2024 Kia Niro Ev

The contact owns a 2024 Kia Niro. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V024000 (Seat, Electrical). The contact stated that on one occasion while driving at approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle crashed head-on into a pole. The air bags did not deploy and the seat belt did not retract. The contact sustained shoulder, collarbone, neck, head, and back injuries. Medical attention was not needed. A police report was filed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where an Event Data Recorder was completed and it was informed that the air bags should have deployed. The vehicle's cosmetic damages were repaired. The contact stated that on another occasion while driving at 35 MPH, another vehicle crashed into the driver's door rear of the vehicle and the air bags did not deploy. The contact sustained back, chest, and left hip injuries. Medial attention was needed. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and repaired for cosmetic damages. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 3, 000.

The contact owns a 2024 Kia Niro EV. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the driver's side seat belt warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to diagnose the failure but informed the contact that the vehicle had been repaired. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, who then diagnosed a failure with the floor wiring harness. The vehicle was repaired. Several days later, upon attempting to start the vehicle, it failed to start as expected, prompting the contact to call Roadside Assistance, who informed the contact that the battery had been drained, requiring a jump start. The vehicle was towed back to the dealer, who was unable to diagnose the failure but confirmed the battery diagnosis. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 300.

I picked up this car on 12/30/2023. On 1/10/2024, I noticed that the power folding side mirrors were folding slower than normal. On 1/13/2024, I went into the Kia Access app and was greeted by an error message stating that remote commands could not be sent as the battery was under 40%, however the app showed the battery at 80%. On 1/14/2024, I discovered the app was referencing the 12-volt battery, as the car's power mirrors and locks did not function. I needed the car to get to a relative's house to figure out a furnace issue, so the timing could not have been worse. I had a tow set up and the driver advised the 12-volt battery had 3 volts of charge. The driver jumped started the car and it went up to 14 volts once the car was on. Once the car was off, the battery dropped down to 9 volts. On 1/15/2024, the car dealership started to look into the car but could not be due to technical issues with their technical assistance system with Kia Corporate. The dealer-installed locator was removed and there still is a draw on the battery when the car is off. On 1/18/2024, the car dealership called me to ask if I had any third-party apps or Kia Connect. I advised I am not aware of any, however if that was the cause of the battery drain, there is most certainly a design flaw with the battery management system in the car and the car should turn off those features to protect the battery should it get low enough. On 1/23/2024, the car dealership advised that the 12-volt battery was replaced, however they are seeing a draw on the battery. The dealership asked me to unregister my car with Kia Connect. I did so, but re-iterated that if this fixes the issue, there is definitely a design flaw with the battery management system in the car and there should be a software fix made. A simple Google search or NHTSA search for any of Kia's/Hyundai's EVs with dead 12-volt batteries show many users with similar issues. I urge the NHTSA to look into this issue across Kia's/Hyundai's EV lineup.