First generation (MV) · first-year watch
2026 Kia EV9, day 247
- 22complaints since Jan 9, 2026
- 2recalls
- 2involved a crash
- 4,000median miles at failure
Newest report Aug 31, 2026 · checked Sep 13, 2026
Changed since July
- 3 new complaints in August, mostly about speed control, brakes and collision avoidance.
- Recall 26V-545 on airbags, filed Aug 21, 2026.
- Nothing filed yet on sticky steering, transmission failure, engine failure or fire.
- 36th most complaints of the 69 2026 models on this site.
What's been reported
NHTSA's own component codes. One report can cite several.
- Electrical11
- Other4
- Fuel and propulsion3
- Speed control3
- Steering3
- Wheels3
- Windshield and wipers2
- Visibility1
Problems so far
- Battery dies or the car will not start 5 reports
Recent reports
“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.”
Filed Aug 15, 2026
“ICCU failure. Total and sudden loss of power. No acceleration. "Limp mode" activated for 5 miles before total shut down.”
Filed May 21, 2026
“At 4,000 miles the car had an electrical warning failure that required Kia to replace the gear reduction unit.”
Filed Mar 20, 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.”
Filed Feb 19, 2026
Recalls
Whether your car is included depends on its VIN. Check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
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 and remedy
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.
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 and remedy
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.
The log
Complaints by the month NHTSA received them, newest first. Dark bars mark a month with a recall or an investigation.