Blank Instrument Cluster Display Prompts Kia Recall

South Korean automaker Kia has announced a recall of nearly 109,000 sport utility vehicles (SUVs) in the US market due to a software glitch in the instrument cluster that causes the display screen to go blank, making it impossible for drivers to see indicators and warning lights.

The inability to see indicators and telltales doesn’t merely pose a safety risk but also violates three federal motor vehicle safety standards.

The problem arises from the instrument cluster software along with voltage instability upon starting the vehicle, resulting in booting errors. Fortunately, no accidents or injuries have been reported so far.

The recall affects model-year 2023 Niro, Niro PHEV, Soul, Sportage, Sportage Hybrid, Sportage PHEV, and Telluride SUVs equipped with a digital instrument cluster containing a 4.2-inch screen.

Owners of the affected SUVs will receive notification letters from Kia starting on May 26, and dealers will update the instrument cluster software free of charge. Kia owners with further questions can contact the automaker at 800-333-4542, while the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s vehicle-safety hotline can be reached at 888-327-4236.