Kia has issued a recall for nearly 23,000 of its new EV9 electric SUVs due to a serious safety concern involving the seats. The recall, which affects 22,883 vehicles built between September 25, 2023, and October 15, 2024, was triggered by an error in the assembly process at Kia’s Gwangmyeong, South Korea plant. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) made the announcement on December 20, 2024, citing a potentially dangerous issue with missing seat mounting bolts.
The Issue with Kia EV9 Seats
The safety problem stems from a manufacturing error where some EV9 models were assembled with missing bolts on the second and/or third-row seats. As a result, the seats may not properly restrain passengers, significantly increasing the risk of injury in the event of a collision. According to the NHTSA, this defect is linked to the mistake made by a single assembly worker, causing the mounting bolts to be omitted during the manufacturing process.
Affected Kia EV9 Models and Recall Details
The recall impacts Kia’s EV9 models, which were first introduced in the US in October 2023, and are expected to hit the UK market in early 2025. Affected vehicles were produced at Kia’s Gwangmyeong plant, and owners will be notified by January 24, 2025.
Kia owners are advised that dealers will inspect and install the necessary mounting bolts free of charge. This action will ensure the seats are properly secured, reducing the potential risk of injury.
How to Check If Your Kia EV9 is Affected
If you own a 2023 or 2024 Kia EV9 model built between September 25, 2023, and October 15, 2024, it is important to check if your vehicle is affected by the recall. Owners will receive a letter detailing the recall and the necessary steps to take. Kia dealerships will handle the inspection and installation of the bolts, ensuring the safety of all passengers in the vehicle.
Kia’s Recall History
The recall of nearly 23,000 EV9 vehicles adds to Kia’s recall history. In 2024, the manufacturer conducted multiple recalls for different models, including over a million vehicles due to separate issues. Last year, Kia made 19 recalls, with the largest recall affecting 462,869 Telluride SUVs. The issue in the Telluride was related to a front power seat motor knob that could become stuck, leading to overheating and a potential fire hazard.
Car Manufacturer Recall Statistics for 2024
While Kia is not the manufacturer with the most recalls, it has certainly been part of a larger trend of increased vehicle recalls in 2024. Tesla led the industry with 5,135,697 vehicles recalled, spread across 15 different recall events. However, when it comes to the number of recalls, Stellantis topped the list with 72 recalls, followed by Ford with 63.
Kia’s recall figures reflect the company’s commitment to addressing potential safety hazards, though this latest issue with the EV9 underscores the importance of quality control during manufacturing.
Kia’s recall of nearly 23,000 EV9 vehicles highlights an important safety issue related to seat mounting bolts, which can increase the risk of injury in an accident. The recall was issued due to a manufacturing error by a single worker, and Kia will take responsibility for inspecting and fixing the affected vehicles. If you are a Kia EV9 owner, it is crucial to stay informed about this recall and follow the necessary steps to ensure the safety of you and your passengers.
