The 2026 Kia EV9 has zero owner defect complaints and 2 safety recall campaigns on file with NHTSA. EPA records certify all-electric efficiency of 78 to 89 MPGe with an estimated driving range of 230–305 miles across 5 certified vehicle configurations.
Key Data Findings
- • NHTSA Owner Complaints: 0 reports
- • Safety Recall Campaigns: 2 campaigns
- • NHTSA Overall Safety Rating: 5 / 5 Stars
- • EPA Efficiency: 78–89 MPGe (5 variants)
Data Note: Compiled directly from official NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI), NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, and EPA FuelEconomy.gov databases.
| Variant | Engine | Drivetrain | Transmission | City | Highway | Combined | EV Range | Est. Annual Fuel Cost |
| EV9 GT 100% Electric | Electric Motor | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (A1) | 83 MPGe | 72 MPGe | 78 MPGe | 260 mi | $950 / yr |
| EV9 Long Range RWD 100% Electric | Electric Motor | Rear-Wheel Drive | Automatic (A1) | 100 MPGe | 78 MPGe | 89 MPGe | 305 mi | $850 / yr |
| EV9 Standard Range RWD 100% Electric | Electric Motor | Rear-Wheel Drive | Automatic (A1) | 101 MPGe | 76 MPGe | 88 MPGe | 230 mi | $850 / yr |
| EV9 Long Range AWD 100% Electric | Electric Motor | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (A1) | 94 MPGe | 75 MPGe | 84 MPGe | 283 mi | $900 / yr |
| EV9 Long Range AWD GT-Line 100% Electric | Electric Motor | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (A1) | 92 MPGe | 72 MPGe | 82 MPGe | 280 mi | $900 / yr |
Data Boundary Note: EPA specifications are shown by certified vehicle configuration. NHTSA complaints and recall totals are recorded at the model-year level across all configurations.
Electric Range & Charging: The 2026 Kia EV9 provides an official EPA-rated driving range of up to 305 miles on a single battery charge.
| Tested Drivetrain / Cab Variant | Overall Rating | Frontal Crash | Side Crash | Rollover Rating | Rollover Risk |
| SUV BEV AWD | | | | | 10.7% |
| SUV BEV RWD | | | | | 10.9% |
Active Driver Assistance Systems (NHTSA Recorded): Forward Collision Warning (FCW) is documented as Standard and Lane Departure Warning (LDW) is documented as Standard in official NHTSA records for tested 2026 Kia EV9 models.
View complete 2026 Kia EV9 crash test & safety breakdown →
Data Attribution & Context: Complaints are self-reported by vehicle owners to NHTSA and represent unverified consumer submissions. Complaint volume does not equal a statistically controlled failure rate and is not adjusted for total vehicles sold or cumulative mileage driven.
View all 2026 Kia EV9 problems & component breakdown (0 categories) →
Affected Component: AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER
Defect Summary: 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."
Free Manufacturer 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.
Affected Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
Defect Summary: 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."
Free Manufacturer 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.
View all 2026 Kia EV9 recalls & campaign history (2 campaigns) →