Kia EV9 Complaints (2024)

210 consumer complaints on file.

#11772901October 22, 2026
STRUCTURE:BODY, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS, BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS
In July 2024, approximately two months after purchasing the vehicle new in May 2024, a significant spiderweb-shaped crack developed in the front illuminated grille and fascia assembly. The vehicle had approximately 300 miles on the odometer and the damage was discovered during a routine hand wash. The vehicle had only been driven under normal roadway conditions in the Corpus Christi, Texas area with no collisions, accidents, or known abnormal impacts. This exposed acrylic-style front fascia houses the GT-Line's digital lighting elements and protects critical front-mounted safety sensors and sophisticated electrical systems. The structural failure of this panel compromises the weather sealing, exposing sensitive high-voltage components and advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) sensors to moisture and road debris. This poses a potential safety risk regarding electrical system integrity and sensor reliability. The vehicle was immediately presented to the original purchasing Kia dealership. The dealer ultimately replaced the entire front grille assembly at no charge under warranty. However, the replacement component utilized the identical structural design and materials, failing to correct the underlying vulnerability of the fascia to ordinary highway exposure.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11771804October 17, 2026
STRUCTURE:BODY, EXTERIOR LIGHTING, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
On my 2024 Kia EV9 GT-Line, the front illuminated digital pattern acrylic/plastic grill panel suffered a catastrophic structural failure, resulting in a complete blowout and puncture hole under normal driving conditions. The panel fractured and shattered completely while driving on standard paved roads, with zero history of front-end collisions, low-speed impacts, or road debris strikes. This indicates a severe material strength, thermal stress, or structural design defect where the acrylic housing cannot withstand normal operational driving forces. Given its placement over critical forward-facing ADAS sensors, cameras, and electrical lighting elements, this open hole and structural failure presents a severe safety, sensor compromise, and moisture/debris intrusion hazard. I am submitting this report to document the defect and wish to cross-reference existing complaint number 11589157, as multiple owners are experiencing identical structural failures of the illuminated grill panel under normal driving conditions. Requesting a federal investigation into material durability and a manufacturer-backed recall.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11768236October 1, 2026
BACK OVER PREVENTION: REARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING
On September 10, 2026, while driving my Kia EV9 on a public roadway, I experienced a suspected unintended and excessive activation of the vehicle's collision-avoidance/automatic emergency braking system. I was traveling straight in my lane when another vehicle approached from the right side and crossed/moved into the roadway ahead. The other vehicle continued moving away from my immediate path; however, my EV9 suddenly applied substantial braking without me commanding that degree of braking. The incident was captured on my front dash camera. The recording shows my vehicle traveling approximately 31 MPH shortly before the event. The recorded speed decreases from approximately 30 MPH to 28 MPH, then rapidly to approximately 15 MPH and approximately 7 MPH within only a few seconds. The unexpected braking created a serious safety concern because a vehicle traveling closely behind me could have struck the rear of my vehicle. There was no collision, and fortunately no vehicle was immediately behind me. I retained the original dash-cam recording and can provide it for inspection upon request. The vehicle is also available for inspection. I have since disabled the collision-avoidance feature because I am concerned that another unintended braking event could occur at highway or roadway speeds. I am reporting this incident because the driver-assistance system appeared to intervene more aggressively than the traffic situation required and temporarily took braking control away from the driver. I am requesting that NHTSA document and evaluate this incident for possible similar complaints involving Kia EV9 collision-avoidance or automatic emergency braking systems.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11760318August 28, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Beginning sometime after purchase, our 2024 Kia EV9 (VIN: [XXX]) developed a recurring failure of the multimedia display system (head unit). The screen goes completely dark after approximately 5 minutes of drive time and only restores after a full vehicle restart. This failure occurred approximately 10 to 14 times before we brought the vehicle in for service. Critically, when the multimedia screen goes dark, the rearview camera display is also rendered completely unavailable. As the rearview camera is federally mandated safety equipment under FMVSS 111, this failure left us unable to use the camera while backing up on multiple occasions, creating a serious safety hazard to pedestrians, cyclists, and other vehicles behind our car. The vehicle was dropped off at Grand Kia (Wheat Ridge, CO) on XXX for diagnosis. The service technician disassembled and reassembled the head unit and contacted Kia Techline for an action plan. We were told a replacement part was on order. As of the date of this complaint, the vehicle has been out of service for over six weeks with no confirmed repair timeline and minimal communication from the dealer or Kia America. This is our second significant warranty-related repair issue with this vehicle. We are filing this complaint to create a federal record of a safety defect involving the loss of federally mandated rearview camera functionality, and to request that NHTSA investigate whether this failure pattern exists across other 2024 Kia EV9 vehicles. Requested Action: Investigation of potential safety defect involving multimedia/head unit failure causing loss of rearview camera in 2024 Kia EV9 vehicles. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11758624August 21, 2026
SEAT BELTS
The contact owns a 2024 Kia EV9. The contact stated that while attempting to release the rear seat belt to install a child safety seat, a significant amount of effort was required. The contact stated that after struggling with the seat belts over several months of use, the seat belt became fully jammed and no longer was able to be extended. The dealer was notified of the failure on several occasions. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 25,600.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11755146August 5, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES
When I started the car up, I noticed a little bit of chattering on the brake pedal, which seemed very unusual. I drove the car forward a little bit and then all of a sudden, all these lights displays and stop vehicle and check brake system now message showed up. The car was very sluggish to drive and had almost no brake pressure. I was able to drive it out of the parking lot (slowly and carefully). When I called a tow truck, I left the vehicle off for about 20 or 30 minutes, and then when I turned it back on, everything was fine no error messages and I had plenty of brake pressure. Post dealership update: They confirmed the issue and DTC code. Found that it was a ground wire that had a 3 ohm resistance (something about a “plastic coating” was mentioned in the paperwork!). They replaced the cable via SC360, and I’ve put about 800 miles on it since then with no issues.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11744641June 16, 2026
TIRES
For several weeks the car has felt out of balance and I had it in the shop once to be balanced. The balance felt it lasted a very short time. I took the car in today to be checked out and the passenger rear tire couldn’t hold a balance. Mechanic removed tire and the interior sound deadening foam had detached on greater than 50% of the diameter of the tire. This has been widely commented on as a common failure mode for these Hankook tires on EV9 vehicles. I wanted the remaining tires inspected but as they would hold a balance the dealer had no reason to put in the labor of removing and inspecting the foam. 285/45 R21
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11743840June 13, 2026
SEATS
When making left turn or going over bumps, driver seat pops and feel shifted.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11740877May 29, 2026
SEATS
In October 2025, my drivers seat began to move forward and fold on its own. I was sitting in the seat and crushed. I was able to free myself. I might have photos. I did call Kia. For a second time maybe a month ago, I was undoing my son's car seat from the latch and the seat began to fold up and pinned my neck and arm. I thought I was going to die. This was a rear passenger seat.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11740875May 29, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, SUSPENSION, WHEELS
We were driving in the middle lane, going straight approximately 25 MPH. The car lurched and almost flipped. We were able to pull over, the wheel was no longer spinning with the car and the tie rod snapped at a weld point. We could have been killed had we been going faster. My son was thankfully not in the car. I am desperately trying to get the car inspected but the dealership will not unless we pay. There were no warnings, but a whining sound began yesterday and we were on the way to the dealership this morning. Now there are warnings. There have been so many safety issues with this car. I will be filing 2 other reports for the seats.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11740769May 29, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) failed to detect or warn of any tire pressure abnormality before or after the blowout. Following the blowout, the vehicle’s diagnostics screen displayed “All Systems OK” while the instrument cluster simultaneously showed a “Low Tire Pressure” warning. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? A tire blowout at 65 MPH on a highway created an immediate risk of loss of vehicle control, collision, or rollover. Two minor children were passengers in the vehicle at the time. The simultaneous TPMS failure provided no advance warning, eliminating any opportunity to safely reduce speed or pull over before the blowout occurred. The vehicle had been in my possession for approximately four hours at the time of the incident. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? UNKNOWN Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others?UNKNOWN Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? NO
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11740767May 29, 2026
WHEELS
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Two components failed simultaneously: (1) the rear passenger side tire experienced a catastrophic blowout while traveling at 65 MPH on the highway, and (2) the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) failed to detect or warn of any tire pressure abnormality before or after the blowout. Following the blowout, the vehicle’s diagnostics screen displayed “All Systems OK” while the instrument cluster simultaneously showed a “Low Tire Pressure” warning — indicating a TPMS malfunction. The original blown tire has been retained and is available for inspection upon request. All four tires have since been replaced. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? A tire blowout at 65 MPH on a highway created an immediate risk, I briefly lost control of the vehicle as it became wobbly and unstable to steer, we were at at risk of collision, or rollover. Two minor children were passengers in the vehicle at the time. The simultaneous TPMS failure provided no advance warning, eliminating any opportunity to safely reduce speed or pull over before the blowout occurred. The vehicle had been in my possession for approximately two-three hours at the time of the incident. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? UNKNOWN Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? UNKNOWN Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No warning lamps, messages, or symptoms appeared prior to the tire blowout. The TPMS provided zero advance warning. After the blowout had already occurred and the vehicle was stopped on the roadside, the instrument cluster displayed a “Low Tire Pressure” warning. However, simultaneously, the Vehicle Diagnostics screen displayed “All Systems OK” with a green check-mark.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11734782April 30, 2026
TIRES
Purchased new all four tires (P 285 / 45 R 21 113V XL) in Dec, 2025 after confirming fits my vehicle. Warranty 60,000 miles. About 4 months later and about 1,800 miles of use, both rear tires have lost most of their tread and steel belts are showing per auto dealer. Front tires have also los quite a bit of tread. Vehicle had 4 wheel alignment before these tires were installed. Dealer & vehicle manufacturer representative confirmed no issue with vehicle. Also noted on 4/29/2026 that tire manufacturer web site states that these tires are no longer available for my vehicle. This is a significant safety hazard in its present state and worse yet subject to sudden tire failure.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11728258March 31, 2026
SEATS
The front drivers seat slightly shifts during tight turns. There is a slight click in the lumbar towards the center of the car.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11722786March 8, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
BPM warning in the KIA app. Apparently, ICCU and battery failures are t known issues with the KIA EV9s.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11720691February 26, 2026
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN
[XXX] Message says warning "check ev system". they then sent a letter saying it had to go to the dealer, or the car would need A tow potentially. I can't get an appointment as they are way too busy to do anything other than tell me they will get back to me, repeatedly stating they will do so in one business day. it has been a week. My wife is scared to drive the car. I think it is bogus as no recall has been issued. I have had the car for 19 months with no such warning. Two days after it shows up on the screen in the car i receive the letter. This is fishy. it is either a recall, or it isn't. if it is why is it not in your data base? The vagueness of the message is inappropriate, and it implies danger. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11716100February 6, 2026
VISIBILITY/WIPER
Windshield wipers stopped working in middle of bad snow storm. I had to pull over, wait for the weather to improve before proceeding. I have a minor child and safety is a concern to me. Thought it was the wiper so I went to AutoZone to replace it and was told the problem is the wiper motor and that I needed to take to the dealership for repair
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11714058January 28, 2026
STRUCTURE:BODY, SUSPENSION
I recently purchase my 2024 EV9 from Carvana with 9578 miles listed on 12/12/25. Doing my 7 days to purchase this SUV. I had some concerns about the violent wobble when I drove over a bump. With some concerns about this SUV, I google to see if anyone else had this same issue. To my surprise I founded a lot of complaints and ways to resolved the issue. One consumer stated he had his EV9 aligned and reduce some of the wobble but not completely. I drove to Courage KIA in Gastonia NC. When I drove their system performed a per inspection on your vehicle. The alignment was way out of alignment. Had the alignment taken care of however it still a wobble. On 12/24/26 doing the snow and ice storm here in Charlotte, I attempted to make a trip to the store. The roads were wet but no snow or ice was on the roads. However when I hit a bump the rear end violently wobble and the rear end moved to the left and right farther it did before. I thought I was going to spin out of control.Now that I think about the very low mileage on this SUV. This perhaps is why they sold it. ly wobble
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11713901January 28, 2026
SUSPENSION
The contact owns a 2024 Kia EV9. The contact stated that while driving approximately 20 MPH, there was an abnormal slapping sound coming from the rear passenger’s side of the vehicle. While observing the tires, the contact became aware that the rear tires were bald, and the steel belts were coming from the inside of the tires. The contact used Fix a Flat inside the tires and was able to drive the vehicle to the residence. The following day, the vehicle was towed to the dealer, and the dealer that it was a known issue with the original tires on the vehicle. The contact was informed that the failure was caused by the battery, causing the vehicle to be too heavy for the vehicle. The inclination, tilt, or angle of suspension components with the shocks, struts, or control arms, known as the CANT, caused the tires to tilt outward approximately 2 or more inches. The dealer diagnosed that the suspension could have failed. The cant, suspension, and tires were replaced, and the wheels were aligned. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was 12,668.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11712208January 20, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
My vehicle popped up a red vehicle warning to check the electric vehicle system. It would no longer charge, was taken to the dealership where the emergency notification was sent :suspected condition with your EV9's Battery Management System has been detected and charging has been limited. A full system check is recommended. Please schedule an appointment with your local Kia dealership as soon as possible. And another CRITICAL EV WARNING your EV battery has a critical issue contact roadside assistance. This is a 2024 and has a total battery failure.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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