Tow hitch harness fire while parked or driving
Defect Summary
Kia america, inc. (kia) is recalling certain 2022-2023 carnival vehicles equipped with a tow hitch harness installed as original equipment, or purchased as an accessory through a kia dealership. water accumulation on the tow hitch harness module printed circuit board (pcb) may cause an electrical short, which can result in a fire.
Safety Consequence
A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Corrective Action
Owners are advised to park their vehicles outside and away from structures until the remedy is completed. dealers will inspect and verify whether the vehicle is equipped with a genuine kia accessory trailer tow hitch assembly. if equipped, dealers will install a new fuse and wire extension kit. repairs will be performed free of charge. owner notification letters were mailed may 16, 2023. owners may contact kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. kia's number for this recall is sc265.
Similar Recalls
Other recalls from Kia America, Inc. or involving N/A.
FAQ: Recall 23V179000
Your rights, the repair process, and what each field on this page means.
What is recall 23V179000?
NHTSA recall 23V179000 was issued by Kia America, Inc. on March 17, 2023. It addresses: Tow hitch harness fire while parked or driving. The recall affects approximately 3,555 vehicles, with the defect involving the N/A component.
How do I get this recall repaired?
Contact any authorized Kia America, Inc. dealer and reference NHTSA recall ID 23V179000 or the manufacturer campaign number SC265. Under federal law, the repair is completely free regardless of vehicle age or owner history.
Is my vehicle included in this recall?
The only way to confirm is to look up your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. NHTSA's tool will tell you if VIN-by-VIN this exact recall applies.
Why is this recall flagged for fire risk?
This recall has been classified as having a fire risk when parked. NHTSA generally advises affected owners to park outside, away from structures and other vehicles, until the defect is repaired.
How long do I have to get a recall repair done?
There is no expiration on most federal safety recalls. Even if your vehicle is years old and you bought it used, the manufacturer is required to perform the repair at no cost.
Where does the data on this page come from?
All information on this page is sourced directly from the U.S. Department of Transportation public dataset for NHTSA recalls. Last refreshed: 2026-05-22. For the most current official notice, visit nhtsa.gov/recalls.