The electric car market is once again at the center of the debate. Imagine buying a state-of-the-art electric SUV, with all the comforts and technology, only to discover that, when you hit the road, it could put your life in danger. This is what has happened to Kia’s EV9, one of the brand’s flagship models, which is now undergoing a recall.
What is the recall announced by Kia?
According to information published by the U. S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), under campaign number 24V-962, Kia has recalled 22,883 units of its EV9 electric SUV for model years 2024 and 2025. The problem lies in the fact that some vehicles may be missing mounting bolts for the second and third row seats.
The official statement indicates that these bolts are essential for proper seat attachment. In the event of an accident, if they are not firmly bolted to the floor of the vehicle, the seats could become detached, compromising the effectiveness of the seat belts and, consequently, the integrity of the occupants. This defect was caused by human error on the production line at the Autoland Gwangmyeong plant in South Korea, where a worker omitted to install these bolts. As a result, the rear rows of seats could become unstable, which, in collision situations, significantly increases the risk of injury.
Indications of the problem and actions taken by the company
According to NHTSA and Kia’s own release (SC329), owners may notice noises or feel that the seats are loose when maneuvering, which is a sign that the restraint is not positioned correctly.
To address this serious safety issue, Kia has asked all owners of affected vehicles to take them immediately to an authorized dealer. There, an inspection will be performed and, if necessary, the missing bolts will be installed at no cost to the user.
Dates and details of the recall
- Kia officially notified NHTSA on December 20, 2024.
- Notification letters to owners will begin to be sent starting January 24, 2025.
- Kia assigned the internal number SC329 for this recall.
- For more information, owners can contact 1-800-333-4542 (Kia’s U.S. Customer Care Center) or refer to NHTSA’s official website.
In addition to installing any missing bolts, technicians will check the fit of all seats to ensure they are securely fastened. Kia stresses that in no case will the customer be charged for the service or repair, given the nature of the manufacturing defect.
What should owners of an affected Kia EV9 do?
- Verify if their vehicle is within the recall: They will be able to do so with their serial number (VIN) through Kia’s official website or the NHTSA.
- Make an appointment with your dealer: Schedule a service as soon as possible to ensure safe driving.
- Pay attention to unusual noises or sensations coming from the second or third row of seats. If any irregularities are detected, it is advisable not to drive the vehicle until it has received a service check.
In Mexico, Kia has enabled a specific contact number: 55-4780-0542, although it is recommended to confirm with your local dealer or Kia customer service.
Another Kia recall: K4 2025 for headlight failure
This is not the only recall the brand is currently facing. The Procuraduría Federal del Consumidor (Profeco), in conjunction with Kia Mexico, has warned about defects in the headlights of the Kia K4 2025 model, a sedan that could suffer visibility problems and, therefore, put the safety of those traveling in it at risk. A total of 1,784 vehicles of this model are in the recall process.
When you have finished reading this article, you can always keep up to date with other motor-related news by visiting the specialized section of this newspaper.
