Recently, Kia’s EV9 model has been impacted by a critical safety concern. This issue arises from a defect in the front passenger seatbelt assembly, which was supplied by Samsong Industries in South Korea. Reports of grinding noises and a sticking condition led to the discovery that the retractor cover was improperly secured.
This defect specifically affects four vehicles manufactured on October 17th of the previous year at Kia’s Autoland Gwangmyeong facility in South Korea. To address this issue, Kia has initiated a recall. Dealerships have been instructed to replace the front passenger seatbelt assembly with a properly secured one.
Owners can check if their vehicles are affected by entering the VIN on Kia’s or the NHTSA’s website. While the recall notification letters will be mailed to owners by June 5th, they can already contact their dealerships for assistance.
The EV9, built on Hyundai’s Electric Global Modular Platform, boasts seating for up to seven passengers, quick charging capability, and an impressive driving range. However, this recall highlights the importance of ensuring all components meet safety standards before vehicles hit the market.