Kia recalls over 22,000 electric cars due to missing seat bolts

Kia has issued a recall of over 22,000 electric cars in the U.S. due to missing seat mounting bolts.

The recall impacts 22,883 Kia EV9 electric cars from model year 2024-25. The company states that some of these vehicles are missing second and third row seat mounting bolts, and as such "may not properly restrain an occupant during certain collisions, increasing the risk of injury." Launched in 2023, the Kia EV9 is the manufacturer's first three-row electric SUV.

Fortunately, it sounds as though the defect doesn't pose any danger unless you end up in an accident first. Kia reports that no injuries, crashes, fatalities or fires have actually been caused by the missing bolts, which are the result of an error by an assembly plant worker in South Korea. 

However, Kia notes that customers may be able to hear their seat rattling or notice that their EV9's seats are loose.

Notifications will be sent to impacted Kia owners from Jan. 24. People who suspect their car may be included in the recall can also contact Kia customer service. Owners of affected Kia EV9 cars will be instructed to contact an authorised dealer so they can inspect all of the vehicle's seat mounting bolts, install any missing ones, and ensure they're properly fastened at no cost.