VehicleVerdict

2026 Kia EV9 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 22 complaints on file for the 2026 Kia EV9 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

22

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2026 compare to other EV9 years?

EV9 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2026 highlighted341 complaints2024: 341 complaints2025: 28 complaints2026: 22 complaints
EV9 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2026 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all EV9 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2026 Kia EV9 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System1150%
Other314%
Visibility & Wipers314%
Fuel System29%
Engine15%
Speed Control15%
Body & Structure15%

Does the 2026 Kia EV9 have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

26V046000Electrical SystemJanuary 26, 2026 · 42,677 units

Defect

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."

Consequence

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.

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · December 23, 2025

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · March 8, 2026

“While making a left turn at a four-way intersection, the passenger side front door opened the latch failed. This vehicle is equipped with motorized door handles that retract/flush when the vehicle is in drive indicating that the doors are locked. The door handles were retracted while driving the…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · November 7, 2025

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · February 28, 2026

“On March 19, 2026, at approximately 1003 hours, I was traveling north on the [XXX] located in [XXX] . I was traveling in the number two lane and my speed was approximately 78 MPH when all of a sudden I had a loss acceleration power and my Kia EV9 began to decelerate rapidly and my dashboard began…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · March 19, 2026

2026 Kia EV9 — common questions

Is the 2026 Kia EV9 reliable?

The record is thin — 22 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2026 EV9 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (11 complaints), visibility & wipers (3 complaints), other (3 complaints).

Does the 2026 Kia EV9 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2026 Kia EV9. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Kia EV9 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the EV9 years to avoid are 2024. The cleanest record among EV9 years belongs to 2026.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.