Summary
- Kia is recalling 22,883 EV9 electric SUVs for missing mounting bolts on second- and third-row seats
- The recall includes a mix of 2024 and 2025 model year vehicles assembled in South Korea
- Missing bolts can affect seat restraints in a crash, increasing the risk of injury
- Kia estimates only 1% of recalled vehicles are affected and has not reported any related crashes, injuries, or fatalities
- Dealers will inspect and replace missing bolts for free, with owner notification letters set to be mailed on January 24, 2025
Article
Kia is recalling 22,883 EV9 electric SUVs in the U.S. due to missing mounting bolts for second- and third-row seats. The recall includes vehicles from both the 2024 and 2025 model years, and the issue was caused by an error by an assembly-line worker in South Korea where the vehicles were built. This error could result in seats not properly restraining occupants in case of a crash, increasing the risk of injury. Owners may also notice rattling or looseness of the seats if bolts are missing.
Kia estimates that 1% of the recalled vehicles are missing the bolts and so far, there have been no reported crashes, injuries, or fatalities related to this issue. The problem was discovered during a quality-control inspection, prompting the recall. Dealers will inspect the seats and replace any missing bolts free of charge. Kia plans to send out owner notification letters on January 24, 2025, and owners can contact Kia customer service for more information. The recall reference number is SC329.
This recall comes on the heels of two others in October, one addressing a remote parking system issue in 12,400 vehicles from the 2024 model year and the other addressing a software issue that could cause digital instrument clusters to fail in both 2024 and 2025 models. Kia is taking proactive steps to address these issues to ensure the safety and satisfaction of its customers. The company began building EV9s at its U.S. plant in June but has only produced small numbers there.
Kia is committed to ensuring the safety of its vehicles and is working to rectify any potential issues that may arise. The company has acknowledged the error with the missing seat mounting bolts and is taking swift action to address the problem. With safety being a top priority, Kia is offering to replace any missing bolts at no cost to owners. This proactive approach demonstrates Kia’s dedication to quality and customer satisfaction in the face of unexpected challenges.
Owners of the affected EV9 electric SUVs are encouraged to contact Kia customer service for more information and to schedule an inspection. By promptly addressing this issue, Kia is demonstrating its commitment to safety and quality control. The company’s prompt response to the recall should help to ensure the safety of occupants in the recalled vehicles and prevent any potential injuries that could arise from missing seat bolts. Kia’s commitment to addressing these issues promptly reflects its dedication to customer safety and satisfaction.
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