Summary
- Kia is recalling nearly 23,000 EV9 electric SUVs in the U.S. due to missing seat bolts that could increase injury risk in a crash
- All affected units were built at a Kia plant in Korea between 2023 and 2024
- Kia America will add the missing bolts to affected cars for free and will check all seats to ensure correct fastening
- The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration report indicated that the missing bolts were due to an error by a plant assembly worker
- A total of three EV9 units were identified with missing bolts that prompted Kia to issue the recall, with an additional 990 units inspected that did not show the issue
Article
The Importance of Properly Installed Seat Bolts in the Kia EV9 SUV
Kia has recently announced a recall of nearly 23,000 EV9 electric SUVs in the United States due to missing bolts in the seats. This issue could potentially lead to detachment in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury to passengers. The affected vehicles were assembled between September 25, 2023, and October 15, 2024, at the Kia Autoland Gwangmyeong assembly plant in Korea. The problem specifically affects the second and third rows of seats, prompting Kia America to offer free repairs to affected customers. However, since the affected cars were not constructed in VIN order, customers are encouraged to contact their dealers to determine if their vehicle needs attention.
The issue was first brought to Kia’s attention when a customer reported missing mounting bolts for the third row of seating in their 2024 EV9. A subsequent complaint from another customer revealed a similar problem, prompting further inspections. While a preliminary inspection of 90 randomly selected units imported from Korea did not uncover any issues, a total of three EV9s were found to have missing or loose seat mounting bolts. Kia attributed this oversight to an error by a plant assembly worker, leading to further investigations to ensure the safety of all vehicles currently in circulation. It is essential for customers to be vigilant and check for loose or rattling seats, as these could indicate the absence of crucial bolts.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has played a key role in alerting the public to this safety concern by publishing relevant information about the missing seat bolts in the affected Kia EV9 SUVs. By raising awareness about the potential risks associated with improperly installed seats, the NHTSA aims to prevent accidents and injuries resulting from this oversight. Kia’s proactive response to the situation, including offering free repairs to affected customers and conducting thorough inspections of all units, demonstrates a commitment to prioritizing passenger safety. Moving forward, Kia will continue to work closely with regulatory authorities to address any further concerns and ensure the highest standards of safety in their vehicles.
In light of this recall, Kia has emphasized the importance of proper assembly procedures and quality control measures to prevent similar issues from occurring in the future. By identifying the root cause of the problem and taking necessary corrective actions, Kia aims to restore customer confidence in the safety and reliability of their vehicles. Customers are encouraged to stay informed about any potential recalls or safety issues related to their vehicles and to promptly address any concerns with their dealers. Through ongoing vigilance and adherence to stringent safety protocols, Kia is committed to delivering vehicles that meet the highest standards of quality and safety for all passengers.
Ultimately, the recall of nearly 23,000 Kia EV9 electric SUVs in the United States serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of diligent quality control and oversight in the automotive industry. By addressing safety concerns promptly and transparently, Kia demonstrates a commitment to customer safety and satisfaction. Moving forward, Kia will continue to prioritize safety in all aspects of vehicle production and assembly to prevent similar issues from recurring. Customers can rest assured that Kia is dedicated to resolving this matter swiftly and effectively, ensuring the highest level of safety and reliability in their vehicles.
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