2025 Kia Ev9 Safety Report

The 2025 Kia EV9, despite being a new model, has already accumulated 10 NHTSA complaints, 3 recalls, and achieved a strong 5-star overall safety rating. The recalls address significant safety concerns: a potential loss of drive power due to an improperly welded rear gear drive unit motor shaft, missing second- and third-row seat mounting bolts which could compromise occupant restraint, and a software error causing the instrument panel screen to fail, obscuring critical safety information. These recalls highlight early production quality control issues that Kia is actively addressing. Complaint patterns, though based on a small sample size of 10, show early concerns with VISIBILITY/WIPER (2 complaints), WHEELS (2 complaints), and STEERING (2 complaints, including one for power steering failure). Specific issues include wipers not syncing or making loud noises, wheel studs being stripped/damaged, and persistent vibrations at highway speeds. The instrument cluster failure, also a subject of a recall, has been reported by at least one owner. While the 5-star overall crash test rating is reassuring, the early emergence of these issues, particularly those related to fundamental components like the powertrain, seats, and steering, warrants close attention. The vehicle's crash test performance is commendable, with a 5-star overall rating, 5 stars for side impact, and 4 stars for frontal and rollover tests. This indicates robust passive safety features and structural integrity in a crash. However, the active safety and reliability aspects are currently overshadowed by the three recalls and the nature of the initial complaints. The absence of reported crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths in the complaint data is positive, but the underlying issues identified by the recalls and complaints could increase these risks if not properly rectified. In summary, the 2025 Kia EV9 presents a mixed safety picture. Its excellent crash test ratings provide a strong foundation for occupant protection. However, the three early recalls addressing critical components like the propulsion system, seat integrity, and instrument cluster functionality, coupled with initial owner complaints about wipers, wheels, and steering, suggest that early production models may have some significant quality and reliability challenges that potential buyers should be aware of and ensure have been addressed.

Our recommendation: Given the strong crash test ratings but early recalls and emerging complaints, ensure all recall remedies have been performed on any 2025 Kia EV9 you consider, and be vigilant for issues related to wipers, wheels, and steering.