Kia issued a recall for nearly 23,000 EV9 models in the US over potentially missing seat bolts. Although only about 1% of the electric SUVs are estimated to have the defect, Kia is recalling certain 2024 and 2025 EV9 models out of caution. Here’s how to get the fix.
Kia EV9 hit with another recall in the US
Kia’s first three-row electric SUV is off to a hot start in the US. After deliveries began just before the new year, Kia has already sold over 20,000 EV9 models through the first 11 months of 2024.
Despite this, the EV9 is being recalled again. On December 20, Kia America notified the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) that it was recalling 22,883 EV9 models.
Specific 2024 and 2025 EV9 models built at Kia’s Autoland Gwangmyeong assembly plant in Korea between September 25, 2023, and October 12, 2024, may be missing second and/ or third-row seat mounting bolts. Kia said the defect was due to a worker error at the plant.
In November, Kia inspected 990 random EV9 models in stock, and none of them were found to have missing or loose seat bolts.
Although no crashes, injuries, fatalities, or fires occurred, Kia issued the recall for certain 2024 and 2025 EV9 models out of caution.
If you own an EV9, you will be notified by first-class mail. Kia will instruct you to bring the vehicle to the dealer, who will inspect it and install the proper bolts if needed. The dealers will ensure all seat mounting bolts are adequately fastened for added safety. The service will be free of charge.
Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed out on January 24, 2025. If you have questions, you can contact Kia Customer Service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia’s recall number is SC239.
You can also contact the NHTSA Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 or visit the NHTSA.gov website. The NHTSA campaign number is 24V-962.
The news comes after Kia recalled 12,400 EV9 models in September over a software glitch with the Remote Smart Parking Assist feature.