Kia has launched a global recall for the first-generation e-Niro to address a battery management system issue that could allow the high-voltage battery to overheat and increase the risk of fire.
The recall covers 14,117 vehicles produced between May 19, 2020 and March 18, 2022. Of those, 11,331 are located in Europe, including 1,791 vehicles in Germany.
Battery Management System Under Review
The recall concerns insufficient monitoring logic in the battery management system (BMS), which controls and monitors the high-voltage battery.
Under certain operating conditions, the system may lose control of battery monitoring, potentially allowing battery cells to overheat. The issue could occur while an affected vehicle is being driven, parked or charging.
Kia said no cases of property damage or personal injury associated with the defect have been reported to date.
Affected owners will be contacted directly and asked to arrange an appointment with an authorised Kia workshop.
Software Update And Battery Inspection
The primary corrective action is a software update for the battery management system. Kia said the update should take approximately 30 minutes to complete.
Technicians will also inspect the condition of the high-voltage battery during the workshop visit.
If the inspection identifies damage to the battery pack, Kia will replace the entire high-voltage battery at no cost to the vehicle owner. The replacement procedure can take up to six hours.
The recall is being conducted under Kia’s internal campaign code “261261”.
First-Generation e-Niro Only
The affected vehicles are from the first-generation Kia e-Niro, which was produced from late 2018 through March 2022.
The newer second-generation model, marketed as the Niro EV, is not included in the recall because it uses different battery components.
Kia discontinued sales of the Niro EV in Germany in November 2024 following the introduction of the EV3. In international markets, the company is currently selling remaining Niro EV inventory, while the Niro nameplate continues to be offered exclusively with hybrid powertrains.
Similar Hyundai EV Recalls
The recall follows previous battery-related campaigns involving Hyundai electric vehicles.
Hyundai has previously recalled models including the Kona Electric and Ioniq Electric over comparable issues involving battery management system operation.
The latest Kia campaign highlights the importance of battery monitoring software in electric vehicles, where accurate control of high-voltage battery cells is essential for maintaining safety during driving, charging and stationary operation.
