Kia has issued a recall for 342 units of its 2025 EV9 electric SUV following the discovery of a welding defect in the rear drive unit. The issue, affecting dual-motor all-wheel-drive models, could lead to power loss, limiting acceleration and, in some cases, preventing the vehicle from exceeding 19 km/h. Kia identified the defect in January 2024 after receiving multiple assistance requests and conducting an internal investigation.
The problem stems from a faulty weld in the motor shaft inside the gear drive unit (GDU). Affected vehicles, produced in Georgia between October and December 2024, may alert drivers through unusual noises or a “Check AWD/4WD” dashboard warning. Kia has so far recorded 10 related reports but has not linked the defect to any accidents or injuries.
Owners will be notified this week, and dealerships will replace the rear drive unit at no cost. However, the repair is expected to take over six hours. Despite the EV9’s recent recognition as the 2024 World Car of the Year, repeated recalls may impact its reputation. Kia advises affected owners to contact their dealership for further details and scheduling.
Source:
Benoit Charette
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