The automotive industry is once again facing a major recall. Kia has decided to recall the new electric SUV, the Kia EV9, due to a safety problem. A defect in the braking system could lead to unexpected problems during remote-controlled parking. This incident is particularly relevant as the Kia EV9 is considered a flagship model of the new generation of electric vehicles. But what exactly is behind the problem and what measures are now being taken?
The most important facts in brief:
- Kia is recalling the EV9 due to a potential brake problem.
- The fault occurs during remote-controlled parking, a core function of the EV9.
- The cause lies in the software, which does not control the braking system correctly.
- Affected vehicles will be repaired via a software update.
Kia EV9: Remote-controlled parking with brake problems
The Kia EV9 offers many innovative functions, including remote-controlled parking. This feature makes it possible to maneuver the vehicle into tight parking spaces via smartphone without the driver having to sit in the car. A practical and progressive solution – if it works. But this is precisely where the problem lies: as Kia has now informed the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), brake failure can occur when using this function.
In concrete terms, this means that the vehicle may not stop as intended during the parking process. This defect significantly increases the risk of an accident, especially in densely parked areas. The fault occurs in the control of the braking system. The system, which normally ensures that the vehicle stops safely when an obstacle is detected, does not work correctly under certain conditions. This mainly affects vehicles equipped with the “Remote Smart Parking Assist” function, a selling point of the EV9 that focuses on comfort and technology.
Kia EV9: Software as the cause of the problem
After initial investigations, Kia has determined that the problem is due to a software error. The software controls the vehicle’s brakes as soon as remote-controlled parking is activated. In some cases, however, it does not react quickly enough to the signals from the sensors that detect obstacles in the vehicle’s vicinity. As a result, the vehicle does not brake in time and may cause a collision.
Interestingly, the defect is not due to the mechanical hardware of the braking system, but solely to the digital control system. This gives Kia the opportunity to rectify the problem via a software update without the need for extensive mechanical repairs. Affected owners will be able to contact Kia dealers in the coming weeks to either have the update installed in a workshop or obtain it themselves via a wireless connection (over-the-air update).
Scope of the recall and consequences for Kia
Kia has not yet provided exact figures on how many vehicles are affected by the recall. However, as the Kia EV9 has only recently come onto the market, the number is likely to be manageable compared to older models. Nevertheless, this recall is a setback for Kia, as the EV9 is positioned as one of the flagship models in the electric vehicle segment.
For potential buyers and current owners, it remains to be seen how Kia will deal with this situation. Customers trust that all functions will work reliably, especially with high-priced, technologically advanced models. A recall due to a safety-related problem could affect this trust, even if the fault appears to be easy to rectify at first glance.
