2024 Kia EV9

While driving, the vehicle suddenly lost power and could not accelerate normally. The speed dropped and got stuck around 12–25 mph even when pressing the accelerator. This happened multiple times, usually during hot daytime conditions. It created a serious safety risk, and one time another car almost hit me from behind because my vehicle slowed down so suddenly. The dealer has inspected the car several times but said they could not reproduce the problem. Warning messages such as “Power Limited” appeared on the dashboard when the failure occurred. I also recorded multiple videos of the problem when it happened.

I was driving and the car suddenly gave a number of error messages, and I could not drive above 40 miles an hour on the freeway. This was very unsafe. I had it towed to the dealership and they replaced the ICCU Unit, which appears to be a very common problem with Hyundai/Kia electric vehicles. The ICCU unit does not power the car. It should not have affected the car's performance.

I was driving around 60-65 mph on the highway when suddenly a warning alarm went off and the warning light read “stop vehicle and check brake system”. I took my foot off the accelerator and car continued to maintain speed. The power brakes did not work. I put the car into neutral hoping that would slow it down, but it continued to maintain speed. I went into the right lane and put on my hazards. When I had the opportunity to pull into the breakdown lane, I did so and was able to push the brake pedal manually and get the car to stop, and turn it off. When I turned the car back on again, I got the same warnings and alarms. After 5-10 minutes, when I turned the car on, everything seemed to have cleared. I still had the car towed to KIA to investigate the issue.

The contact owns a 2024 Kia EV9. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the instrument panel went blank. The vehicle was restarted, and the instrument panel returned to normal functionality. The contact stated while charging the vehicle at the residence, the notification “Connected” was displayed and then the “Disconnected” notification was displayed on the Kia App on the contact’s cellphone. While the contact was driving the vehicle, the same notifications were displayed on the instrument panel. The contact stated that the message "There may be problem with the Battery Management System - If the following occurs; Please contact your nearest service center or designated maintenance center". The contact also received notifications through the Kia App for NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V757000 (Electrical System) and 24V962000 (Seats) recalls. The contact had taken the vehicle to a dealer and was informed that the vehicle needed to stay overnight to be diagnosed and to perform the recall repairs. The contact then received an email the next day that the dealer failed to diagnose the failure and that the failure would be escalated to a technician provided by the manufacturer. The contact then called the dealer where the information was confirmed. The contact was informed that the vehicle would remain with the dealer for three to four months. The dealer was unable to provide a loaner vehicle due to a shortage of available vehicles. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired and remained in the possession of the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 12,000.

1. Repair History and Days Out of Service The vehicle has been at CMA Colonial Kia dealership since [insert drop-off date], totaling 49 days (and counting) out of service as of 05/13/2025. The sole but critical issue is a failed high-voltage battery, which the dealership and Kia confirmed must be fully replaced. This is the first repair attempt, but the car has remained unusable for over a month. 2. Substantial Impairment to Use, Value, and Safety The failure of the high-voltage battery in an electric vehicle renders it completely inoperable, with no capability to drive, charge, or function. This significantly impairs the use, safety, and value of the vehicle: Use: The car cannot be driven at all. Safety: Battery failure in an EV represents a major system defect with fire and high-voltage risks. Value: A brand-new EV with major battery failure has diminished resale value and buyer confidence. 3. Eligibility Under Virginia Lemon Law Under the Virginia Motor Vehicle Warranty Enforcement Act (Lemon Law): A vehicle qualifies if it is out of service for 30 or more calendar days for warranty repairs within the first 18 months or 18,000 miles. My EV9 has been out of service for 49+ days, meets mileage and time limits, and involves a major system failure. Therefore, my vehicle qualifies for relief under the statute. 4. Issues for the Arbitrator to Address The vehicle meets Virginia Lemon Law criteria due to prolonged inoperability for a substantial defect. Kia has not provided a comparable loaner or timely resolution. The vehicle poses safety concerns due to failed propulsion battery. 5. Desired Resolution I am requesting a full repurchase (buyback) of the vehicle, including: Full reimbursement of the purchase price (down payment, monthly payments made, taxes, fees). Any towing or rental expenses incurred. Cancellation of the finance agreement if applicable.