Drivers warned: Kia’s 2025 EV9 may experience loss of propulsion

Kia is issuing another recall for its 2025 EV9 model due to potentially faulty rear gear drive units that could result in a loss of propulsion.

The recall affects just 342 units of the three-row electric SUV, with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) noting that the problem lies with motor shafts that may have been improperly welded during assembly by a supplier.

If a defect occurs, drivers may experience reduced acceleration, diminished driving power, unusual noises from the driveline, and a warning message on the dashboard indicating “Check AWD/4WD.”

14 EV9s, are actually impacted by this defect

Kia estimates that only about 4% of the recalled vehicles, roughly 14 EV9s, are actually impacted by this defect. Notably, the issue has not been found in the front drive units, which are equipped with single motors.

The recall is limited to dual-motor all-wheel drive versions of the EV9, produced in Georgia.

The remedy for affected vehicle owners will be a free replacement of the rear gear drive unit, with Kia planning to begin mailing notification letters on March 7. Owners can also reach out to Kia’s customer service at 800-333-4542 or visit the automaker’s dedicated recall website for more information. Kia’s reference number for this recall is SC337.

This marks the second recall for the 2025 EV9, which was launched in 2024 to critical acclaim. Previously, the model faced recalls due to issues with missing seat bolts and malfunctioning digital instrument clusters.

While Kia has not made significant changes to the vehicle for the 2025 model year, these persistent quality control issues raise concerns about the SUV’s reliability as it aims to establish itself in the competitive electric vehicle market.