NHTSA safety recall National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

Kia EV9 recall: The rear gear drive unit (GDU) motor shaft may have been improperly welded

Recall published 1+ years ago

The rear gear drive unit (GDU) motor shaft may have been improperly welded and become damaged, causing a loss of drive power.

The hazard: Loss of drive power or rollaway

This campaign covers a loss of drive power or an unintended rollaway, where the vehicle stops doing what the driver asked of it.

What the notice says: A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.

Why it matters: The vehicle may stall, lose motive power while being driven, or roll away after being left in park. A stall at speed removes power steering and power braking assistance at the same moment.

Recall details

Recall number
25V115000
Published
February 24, 2025
Risk level
NHTSA safety recall
Status
Open safety recall
Issued by
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Brand
Kia
Product type
Electrical System
Distribution
Nationwide
Vehicles
Kia EV9
Lot / code info
NHTSA campaign number 25V115000

Products covered by this recall

Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2025 EV9 vehicles. The rear gear drive unit (GDU) motor shaft may have been improperly welded and become damaged, causing a loss of drive power.

Vehicles in this campaign

Check your product

The notice names 1 code you can read straight off the package. Type the one printed on yours and the list below narrows to it.

Vehicle

Match this against the make and model on your registration.

  • EV9

Codes are lifted verbatim from the NHTSA — Vehicle safety recalls notice. A code that is missing here may still be covered — the official notice is the complete list.

What to do about Power loss

Kia — This campaign covers a loss of drive power or an unintended rollaway, where the vehicle stops doing what the driver asked of it.

  1. If the vehicle has already stalled or rolled, stop using it and tell the dealer that when you book — it moves you up the queue.
  2. Check your own VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls before you do anything else. A campaign covers a build range, not every car of that model year, and the VIN lookup is the only thing that confirms yours is included.
  3. Call any franchised dealer for the brand, give them the campaign number from this page, and ask them to confirm parts are in stock before you book — part supply, not labour, is what delays a fresh recall.
  4. Until it is repaired, always set the parking brake as well as selecting park, and turn the front wheels towards the kerb on a slope.

Costs, reimbursement and your rights

The repair itself is free. What people most often miss is that money already spent can frequently be claimed back.

  • If you paid for the same repair out of pocket before the recall was announced, ask the manufacturer for reimbursement. Carmakers must run a reimbursement plan for pre-notification repairs; you will need the original invoice.
  • An unrepaired open recall can affect a sale or trade-in. Closing it out costs nothing and protects the value of the vehicle.
  • Towing is normally covered where the vehicle is unsafe to drive, and loaner cars or rental reimbursement are often available on long parts delays. Neither is usually offered unless you ask.
  • A dealer may not charge a diagnostic, inspection or shop-supplies fee for recall work. If one appears on the estimate, query it before you sign.

Remedy named in the notice: Dealers will replace the rear GDU, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 7, 2025. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC337.

Company contact: Kia America, Inc.

The official notice

This page summarises a notice published by National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The agency notice is the authoritative version — read it before you act, and treat it as the final word if anything here looks different.

Open the NHTSA — Vehicle safety recalls record National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recalls

Questions people ask about this recall

Why was Kia electrical system recalled?

The rear gear drive unit (GDU) motor shaft may have been improperly welded and become damaged, causing a loss of drive power. A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.

How do I know if I have the recalled product?

The notice does not publish package codes for this recall. Compare the product name, size and the purchase window against the official NHTSA — Vehicle safety recalls record, and contact the company if you are unsure.

What should I do with it right now?

If the vehicle has already stalled or rolled, stop using it and tell the dealer that when you book — it moves you up the queue.

Can I get my money back?

The notice says: Dealers will replace the rear GDU, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 7, 2025. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC337.

Does the repair cost me anything?

No. Safety recall repairs are performed free of charge at a franchised dealer for as long as the campaign is open, whether or not the vehicle is still under warranty.

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