More than 22,000 Kia EV9 Models Recalled for Missing Seat Bolts

Written By: Jessica Anvar Stotz
Legally Reviewed By: Jessica Anvar Stotz

1%, or 220, of the over 22,000 Kia EV9 SUVs from the 2024-2025 model years are estimated to have missing seat mounting bolts in the second and third rows due to an assembly error at the plant.

Although no accidents or injuries have been reported, the missing bolts could compromise safety by preventing the seats from properly securing occupants in the event of a collision.

Kia has issued a 2025 Missing Seat Bolts Recall for these vehicles and will inspect and install any missing bolts free of charge. If your vehicle is affected, you should receive a recall notice by January 24, 2025.

The Dangers of Missing Seat Bolts

Missing seat bolts in a vehicle can present serious safety hazards, particularly in the event of a collision. Here are some of the potential dangers:

• Improper Restraint: Seats without secure bolts may fail to properly restrain passengers during a crash, heightening the risk of injury.
• Seat Movement: Loose or improperly fastened seats can shift unexpectedly during sudden stops or sharp turns, leading to potential accidents or harm.
• Increased Injury Risk: In the event of an accident, the lack of secure seat anchoring can significantly increase the severity of injuries to those in the vehicle.
• Rattling Noise: While not immediately dangerous, any rattling noise from the seats could signal missing bolts, and this issue should be addressed promptly to avoid potential complications.

Driving a vehicle with missing seat bolts can be extremely dangerous. If the seat bolts are missing or improperly fastened, the seats may not be securely anchored.

In the event of a collision or sudden stop, this could lead to the seats shifting, not providing proper restraint, or even detaching from their mounting points. This significantly increases the risk of injury to the occupants.

For your safety, if you suspect missing seat bolts, it’s important to have the vehicle inspected and repaired as soon as possible.

Avoid driving the vehicle until the issue is resolved if you’re aware of any symptoms like loose seats or unusual movements.

Does Kia Have a Remedy for the EV9 Seat Bolt Recall?

Kia has a solution for the EV9 seat bolt recall. Affected vehicles will be inspected by Kia dealers to check the seat mounting bolts.

If any bolts are missing, new ones will be installed, and if bolts are present, they will be retightened to factory specifications.

This service is provided free of charge to vehicle owners. If your EV9 is affected, you should receive a recall notice by mail.

After receiving the notice, take your vehicle to a Kia dealer for the inspection and necessary repairs.

According to a technical service bulletin (TSB) issued by Kia, dealers are instructed to inspect and either retighten the seat mounting bolts or install any missing ones.

This issue, caused by an error at the assembly plant, affects certain 2024-2025 EV9 vehicles built between September 25, 2023, and October 15, 2024.

The bulletin outlines the procedure for ensuring all bolts are properly secured and any missing bolts are replaced with new ones.

What Should I Do If My EV9 Is Affected?

If your Kia EV9 is affected by the recall, we recommend following these steps:

• Wait for the Recall Notice: You should receive a recall notice by mail in January 2025, which will include detailed instructions on what to do next.
• Contact Your Kia Dealer: Once you receive the notice, reach out to your local Kia dealership to schedule an appointment for the inspection and necessary repairs.
• Inspection and Repair: At your appointment, the dealer will inspect the seat mounting bolts. If any bolts are missing, they will install new ones. If bolts are present, they will be retightened to factory specifications.

If you have any immediate questions or concerns, you can contact Kia’s Customer Care Center at 1-800-333-4542, Monday through Friday, 5 AM to 6 PM Pacific Time.

Repeat Seat Issues? Give the Lemon Law Experts a Call!

If you’re dealing with ongoing seat issues in your Kia EV9, such as missing bolts affecting seat stability, it could potentially qualify as a “lemon law issue.”

Seat-related problems that compromise vehicle safety, such as seats that fail to securely restrain occupants during a collision, can significantly impact the vehicle’s safety and usability.

If you are experiencing ongoing issues with your Kia EV9 or are concerned about the safety of the seat mounting bolts, a skilled Lemon Law attorney can help determine if you have a valid claim.

Whether you’re seeking a vehicle replacement, a refund, or compensation for the defect, expert legal assistance can ensure your rights are protected.

At the Lemon Law Experts, we specialize in automotive defect cases and have been committed to helping consumers resolve their vehicle issues since 2009.

Our team is well-versed in state and federal Lemon Laws and can guide you through the process to get the compensation you deserve.

If you’re facing persistent seat issues with your Kia EV9, contact us today to discuss your case.