Kia EV9 Long Range AWD Mk1

The Integrated Charging Control Unit (ICCU) manages the conversion between the high-voltage battery and the 12V auxiliary system. A known MOSFET transistor defect can cause the unit to blow its internal fuse, preventing the main battery from maintaining the 12V system. When the 12V battery drains, the vehicle progressively loses electronic functions and can lose drive power entirely while moving. This is a platform-wide issue affecting E-GMP vehicles including the EV6 and Ioniq 5. Kia has issued recall 24V200 covering ICCU software updates and hardware replacement where needed. Hyundai and Kia have further extended ICCU warranty coverage to 15 years / 300,000 km in several European markets including Germany and the UK, which substantially reduces out-of-pocket risk. If the ICCU fails outside this extended coverage, replacement cost is approximately €2,500-4,500 including parts and labor. Recent owner surveys suggest 2-10% of E-GMP vehicles have experienced ICCU-related charging problems.

A software error introduced via an OTA update in August 2024 can cause the instrument cluster to display a blank screen on startup. This means the driver cannot see speed, gear position, range, or warning indicators. Kia issued recall 24V757 covering 2024-2025 models and later recall SC361 for 2026 models with a related but different cause (signal noise triggering overheat protection). The fix is a free software update, available via OTA or at any Kia dealer. Some owners report the issue recurring after the initial fix. Around 130 owners have reported this issue. Cost is typically zero under recall, though if a hardware replacement of the cluster is needed (rare), parts and labor can reach €250.

A manufacturing defect affecting a limited batch of 2025 EV9 AWD models (approximately 342 vehicles produced between October and December 2024 at the Georgia plant). The rear gear drive unit motor shaft may have been improperly welded, which can result in shaft damage and loss of drive power. Kia will replace the complete rear drive unit free of charge under recall SC337, though the repair requires more than six hours of shop time. If this issue occurs outside recall coverage on an older vehicle, a rear drive unit replacement would cost approximately €4,000-5,000. The very limited number of affected vehicles makes this a low-probability concern for most buyers.

The gap between the EV9's windshield and hood is wider than typical, allowing snow and slush to accumulate and pack into the cowl area. When this buildup prevents the wiper arms from returning to their start position, the wiper motor shuts down entirely as a protective measure. This can leave the driver without wiper function during precipitation. NHTSA opened an investigation in April 2025 after five complaints. Kia has announced a service campaign covering approximately 47,000 model year 2024-2026 EV9s, replacing the wiper arms with redesigned units that have a different angle and increased clearance. A software update also adds temperature-based popup warnings reminding drivers to clear snow before driving. Outside the campaign, replacement wiper arms cost €100-400 depending on dealer versus aftermarket.

Some EV9 owners report the 12V battery dying unexpectedly, sometimes with as little as 130 miles on the odometer. Symptoms include erratic warning lights, black screens, and the vehicle refusing to start. The issue appears partly linked to software keeping electronic systems active when the vehicle is parked, and partly to the quality of the factory-fitted 12V battery. In some cases, the issue is related to an ICCU malfunction (see separate risk item). Dealer fixes have included VCU and ICC software updates. Some owners have solved persistent drain problems by replacing the factory 12V with a lithium unit (Ohmmu or similar, approximately €200-350). The standard lead-acid 12V battery replacement costs approximately €150-200 at a dealer.

A recurring complaint across early EV9 production includes rattling center console lids, squeaky trim panels, and a driver seat that shifts slightly under braking or cornering. A separate recall (SC329) addressed missing second and third-row seat mounting bolts on approximately 22,883 vehicles built between September 2023 and October 2024 (Kia estimates roughly 1% of recalled vehicles are actually affected). Beyond the recall, general interior noise complaints are common in forum discussions and reviews. Most trim and rattle issues can be resolved under Kia's 7-year warranty at no cost. Outside warranty, fixing rattles and loose trim typically involves minor labor charges of €100-500 depending on the source and complexity.

Some EV9 owners report inconsistent DC fast charging behavior, including sessions that fail to start, abrupt stops mid-charge, or charging curves that degrade faster than expected. On Tesla Superchargers, signal interference from the rear motor inverter was identified as a cause of rare session dropouts in 2024-2025 models, addressed by an OTA update. On other networks, most failures trace back to station compatibility rather than the vehicle itself. Trying a different stall or station typically resolves the issue. If charging failures persist across multiple stations, an ICCU diagnostic should be performed. The cost of diagnosis and any required software update is typically covered under warranty or the ICCU recall.