Things to consider when insuring one
5-star overall crash rating
NHTSA’s top crash rating. Crash protection affects injury claims, which make up a large share of what auto insurance pays out.
Driver-assist sensors come standard
They can help avoid crashes, but a windshield or bumper repair often needs the cameras and radar recalibrated, which costs more. Check what your comprehensive and collision deductibles would mean for a glass claim.
Most owner complaints are about the electrical system
12 of 27 complaints to NHTSA mention it. Worth a look in a pre-purchase inspection.
2 recalls
- NHTSA 26V545000 · Aug 22, 2026
air bags: sensor: occupant classification: front passenger
Kia America, Inc (Kia) is recalling certain 2025-2026 EV9 vehicles. Due to improper routing, the Occupant Detection System (ODS) may not deactivate the air bag when a child or child seat is in the front passenger seat. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
- The risk
- A child in the front seat may be at a greater risk of injury if the air bag deploys during a crash.
- The fix
- 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 on September 4, 2026.
- NHTSA 26V046000 · Jan 27, 2026
electrical system: instrument cluster/panel
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2025 Kia K4, 2025-2026 Sorento, Sorento Hybrid, Sorento Plug-In Hybrid Electric (PHEV), 2026 Sportage, Sportage Hybrid, Sportage PHEV, K5, EV9, Carnival, and Carnival Hybrid vehicles. Due to a software error, the instrument panel display may fail. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 101, "Controls and Displays" and 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring System."
- The risk
- An instrument panel display that fails to show critical safety information, such as the speedometer, tire pressure, or warning lights, increases the risk of a crash.
- The fix
- The instrument panel display software will be updated over-the-air (OTA) or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed March 26, 2026. Owners may contact Kia Customer Service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC361. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov on February 9, 2026.
Crash test ratings
2026 KIA EV9 SUV BEV RWD
- Overall
- Frontal
- Side
- Rollover
Rollover risk in a single-vehicle crash: 11%
2026 KIA EV9 SUV BEV AWD
- Overall
- Frontal
- Side
- Rollover
Rollover risk in a single-vehicle crash: 11%
What owners report
27 complaints to NHTSA, 2 involving a crash, 2 injuries.
- Electrical system12
- Unknown or other5
- Fuel/propulsion system3
- Steering3
- Vehicle speed control3
- Visibility/wiper3
- Wheels3
- Structure2
Insuring a 2026 Kia EV9?
An independent broker compares several insurers for you and can explain what matters for this car. Find one who writes auto where you live.
Other 2026 Kia models
Recalls, crash ratings and owner complaints are from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), last checked Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are owners’ reports and aren’t verified by NHTSA. This page is general information, not advice about a specific vehicle or policy.