Kia Company has issued an immediate recall notice to its dealers and owners of 2021-2017 Kia Niro hybrid plugin & hybrid cars vehicles due to some internal system malfunctions. The company is also providing information on how to inquire about and receive maintenance for the affected vehicles.

What should you do if you receive a recall notice?

First: Read the notice carefully and do not ignore it. According to the steps that follow, only up to 75% of vehicles covered by recalls get repaired.

The notice will inform you about the existing defect, possible warning signs, and what steps to take next. While a recall notice may evoke feelings of fear and concern, focus on two positive aspects:

1. The manufacturer has identified the problem and found a way to fix it.

2. Recall-related repairs do not cost you anything in terms of parts or labor.

Second: Bring your vehicle to the dealer.

Schedule a service appointment for your vehicle at an authorized dealer that sells this brand. It doesn't have to be the same place where you purchased the vehicle, and it doesn't matter whether you bought the car new or used. However, it must be taken to an authorized dealer. If you decide to perform the recall repairs yourself, you will likely be responsible for the cost.

You may also discover other recalls that your vehicle qualifies for when visiting the dealer. The dealer is obliged to complete these repairs as well, at no additional cost to you.

Third: The dealer performs the repairs.

For many people, the most challenging part is finding a convenient time for recall-related repairs. Typically, they will be completed while you wait, but sometimes it may take a little longer. Ask the dealer how long your vehicle might be held, and perhaps inquire if they can provide you with a loaner car until it's ready. Alternatively, if you have more time to plan, find out what services and amenities your local dealer offers.

How can I check for a recall on my car?

In most cases, the car manufacturer will send you a recall notice by mail. However, if you are proactive or if you purchased a used car, you should check for recalls yourself.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), over 100 million new and used vehicles were involved in safety-related recalls from 2014 to 2015. Recalls vary in severity, but they all relate to vehicle safety, so they are all worth monitoring.

Start by looking up the year, make, and model of your vehicle on a website like KBB.com. However, be aware that a recall doesn't necessarily apply to all vehicles of the same year, make, and model. Sometimes, only specific versions with manual transmissions are affected, or only those produced after a certain date. The best way to be sure is to call the phone number provided on your vehicle's recall page or visit the government NHTSA site and look up your specific car using its 17-character VIN number.

If you want to stay updated on recalls, you can check periodically here or download NHTSA's Android Auto and Apple CarPlay apps for recall information. Additionally, NHTSA maintains a social media presence on Facebook and Twitter to announce recalls.

Do I have to pay for recall repairs?

Once the manufacturer (or NHTSA) determines that a safety recall is necessary for your vehicle, you won't have to pay anything for recall-related repairs. All the costs for necessary parts and labor are covered by the manufacturer (who reimburses the dealer). This holds true even if you purchased the car used or from a private party.

A few things to keep in mind:

1. The repairs must be carried out at an authorized dealer that sells that brand of vehicle. If you choose to use your own mechanic, you may end up paying the bill.

2. If you receive a recall letter in the mail, bring it to the dealer. It contains important information and confirms that your car is part of the recall.

3. If you bought the car used, the manufacturer may have a harder time locating you.

There is one exception to the fact that recall repairs are free: vehicles older than 10 years are usually outside the statute of limitations and typically do not qualify for recalls.

Why are vehicles recalled?

A recall is initiated when the manufacturer or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) determines that there is a safety risk with a vehicle or that the vehicle does not meet minimum safety standards. Typically, a recall covers specific parts or equipment on a vehicle, and it is rare for the entire vehicle to be recalled.

Most automakers proactively issue recalls and do so voluntarily. However, sometimes NHTSA directs the manufacturer to do so. Some recalls receive significant attention, as seen in high-profile recalls related to airbags in recent years, but more often, recalls occur without much fanfare.

Recalls are only issued when the safety of the vehicle is in question, but that does not necessarily mean immediate danger. Nonetheless, you should have the repairs done as soon as possible. The good news is that, in the case of a recall, the manufacturer has identified a solution, and that fix is available at no additional cost to you (except, perhaps, for the time the vehicle is being repaired). 

Quality, reliability, and durability issues are important to drivers, but they do not result in a recall unless they are safety-related.

Finally, please keep in mind that just because there are recalls for cars matching your car's make and model, it does not necessarily mean that your car is affected. To know for sure, we provide a phone number you can call to check if your car is part of the recall. You will need to have your car's unique 17-character VIN number handy when you call.