MotorCaliberNHTSA Safety Index
NHTSA crash test of the 2025 Kia EV9

NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED

2025 Kia EV9

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

3Recalls
11Complaints
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 2025 Kia EV9 earns an NHTSA Safety Index of 89 out of 100, an strong result driven by its federal crash-test stars and its recall record. It has 3 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 20738

Index breakdown

Crash protection61/70
Avoidance tech10/10
Defect record17.5/20
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

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM25V115000

Risk: A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the rear GDU, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 7, 2025. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC337.

Reported 2025-02-24

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

NHTSA // COMPLAINTSOwner complaints

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

0reported crash
0reported fire
0reported injuries
0reported deaths
Most-reported systemsPower Train 2Electrical System 2Visibility/Wiper 2Steering 2Wheels 2Engine 1

Other EV9 years

Rivals in SUV (2025)

Last verified 2026-07-02. Sources: NHTSA SafetyRatings (VehicleId 20738), recallsByVehicle, complaintsByVehicle for Kia Ev9 2025. Class rank 76 of 153 in SUV 2025. Methodology · Disclosure