MotorCaliberNHTSA Safety Index
NHTSA crash test of the 2024 Kia EV9

NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED

2024 Kia EV9

Federal crash-test performance, recalls, and complaints, scored into one NHTSA Safety Index.

6Recalls
204Complaints
1Investigations
ABOUT THE KIA EV9

The Kia EV9 is a three-row all-electric SUV aimed squarely at family buyers who want serious passenger capacity without a combustion engine. Positioned as Kia's flagship electric vehicle, it competes in the growing large electric SUV segment against established names. It is built for buyers who prioritize space, technology, and sustainability, and who expect modern safety standards to match that premium ambition.

VERDICT

The 2024 Kia EV9 earns an NHTSA Safety Index of 82 out of 100, an strong result driven by its federal crash-test stars and its recall record. It has 6 recalls on record, reflected in the score.

WHO IT IS FOR
  • new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
  • urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
WHAT REVIEWERS SAY

Reviewers generally regard the Kia EV9 as an impressive and well-rounded large electric SUV, praising its spacious three-row interior, upscale feel, and strong technology integration. Most acknowledge it as a serious step forward for the Kia brand. Some reviewers note that, as a first-generation flagship EV, it is still finding its footing in certain areas, though overall impressions lean positive.

NCAP // CRASH TESTCrash-test breakdown

Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover
Rollover risk 10.7%

Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 19274

Index breakdown

Crash protection61/70
Avoidance tech10/10
Defect record11/20
Forward collision warning: StandardLane departure warning: StandardStability control: Standard

NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images

Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.

NHTSA // RECALLSRecall record

SEATS:CRITICAL FASTENERS24V962000

Risk: Seats without mounting bolts may not properly restrain an occupant, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and install mounting bolts as necessary free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 24, 2025. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC329.

Reported 2024-12-20

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL24V757000

Risk: An instrument panel screen that fails to display critical safety information, such as the speedometer or warning lights, can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: The instrument cluster software will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 25, 2024. Owners may contact Kia Customer Service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC326.

Reported 2024-10-10

PARKING BRAKE:ELECTRICAL:CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE24V693000

Risk: A remote smart parking assist feature that miscalculates stopping distances may increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will update the integrated electronic brake software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 4, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC324.

Reported 2024-09-17

STRUCTURE:INTERIOR PANELS:CEILING24V400000

Risk: A headliner with inadequate impact protection increases the risk of injury during a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the impact absorbing plates mounted on the headliner, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 30, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC317.

Reported 2024-06-04

SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR24V338000

Risk: A seat belt retractor that does not operate as intended increases the risk of injury in a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the front passenger seat belt assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 5, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC312.

Reported 2024-05-14

POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DIFFERENTIAL UNIT24V271000

Risk: A loss of drive power or differential lock up can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the gear drive unit, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 17, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC308.

Reported 2024-04-16

NHTSA // COMPLAINTSOwner complaints

204 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.

1reported crash
2reported fire
4reported injuries
0reported deaths
Most-reported systemsElectrical System 102Unknown Or Other 38Forward Collision Avoidance 24Suspension 21Lane Departure 20Vehicle Speed Control 17

Other EV9 years

Rivals in SUV (2024)

Last verified 2026-07-02. Sources: NHTSA SafetyRatings (VehicleId 19274), recallsByVehicle, complaintsByVehicle for Kia Ev9 2024. Class rank 111 of 144 in SUV 2024. Methodology · Disclosure