Kia EV9 MV
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
The EV9 (MV, 2023-2025) is Kia's big three-row electric SUV — a technical statement, sharply styled, with genuine seven-seat utility on the E-GMP base. Bottom line: a lot of car for the money on the used market, but a very young, complex EV with a notably long recall list you need to work through cleanly. Drivetrain pick: the KIA-EV-77-RWD (215 hp) is plenty for relaxed family duty and more efficient; the KIA-EV9-99-AWD (384 hp) brings more range and pulling power with the 99-kWh pack — the better choice for towing or full loads. Recurring themes: a recall for missing seat mounting bolts (safety-critical — check it), an RSPA brake software recall, the 12V auxiliary battery draining, occasional instrument-cluster display dropouts, and a shift lock that can appear after charging. Much of this is software-fixable, but it tells you the update and recall history has to be airtight. Test drive: keep an eye on the display and cluster — no dropouts when pulling away. After a (test) charge, confirm it slots cleanly into Drive. Listen for creaks in the second and third rows. Market 2026: depreciation has been brutal — many 2024s already sit in the mid-$20,000s to low-$30,000s against MSRPs north of $55,000. Insider pick: an AWD with the 99-kWh pack, every recall closed out, and current software — as a used buy, a surprisingly cheap seven-seater when the history checks out.
Engine Overview
The Kia EV9 MV is available with 2 engine variants — from 215 to 384 hp.
All-wheel-drive dual-motor system on the 800-volt E-GMP platform with a large high-voltage battery and solid range. The charging is the standout: very short top-up times on a suitable fast charger thanks to the 800-volt architecture. Regen braking modulates well and spares the friction brakes. Watch for battery degradation and have the state of health read out by diagnostics when buying used. The small 12-volt battery is the typical weak spot and can fail early. Check software level and the high-voltage battery's warranty cover before purchase.
- !! ICCU failure, loss of drive power (recall)
The ICCU can fail from overvoltage and thermal cycling; the 12V battery is no longer charged and drains over 20 to 45 minutes, causing progressive loss of drive power up to a standstill. An E-GMP-wide recall replaces the ICCU and updates software.
Symptoms: Pop from the rear, warning cascade check EV system up to power limited, limp mode below about 50 km/h, flickering instruments, vehicle stops. - !! Rear gear-drive unit failure, loss of drive (recall)
On certain 2025 vehicles the rear gear-drive-unit motor shaft was welded incorrectly and can be damaged, causing loss of drive power. A separate recall replaces the GDU. An earlier batch had improperly torqued differential bolts.
Symptoms: Sudden loss of drive power, noise or vibration from the rear axle drive, in extreme cases a locking differential. - !! 12V battery drain
Early software levels caused excessive wake cycles via the wireless charger and digital key, draining the 12V battery. Rare no-start states occur after longer standstills with connected services active. Improved by OTA update.
Symptoms: 12V warning symbol after standing or updates, occasional no-start, app charging or locking notifications drop out.
+ 2 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Long-range rear-wheel-drive powertrain on the modern 800-volt E-GMP platform. High charging power of up to 240 kW fills the battery at a fast charger from 10 to 80 percent in around 18 minutes, provided preconditioning is running. Smooth driving feel and strong regeneration via the steering-wheel paddles. When buying used, have the battery state of health read out; degradation has stayed modest so far. The small 12V battery is a known weak point — prone to draining during long standstills. Check charging history and software level.
- !! Recall: ICCU failure leads to loss of drive (EV6)
The integrated charging control unit (ICCU) can fail due to overcurrent or heat damage and no longer charge the 12V network. Kia recalled 48,232 EV6 vehicles (2022–2024) under Kia SC327 / NHTSA 24V-867. Remedy: ICCU replacement + software update.
Symptoms: Audible 'pop' noise followed by warning chimes and dashboard warning lights; vehicle gradually reduces drive (approx. 22–45 minutes until standstill) - !! ICCU failure: 12V onboard battery drains while driving from 30,000 km
The 77.4 kWh RWD EV6 shares the known ICCU weakness. The charging control unit fails due to condensation forming in the aluminium housing. According to goingelectric.de data, up to 300 documented cases in Germany by 2025.
Symptoms: Sudden failure of all 12V systems, gradual power loss, vehicle comes to a standstill, no hazard flashers. - !! 12V battery drains quickly from control unit standby from 30,000 km
Multiple EV6 owners report a quickly drained 12V battery after a short standstill. Control units and always-on functions draw continuous current; the 12V battery is sized smaller than in combustion vehicles.
Symptoms: EV6 won't start after a short standstill, 12V battery warning displayed, central infotainment unresponsive
+ 3 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Recall: missing seat mounting bolts Kia recalled EV9 models worldwide because mounting bolts for the second and third row seats were omitted during production. Approx. 1,100 vehicles affected in Germany (production 07/01/2023–12/11/2024). Seats could come loose in a collision. Symptoms: No visible symptoms during normal driving. Issue only detectable during targeted inspection or through recall notification. | Low | |
| Recall: software fault in electronic brake control (RSPA) Kia recalled approx. 2,554 EV9 vehicles in Germany (production 10/03/2023–15/10/2024). A software fault in the IEB system can cause insufficient brake pressure during repeated stops below 3 km/h when using the Remote Smart Parking Assistant. Symptoms: Only relevant when using the remote parking function (RSPA). Vehicle may not brake fully at very slow speeds. No symptom in normal operation. | Low | |
| Recall SC337: rear gear drive unit (motor shaft) On AWD models the rear gear drive unit's motor shaft was improperly welded at the supplier. This can impair power transfer to the wheel and reduce acceleration and drive power. Only dual-motor all-wheel-drive versions are affected. Symptoms: Abnormal driveline noise, Check AWD/4WD warning message, reduced acceleration. from 10,000 km | Low |
Top Reported Issues
Known Problems and Issues +
A total of 22 weaknesses have been documented for the Kia EV9 MV (2023–2024) — 11 engine-related and 11 vehicle-related. One problem engine: KIA-EV-77-RWD (Elektro 77.4 kWh RWD). Typical issues affect Other, Electronics, HVAC, Suspension.
EV9 (KIA-EV-77-RWD, 2023–2024) — Stay Away!: Recall: ICCU failure leads to loss of drive (EV6), ICCU failure: 12V onboard battery drains while driving, 12V battery drains quickly from control unit standby. Power: 215 PS.
EV9 (KIA-EV9-99-AWD, 2023–2024) — Be Careful: ICCU failure, loss of drive power (recall), Rear gear-drive unit failure, loss of drive (recall), 12V battery drain. Power: 384 PS.
What to watch out for with the Kia EV9? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.
Frequently Asked Questions
What problems and weaknesses does the Kia EV9 MV have? +
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Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee