NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2024 Kia EV9 Safety Ratings
The 2024 Kia EV9 scores 78 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Average), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 7 recalls, and 204 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2024 Kia EV9 achieves a 5-star overall rating from NHTSA, a strong indicator of crashworthiness. Further reinforcing its protective capabilities is a perfect 10/10 score for avoidance technology. This strong performance on federal safety tests contributes to a NHTSA Safety Index of 82/100, placing the EV9 in our Strong band. However, potential buyers should note the vehicle's defect record score of 11/20, stemming from six distinct recall campaigns.
The 2024 Kia EV9 received a 5-star overall crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 82/100 based on NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 144 SUVs from 2024 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2024 Kia EV9 ranks 123 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 78 / 100 (Average) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 10.7% |
| Recalls on file | 7 (includes park-outside) |
| Owner complaints | 204 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 123 of 144 SUVs tested for 2024 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2024 Kia EV9?
The 2024 Kia EV9 debuts with a Safety Index score of 82/100, placing it firmly in the Strong band, though its first-year recall activity bears scrutiny. Six recall campaigns were launched in its initial year, notably one addressing a missing seat mounting bolt and another concerning the headliner. These structural and crash-protection issues are particularly salient given the vehicle's otherwise strong crash-test performance. NHTSA crash tests awarded the EV9 a 5-star overall rating, anchored by a perfect 5-star side impact result. Frontal and rollover tests each returned 4 stars, contributing to a crash protection score of 61 out of a possible 70 points. The EV9 earned a flawless 10/10 for its standard avoidance technology, which includes forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control. The defect record sub-score of 11/20 directly reflects the high volume of recalls. This recall density is the primary limiting factor preventing a higher overall Safety Index. Additionally, 204 owner complaints have been registered, with a significant concentration in the Electrical System, suggesting that early production issues are still being addressed.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2024 Kia EV9 perform in crash tests?
The 2024 Kia EV9 achieved a 5 out of 5 star overall safety rating from NHTSA. Its side-impact protection is particularly strong, earning a perfect 5-star rating. Frontal crash protection and rollover resistance were each rated at 4 out of 5 stars. The measured rollover risk for the EV9 is 11 percent, with no dynamic tip-test concerns.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 19274
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2024 Kia EV9 have any recalls?
Yes, the 2024 Kia EV9 carries six recall campaigns. The most serious involves second- and third-row seat mounting bolts that may be missing, a structural safety issue. Additional campaigns address a headliner that may not protect occupants in a crash, front seat belt retractor covers that may be unsecured, a parking-brake software error affecting remote smart parking assist, and an instrument panel screen failure addressable by an over-the-air software fix. Buyers should verify all five named campaigns are resolved by VIN before purchase.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY26V431000
Risk: A fire increases the risk of injury.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures and limit their charge to a maximum of 80% until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the high voltage battery system assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 7, 2026. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC375. Vehicle Identi
Reported 2026-07-02
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 // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2024 Kia EV9?
Owners have filed 204 unverified complaints with NHTSA, including alleged reports of 1 crash, 2 fires, and 4 injuries. The most frequently alleged problem area is the Electrical System with 102 reported incidents, followed by Forward Collision Avoidance with 24 alleged concerns and Lane Departure with 20. All figures represent unverified consumer allegations, not confirmed defects.
204 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2024 Kia EV9?
Six open recalls stand out for the 2024 EV9, necessitating VIN verification through NHTSA's lookup tool for any prospective buyer. Of particular concern are campaigns addressing seat mounting bolts and the headliner, both of which require confirmed remedy completion. Buyers should insist on documented proof from sellers or dealers that all six recall campaigns have been addressed.
- Six recall campaigns were issued specifically for the 2024 EV9, including a structural concern over potentially missing second- and third-row seat mounting bolts that buyers must verify as resolved by VIN.
- The 2024 EV9 earned a perfect 5-star side-impact rating from NHTSA but scored 4 out of 5 stars in both the frontal and rollover categories, with an 11 percent rollover risk figure on record.
- The defect record sub-score of 11/20 is the weakest component of the 82/100 Safety Index, directly reflecting the six recall campaigns filed during this model year and distinguishing 2024 from what a cleaner launch record would have produced.
- Of the 204 unverified NHTSA complaints filed for this model year, 102 allege Electrical System problems, and 24 specifically allege concerns with Forward Collision Avoidance, a system that otherwise earned a full 10/10 in the avoidance technology scoring category.
RANKINGSWhere the 2024 Kia EV9 places
The 2024 Kia EV9 qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2024 Kia EV9 safety questions
Was the 2024 Kia EV9 crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2024 Kia EV9, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 78 out of 100, placing it in the Average band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2024 Kia EV9 crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2024 Kia EV9 earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 4 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 10.7%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2024 Kia EV9 have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 7 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2024 Kia EV9, including a park-outside or do-not-drive campaign, which is the most serious class of recall. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2024 Kia EV9?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 204 owner complaints are on file for the 2024 Kia EV9. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash or a fire.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other EV9 years
Rivals in SUV (2024)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 Lexus Rz 300e | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2024 Tesla Model Y Rwd | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2024 Subaru Forester Wilderness | 98/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2024 Lexus Rz 450e | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2024 Buick Encore GX | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 2 |
| 2024 Nissan Murano | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 19274), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Kia EV9 2024.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 123 of 144 in the SUV class for 2024.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.