Kia is recalling certain EV9 electric SUVs after a hot start in the US

After Kia’s first three-row electric SUV made an impressive debut in the US market this year, a new recall is being issued for certain models. The recall, over inadequate headliner protection, affects 2,401 Kia EV9 models. Here’s what you should know.

After launching the EV9 in the US late last year, Kia’s new flagship electric SUV is already off to a strong start.

Kia sold 2,187 EV9s in the US in May, for a total of 7,766 through the first five months of 2024. Meanwhile, the automaker’s latest recall has impacted some of these.

In a letter to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) last week, Kia America announced that it was recalling certain 2024 EV9 models.

The recall impacts 2,401 EV9s with potentially inadequate headliner protection during a crash. With EV9 production slated to begin at the end of May, Kia found the issue during pre-production testing.

After conducting tests at its Gwangmyeong Autoland plant in Korea, Kia found that certain 2024MY EV9 Light models built between September 25, 2023, and March 21, 2024, do not meet the federal safety requirements.

Kia recalling certain 2024 EV9 Light models

Kia EV9 Light models built from March 22, 2024, to May 28, 2024, were held and not sold. According to Kia, vehicles built from June 11, 2024, will have the new headliners.

Although no injuries, crashes, or fatalities have been reported, Kia is recalling the EV9 Light models produced in Korea.

Kia dealers will replace the headliner’s impact-absorbing plates free of charge. Owners can expect notification letters to go out on July 31, 2024.

If you own an EV9 and have questions or concerns, you can contact Kia’s customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia’s recall number is SC317.

You can also contact the NHTSA Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 or go to the website at NHTSA.GOV. The NHTSA Campaign number is 24V400000.

Kia’s first EV9 rolled off assembly in Georgia at the end of May, making history as the first EV assembled in the state. Starting at around $55,000, Kia calls the EV9’s starting price an industry wake-up call. With a quick fix, Kia’s EV9 should get back on track.