The 2025 Kia EV9 is being recalled again because faulty rear gear drive units could cause loss of propulsion.
The recall includes just 342 of the three-row electric SUVs. These vehicles may have rear gear drive units containing motor shafts that were improperly welded during assembly by a supplier, according to the NHTSA. The shaft can become damaged as a result, impacting its ability to transfer power from the motor to the wheels, resulting in reduced acceleration and drive power.
2025 Kia EV9
If this occurs, drivers may notice abnormal driveline noise and a “Check AWD/4WD” warning message on the dashboard, recall documents said.
Kia estimates that just 4% of the recalled vehicles (yes, that’s about 14 EV9s in all) actually have this defect, which also hasn’t been found in front drive units. And while single-motor versions of the EV9 are rear-wheel drive, the recall only covers dual-motor all-wheel drive models. Vehicles in the recall population were among the small number of Georgia-made EV9s in 2024.
2025 Kia EV9
The remedy is replacement of the rear gear drive unit, which dealers will perform free of charge. Kia plans to mail owner notification letters starting Mar. 7. Owners can also call Kia’s customer service department at 800-333-4542 for more information or visit the automaker’s recall website. Kia’s reference number for this recall is SC337.
The EV9 launched for the 2024 model year to critical acclaim. Kia didn’t make many changes for 2025, and it doesn’t seem to have corrected all of the EV9’s teething problems, either. The 2025 EV9, along with some 2024 models, was previously recalled for missing seat bolts, and for failing digital instrument clusters.
