Recall 25V115 affects 342 2025 Kia EV9 vehicles for an improperly welded rear GDU motor shaft. Repair is free at any franchised Kia dealer.
Kia is recalling 342 2025 EV9 vehicles because an improper weld on the rear gear drive unit motor shaft can damage the shaft and cause a loss of drive power. A loss of drive power increases crash risk, and Kia dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The rear gear drive unit on the 2025 Kia EV9 is part of the electric all-wheel-drive system. It sends power from the rear electric motor through a motor shaft so the rear wheels receive drive force when the vehicle accelerates or needs traction.
On affected EV9 vehicles, that motor shaft was welded incorrectly by the supplier. A weak weld can become damaged while the driveline is under load. If the shaft is damaged, the rear gear drive unit stops transferring power correctly and the vehicle can lose drive power.
An owner can notice abnormal noise from the driveline before the failure. The vehicle can also show a "Check AWD/4WD" warning message. Those signs mean the rear drive unit needs dealer attention before the problem gets worse.
Who's affected?
Both listed components trace to the same rear gear drive unit assembly.
| 2025 Kia EV9 | driveline |
|---|---|
| 2025 Kia EV9 | electric propulsion system |
| Units affected | 342 |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
A rear GDU failure can cause a loss of drive power, which increases the risk of a crash. Abnormal driveline noise or a "Check AWD/4WD" warning message means the vehicle needs dealer attention soon. Schedule the repair and drive cautiously until it is complete. Repair is free at any franchised Kia dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2025 Kia EV9 is included in this recall.
- Contact your nearest franchised Kia dealer to schedule the free rear GDU replacement that fixes the loss-of-drive-power risk.
- Bring the recall notice Kia mailed on March 7, 2025. If you do not have it, reference recall number 25V115 and Kia recall SC337 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete, and pull over safely if drive power drops.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Kia technician replaces the rear gear drive unit, or GDU, covered by this recall. The rear GDU is part of the drivetrain that sends power to the rear wheels, so the repair replaces the unit tied to the loss of drive power issue. Parts and labor are free under the recall. Kia's standard reimbursement plan covers repair expenses owners already incurred for this condition. Keep repair invoices and ask Kia customer service or the dealer how to submit documentation under that plan.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| February 24, 2025 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| February 24, 2025 | Dealer notification began |
| February 24, 2025 | Dealer notification ended |
| March 7, 2025 | Owner notification mailed |
| March 7, 2025 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 25V115?
Recall 25V115 covers 342 2025 Kia EV9 vehicles with a rear gear drive unit motor shaft that was improperly welded. The shaft can become damaged and cause a loss of drive power, increasing crash risk. Kia dealers will replace the rear GDU for free.
What should I do if my 2025 Kia EV9 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific EV9 is included in recall 25V115. If it is, contact a franchised Kia dealer to schedule the rear GDU replacement. Reference recall number 25V115 and Kia recall number SC337 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Kia dealers will replace the rear GDU free of charge. Parts and labor are covered for included vehicles.
Is it safe to drive my 2025 Kia EV9 before the repair?
The recall does not include a do-not-drive order, but the defect can cause a loss of drive power and increase crash risk. Confirm whether your VIN is included, then ask the Kia dealer for scheduling guidance if your vehicle feels unsafe to drive.
When were owners notified about Kia recall 25V115?
Kia mailed owner notification letters on March 7, 2025. If you bought the EV9 used or never received a letter, the VIN still decides whether the recall applies. Kia customer service is available at 800-333-4542.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/25V115000 |
|---|---|
| Kia customer service | 800-333-4542 |
| NHTSA recall # | 25V115 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 25V115000 |
Source documents
-
Download Quarterly Report (PDF) - Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Misc. Document (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 19, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →