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Vehicle safety record

2025 Kia EV9 Problems, complaints & recalls

Owners have filed 14 complaints about the 2025 Kia EV9 with NHTSA, most often about the electrical system (4) and the wheels & tires (4). It is covered by 4 recalls, the latest in August 2026 for the front passenger. For comparison, the 2024 has 212 and the 2026 has 28.

NHTSA data checked

AFar fewer problems than a typical EV9 year, for its age

#103 most complained-about 2025 vehicle

Complaints
14
Recalls
4
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
0

Most common 2025 Kia EV9 problems

Share of all 14 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.

2025 Kia EV9 recalls 4

Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do

Air bags: front passenger

26V54500021,290 vehicles affected

The problem
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. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
The risk
A child in the front seat may be at a greater risk of injury if the air bag deploys during a crash.
The fix
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. Owners may contact Kia Customer Service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC379. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov on September 4, 2026.

Electrical system: propulsion system

25V115000342 vehicles affected

The problem
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.
The risk
A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
The fix
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

24V96200022,883 vehicles affected

The problem
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2024-2025 EV9 vehicles. The second- and third-row seat mounting bolts may be missing.
The risk
Seats without mounting bolts may not properly restrain an occupant, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix
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. Kia's number for this recall is SC329.

Electrical system: instrument cluster / panel

24V75700014,163 vehicles affected

Over-the-air fix
The problem
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2024-2025 EV9 vehicles. Due to a software error, the instrument panel screen may fail. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 101, "Controls and Displays."
The risk
An instrument panel screen that fails to display critical safety information, such as the speedometer or warning lights, can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix
The instrument cluster software will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 25, 2024. Owners may contact Kia Customer Service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC326.

What owners say

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14 complaints about the 2025 Kia EV9

Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners.

Electrical system

My 205 EV9 Wind with 24500 Miles left me stranded, the standard battery simbol that in ICE cards refers to the alternator, came on, I tried to get to the dealer about 20 miles in the way home, less that 3 miles after that the car lost power with just enough to move to the shoulder, I stopped, power the car off and tried turning it back on, no success, but this time I had enough power to park in a safer position. I took the vehicle on a tow truck that was called by the Kia Assistance.

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 11768404
Wheels & tires

Three of four original-equipment Kumho Crugen HP71 EV tires, size 255/60R19, on my 2025 Kia EV9 (VIN [[redacted]], 12,786 miles at failure) are out of round - a manufacturing defect present since the tires left the factory. On [[redacted]], Lee Johnson Kia in Kirkland, WA measured the rear-passenger tire at 37 lbs of road force against a 7-lb spec - more than five times the allowable limit. After dismount and remount it still measured 23 lbs. The technician documented the tire as out of round and requiring...

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replacement (front tread 5/32 in, rear 7/32 in at 12,786 miles). Discount Tire in Redmond, WA separately confirmed 3 of 4 tires are out of round. For months the vehicle shook violently at highway speeds with my family in the vehicle. A tire at 5x the road-force spec degrades handling, damages suspension, and risks sudden tread separation or blowout at highway speed. I filed a warranty claim with Kumho Tire USA on 2026-09-26 with the dealer's written diagnosis attached. Kumho offered only a prorated $467.05 credit and refused full replacement, applying a treadwear formula to a materials/workmanship defect - a tire does not become out of round from normal driving. Kumho confirmed the decision in writing on 2026-09-30 and again 2026-10-01, and declined to advise whether continued operation is safe. The defective tires remain on the vehicle until scheduled replacement 2026-10-03. The DOT tire identification numbers are stamped on the sidewalls; I can provide them on request. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Incident TiresNHTSA 11768293
Electrical system

The infotainment screen, including backup camera views, randomly glitches and then goes completely dark with no ability to view anything on the screen. The screen has been reset and software reloaded, but the glitch continues. Next, the screen was replaced but the glitch continues. This has been occurring since the beginning of June 2026.

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 11754793
Transmission & drivetrainElectrical systemEngine & cooling

I am submitting a safety complaint regarding a serious incident involving my 2025 Kia EV9. The vehicle was serviced on March 1 at World Kia in Joliet, Illinois. On April 4, only four days after that service, the vehicle experienced a sudden and unexpected ICCU failure while I was driving. During my normal travel, in active traffic and at speed, the vehicle abruptly entered limp mode and displayed multiple system warnings. This caused an immediate and significant reduction in power, creating a hazardous situation...

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for myself and surrounding drivers. I was forced to maneuver the vehicle out of traffic while it was rapidly losing propulsion capability. The vehicle is currently at Berwyn Kia in Berwyn, Illinois for diagnosis and repair. I am reporting this incident due to the clear safety implications of a sudden loss of power during highway driving operation. A failure of this nature poses a risk of collision, especially in high-speed or congested traffic conditions. I am requesting that NHTSA review this issue as part of its ongoing monitoring of Kia/Hyundai/Genesis Integrated Charging Control Unit (ICCU) failures and related safety concerns. Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Filed Incident Power train · Electrical system · EngineNHTSA 11729945
Seats & seat belts

Seats allow drivers to save seating positions for different drivers. Seats automatically return to the last used saved position when the vehicle is turned on. This seat movement cannot be stopped or overridden without finding and activating the seat position controls on the left side of the seat base. If the driver does not find these controls in time, they can become crushed against the steering wheel or other surfaces. Seats do not respond to resistance and motors continue increasing torque until the controls are...

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activated or the final saved position is reached. Problem is easily reproduced and may be related to recent fatality in Hyundai Palisade which likely shares components from Hyundai Motor Group.

Filed Incident SeatsNHTSA 11725127
Wheels & tires

These Hankook iON Evo tires started vibrating wildly at the first service that I took the car to for a rotation. We took it back to the dealership (Ourisman Kia in Fairfax VA) three times where they kept the car for several days to diagnose. After opening the tires up, they state that the inner sound insulating foam on all four tires has separated. The tires were at 7/32 and now 5/32 and the car only has 18,200 miles on it. The tires have a 50k treadwear warranty, but this isn't covered as part of the warranty. ...

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The inner foam separation on a Kia EV9 is a known issue and widely discussed on the internet. For an $80k vehicle with OEM tires that cost over $1500 to replace, it's ridiculous that they aren't covered by the dealership or by Hankook.

Filed Incident TiresNHTSA 11724871
Visibility & wipers

This car is unusual because the wipers are located in a crevice far below the top of the hood where it meets the windshield. The first time we had an issue, it had snowed and snow collected in the crevice area. The wipers were turned on, but the drivers side one didn't move in sync with the passenger side one. They eventually "tangled" and we stopped them. The car was taken for service and supposedly repaired by replacing one of the wiper arms that had bent. It has snowed again. Before the snow fell, the...

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crevice was mostly covered with a shield to keep snow from falling into it. The wipers were put into the "snow position" but when used again today, the wipers have again failed to operate in sync. The drivers side wiper doesn't move fully and the passenger side wiper does. Car wipers should work when it snows, but especially when precautions have been taken. This is extremely unexpected and atypical.

Filed Incident Visibility / wiperNHTSA 11720527
Electrical system

Component: Electrical System / Instrument Panel Speed at time of failure: [Insert typical speed, e.g., 65 mph] Description of Incident: My vehicle is suffering from an intermittent but total loss of the instrument cluster functionality while in motion. The display goes dark and is replaced by a "No Signal" message. This results in the immediate loss of all critical safety information, including speed, battery range, and warning telltales. This is a direct violation of FMVSS No. 101 (Controls and Displays). ...

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Specific Recalls/Campaigns Not Addressed: I brought my vehicle to Fiesta KIA (Dealer Code 53232) to address the following open safety campaigns which they failed to remediate: NHTSA Recall #24V-757 (KIA SC326): "Instrument Cluster Screen May Fail." This is exactly the failure I am experiencing. NHTSA Recall #24V-443 (KIA SC302): ICCU Software Logic failure, which poses an immediate risk of loss of motive power while driving. Service Action SA563: Specific logic improvement for HUD and Cluster stability. Dealer Conduct (Safety Related): Despite the vehicle presenting with a "No Signal" instrument panel - a catastrophic safety failure - the Service Manager (Anthony) refused to provide the previously promised loaner vehicle. He suggested that because the vehicle was not purchased at his specific dealership, his obligation to facilitate this critical safety repair was diminished. This resulted in the vehicle remaining on the road with unresolved, safety-critical defects.

Filed Incident Electrical system · Unknown or otherNHTSA 11713139
SteeringSuspensionFuel system

Vehicle consistently vibrates at highway speeds, feels like a driveline vibration, wheel, tire or suspension issue. Almost feels like a tire is wobbling.

Filed Incident Steering · Suspension · Fuel / propulsion systemNHTSA 11711065
Wheels & tires

Vehicle Information: 2025 Kia EV9 GT-Line AWD VIN: [[redacted]] Mileage: ~16,000 miles Component/Part Affected: Wheel studs / Wheel attachment system Summary: Multiple wheel studs (3 on one wheel, 2 on another) were found stripped/damaged on my [[redacted]] Kia EV9, making the vehicle unsafe to drive. This is a critical safety issue, as wheels cannot be properly secured and could detach while driving. Details: •The vehicle has been serviced exclusively at Kia dealerships (Winn Kia Fremont and Putnam Kia...

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Burlingame, CA). •Putnam Kia Burlingame visits (7/31/25 and 8/29/25) involved seat motor repairs, multi-point inspections, and tire-pressure checks only. No wheel removal or rotation occurred there as per their confirmation. •Kia Fremont has performed all wheel/tire-related services and recently discovered the damage. •Photos show damage across two wheels (3 studs stripped on one, 2 on another). This suggests a consistent pattern of improper service (over-torquing or cross-threading), not isolated wear. Safety Concern: The vehicle is currently undriveable. Multiple compromised studs across two wheels increase the likelihood of wheel detachment while driving - posing a severe hazard to me, my family, and other motorists. Manufacturer Response So Far: •Kia Fremont has ordered replacement studs but says parts will take ~7 days. •I am seeking Kia's confirmation that all repairs and a rental vehicle will be covered under warranty. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Incident WheelsNHTSA 11684814
Steering

Within six months of purchase, the power steering on my 2025 Kia EV9 failed while I was driving, creating a sudden and dangerous loss of steering control. I brought the vehicle to the Kia dealership for repair, but it was returned to me without the problem being resolved. On the very first drive after service, the power steering failed again. This is a recurring safety defect that poses a serious risk to me, my family, and other drivers. The vehicle is unsafe to operate until the root cause is identified and repaired properly.

Filed Incident SteeringNHTSA 11684428
Visibility & wipers

We just left the dealership in our new 2026 Kia EV 9 with 14 miles on it and as we were driving home the passenger windshield wiper started to make a loud banging sound when it would return to it 'a starting position. We turned the wipers off and then turned them back on just to have the passenger one go half way a few times and then stopped working altogether. We live in Vero Beach Florida and this took place at [[redacted]]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Incident Visibility / wiperNHTSA 11684348
Transmission & drivetrainBrakes

The Kia EV9 Wind I bought several days ago worked fine for a couple of days with a slight vibration, but yesterday I experienced 3 incidents. 1. As I was coming to a full stop at a stop sign, there was a mild grinding noise from the rear of the vehicle. 2. I continued for 100 yards and came to a stop light and the car made a louder grinding sound of gears grinding as I was coming to a full braking stop. 3. I continued for about 1/2 mile. As I was coming to a stop at a stop light, there was a very loud grinding...

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sound from the back of the car, like gears were being stripped, and the vehicle came to a full stop. At that point I was in the middle lane of a busy 3 lane road. I jumped out to inspect and saw nothing. I continued through the intersection and immediately pulled into a parking lot. I got out to inspect and there was a very strong burning smell coming from the driver side rear wheel well. I did not smell it on the passenger side rear wheel well. I had it towed to the nearby Kia dealership, and left it. This morning the dealership reported the initial diagnosis showed that the emergency brakes were activated while I was driving and they would report back later today on further diagnosis. They said the brake pads and rotors may need to be replaced and they would need to determine why the emergency brakes activated while I was driving. When I told them I was equally concerned about the grinding sound and the possibility of stripped gears, they replied that Kia Corporate does not pay them to explore potential problems that are not visible or obvious. My main concern is that there may be stripped gears to be replaced in addition to a software or other fix to prevent the emergency brakes from activating while driving. They also reported to me that there were 2 notifications with updates that had not been performed. One was for a software update for the rear powertrain and the other was for a sunroof issue and they would perform both.

Filed Incident Power train · Service brakesNHTSA 11684001
Wheels & tires

Took my 4-month old Kia EV9 to a tire shop b/c I heard a rattling on the right side at low speed. Turns out both of the locking lug nuts had popped out of the front and rear hubs on the right side. Seems like someone at the port install facility in West Point Georgia didn't use the correct tools or torque settings. Turns out this is a known issue among a few customers per this Reddit thread: [[redacted]] I notified Kia CS. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Incident WheelsNHTSA 11661989

Kia EV9: every year compared

YearComplaintsRecallsCrashesFiresTop problemGrade
202628220Electrical systemC
202514400Electrical systemA
2024212712Electrical systemD
All EV9 years

2025 Kia EV9 vs rivals

More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.

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Questions about the 2025 Kia EV9

Does the 2025 Kia EV9 have any recalls?

Yes - NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2025 Kia EV9: front passenger (August 2026); propulsion system (February 2025); critical fasteners (December 2024); instrument cluster / panel (October 2024). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.

What are the most common problems with the 2025 Kia EV9?

By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the electrical system (4), wheels & tires (4), transmission & drivetrain (2).

How many complaints has the 2025 Kia EV9 had?

14 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on May 19, 2025 and the latest on October 1, 2026. Of these, 0 describe a crash and 0 a fire, and together they report 0 injuries and 0 deaths.

Is the 2025 Kia EV9 a reliable vehicle?

Its Safety Index is 85 out of 100 (grade A: far fewer problems than a typical Kia EV9 year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.

Which Kia EV9 years have the most complaints?

2024 (212), 2026 (28), 2025 (14). See every Kia EV9 year compared.

What should I do if my 2025 Kia EV9 has a problem?

If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data

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