Washington, D.C. – June 6, 2025 – The U.S. government auto safety regulator is investigating Kia (OTCMKTS:KIMTF) over allegations that windshield wipers on their 2024-2025 Kia EV9 electric SUVs may stop working in adverse weather conditions.
The investigation could lead to a recall of about 26,862 vehicles.
Investigation summary
The regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), opened an investigation on April 29, 2025 following five complaints of wipers failing when a “relatively small amount of snow and/or ice” would accumulate on the windshield.
The investigation aims to uncover how widespread this problem may be and the impact it may have on road safety.
Risks
Inoperable wipers reduce the driver’s visibility, especially when driving in rain or snow, which ups the chances of a crash and injury.
Had to use “fingernails” to get snow out
According to driver reports, wipers would stop working at the drop of a hat due to a “large gap” between the windshield and the hood. One of the complainants had to use his or her fingernails and a “garden spade” to dig the snow out before getting on the road, only to have to stop a couple more times to do “the same thing again.”
While either situation could have turned “extremely dangerous,” luckily no crashes or injuries have been reported as a result of this defect.
Other Kia recalls
In March 2025, Kia recalled Seltos and Soul models over the risk of fire.
In February 2025, hybrid and electric Kia crossovers were recalled because their airbags and seat belts would stop working.
Is your vehicle a part of this recall?
This investigation could lead to a Kia windshield wiper recall, potentially affecting approximately 27,000 electric SUVs. To do a Kia recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.
