Kia EV9 GT Mk1

The ICCU is the component that combines the onboard AC charger, the DC-DC converter (which charges the 12V battery), and bidirectional V2L capability into one unit. A MOSFET power transistor inside the low-voltage DC-DC converter gradually degrades under the stress of 800V operation and high switching frequencies, eventually short-circuiting. When this happens, the vehicle may lose the ability to charge via AC, the 12V system may fail (causing a no-start condition), or both. The pattern typically shows AC charging failing while DC fast charging still works. Kia and Hyundai have extended the ICCU warranty to 15 years / 300,000 km in Germany (other EU markets expected to follow), and replacement is done free under this coverage. Out-of-warranty cost is approximately €1,500-3,000 for parts and labor. Some owners report replacement ICCUs failing again, suggesting the root cause may not be fully resolved.

Multiple EV9 owners report the 12V battery dying after the vehicle is parked for extended periods. The root cause is typically software that keeps modules awake (wireless phone charger, digital key system, connectivity features). Kia has released several OTA updates targeting this issue, and later production vehicles have improved software. The OEM battery is a basic lead-acid unit. Replacing with a higher-quality AGM battery (€200-400 installed at a specialist) provides a longer-lasting solution. Disabling wireless charging and digital key features when parking for extended periods also helps.

A limited batch of 2025 model year EV9s (built between October and December 2024 at Kia Georgia) had rear gear drive units with improperly welded motor shafts. Symptoms include a 'Check AWD/4WD' warning message, unusual noise, and reduced acceleration (some vehicles could not exceed 19 km/h). Kia issued a recall for 342 affected vehicles with full rear drive unit replacement at no cost, requiring over six hours of labor. This is a manufacturing defect limited to a specific production window, not a design flaw. Verify with Kia using the VIN whether the vehicle is affected.

An OTA update released in August 2024 inadvertently introduced a bug that could cause the instrument cluster to remain blank at startup, hiding the speedometer, warnings, and other critical information. Kia recalled approximately 14,163 EV9s (2024 models built between September 2023 and May 2024, plus some early 2025 models). The fix is a software update delivered either via OTA or at a Kia dealer, free of charge. This is a resolved software issue, but it is important to verify the update has been applied when purchasing a used example.

The EV9 GT is the first Kia SUV with electronically controlled adaptive dampers, which adjust firmness across Normal, Eco, Sport, and GT driving modes. While no widespread failures have been reported yet (the GT only started deliveries in mid-2025), electronic dampers on other platforms have a track record of leaking or losing their electronic control after 60,000-100,000 km. OEM electronic dampers for a vehicle of this size typically cost €500-800 per unit. With four corners and specialized labor, a full replacement could reach €2,500-3,000. Aftermarket alternatives are unlikely to exist for this new platform. This is a low-probability risk given the car's youth, but worth monitoring as the fleet ages.

Some EV9 owners report DC fast charging sessions failing to initiate, dropping prematurely, or producing slower-than-expected charge speeds. Early 2024-2025 models had a specific issue with Tesla Supercharger communication caused by signal interference from the rear motor inverter. Kia addressed this with an OTA update. Cold weather can also significantly impact initial charging speeds (starting at 60-80 kW instead of the typical 200+ kW until the battery warms). While most charging issues are resolved via software updates at no cost, persistent problems may indicate an ICCU issue (see above). The direct cost is typically zero (software fix), but the inconvenience on long trips can be significant.

Several EV9 owners report the driver seat shifting slightly under braking or cornering, even on low-mileage vehicles. This sometimes requires rail adjustment, seat back replacement, or in some cases a complete seat replacement. Kia recalled 22,883 EV9s (2024-2025) for potentially missing second and third-row seat mounting bolts. Other fit-and-finish complaints include rattling center-console lids, squeaking trim pieces, and HVAC-related steering wheel vibration. Most of these issues are covered under the standard warranty. On a used vehicle outside warranty, trim fixes are typically under €200, but a seat replacement could reach €500 including labor.