2025 Kia EV9 Long Range RWD
Premium Electric SUV · RWD
Based on battery health, build quality, owner data, EPA range, and market pricing
Above average for 2025 EV SUVs (class avg 66 · top 18%)
Personalize this scoreIs a low score bad?
Last scanned 22 days ago
The 2025 Kia EV9 Long Range RWD is rated at 304 miles of EPA range, 230 kW fast charging and a 96 kWh battery, and a worth-pursuing score, but only after a hard inspection and a fair price.
Score read
A 71/100 makes this a records-first inspection. The useful split is software and driver-assist score at 98/100 versus owner feedback score at 47/100. On Reddit, owners keep flagging the same two issues: range and owner satisfaction. If the seller cannot show recall completion, price that risk or move on.
Price context
The original sticker was $59,900. Used pricing varies by miles, condition, and how this model is moving in the market; pull a current KBB Fair Purchase or Edmunds True Market Value for this exact trim and anchor your offer there, not the sticker.
Who this is for
✓ Good for
- ⏱ Daily commuter ≤50 mi/day, predictable charging
- ↦ Road tripper Long trips, needs DC fast network
✗ Avoid if you are a
- $ Bargain hunter Best TCO, reliability + low depreciation
Gotchas
- Serviceable Recall paperwork has to match the exact VIN.
Mitigation Use NHTSA and the automaker lookup, then require repair records instead of a verbal promise.
- Verify Owner feedback is the part to read carefully (47/100).
Mitigation Read the complaint themes and ask whether this VIN has already had those issues repaired.
- Verify Current market pricing is not confirmed well enough for this trim.
Mitigation Compare KBB, J.D. Power, and live listings for the same trim before treating price as a buying signal.
Pre-purchase inspection
- 1 Run the exact VIN through NHTSA and the automaker recall lookup before discussing price.
- 2 Compare the dashboard range estimate with the EPA 304-mile rating after a full charge.
- 3 Confirm how much of the 10-year/100,000-mile battery warranty remains and whether it transfers.
- 4 If road trips matter, run a short DC fast-charge session and watch whether speed tapers normally.
- 5 Read the complaint themes, not just the count, and ask the seller whether those issues have shown up on this VIN.
VIN status first This model has 3 NHTSA recall records. The exact VIN lookup decides whether the car in front of you is clear.
Complaint context This scan found 18 NHTSA complaint records (7.2 per 10K VINs, near industry average). Read the themes below before treating the raw count as the verdict.
Price anchor Current market range is $52,509-$62,895. Use that range to compare listings for the same trim, mileage, and condition.
Pricing & Market Value
A71-rated trim trading 4% below MSRP. Higher discounts on higher-quality vehicles score better — this signal is orthogonal to the TrimIndex composite, not part of it.
Score Breakdown
What matters most to you?
Drag the sliders to prioritize what you care about. Your TrimIndex Score recalculates instantly.
Vehicle Specifications
EVs at your price point that match or beat this trim
Price-gated peer set: vehicles within $46.2K–$69.2K market value (±20% of $57.7K). 1 outscore · 5 score within ±2. Mixed across makes — no "spend more, score better" comps.
EQE
- ✓ Better bang-for-buck
4
- ✓ Better bang-for-buck
- ✓ Notably better build quality
LYRIQ
- ✓ Better bang-for-buck
- ✓ Happier owners overall
SQ8 e-tron
- ✓ Better bang-for-buck
- ✓ Notably better build quality
Q6 e-tron
- ✓ Better bang-for-buck
- ✓ +17 mi more range
Model Y
- ✓ Happier owners overall
- ✓ +7 mi more range
- ✓ Better build quality
The federal $4,000 used-EV credit ended Sept 30, 2025.
But 10 states still run their own used-EV rebate programs — some up to $5,000. Pick your state to see what's available for this trim.
Source & disclaimer
Dealers make ~$14,081 on the average car loan.
After the price is set, the finance manager runs four plays to rebuild margin. Every buyer without a pre-approval is a target. Here's exactly what they run — and what stops each one.
78% of dealer loans carry a hidden +1.13% markup above what the lender actually charges. You never see it — it's buried in the contract. · CFPB
Dealer must match or beat your lender — they can't add margin invisibly. The markup play is dead on arrival.
Once you answer, they stretch the term to hit your number. Median result: $4K less off the price, 12 more months on the loan. · Industry avg
Financing is done. Only the sale price is on the table — and the dealer knows it.
Back-office F&I profit averages $1,975/vehicle, up 8.5% YoY. These products exist — but dealer markup is 4–10x what you'd pay elsewhere. · Dealership Guy
Dealer GAP runs $500–1K. Your insurer sells the same coverage for $100–250 over 5 years. Now you know.
"Your loan fell through — come re-sign." This pulls your APR up +5% on average. It's legal. It works because you've already driven the car home. · Ctr for Responsible Lending
A lender commitment letter means the deal is final. "Pending dealer approval" doesn't apply. You can't be yo-yo'd.
That's 16 months of your car payment — handed to the dealer's finance department for nothing.
Takes 2 minutes. No obligation to use it — but you'll walk in with all the leverage.
Pre-approval is a soft credit inquiry — no score impact. FICO treats all auto-loan hard pulls within 14 days as one, so you can still shop rates at the dealer.
NHTSA Recalls (3)
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2025 EV9 vehicles. The rear gear drive unit (GDU) motor shaft may have been improperly welded and become damaged, causing a loss of drive power.
A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Check VIN status at NHTSA.govKia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2024-2025 EV9 vehicles. The second- and third-row seat mounting bolts may be missing.
Seats without mounting bolts may not properly restrain an occupant, increasing the risk of injury.
Check VIN status at NHTSA.govKia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2024-2025 EV9 vehicles. Due to a software error, the instrument panel screen may fail. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 101, "Controls and Displays."
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.
Check VIN status at NHTSA.govNHTSA Complaints (18 total · 7.2 per 10K US vehicles · near industry average)
I am submitting a safety complaint regarding a serious incident involving my 2025 Kia EV9. The vehicle was serviced on March 1 at World Kia in Joliet, Illinois. On April 4, only four days after that service, the vehicle experienced a sudden and unexpected ICCU failure while I was driving. During my normal travel, in active traffic and at speed, the vehicle abruptly entered limp mode and displayed multiple system warnings. This caused an immediate and significant reduction in power, creating a hazardous situation for myself and surrounding drivers. I was forced to maneuver the vehicle out of traffic while it was rapidly losing propulsion capability. The vehicle is currently at Berwyn Kia in Berwyn, Illinois for diagnosis and repair. I am reporting this incident due to the clear safety implications of a sudden loss of power during highway driving operation. A failure of this nature poses a risk of collision, especially in high‑speed or congested traffic conditions. I am requesting that NHTSA review this issue as part of its ongoing monitoring of Kia/Hyundai/Genesis Integrated Charging Control Unit (ICCU) failures and related safety concerns. Thank you for your attention to this matter.
I am submitting a safety complaint regarding a serious incident involving my 2025 Kia EV9. The vehicle was serviced on March 1 at World Kia in Joliet, Illinois. On April 4, only four days after that service, the vehicle experienced a sudden and unexpected ICCU failure while I was driving. During my normal travel, in active traffic and at speed, the vehicle abruptly entered limp mode and displayed multiple system warnings. This caused an immediate and significant reduction in power, creating a hazardous situation for myself and surrounding drivers. I was forced to maneuver the vehicle out of traffic while it was rapidly losing propulsion capability. The vehicle is currently at Berwyn Kia in Berwyn, Illinois for diagnosis and repair. I am reporting this incident due to the clear safety implications of a sudden loss of power during highway driving operation. A failure of this nature poses a risk of collision, especially in high‑speed or congested traffic conditions. I am requesting that NHTSA review this issue as part of its ongoing monitoring of Kia/Hyundai/Genesis Integrated Charging Control Unit (ICCU) failures and related safety concerns. Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Within six months of purchase, the power steering on my 2025 Kia EV9 failed while I was driving, creating a sudden and dangerous loss of steering control. I brought the vehicle to the Kia dealership for repair, but it was returned to me without the problem being resolved. On the very first drive after service, the power steering failed again. This is a recurring safety defect that poses a serious risk to me, my family, and other drivers. The vehicle is unsafe to operate until the root cause is identified and repaired properly.
Within six months of purchase, the power steering on my 2025 Kia EV9 failed while I was driving, creating a sudden and dangerous loss of steering control. I brought the vehicle to the Kia dealership for repair, but it was returned to me without the problem being resolved. On the very first drive after service, the power steering failed again. This is a recurring safety defect that poses a serious risk to me, my family, and other drivers. The vehicle is unsafe to operate until the root cause is identified and repaired properly.
Vibration at highway speeds above 65mph. Online forums make it seem like a common defect.
Vibration at highway speeds above 65mph. Online forums make it seem like a common defect.
Component: Electrical System / Instrument Panel Speed at time of failure: [Insert typical speed, e.g., 65 mph] Description of Incident: My vehicle is suffering from an intermittent but total loss of the instrument cluster functionality while in motion. The display goes dark and is replaced by a "No Signal" message. This results in the immediate loss of all critical safety information, including speed, battery range, and warning telltales. This is a direct violation of FMVSS No. 101 (Controls and Displays). Specific Recalls/Campaigns Not Addressed: I brought my vehicle to Fiesta KIA (Dealer Code 53232) to address the following open safety campaigns which they failed to remediate: NHTSA Recall #24V-757 (KIA SC326): "Instrument Cluster Screen May Fail." This is exactly the failure I am experiencing. NHTSA Recall #24V-443 (KIA SC302): ICCU Software Logic failure, which poses an immediate risk of loss of motive power while driving. Service Action SA563: Specific logic improvement for HUD and Cluster stability. Dealer Conduct (Safety Related): Despite the vehicle presenting with a "No Signal" instrument panel—a catastrophic safety failure—the Service Manager (Anthony) refused to provide the previously promised loaner vehicle. He suggested that because the vehicle was not purchased at his specific dealership, his obligation to facilitate this critical safety repair was diminished. This resulted in the vehicle remaining on the road with unresolved, safety-critical defects.
Component: Electrical System / Instrument Panel Speed at time of failure: [Insert typical speed, e.g., 65 mph] Description of Incident: My vehicle is suffering from an intermittent but total loss of the instrument cluster functionality while in motion. The display goes dark and is replaced by a "No Signal" message. This results in the immediate loss of all critical safety information, including speed, battery range, and warning telltales. This is a direct violation of FMVSS No. 101 (Controls and Displays). Specific Recalls/Campaigns Not Addressed: I brought my vehicle to Fiesta KIA (Dealer Code 53232) to address the following open safety campaigns which they failed to remediate: NHTSA Recall #24V-757 (KIA SC326): "Instrument Cluster Screen May Fail." This is exactly the failure I am experiencing. NHTSA Recall #24V-443 (KIA SC302): ICCU Software Logic failure, which poses an immediate risk of loss of motive power while driving. Service Action SA563: Specific logic improvement for HUD and Cluster stability. Dealer Conduct (Safety Related): Despite the vehicle presenting with a "No Signal" instrument panel—a catastrophic safety failure—the Service Manager (Anthony) refused to provide the previously promised loaner vehicle. He suggested that because the vehicle was not purchased at his specific dealership, his obligation to facilitate this critical safety repair was diminished. This resulted in the vehicle remaining on the road with unresolved, safety-critical defects.
The Kia EV9 Wind I bought several days ago worked fine for a couple of days with a slight vibration, but yesterday I experienced 3 incidents. 1. As I was coming to a full stop at a stop sign, there was a mild grinding noise from the rear of the vehicle. 2. I continued for 100 yards and came to a stop light and the car made a louder grinding sound of gears grinding as I was coming to a full braking stop. 3. I continued for about 1/2 mile. As I was coming to a stop at a stop light, there was a very loud grinding sound from the back of the car, like gears were being stripped, and the vehicle came to a full stop. At that point I was in the middle lane of a busy 3 lane road. I jumped out to inspect and saw nothing. I continued through the intersection and immediately pulled into a parking lot. I got out to inspect and there was a very strong burning smell coming from the driver side rear wheel well. I did not smell it on the passenger side rear wheel well. I had it towed to the nearby Kia dealership, and left it. This morning the dealership reported the initial diagnosis showed that the emergency brakes were activated while I was driving and they would report back later today on further diagnosis. They said the brake pads and rotors may need to be replaced and they would need to determine why the emergency brakes activated while I was driving. When I told them I was equally concerned about the grinding sound and the possibility of stripped gears, they replied that Kia Corporate does not pay them to explore potential problems that are not visible or obvious. My main concern is that there may be stripped gears to be replaced in addition to a software or other fix to prevent the emergency brakes from activating while driving. They also reported to me that there were 2 notifications with updates that had not been performed. One was for a software update for the rear powertrain and the other was for a sunroof issue and they would perform both.
The Kia EV9 Wind I bought several days ago worked fine for a couple of days with a slight vibration, but yesterday I experienced 3 incidents. 1. As I was coming to a full stop at a stop sign, there was a mild grinding noise from the rear of the vehicle. 2. I continued for 100 yards and came to a stop light and the car made a louder grinding sound of gears grinding as I was coming to a full braking stop. 3. I continued for about 1/2 mile. As I was coming to a stop at a stop light, there was a very loud grinding sound from the back of the car, like gears were being stripped, and the vehicle came to a full stop. At that point I was in the middle lane of a busy 3 lane road. I jumped out to inspect and saw nothing. I continued through the intersection and immediately pulled into a parking lot. I got out to inspect and there was a very strong burning smell coming from the driver side rear wheel well. I did not smell it on the passenger side rear wheel well. I had it towed to the nearby Kia dealership, and left it. This morning the dealership reported the initial diagnosis showed that the emergency brakes were activated while I was driving and they would report back later today on further diagnosis. They said the brake pads and rotors may need to be replaced and they would need to determine why the emergency brakes activated while I was driving. When I told them I was equally concerned about the grinding sound and the possibility of stripped gears, they replied that Kia Corporate does not pay them to explore potential problems that are not visible or obvious. My main concern is that there may be stripped gears to be replaced in addition to a software or other fix to prevent the emergency brakes from activating while driving. They also reported to me that there were 2 notifications with updates that had not been performed. One was for a software update for the rear powertrain and the other was for a sunroof issue and they would perform both.
My display with my backup camera started flickering. It then turned black and I couldn't see anything anymore and it was very dangerous to back up.
My display with my backup camera started flickering. It then turned black and I couldn't see anything anymore and it was very dangerous to back up.
There is an "i-pedal" feature that sets regen braking to bring the vehicle to a complete stop when letting off the accelerator pedal. In this mode, the vehicle only moves when pressing down on the pedal, and it stops when the pedal is released. When shifting the vehicle into reverse, "i-pedal" is automatically and silently turned off, causing the vehicle to suddenly start moving when releasing the brake pedal and no longer stop when releasing the accelerator pedal. This is dangerous because the pedals suddenly and unexpectedly behave differently with no input from the driver. If "i-pedal" is enabled by the driver, it should not switch out of "i-pedal" without the driver choosing to do so.
There is an "i-pedal" feature that sets regen braking to bring the vehicle to a complete stop when letting off the accelerator pedal. In this mode, the vehicle only moves when pressing down on the pedal, and it stops when the pedal is released. When shifting the vehicle into reverse, "i-pedal" is automatically and silently turned off, causing the vehicle to suddenly start moving when releasing the brake pedal and no longer stop when releasing the accelerator pedal. This is dangerous because the pedals suddenly and unexpectedly behave differently with no input from the driver. If "i-pedal" is enabled by the driver, it should not switch out of "i-pedal" without the driver choosing to do so.
Seats allow drivers to save seating positions for different drivers. Seats automatically return to the last used saved position when the vehicle is turned on. This seat movement cannot be stopped or overridden without finding and activating the seat position controls on the left side of the seat base. If the driver does not find these controls in time, they can become crushed against the steering wheel or other surfaces. Seats do not respond to resistance and motors continue increasing torque until the controls are activated or the final saved position is reached. Problem is easily reproduced and may be related to recent fatality in Hyundai Palisade which likely shares components from Hyundai Motor Group.
Seats allow drivers to save seating positions for different drivers. Seats automatically return to the last used saved position when the vehicle is turned on. This seat movement cannot be stopped or overridden without finding and activating the seat position controls on the left side of the seat base. If the driver does not find these controls in time, they can become crushed against the steering wheel or other surfaces. Seats do not respond to resistance and motors continue increasing torque until the controls are activated or the final saved position is reached. Problem is easily reproduced and may be related to recent fatality in Hyundai Palisade which likely shares components from Hyundai Motor Group.
These Hankook iON Evo tires started vibrating wildly at the first service that I took the car to for a rotation. We took it back to the dealership (Ourisman Kia in Fairfax VA) three times where they kept the car for several days to diagnose. After opening the tires up, they state that the inner sound insulating foam on all four tires has separated. The tires were at 7/32 and now 5/32 and the car only has 18,200 miles on it. The tires have a 50k treadwear warranty, but this isn't covered as part of the warranty. The inner foam separation on a Kia EV9 is a known issue and widely discussed on the internet. For an $80k vehicle with OEM tires that cost over $1500 to replace, it's ridiculous that they aren't covered by the dealership or by Hankook.
These Hankook iON Evo tires started vibrating wildly at the first service that I took the car to for a rotation. We took it back to the dealership (Ourisman Kia in Fairfax VA) three times where they kept the car for several days to diagnose. After opening the tires up, they state that the inner sound insulating foam on all four tires has separated. The tires were at 7/32 and now 5/32 and the car only has 18,200 miles on it. The tires have a 50k treadwear warranty, but this isn't covered as part of the warranty. The inner foam separation on a Kia EV9 is a known issue and widely discussed on the internet. For an $80k vehicle with OEM tires that cost over $1500 to replace, it's ridiculous that they aren't covered by the dealership or by Hankook.
This car is unusual because the wipers are located in a crevice far below the top of the hood where it meets the windshield. The first time we had an issue, it had snowed and snow collected in the crevice area. The wipers were turned on, but the drivers side one didn't move in sync with the passenger side one. They eventually "tangled" and we stopped them. The car was taken for service and supposedly repaired by replacing one of the wiper arms that had bent. It has snowed again. Before the snow fell, the crevice was mostly covered with a shield to keep snow from falling into it. The wipers were put into the "snow position" but when used again today, the wipers have again failed to operate in sync. The drivers side wiper doesn't move fully and the passenger side wiper does. Car wipers should work when it snows, but especially when precautions have been taken. This is extremely unexpected and atypical.
This car is unusual because the wipers are located in a crevice far below the top of the hood where it meets the windshield. The first time we had an issue, it had snowed and snow collected in the crevice area. The wipers were turned on, but the drivers side one didn't move in sync with the passenger side one. They eventually "tangled" and we stopped them. The car was taken for service and supposedly repaired by replacing one of the wiper arms that had bent. It has snowed again. Before the snow fell, the crevice was mostly covered with a shield to keep snow from falling into it. The wipers were put into the "snow position" but when used again today, the wipers have again failed to operate in sync. The drivers side wiper doesn't move fully and the passenger side wiper does. Car wipers should work when it snows, but especially when precautions have been taken. This is extremely unexpected and atypical.
Vehicle consistently vibrates at highway speeds, feels like a driveline vibration, wheel, tire or suspension issue. Almost feels like a tire is wobbling.
Vehicle consistently vibrates at highway speeds, feels like a driveline vibration, wheel, tire or suspension issue. Almost feels like a tire is wobbling.
Vehicle Information: 2025 Kia EV9 GT-Line AWD VIN: [XXX] Mileage: ~16,000 miles Component/Part Affected: Wheel studs / Wheel attachment system Summary: Multiple wheel studs (3 on one wheel, 2 on another) were found stripped/damaged on my [XXX] Kia EV9, making the vehicle unsafe to drive. This is a critical safety issue, as wheels cannot be properly secured and could detach while driving. Details: •The vehicle has been serviced exclusively at Kia dealerships (Winn Kia Fremont and Putnam Kia Burlingame, CA). •Putnam Kia Burlingame visits (7/31/25 and 8/29/25) involved seat motor repairs, multi-point inspections, and tire-pressure checks only. No wheel removal or rotation occurred there as per their confirmation. •Kia Fremont has performed all wheel/tire-related services and recently discovered the damage. •Photos show damage across two wheels (3 studs stripped on one, 2 on another). This suggests a consistent pattern of improper service (over-torquing or cross-threading), not isolated wear. Safety Concern: The vehicle is currently undriveable. Multiple compromised studs across two wheels increase the likelihood of wheel detachment while driving — posing a severe hazard to me, my family, and other motorists. Manufacturer Response So Far: •Kia Fremont has ordered replacement studs but says parts will take ~7 days. •I am seeking Kia’s confirmation that all repairs and a rental vehicle will be covered under warranty. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Vehicle Information: 2025 Kia EV9 GT-Line AWD VIN: [XXX] Mileage: ~16,000 miles Component/Part Affected: Wheel studs / Wheel attachment system Summary: Multiple wheel studs (3 on one wheel, 2 on another) were found stripped/damaged on my [XXX] Kia EV9, making the vehicle unsafe to drive. This is a critical safety issue, as wheels cannot be properly secured and could detach while driving. Details: •The vehicle has been serviced exclusively at Kia dealerships (Winn Kia Fremont and Putnam Kia Burlingame, CA). •Putnam Kia Burlingame visits (7/31/25 and 8/29/25) involved seat motor repairs, multi-point inspections, and tire-pressure checks only. No wheel removal or rotation occurred there as per their confirmation. •Kia Fremont has performed all wheel/tire-related services and recently discovered the damage. •Photos show damage across two wheels (3 studs stripped on one, 2 on another). This suggests a consistent pattern of improper service (over-torquing or cross-threading), not isolated wear. Safety Concern: The vehicle is currently undriveable. Multiple compromised studs across two wheels increase the likelihood of wheel detachment while driving — posing a severe hazard to me, my family, and other motorists. Manufacturer Response So Far: •Kia Fremont has ordered replacement studs but says parts will take ~7 days. •I am seeking Kia’s confirmation that all repairs and a rental vehicle will be covered under warranty. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
We just left the dealership in our new 2026 Kia EV 9 with 14 miles on it and as we were driving home the passenger windshield wiper started to make a loud banging sound when it would return to it ‘a starting position. We turned the wipers off and then turned them back on just to have the passenger one go half way a few times and then stopped working altogether. We live in Vero Beach Florida and this took place at [XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
We just left the dealership in our new 2026 Kia EV 9 with 14 miles on it and as we were driving home the passenger windshield wiper started to make a loud banging sound when it would return to it ‘a starting position. We turned the wipers off and then turned them back on just to have the passenger one go half way a few times and then stopped working altogether. We live in Vero Beach Florida and this took place at [XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Took my 4-month old Kia EV9 to a tire shop b/c I heard a rattling on the right side at low speed. Turns out both of the locking lug nuts had popped out of the front and rear hubs on the right side. Seems like someone at the port install facility in West Point Georgia didn't use the correct tools or torque settings. Turns out this is a known issue among a few customers per this Reddit thread: [XXX] I notified Kia CS. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Took my 4-month old Kia EV9 to a tire shop b/c I heard a rattling on the right side at low speed. Turns out both of the locking lug nuts had popped out of the front and rear hubs on the right side. Seems like someone at the port install facility in West Point Georgia didn't use the correct tools or torque settings. Turns out this is a known issue among a few customers per this Reddit thread: [XXX] I notified Kia CS. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Vehicle was delivered with an active safety recall on it. The safety recall is second and third row seat mounting bolts may be missing. Recall was announced December 2024 and car was purchased/delivered on March 20th 2025
Vehicle was delivered with an active safety recall on it. The safety recall is second and third row seat mounting bolts may be missing. Recall was announced December 2024 and car was purchased/delivered on March 20th 2025
The drivers seat rocks and shakes or wobbles while you drive. They need to change the frame to fix the issue.
The drivers seat rocks and shakes or wobbles while you drive. They need to change the frame to fix the issue.
While driving on the freeway I suddenly lost control of the vehicle, with the vehicle swerving left and back across several lanes. Thankfully, I avoided a catastrophic accident and managed to pull over safely. There were no warning lamps or messages of any kind prior to the failure. Upon inspection of the driver’s side rear wheel, I discovered that multiple lug nuts had snapped off, with the studs still attached to the lug nuts. The remaining lug nuts were extremely loose. I have never heard of such a dangerous defect in a brand-new vehicle, and it appears as if the wheel may not have been tightened properly before I took possession or they loosened since then (possibly due to having had just driven through freezing temperatures). I had only had the brand new car for 5 weeks and added 400 miles to the odometer (total mileage 544). Inspection report was provided by the nearest Kia dealership “Found 2 lugs snapped off taking the stud with it, and the rest of the lugs were loose. Damaged rotor screws, lug studs, and the wheel. Recommend replacing the hub assembly, lug nuts, wheel, and recheck vehicle operation.” Kiais claiming this is not covered by Warranty and is so far refusing to make repairs.
While driving on the freeway I suddenly lost control of the vehicle, with the vehicle swerving left and back across several lanes. Thankfully, I avoided a catastrophic accident and managed to pull over safely. There were no warning lamps or messages of any kind prior to the failure. Upon inspection of the driver’s side rear wheel, I discovered that multiple lug nuts had snapped off, with the studs still attached to the lug nuts. The remaining lug nuts were extremely loose. I have never heard of such a dangerous defect in a brand-new vehicle, and it appears as if the wheel may not have been tightened properly before I took possession or they loosened since then (possibly due to having had just driven through freezing temperatures). I had only had the brand new car for 5 weeks and added 400 miles to the odometer (total mileage 544). Inspection report was provided by the nearest Kia dealership “Found 2 lugs snapped off taking the stud with it, and the rest of the lugs were loose. Damaged rotor screws, lug studs, and the wheel. Recommend replacing the hub assembly, lug nuts, wheel, and recheck vehicle operation.” Kiais claiming this is not covered by Warranty and is so far refusing to make repairs.
We had a snow the last couple of days and when it mostly cleared up we went out to the grocery store. We had done on best to clear of the car of snow. While driving the windshield wipers were working fine until a small chuck of snow came down from the roof of the car. The wipers immediate started to glitch and not move which caused a big visibility problem. I was able to pull over and clear it but was concerned that small amounts of snow would cause the wipers to completely stop.
We had a snow the last couple of days and when it mostly cleared up we went out to the grocery store. We had done on best to clear of the car of snow. While driving the windshield wipers were working fine until a small chuck of snow came down from the roof of the car. The wipers immediate started to glitch and not move which caused a big visibility problem. I was able to pull over and clear it but was concerned that small amounts of snow would cause the wipers to completely stop.
What Owners Are Saying
"On the road, the Kia EV9 drives very well, feels confident, and gets very close to its estimated range. As a family vehicle, we found the EV9 to be a great fit for hauling kids, their stuff, our stuff, or just stuff. Seating folds as flat as can be expected, and entry and exit is easy. As an everyday driver, the Kia EV9 is a great SUV. Car Talk researchers have tested this vehicle and decided to award it a 8.3 out of 10 based on our years of expertise and stringent criteria. Most of the comparables to the Kia EV9 are not electric vehicles. Those that are don’t really fit the same market profile. So the EV9 largely stands alone. Kia’s other three-row family ride is the Telluride. (Yes, that rhymed.) The Telluride is gasoline-only, but is cheaper and has most of the same features. The two are worth comparing if going electric isn’t a must for you. A very close EV rival to the EV9 is the Rivian R1S. Similar in size and capability, the Rivian is more luxurious and off-road ready by comparison, but has a price tag that’s much larger, matching its larger battery and driving range."
"The all-new Kia EV9 quickly became a favorite family hauler for us. It’s a right-sized three-row vehicle that doesn’t enter into the six-figure category most of its rivals do. Unlike most of the three-row offerings in the electric vehicle space, though, the EV9 does not have a six-digit price tag or an iPhone-like interior. Instead, it can be considered a family-sized three-row that happens to be electric instead of an EV that happens to have three rows. The EV9 has a usable third row, a realistic interior size and exterior dimensions, and a strong list of reasons to put it on the shopping list. Our only beef with this vehicle involves a couple of ergonomic issues like the shift knob placement (under the steering wheel) and the trim packages’ weird shuffling of how the second row looks (captain’s chairs or bench). That should be a stand-alone option, not something lumped in with trim price jumps."
"That's a better percentage than the real-world results for several other EV SUVs we've tested, such as the Rivian R1S and Cadillac Lyriq (both 72 percent of EPA estimate) and Nissan Ariya (82 percent of EPA estimate). However, some EVs—mostly from German brands—have outperformed their EPA ratings in our testing, so the EV9 isn't quite on that level. Still, it's an impressive result given how big and boxy the EV9 is, as it would be reasonable to assume that such a large vehicle would do worse relative to EPA figures at higher speeds. If you want more range from your EV9, opt for the rear-wheel-drive Light model with the bigger battery pack, which is EPA-rated to deliver 304 miles. The AWD Wind and Land trims are rated at 280 miles, while the base RWD Light model with the smaller, 76.1-kWh battery pack is rated at 230 miles. We look forward to testing these other versions and seeing what kind of real-world range results they deliver. #1· Oct 13, 2023 Car and Driver did a range test with the EV9 GT-Line and were able to get 240 miles. 30 miles off of the EPA's rating of 270 miles."
"www.caranddriver.com The EPA has just released official range numbers for the new 2024 Kia EV9, and we also have our own test results to provide more context for how far you can expect to go on a charge in the new three-row electric SUV in the real world. The government says that the EV9 can travel between 230 miles and 304 miles, depending on the configuration, and our result for the dual-motor GT-Line trim level with the larger battery pack compares pretty favorably to the EPA rating for that model. We achieved a result of 240 miles in our loaded GT-Line test car, which comes with a dual-motor setup providing 379 horsepower and a 99.8-kWh battery pack. The EPA rating for this model is 270 miles—keep in mind that this is a combined figure, while our test is for highway driving at 75 mph—meaning that the EV9 achieved 88 percent of its EPA estimate."
"#8· Oct 17, 2023 > SoulMan said: > > ...That's a better percentage than the real-world results for several other EV SUVs we've tested... > > > Click to expand... #9· Oct 18, 2023 I am a bit skeptical since they said the Rivian did even worse versus EPA range but I've now read and seen a couple dozen real world tests for the Rivian (also highway speed conditions) and most of them have it exceeding its range, like the BMW and Mercedes does. I'm not surprised about the EV9 since that's inline with how the EV6 did real world versus EPA range. In cold weather it will likely do sub-200 which is my biggest sticking point on the EV9 (the other being the _possible_ exclusion of the hardware needed for full Highway Pilot in the US model)."
"I made a website to compare EVs and gas cars using cost-equivalent MPG. Hi guys, this is a website I made to help people understand how much each electric vehicle really costs. I understand that I’m preaching to the choir on /r/KiaEV9** So let’s say you have an Equinox EV that gets 108 MPGe, and let’s compare it in Florida, where gas is $4 per gallon and electricity is mostly $0.15 per kWh when charging at home. That means the Equinox is actually like an 85.5 MPG car. That is way easier to digest than 108 MPGe. And that makes the comparison much easier. That number changes drastically if electricity or gas prices change, which makes it very different for each situation. But MPG is still the number that everybody uses for comparison, and I don’t think it should be completely ditched yet. For example, if you charge on the road in Florida, you might need to pay up to $0.68 per kWh. That makes the same car more like an 18.9 MPG car. That’s not great at all. It’s fine once in a while or for road trips, but if you can’t charge at home,"
"Neither the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) nor the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) have published crash test results for the Kia EV9. Being an all-new vehicle, that’s not surprising. Kia, however, has a reputation for delivering safe vehicles to market and we expect that the EV9, as with most electric vehicles, will do well in crash testing. The EV9 is an all-new model, so finding reliability data is difficult. Most outlets like J.D. Power & Associates give a good reliability expectation for the new EV9. Given Kia’s excellent warranty, we expect the same. Were it our buying dollars, we’d opt to upgrade to the larger battery model of the EV9. In some areas, adding AWD may also be a good bet, but we note that most rear-wheel-biased electric vehicles do well in inclement weather thanks to a low center of gravity and more control over the throttle’s power output to the wheels. By the time you read this, we are hopeful that the Kia EV9 will also qualify for the federal government’s EV tax credit as well. Kia offers one of the longest and most comprehensive warranties in the business. And the warranty transfers to new owners, following the vehicle. Although the EV9 is brand new and used models aren’t likely, down the line that is important for resell."
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