Kia Motors has issued a recall affecting 22,883 EV9 electric SUVs sold in the United States due to a potential safety concern with missing seat bolts in the second and third rows. The recall highlights the importance of thorough inspections to ensure passenger safety and addresses an assembly error at Kia’s Gwangmyeong plant in Korea.
Here’s everything you need to know about the recall, the potential risks, and what steps affected owners should take.
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Why Is Kia Recalling the EV9 SUVs?
The recall stems from a plant assembly error where the second- and third-row seats may be missing mounting bolts. In the event of a crash, seats that are not securely fastened could detach, significantly increasing the risk of injury to passengers.
Vehicles Affected by the Recall
The recall includes 22,883 EV9 SUVs built between September 25, 2023, and October 15, 2024. All units were manufactured at Kia’s Autoland Gwangmyeong assembly plant in South Korea.
Notably, the affected vehicles were not built in sequential VIN order, which means that owners need to confirm with their dealership whether their SUV is impacted by this recall.
How to Identify if Your EV9 Is Affected
If you own a Kia EV9 and notice loose or rattling seats, it could indicate missing bolts. However, even if there are no obvious signs, it’s crucial to check your vehicle’s recall status by:
- Contacting Your Kia Dealer: Dealerships have the tools to verify whether your vehicle is part of the recall.
- Using the NHTSA Website: Enter your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website to see if your EV9 is listed.
Kia’s Plan to Resolve the Issue
Kia will inspect all affected vehicles and install any missing seat bolts free of charge. Dealers will ensure that the second- and third-row seats are securely fastened.
What’s Next for EV9 Owners?
- Kia America will begin notifying owners about the recall in January 2025.
- Affected owners can schedule an appointment at their nearest Kia dealership for a thorough inspection and repair.
How Was the Problem Discovered?
The issue came to light in September 2024, when a customer reported that their EV9 was missing bolts in the third row of seating. A second complaint followed shortly after, prompting Kia to inspect 90 randomly selected vehicles imported from Korea. Fortunately, none of these inspected units had missing or loose bolts.
Subsequent investigations pinpointed the cause of the defect to assembly errors by a plant worker. While only three vehicles sold in the US were confirmed to have this issue, Kia opted for a broader recall to ensure the safety of all EV9 customers.
Kia’s Commitment to Safety
While assembly line errors can happen, Kia’s proactive approach to addressing the issue underscores its commitment to passenger safety. By issuing this recall and conducting thorough inspections, Kia aims to maintain customer trust and uphold the quality standards of its flagship electric SUV.
Key Takeaways for EV9 Owners
- Inspect Your Vehicle: Pay attention to any unusual seat movement or rattling noises.
- Contact Your Dealer: Verify your vehicle’s recall status promptly to schedule a free inspection.
- Stay Updated: Keep an eye out for official recall notifications from Kia starting in January 2025.
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Final Thoughts
The Kia EV9 has been a standout electric SUV, offering advanced features and eco-friendly performance. However, this recall serves as a reminder that even the best vehicles can face manufacturing hiccups.
By taking swift action, Kia is ensuring that its customers can continue to enjoy their EV9s with peace of mind. If you own an affected vehicle, don’t delay—reach out to your dealership today to address the issue.
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What do you think about Kia’s handling of this recall? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
