NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2025 Kia EV9 Safety Ratings
The 2025 Kia EV9 scores 88 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 4 recalls, and 11 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2025 Kia EV9 achieved a NHTSA Safety Index of 89/100, positioning it in the Strong band. This robust safety profile is notable given the vehicle's three recall campaigns and 11 unverified owner complaints. Overall, the data indicate a well-supported safety record for a first-year model.
The 2025 Kia EV9 received an overall 5-star NHTSA crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 89/100, according to NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 153 SUVs from 2025 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2025 Kia EV9 ranks 81 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 | 88 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 10.7% |
| Recalls on file | 4 |
| Owner complaints | 11 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 81 of 153 SUVs tested for 2025 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2025 Kia EV9?
The 2025 Kia EV9 marks a meaningful step forward in the NHTSA Safety Index, climbing from 82/100 in the 2024 model year to 89/100 in 2025, a seven-point gain within the same Strong band. That movement is driven primarily by the crash-protection sub-score of 61 out of 70 and a perfect avoidance-technology score of 10 out of 10, reflecting standard equipment including forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control. The defect-record component contributes 17.5 out of 20, a solid but not perfect figure that reflects the three active recall campaigns specific to this model year. Two of those campaigns, the improperly welded rear GDU motor shaft and the potentially missing seat mounting bolts, represent structural and propulsion concerns that are meaningfully distinct from cosmetic or convenience issues. The instrument-cluster recall, resolved via an over-the-air fix, adds a third data point. The 11 unverified owner complaints span a range of systems but include no alleged crash or injury events. Taken together, the 2025 EV9 presents a strong crash-test foundation with a recall profile that used-market shoppers should address by VIN before purchase.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2025 Kia EV9 perform in crash tests?
For the 2025 model year, the Kia EV9 achieves a 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA. Its side impact protection is rated at 5 out of 5 stars. Frontal crash protection and rollover resistance both earned 4 out of 5 stars, with a calculated rollover risk of 11 percent and no dynamic tip event. The EV9 has a complete set of ratings across the NHTSA NCAP suite.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 20738
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2025 Kia EV9 have any recalls?
Yes, the 2025 Kia EV9 carries three recall campaigns. The most safety-critical targets the rear gear drive unit motor shaft, which may have been improperly welded, affecting propulsion. A second campaign covers potentially missing second- and third-row seat mounting bolts. A third addresses an instrument panel screen failure via an over-the-air software fix. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is noted in the provided data, but the seat-bolt and GDU campaigns warrant prompt verification.
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER26V545000
Risk: A child in the front seat may be at a greater risk of injury if the air bag deploys during a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the ODS mat and bladder tube with a new one and ensure proper routing as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters will be mailed beginning October 20, 2026. Owners may contact Kia Customer Service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC379. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov o
Reported 2026-08-21
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 // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2025 Kia EV9?
Eleven unverified consumer allegations have been reported to NHTSA for this model year. The top components cited are Power Train, Electrical System, Visibility/Wiper, Steering, and Wheels, each with two alleged reports, plus one involving the Engine. No crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths are alleged in these reports.
11 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2025 Kia EV9?
Potential owners of a used 2025 Kia EV9 should prioritize checking for open recalls. Specifically, the rear GDU motor shaft campaign and the seat-bolt campaign require verification of completed remedies. Additionally, confirm whether the over-the-air instrument cluster fix has been successfully applied. All open recalls transfer with the vehicle to subsequent owners.
- The 2025 EV9 Safety Index rose seven points over the 2024 model year, from 82 to 89 out of 100, reflecting improved crash-protection and a perfect avoidance-technology score.
- A 2025-specific recall targets the rear gear drive unit motor shaft for a potential improper weld, a propulsion-system defect that is unique to this model year's production run.
- The seat-mounting-bolt recall spans 2024 and 2025 EV9 vehicles, meaning used buyers of this year must verify remedy completion for both second- and third-row seating positions.
- NHTSA recorded 11 unverified owner complaints for this model year, with no alleged crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths, but with reported concerns spread across Power Train, Electrical System, Steering, Visibility/Wiper, and Wheels.
RANKINGSWhere the 2025 Kia EV9 places
The 2025 Kia EV9 qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2025 Kia EV9 safety questions
Was the 2025 Kia EV9 crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2025 Kia EV9, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 88 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2025 Kia EV9 crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2025 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 2025 Kia EV9 have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 4 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2025 Kia EV9. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2025 Kia EV9?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 11 owner complaints are on file for the 2025 Kia EV9. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other EV9 years
Rivals in SUV (2025)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Lexus GX 550 | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2025 Lexus Rz 300e | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2025 Tesla Model X | 96/100 | not rated | 3 |
| 2025 Acura ADX | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2025 Buick Envision | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 20738), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Kia EV9 2025.
- 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 81 of 153 in the SUV class for 2025.
- 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.