall has been issued for the Kia Niro EV, this time impacting 872 examples in the United States.
Kia has revealed that the Electric Power Control Unit (EPCU) assembly in subject vehicles may have been produced by a supplier with improper sealing, meaning coolant could internally leak in the EPCU and contact its circuit board. This could force the Niro EV to stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash and injury.
Owners of models experiencing the issue may be alerted to it through the Check Electric Vehicle System warning light.
Read: 2023 Kia Niro Hybrid And EV Land In Australia From AU$44,380
The car manufacturer’s U.S. division first became aware of a potential issue on November 4 when Kia discovered a coolant leak issue for 2020MY Niro EV models produced in Europe. Kia quickly concluded that vehicles sold in the U.S. have a similar issue and over the following 10 days, an investigation discovered seven warranty claims involving complaints of stall/loss of power and the EPCU being replaced due to an internal coolant leak. Kia is not aware of any fatalities, injuries, crashes, or fires triggered by the issue.
Owners of impacted models will be alerted to the issue before January 31, 2023 and instructed to bring their vehicle to a dealer where the EPCU will be replaced with an improved one if a coolant leak is identified.
This recall comes just a month after Kia recalled 2017-2018 Niro Hybrid models fitted with a power relay assembly with main relay contacts that are inadequately connected to each other. This can increase the electrical resistance and generate heat, potentially triggering a fire.
