Is It Safe To Remove Exhaust Shield For Curt Hitch Installation On 2018 Kia Niro

Question:

The FAQ answer to this previous question simply says that removing the heat shield does not pose a problem. However, the heat shield is there to protect the cabin from extra heat and to protect the bottom of the vehicle from igniting such things as piles of leaves or debris that the driver might happen to have driven over. So the question is, can the heat shield be reinstalledare modifications necessary? Is there another hitch for a 2018 Kia Niro that does not remove factory-necessary parts? Thanks for helping to bring clarity to this concern.

asked by: Lynelle S

Expert Reply:

The Curt Trailer Hitch part # C13329 for the 2018 Kia Niro does require the exhaust shield to be removed during installation or the hitch will not fit into place. It not a piece that can be reinstalled because there will not be enough room between the exhaust and the hitch for hitch to fit into place. However, the metal hitch will now act as a heat shield for your exhaust. You are not removing the main heat shield between the exhaust and the vehicle so there is not anything to worry about there. I have attached a video for your reference to see how our installers removes the heat shield from the exhaust right around the 5:20 time stamp.

The Draw-Tite Trailer hitch Receiver part # 36600 is an option that does not require exhaust shield removal, however it does require additional fascia trimming into the rear fascia of the Niro because the receiver sticks out of the fascia unlike the Curt that hangs below it.

expert reply by: Heather A