CarRecordBook

Model year record

2026 Kia EV9 recalls & problems

The 2026 Kia EV9 has 2 safety recalls and 27 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is electrical system (12 complaints).

Recalls2safety recalls
Complaints27filed by owners
Crashes · fires2 · 0reported in complaints
NHTSA overall5 ★crash-test stars
2026 Kia EV9 in an NHTSA crash test
NHTSA crash test

Safety recalls

Air bagsAug 21, 2026

Sensor › Occupant classification › Front passenger

Recall 26V54500021,290 vehicles

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."
Risk
A child in the front seat may be at a greater risk of injury if the air bag deploys during a crash.
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 systemJan 26, 2026

Instrument cluster/panel

Recall 26V04600042,677 vehicles

Problem
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. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 101, "Controls and Displays" and 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring System."
Risk
An instrument panel display that fails to show critical safety information, such as the speedometer, tire pressure, or warning lights, increases the risk of a crash.
Fix
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. Owners may contact Kia Customer Service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC361. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov on February 9, 2026.

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Crash test ratings

2026 KIA EV9 SUV BEV RWD

Overall★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★
Rollover risk10.9%

Forward collision warning: Standard · Lane departure warning: Standard

2026 KIA EV9 SUV BEV AWD

Overall★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★
Rollover risk10.7%

Forward collision warning: Standard · Lane departure warning: Standard

2026 Kia EV9 NHTSA side crash test
NHTSA side barrier crash test
2026 Kia EV9 NHTSA side pole crash test
NHTSA side pole crash test

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.

Range & efficiency

EV9 Long Range RWD EV

305mi range
Efficiency38 kWh/100 mi
MPGe city / hwy / comb100 / 78 / 89
Charge time (240 V)10.7 h

Automatic (A1) · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $850/year to charge

EV9 Standard Range RWD EV

230mi range
Efficiency38 kWh/100 mi
MPGe city / hwy / comb101 / 76 / 88
Charge time (240 V)8.1 h

Automatic (A1) · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $850/year to charge

EV9 Long Range AWD EV

283mi range
Efficiency40 kWh/100 mi
MPGe city / hwy / comb94 / 75 / 84
Charge time (240 V)10.7 h

Automatic (A1) · All-Wheel Drive · about $900/year to charge

EV9 Long Range AWD GT-Line EV

280mi range
Efficiency41 kWh/100 mi
MPGe city / hwy / comb92 / 72 / 82
Charge time (240 V)10.5 h

Automatic (A1) · All-Wheel Drive · about $900/year to charge

EV9 GT EV

260mi range
Efficiency43 kWh/100 mi
MPGe city / hwy / comb83 / 72 / 78
Charge time (240 V)10.8 h

Automatic (A1) · All-Wheel Drive · about $950/year to charge

EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.

What owners report

Problem areaComplaintsCrashesFiresInjuriesTypical mileage*
Electrical system12000—
Unknown or other5001—
Fuel/propulsion system3000—
Visibility/wiper3000—
Vehicle speed control3100—
Steering3000—
Wheels3000—
StructureBody2000—
VisibilitySun/moon roof assembly1000—
Engine1000—
Service brakes1100—
Forward collision avoidanceWarnings1100—

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.