Kia has issued a recall for 22,883 EV9 electric SUVs after discovering a defect caused by a single assembly worker’s error. The issue, reported by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), involves missing mounting bolts for the second and third-row seats, which could lead to inadequate passenger restraint and increased risk of injury. The affected vehicles were manufactured between September 2023 and October 2024 at Kia’s plant in Gwangmyeong, South Korea.
The recall was announced on December 20, and Kia plans to notify affected owners by January 24, 2025. Dealerships will inspect the vehicles and install any missing bolts free of charge. This incident is the latest in a series of recalls for the automaker, which recalled over a million vehicles last year for various issues, including overheating motors in Telluride SUVs.
While vehicle recalls are common, this case highlights the critical role of quality control in manufacturing. The error, attributed to a single worker, underscores the potential for isolated lapses to have widespread safety implications.
The recall adds to the growing scrutiny over electric vehicle reliability as the industry continues to expand. Owners of affected vehicles are urged to follow up with Kia for inspection and repairs to ensure their safety.
