2026 Kia EV9: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 26 owner complaints on record; most reports concern electrical system.
Data updated weekly · 4 new complaints in the last 90 days · latest recall Aug 2026
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 26 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Parts near the rear left suspension area fell off and landed on the inside rear left wheel while driving in I-405. Wheels have never been removed for by reason before this incident after purchasing the car. Car only has 7724 miles on the odometer.”Owner report · Suspension · Sep 2026
“The digital rearview mirror system intermittently fails while in use. The image in the rearview mirror will start flickering and eventually go completely black while driving. The system has been inspected and serviced multiple times by the dealership under warranty but the problem keeps recurring.”Owner report · Visibility/Wiper · Sep 2026
“The car was being parked in a shopping lot. As the drive was pulling into the parking spot, the car lurched forward on its own and hit the wall. The gas pedal was not pressed. No collision sensors were triggered either. Unclear if related but the car was taken in for maintenance and recall updates the week prior to this accident.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Jul 2026
Show 6 more owner reports
“ICCU failure. Total and sudden loss of power. No acceleration. "Limp mode" activated for 5 miles before total shut down.”Owner report · Electrical System · May 2026
“The first time I drove on a highway in this brand new car the windshield chipped. There are facebook group posts of other drivers experiencing numerous chips and cracks in the windshield. I'm not sure how this compares with other cars, but I've been driving for about 20 years and have had little rocks/pebbles hit the car windshield and never have had an issue with a chip in the windshield. I'm not sure how unsafe this is-- if the entire thing could break-- the dealership I go to is patching it for me-- but this may be a consumer issue and possibly a safety issue too.”Owner report · Visibility/Wiper · Mar 2026
“Car was driving find and suddenly check electric system message came in with a red battery indicator. The application for the car indicates an ICCU P1A9096 error code. ICCU errors seems to be common with Kia/Hyundai electric cars. Car went to limp mode and wouldn't let drive it more than 45mph which it was dangerous in the highway. I was able to get the car into the dealer but the last mile the car was very limited in power with no more than 30mph. Radio, A/C and other accessories stop working”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Feb 2026
“vehicle would not accelerate pass 25 mph, battery light came on, stop vehicle and check power supply message also came on. had to towed to dealer. KIA app showing ICCU code P1A9096”Owner report · Electrical System · Feb 2026
“Vehicle would not accept a charge requiring it be towed 120 miles to nearest Kia dealer. Vehicle had no warning lights or messages, just would not accept a recharge of the drive battery. Dealer found 3 error messages in the ICCU, but no idea why it occurred. Messages removed and vehicle then accepted a charge.”Owner report · Electrical System · Jan 2026
“Instrument panel goes Black while driving. Keeps flickering on and off while driving. Took it to a dealer and they denied the flicker, even though I have 15 videos of it. Dealer just gave us the car back without fixing the issue and told us to live with it. This is extremely unsafe as we go up to a minute without seeing anything.”Owner report · Electrical System · Dec 2025
When filing, owners marked a crash in 2 of these complaints and injuries in 2 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
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."
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. 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.
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."
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. 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.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2026 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Counts are not adjusted for time on the road here - see all EV9 years ranked fairly for the age-adjusted comparison.
Check your exact EV9 by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2026 Kia EV9 reliable?
NHTSA has 26 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 2026 Kia EV9. The most complained-about area is electrical system.
Does the 2026 Kia EV9 have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning electrical system. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.