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Kia issued one of the smallest recalls in automotive history. Only a few models of the Kia EV9 and Kia Niro EV have the same problem, which could cause the vehicles to lose power while driving. Although this recent Kia recall only impacts a small number, it comes on the heels of a much larger recall of Hyundai Group E-GMP models sold in the United States.

The Gear Drive Unit could be bad on these Kia EVs

A recall notice is going out to eight Kia customers, informing them of an issue within the Gear Drive Unit (GDU). The differential gear bolts weren;t properly torqued during assembly within these two Kia EVs. This could cause the bolts to loosen and damage the GDU housing. This problem could also reduce the gearing while driving.

A damaged GDU housing may cause the electric vehicle could lose power, and the differential might lock up, creating many issues for the vehicle owners. Owners of impacted vehicles may notice a grinding noise when behind the wheel.

2024 Kia Niro EV driving on a road.
2024 Kia Niro EV | Kia

How many Kia EVs does this recall impact?

The small number is eight. This recall includes four Kia Niro EV models and four Kia EV9 models. The Niro EVs were manufactured between November 7, 2022, and May 16, 2023. The Kia EV9s were built between October 27, 2023, and December 14, 2023.

The NHTSA will alert owners of these vehicles by a letter around May 17. These letters instruct owners to bring their EVs to a Kia dealer to have the GDU replaced free of charge. Any owners who have previously paid to replace the GDU will receive reimbursement for this cost.

What’s going on with the other recall?

Last month, Hyundai Group, which encompasses Kia, Hyundai, and Genesis, issued a recall impacting most of the e-GMP models in the United States. The integrated charging control unit components could fuse and cause issues. When this occurs, it hinders the charging of the 12-volt battery and puts the vehicle into a fail-safe driving mode.

Owners can check their VINs at the NHTSA website to learn about recalls specific to their Kia, Hyundai, or Genesis EVs.

Source: CarScoops

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MotorBiscuit Contributor

Nathaniel Ehinger

Nathaniel joined MotorBiscuit in 2022 with eight years of experience as an autos writer under his belt. From model reviews to industry politics to new innovations and development, he covers a wide range of topics. Through careful research, attention to detail, and a desire to tell a story, Nathaniel found an unexpected enthusiasm for covering anything related to cars, trucks, SUVs, and everything in between.