Around 22,000 Vehicles Equipped with an Ominous Security Vulnerability Remain Unsecured-Is Your Ride Affected?
Kia Recalls 2025 EV9 Electric SUVs Due to Missing Seat Bolts
The 2025 Kia EV9 electric SUV is currently under recall due to missing second- and third-row seat mounting bolts, posing a safety risk as the seats may not be properly secured. This recall affects certain 2024-2025 model year EV9 vehicles.
Recall Details
Kia is addressing this issue through an OTA (Over-the-Air) software update and dealer intervention as part of Recall SC341. The OTA update targets instrument cluster software issues but is linked to completing the recall process for seat bolt-related noncompliance. If the OTA update fails, owners are advised to visit a dealership to complete the recall service.
The recall campaign is being carried out to ensure the safety of passengers in the event of an accident. The recall affects EV9s manufactured at Kia Autoland Gwangmyeong in South Korea between September 25, 2023, and October 15, 2024.
Potential Warning Signs
EV9 owners should be vigilant for potential warning signs such as excessively mobile seats, unusual noises, or bolts found on the floor. If any of these issues are noticed, it is advisable to contact the dealership for confirmation.
Scope of the Recall
Extensive tests conducted on 1,080 vehicles suggest the problem's scope has been minimized significantly. Proactive inspections of 90 random vehicles imported from Korea by Kia found no affected vehicles. Inspection of 990 vehicles still in stock showed no defects, providing a reassuring point for customers. However, direct testing on NHTSA's website is necessary to confirm if a vehicle is among those affected.
Impact and Action
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Kia are taking swift action to rectify the issue due to the potential severe consequences in case of an accident. The recall does not cover the cost of driving the vehicle to the service center; owners will need to cover gas costs for the necessary repairs.
This recall is a significant issue for Kia as it involves their flagship model, the EV9 electric SUV. Kia North America will install any missing bolts free of charge for affected EV9 owners.
The recall campaign is being carried out to ensure the safety of passengers in the event of an accident. Owners are encouraged to follow instructions from Kia regarding the OTA update and potential dealer visit to ensure seat bolts are properly installed for safety.
The recall affects not only the safety of EV9 passengers but also the reputation of Kia's automotive industry, particularly their flagship model, the EV9 electric SUV. While finance departments may need to cover additional gas costs for car-maintenance visits, customers can expect free installation of missing bolts from Kia North America. Lifestyle adjustments may be required to accommodate the necessary dealership visits. This incident underscores the importance of regular car-maintenance and vigilance in the transportation sector.
