2017–2018 Kia Niro Recall: Main Relay within the Power Relay Assembly (PRA) may have inadequate…
NHTSA campaign 18V666000 · Hybrid Propulsion System · filed Sep 25, 2018 · verified Jul 30, 2026
The defect
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Kia Niro hybrid electric vehicles. The Main Relay within the Power Relay Assembly (PRA) may have inadequate connections between its contacts, causing increased electrical resistance.
The risk
The increased electrical resistance can overheat the rear seat which is above the PRA, increasing the risk of a fire.
Check whether your specific vehicle is affected
Recall campaigns often cover only certain VIN ranges. Enter your VIN on the official NHTSA site to confirm whether your vehicle is included and whether the repair is still open.
Check VIN on NHTSA →The fix — what to do
Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the Power Relay Assembly (PRA) for damage. If no damage is found, the main relay will be replaced. If damage is found, the PRA will be replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began November 23, 2018. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC168.
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Affected vehicles
Related recalls
More Kia Niro recalls
- 2023–2025 Kia Niro and 2 other models — Floor wiring assembly beneath the front passenger seat may…
- 2017–2022 Kia Niro and 1 other model — Fluid may leak into the printed circuit board inside the…
- 2023 Kia Niro and 6 other models — Instrument cluster may fail to display any information when…
- 2017–2018 Kia Niro — Main Relay within the Power Relay Assembly (PRA) may have…
- 2017 Kia Niro — Hydraulic Clutch Actuator (HCA) inner oil seal may leak…
Other campaigns involving Kia vehicles
Source: NHTSA recall database, campaign 18V666000 (manufacturer number SC168). Data last verified Jul 30, 2026.