NHTSA Complaint #11712169 — 2024 KIA EV9

The contact owns a 2024 Kia EV9. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at an undisclosed speed, a burning odor was detected. The contact pressed the recirculate air button, but the burning odor intensified. No warning light was illuminated. The contact noticed flames coming from underneath the front driver's seat. The contact's husband pulled over and parked the vehicle. The contact, her husband, and their child were able to safely exit the vehicle. A vehilcle who had been driving behind stopped to assist, and since it was cold weather conditions, the contact and family waited for the Fire Department inside that owner's vehicle. There was no medical attention was received. When firefighters and police arrived, the fire had been self-extinguished. The contact was unaware of any reports filed by police or the fire department; however, the fire department informed the contact that there was no evidence of the lithium battery catching fire. The origin of the fire was unknown. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard, but it had not yet been declared totaled by the insurance company. The contact stated that upon inspection, the wire beneath the front driver's seat had melted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 20,000.