Is My Kia EV9 a Lemon?

Kia describes the EV9 as a “fast-charging, long-range, all-electric” mid-size crossover sport utility vehicle. The vehicle received the World Electric Vehicle award at the 2024 World Car Awards.

Kia first displayed the EV9 in March 2023. The EV9 is the second member of Kia’s “EV” electric model vehicle range, following the EV6. It was also Kia’s first vehicle to feature the Connected Car Navigation Cockpit (CCNC), offering a new display design with touchscreen controls throughout the displays. 

Six separate recalls have been issued for both the rear-wheel and all-wheel 2024 model year Kia EV9s, and the 2025 model year Kia EV9 has also been recalled. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has received hundreds of complaints about the 2024 vehicles and several complaints about the 2025 vehicles. 

Kia has issued recalls for many other models. If you suspect your Kia EV9 is a lemon, talk to an experienced California lemon law attorney as soon as possible. The dedicated lemon law attorneys at Wirtz Law APC can assist you. Let’s discuss your case and get started on filing a lemon law claim on your behalf. Fill out our online form.

5 Common Kia EV9 Problems Owners May Currently Face

Kia EV9 drivers often praise the vehicle’s digital side cameras in place of mirrors, parking assist, and movable rear seats. Its combination of passenger comfort and cargo space has made the vehicle a popular choice for those seeking an electric vehicle that is also practical.

The Kia EV9 comes in both rear-wheel drive (RWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) versions. Both versions have been the subject of multiple recalls for the 2024 and 2025 model year EV9. 

1. Missing Seat Mount Bolts

The 2024 EV9 was recalled in December 2024 for missing seat mount bolts in some vehicles. Seats without their mounting bolts might fail in a crash, causing serious injury to anyone seated in them. 

The recall for missing seat mount bolts also applies to the 2025 Kia EV9.

2. Remote Smart Parking Assist Failure

The Kia EV9’s parking assist feature is intended to help drivers park their vehicles safely. Yet the 2024 Kia EV9 was recalled in September 2024 due to failures in the smart parking assist system. These failures could cause the vehicle’s software to miscalculate stopping distances, increasing the risk of a crash. 

3. Inadequate Headliner Impact Protection

In June 2024, Kia recalled over 2,400 EV9 vehicles. The vehicles failed to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 201, which requires minimum occupant protection from injuries. 

The EV9’s headliner failed to offer adequate injury protection. In a crash, occupants might hit their heads on the liner. Without adequate crash protection, serious injuries or death could result. 

4. Loose Differential Bolts

In April 2024, Kia announced a recall of several 2024 model year Kia EV9 vehicles. The vehicles had bolts in the differential gear drive unit that had not been properly tightened. Loose bolts could cause the differential to lock up, leading to a loss of drive power. A sudden decrease or failure in drive power can prevent a driver from handling the vehicle safely to avoid a crash. 

5. Damaged Gear Drive Units

In February 2025, Kia issued a recall for several 2025 EV9 vehicles. Issues with the welding in the rear gear drive unit motor shaft can cause damage, triggering a loss of drive power. Reduced drive power can cause a crash or prevent a driver from stopping in time to avoid a collision. 

How Does California’s Lemon Law Protect Me If My Kia EV9 Is a Lemon?

California’s lemon law offers consumer protections when a vehicle bought or leased “at retail” has significant defects. To qualify for lemon law protection, a vehicle owner must experience substantial impairments in the use, value, or safety of their vehicle. 

Also, the automaker must fail to repair the vehicle after at least two attempts.

If your vehicle is a lemon, the automaker must buy back your vehicle or offer a “substantially similar’ replacement. The automaker may also be responsible for costs associated with your lemon vehicle, like towing costs and attorney’s fees. 

Contact Wirtz Law Today To Discuss The CA Lemon Law Claim Process

If your vehicle has significant problems and you’re getting nowhere with the dealership, talk to the team at Wirtz Law APC. We understand how important it is to have a reliable car that gets you from point A to point B, but often you purchase a car for more than that.  When those other factors are substantially impaired, you may have a lemon. Whether you need a family car, a ride to and from work, or just a second car to have on hand, we know it is no cheap purchase. When a new or certified pre-owned car is purchased, it’s reasonable to assume it is safe and comes with no problems. However, this is not always the case; manufacturer recalls happen often for various reasons. 

When a car has too many issues and becomes too costly to maintain for the same problems, it’s time to consider the lemon law claim process. We have helped individuals and families for years across California. If you purchased your car in Southern, Northern, or Central California, we can help you. We travel across the state for our clients because we understand the laws of California and also how each county differs from the next. 

We have secured over $75 million in settlement funds for our clients. With over 40+ 5-Star Google Reviews, we take pride in ensuring our clients have a safe and reliable vehicle. In California, you need a car to get around cities efficiently and quickly. Don’t let ongoing car problems affect your livelihood. Contact us today to get started on your lemon law claim by calling us at (858) 259-5009.