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Why Is Kia Recalling Nearly 23,000 EV9 SUVs?
South Korea’s leading automaker, Kia, has hit the rewind button on about 23,000 EV9 electric SUVs in the U.S. due to a significant safety concern. The issue? A seat assembly mishap that could put passengers at risk. During the manufacturing process, some bolts in the second and third-row seats were either improperly installed or completely missing.
The recall affects 22,883 EV9 models that rolled off the production line at the Gwangmyeong factory between September 25 and October 15, 2023. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) raised alarms after discovering that improperly fastened seats could pose serious safety hazards in case of an accident.
What’s the Risk?
If the seats are not securely bolted, they could shift or detach during an impact, potentially causing injuries to passengers. Kia acknowledged the assembly issue, attributing it to human error during the production process.
While Kia has not provided detailed steps on how the recall will be handled, affected vehicle owners can expect to be contacted soon. The company has assured that all necessary repairs will be made free of charge to fix the seat installation errors.
What This Means for Kia and EV Owners
This recall could damage Kia’s reputation, especially as EVs gain popularity in the global market. Electric vehicle owners expect top-tier safety and cutting-edge technology, making quality control issues like this a major red flag.
The incident serves as a wake-up call for the automotive industry, emphasizing the need for stricter quality inspections and safety measures before vehicles hit the road. Kia’s misstep highlights the importance of manufacturers and consumers staying vigilant about safety concerns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Kia is recalling 22,883 EV9 SUVs manufactured between September 25 and October 15, 2023, at the Gwangmyeong factory due to missing or improperly installed seat bolts.
Kia will contact affected vehicle owners and offer free repairs to ensure all seat bolts are correctly installed.
While there have been no reports of accidents, Kia advises getting the issue addressed as soon as possible to prevent potential safety risks.
Kia will notify affected owners directly, but you can also check with NHTSA’s recall database or contact a Kia dealership for confirmation.
Typically, a properly repaired recall issue does not significantly impact resale value. However, unresolved recalls can lower a car’s market value and desirability.
Kia has not provided an exact timeline, but most recall repairs are completed within a few hours at authorized service centers. Owners should contact their dealership for scheduling.
