The performance flagship of Kia's three-row electric SUV lineup. Built on the E-GMP 800V platform shared with the Ioniq 5 and EV6, the GT variant adds 508 hp from dual permanent-magnet synchronous motors, electronically controlled adaptive dampers, an electronic limited-slip differential, and upgraded brakes. European deliveries started in Q3 2025 with a list price around €90,000 in Germany.· more· less
Strong 7-year/150,000 km warrantyFast 800V charging architecture
ICCU charging unit prone to failureFirst-gen GT hardware, limited data
Buy if: You want a fast, practical electric family hauler with strong warranty coverage and can accept first-generation model risk.
Avoid if: You need a proven long-term track record or cannot tolerate potential dealer visits for software and charging system issues.
MOSFET transistor inside the LDC degrades until short-circuit, disabling charging and potentially immobilizing the vehicle · more· less
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.
12V auxiliary battery drain
€150 - 4002 of 7
Software keeps systems active when parked, draining the small 12V battery within days · more· less
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.
Rear drive unit manufacturing defect
€0 (recall)3 of 7
Improperly welded motor shaft in rear drive unit can cause loss of drive power · more· less
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.
Instrument cluster blank screen at startup
€0 (recall/OTA)4 of 7
Software bug causes driver display to stay blank when starting the vehicle · more· less
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.
Adaptive damper failure (GT-specific)
€1,200 - 3,0005 of 7
Electronically controlled dampers are a first for Kia SUVs, with no long-term reliability data yet · more· less
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.
DC fast charging session interruptions
€0 - 2006 of 7
Charging sessions drop prematurely or fail to initiate on certain networks, especially Tesla Superchargers · more· less
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.
Interior rattles and seat looseness
€0 - 5007 of 7
Build quality issues include loose driver seats, rattling center console, and trim squeaks · more· less
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.
First-generation performance EV with strong warranty but immature reliability data
The EV9 GT is too new for definitive reliability conclusions. It shares the E-GMP 800V platform with the Ioniq 5 and EV6, where the main known weakness is the ICCU charging unit. Kia has responded with a 15-year ICCU warranty extension in Germany. The GT adds complexity through adaptive dampers, an electronic limited-slip differential, and higher-output motors that have no long-term track record. Software maturity is improving through regular OTA updates. Kia's 7-year/150,000 km warranty provides substantial coverage for early adopters.
Service history
Verify complete Kia dealer records. Check that all OTA software updates have been applied.
12V battery condition
Check 12V battery voltage and age. If original lead-acid, consider AGM upgrade.
Tires
Check tread depth on all four 21" tires. EV9 is heavy (2,648 kg) and wears rears faster. Check tire age (date codes).
Test drive
Drive for at least 30 minutes including highway speeds. Test all driving modes (Normal, Sport, GT).
Specific for this vehicle
Test AC and DC charging
If possible, test both AC (Level 2) and DC fast charging. AC-only failures are the hallmark of ICCU problems.
Check for open recalls
Contact Kia with the VIN to verify all recalls completed: seat bolts, instrument cluster software, remote parking, and rear drive unit (if applicable).
Inspect adaptive suspension
Drive over speed bumps and rough surfaces in different driving modes. Listen for clunks or uneven damping. Warning lights related to suspension should be investigated.
+ 3 more checksShow less
Verify instrument cluster operation
Start the vehicle from cold and confirm the instrument cluster displays immediately. Blank or delayed screens indicate the software recall has not been applied.
Check seat mounting and stability
Physically push/pull the driver seat and second-row seats to check for looseness. Verify the seat bolt recall has been completed.
Battery state of health
Request a battery health report from the dealer or use an OBD reader to check SoH. Early degradation beyond 5% in the first 30,000 km warrants investigation.
Recalls and Technical Service Bulletins
ICCU (Integrated Charging Control Unit) defect affecting charging and 12V system (E-GMP platform-wide)Verify completed
Missing second and third-row seat mounting bolts (2024-2025 models, ~22,883 vehicles)Verify completed
Instrument cluster blank screen at startup due to software bug (2024-2025 models, ~14,163 vehicles)Verify completed
Rear gear drive unit welding defect causing loss of drive power (limited 2025 batch, 342 vehicles)Verify completed
The EV9 has accumulated several recalls in its first two years of production, which is not unusual for a new model but requires careful verification. Contact Kia with the VIN to confirm all recalls and software updates have been completed. The ICCU warranty extension to 15 years/300,000 km in Germany provides significant long-term protection.
Warranty Status
Factory warranty (7 years / 150,000 km)Likely still active on most used examples
High-voltage battery warranty7 years / 150,000 km with 70% capacity guarantee
ICCU extended warranty15 years / 300,000 km (Germany, other EU markets expected)
Rust perforation warranty12 years
Kia's 7-year warranty is transferable to subsequent owners provided the car has been serviced according to schedule. Given that the EV9 GT started European deliveries in mid-2025, most used examples will still be within warranty for years. The extended 15-year ICCU warranty in Germany provides exceptional coverage for the model's most significant known issue.
Sources: Research draws on model-specific owner forums and owner communities, recall information from official authorities, German automotive press, and multiple workshop cost references cross-checked against each other.
This report is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Estimates may be inaccurate. Always have a qualified specialist inspect the vehicle before purchase. We accept no liability for decisions made based on this information.
