Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 27 | 1.4× | 2 | Electrical | Average |
| 2025 | 21 | — | 4 | Wheel & Tire | Limited data |
| 2024 | 209 | — | 7 | Electrical | Limited data |
* Complaints compared with the median EV9 year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common Kia EV9 problems
Latest Kia EV9 recalls
Air bags › Sensor › Occupant classification › Front passenger
Kia America, Inc (Kia) is recalling certain 2025-2026 EV9 vehicles. Due to improper routing, the Occupant Detection System (ODS) may not deactivate the air bag when a child or child seat is in the front passenger seat.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the ODS mat and bladder tube with a new one and ensure proper routing as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters will be mailed beginning October 20, 2026.
Electrical system › Propulsion system › Traction battery
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2022-2024 EV6 and 2024 EV9 vehicles. The high voltage battery cells may contain misaligned electrodes, which can lead to a fire while parked or driving.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures and limit their charge to a maximum of 80% until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the high voltage battery system assembly, free of charge.
Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2025 Kia K4, 2025-2026 Sorento, Sorento Hybrid, Sorento Plug-In Hybrid Electric (PHEV), 2026 Sportage, Sportage Hybrid, Sportage PHEV, K5, EV9, Carnival, and Carnival Hybrid vehicles. Due to a software error, the instrument panel display may fail.
Remedy: The instrument panel display software will be updated over-the-air (OTA) or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed March 26, 2026.
Power train › Driveline › Driveshaft
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2025 EV9 vehicles. The rear gear drive unit (GDU) motor shaft may have been improperly welded and become damaged, causing a loss of drive power.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the rear GDU, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 7, 2025. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC337.
Seats › Critical fasteners
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2024-2025 EV9 vehicles. The second- and third-row seat mounting bolts may be missing.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and install mounting bolts as necessary free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 24, 2025. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542.
Frequently asked questions
What years of the Kia EV9 should you avoid?
None of the Kia EV9 years has an unusually high number of complaints compared with the others at the same age.
What are the most common Kia EV9 problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the electrical system (118), driver assistance (39) and wheels & tires (25). Electrical complaints peak in the 2024 model year.
How many recalls has the Kia EV9 had?
10 recalls across 2024–2026. The model year with the most is 2024. See all Kia EV9 recalls by year.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.