Recall 22V836 affects 27,030 2017-2018 Kia Niro hybrid vehicles for an overheating power relay. Repair is free at any franchised Kia dealer.
Kia is recalling 27,030 2017-2018 Niro hybrid electric vehicles under recall 22V836 because the Main Relay in the Power Relay Assembly can have inadequate contact connections. That added electrical resistance can overheat the rear seats and increase fire risk; Kia dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
For recall 22V836, the part at issue is the high-voltage main relay inside the power relay assembly on 2017-2018 Kia Niro hybrid vehicles. That relay acts like a heavy-duty electrical switch for the hybrid system. When it closes correctly, high-voltage power moves through the system with solid contact and controlled resistance.
On affected Niro hybrids, the main relay contacts do not connect properly, or the vehicle did not receive the correct remedy relay during the earlier 18V666 repair. A weak contact point creates extra electrical resistance. That resistance creates heat inside the power relay assembly, and Kia says that heat can overheat the rear seats.
The warning sign is the HEV warning light while driving. The vehicle also can fail to start. If either happens, use that language when calling a Kia dealer about recall 22V836.
Who's affected?
Covers the 2017 and 2018 model years, both tied to the high-voltage main relay in the hybrid propulsion system.
| 2017 Kia Niro | Hybrid propulsion system |
|---|---|
| 2018 Kia Niro | Hybrid propulsion system |
| Units affected | 27,030 |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific crossover is included.
What's the safety risk?
Overheated rear seats increase the risk of a fire. If the HEV warning light comes on while driving, or the vehicle will not start, pull over safely and call a Kia dealer. Repair is free at any franchised Kia dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2017-2018 Kia Niro is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Kia dealer to schedule the free PRA inspection and Main Relay repair that addresses rear-seat overheating.
- Bring the recall notice if Kia mailed one, or reference recall number 22V836 and Kia recall SC256 when you call.
- Tell the dealer if the vehicle was repaired under recall 18V-666; those vehicles still need the new remedy completed.
- Call Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542 with questions about scheduling or the free repair.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Kia technician inspects the Power Relay Assembly (PRA) and replaces either the PRA or the Main Relay, as needed. Parts and labor are free under the recall. Even if the vehicle was repaired under the earlier recall, this new remedy still needs to be completed. Kia's standard reimbursement plan covers documented repair expenses owners already paid. Bring receipts or other repair documentation to the service desk, or contact Kia customer service, to start a reimbursement claim.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| November 11, 2022 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| January 5, 2023 | Dealer notification began |
| January 5, 2023 | Dealer notification ended |
| January 9, 2023 | Owner notification mailed |
| January 9, 2023 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 22V836?
Recall 22V836 covers 27,030 2017-2018 Kia Niro hybrid vehicles that were previously recalled under 18V666. The Main Relay inside the Power Relay Assembly can have inadequate contact connections, creating higher electrical resistance that overheats the rear seats and increases fire risk.
What should I do if my 2017-2018 Kia Niro is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Niro is included in recall 22V836. If it is, contact a franchised Kia dealer and ask for recall SC256. The dealer will inspect the Power Relay Assembly and replace the assembly or Main Relay for free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires Kia to repair this defect at no cost, and Kia's remedy says dealers will inspect the Power Relay Assembly and replace the needed part free of charge. Parts and labor are covered at any franchised Kia dealer.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is fire. Kia reports that inadequate Main Relay contact connections can increase electrical resistance inside the Power Relay Assembly, which overheats the rear seats. If your VIN is included, arrange the free dealer inspection and repair before relying on the vehicle for regular use.
What if my Kia Niro was already repaired under recall 18V666?
You still need this newer repair if your VIN is included. Kia says recall 22V836 supersedes recall 18V666, and vehicles already repaired under the previous recall need the new remedy completed. Ask the dealer for recall SC256 when scheduling the appointment.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/22V836000 |
|---|---|
| Kia customer service | 1-800-333-4542 |
| NHTSA recall # | 22V836 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 22V836000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Misc. Document (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 20, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →