Head-to-head reliability
KIA EV9 vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the KIA EV9 and Chevrolet Silverado compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records
KIA EV9 vs Chevrolet Silverado: The EV9 averages 80 complaints per year, mostly electrical and battery issues, while the Silverado averages 510, with engine and brake failures. The Silverado has 100 recalls and 1 death; the EV9 has 13 recalls and no deaths. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the KIA EV9 or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
KIA EV9
The KIA EV9 is a relatively new electric SUV with a short ownership history, but its complaint pattern already reveals a concentration of electrical and software-related issues. Owners report problems with the battery management system, instrument cluster blackouts, and multimedia display failures, which can affect both convenience and safety. Suspension complaints about tire wear and swaying also appear, suggesting potential alignment or component issues. While the number of complaints per year is lower than the Silverado's, the nature of these issues—especially those involving loss of display or motor control—could be concerning for a first-time EV buyer.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a long-running pickup with a high volume of complaints, averaging over 500 per year, reflecting its widespread use and years of production. The dominant issues are engine and powertrain problems, including severe failures like loss of motive power and transmission issues, as well as electrical problems that can affect braking and steering. Service brake complaints are also notable, with reports of sudden loss of braking effectiveness. These patterns suggest that while the Silverado is a popular workhorse, it has had significant reliability and safety concerns over its model years.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | KIA EV9 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 241 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 13 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 3 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 80.3 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 5 Better | 104 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 1 |
Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records.
What actually goes wrong
The problems owners report
The most-complained-about systems on each vehicle — what fails, and what owners say in their own words.
KIA EV9
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM116
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER44
- 03FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE25
- 04SUSPENSION22
- 05LANE DEPARTURE20
Owners report intermittent total loss of the instrument cluster while driving, which can obscure critical information like speed and warning lights. Battery management system issues, including cell imbalance and state-of-charge mismatch, have also been flagged as safety concerns.
The multimedia display (head unit) frequently goes dark after a few minutes of driving, requiring a full vehicle reset. Some owners also experience sudden jerking and a 'Motor Control System' warning, indicating a motor control unit fault that can affect drivability.
Dashboard blackouts can cause the entire control panel, including safety features like forward collision avoidance, to become non-functional or obstructed. Additionally, some owners receive 'check EV system' warnings that require dealer intervention, but service appointments are hard to get.
Several owners report destroying complete tire sets within months despite professional alignments, with a dealer admitting seeing multiple EV9s under 18,000 miles with similar issues. Others experience heavy side-to-side swaying at 20-40 mph on rough roads, taking 1-2 seconds to stabilize.
“I would also like to highlight the serious safety concern due to cell deviation (imbalance) along with SOC (State of Charge) mismatch as per my car's BMS (Battery management system) which is present in my vehicle and shared with Kia corporate. In an electric…”
“Component: Electrical System / Instrument Panel Speed at time of failure: [Insert typical speed, e.g., 65 mph] Description of Incident: My vehicle is suffering from an intermittent but total loss of the instrument cluster functionality while in motion. The di…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Owners report severe engine failures, such as a 6.2L motor failing within 2,500 miles of purchase, leaving families stranded far from home. Diesel models have repeated Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) excessive soot accumulation events, requiring dealer service multiple times.
Transmission issues are common, including sudden shifts into neutral while driving uphill, which can be dangerous. The same engine failures often lead to loss of motive power, compounding the risk.
Electrical problems can cause sudden loss of braking effectiveness, with the brake pedal firm but the vehicle not stopping normally. In some cases, at highway speeds, the engine makes a loud pinging sound, and the vehicle loses motive power, brakes, and steering simultaneously.
There are multiple reports of sudden, severe loss of normal braking, often occurring shortly after starting a trip. This is a critical safety issue that has led to crashes and injuries.
“I purchased the 2026 Chevrolet Silverado with a 6.2L motor "new" from the dealer with 5700 miles on XXX. Roughly a month and 2500 miles later, my family and I were in the vehicle, 750 miles from home, returning from a vacation to [XXX] from the [XXX]/[XXX] ar…”
“My 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 with the 6.6L Duramax diesel has experienced three separate P2463 Diesel Particulate Filter excessive soot accumulation events at approximately 4,300, 5,500, and 10,280 miles. Each event required a Chevrolet dealer to perform…”
Official recalls
Safety recalls on record
Federal recall campaigns — the defect, the risk, and the fix. Confirm any open recall was completed before you buy.
KIA EV9 — 13 recalls
The defect: Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2024-2025 EV9 vehicles. Due to a software error, the instrument panel screen may fail. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 101, "Controls and Displays."
The risk: An instrument panel screen that fails to display critical safety information, such as the speedometer or warning lights, can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: The instrument cluster software will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 25, 2024. Owners may contact Kia Customer Service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's…
The defect: Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2024-2025 EV9 vehicles. The second- and third-row seat mounting bolts may be missing.
The risk: Seats without mounting bolts may not properly restrain an occupant, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and install mounting bolts as necessary free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 24, 2025. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC329.
The defect: Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2025 EV9 vehicles. The rear gear drive unit (GDU) motor shaft may have been improperly welded and become damaged, causing a loss of drive power.
The risk: A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the rear GDU, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 7, 2025. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC337.
The defect: Kia America, Inc (Kia) is recalling certain 2025-2026 EV9 vehicles. Due to improper routing, the Occupant Detection System (ODS) may not deactivate the air bag when a child or child seat is in the front passenger seat. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Ve…
The risk: A child in the front seat may be at a greater risk of injury if the air bag deploys during a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the ODS mat and bladder tube with a new one and ensure proper routing as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters will be mailed beginning October 20, 2026. Owners may contact Kia Customer Serv…
Chevrolet Silverado — 100 recalls
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 3500, GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500 vehicles equipped with power-unlatching tailgates. The tailgate's electronic gate-release switch may short circuit due to water intrusion, which can result in the tailgate inadvertently…
The risk: An unlatched tailgate may open while driving and result in a loss of unsecured cargo, creating a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Owners are advised to check that the tailgate is closed and latched before driving. Dealers will replace the exterior touchpad switch assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 17, 2024. Owners may contact Chevr…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 3500, and GMC Sierra 2500, 3500 vehicles. The steering gear shaft may fracture and disconnect from the steering arm.
The risk: A steering arm that disconnects may result in a total loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the steering gear, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 22, 2023. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-800-4…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2024 Chevrolet Silverado HD 2500, 3500, and GMC Sierra HD 2500, 3500 vehicles equipped with power-unlatching tailgates. The tailgate's electronic gate-release switch may short circuit due to water intrusion, which can result in the tailgate inadvertentl…
The risk: An unlatched tailgate may open and result in a loss of unsecured cargo, creating a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Owners are advised to check that the tailgate is closed and latched before driving. Dealers will replace the exterior touchpad switch assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 17, 2024. Owners may contact…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023-2024 GMC Hummer EV pick up, 2024 GMC Hummer EV SUV, and 2024 Chevrolet Silverado EV vehicles. The left or right front seat belt buckle attachment bolts may not be tightened properly.
The risk: An improperly tightened seat belt buckle may not restrain an occupant as intended, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
The fix: Dealers will tighten the left and right front seat belt buckle attachment bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 21, 2023. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-833-EVCHEVY (1-833-382-4389) (TTY 711 /…
Buyer analysis
KIA EV9 or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The KIA EV9 has significantly fewer complaints per year (80.3) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (510.5), indicating a lower rate of reported issues. However, the EV9's problems are concentrated in electrical and software systems, which can be just as concerning for safety and reliability. In practice, the Silverado's higher volume of complaints, especially involving engine and brake failures, suggests a greater likelihood of encountering a serious defect.
Key differences
- The EV9 has far fewer complaints per year (80 vs 510), but its issues are dominated by electrical system failures like instrument cluster blackouts and battery management problems.
- The Silverado's top problems are engine and powertrain failures, including complete loss of motive power, which can be more immediately dangerous than the EV9's display issues.
- The EV9 has suspension-related tire wear and swaying, while the Silverado has service brake failures that can lead to crashes.
- The Silverado has a much longer history (10 years vs 3) and more recalls (100 vs 13), but the EV9's recalls include critical fasteners and air bag sensors.
- Check for any history of instrument cluster or multimedia display blackouts, and ensure all software updates are current.
- Inspect the tires for uneven wear and ask about alignment history, as multiple owners have reported premature tire destruction.
- Look for any engine or transmission warning lights, and request service records for DPF or engine repairs.
- Test the brakes thoroughly, especially for any signs of sudden loss of braking power, and check for recalls related to brake fluid warning sensors.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full NHTSA recall check for the specific VIN of both vehicles and confirm all recalls have been addressed.
- For the EV9, ask the seller for any service records related to battery management system updates or motor control unit faults.
- For the Silverado, ask about any engine or transmission replacements, and get a pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic.
- Test drive both vehicles on rough roads to feel for any suspension sway or unusual noises.
- Check the NHTSA complaint database for the exact model year you're considering to see if issues have been resolved in later years.
Year by year
Which model years to avoid
Complaints per model year for both vehicles — lower is better. The spikes are the years to scrutinize.
| Year | KIA EV9 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 22 | 98 |
| 2025 | 12 | 150 |
| 2024 | 207 | 0 |
Check the actual car
Comparing models is smart. Checking the VIN is essential.
Brand averages tell you the trend. A VIN check tells you what's wrong with the specific KIA EV9 or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- KIA EV9 vs Chevrolet Silverado
- KIA EV9 total complaints
- 241
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- KIA EV9 total recalls
- 13
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- KIA EV9 avg complaints/year
- 80.3
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- KIA EV9
- KIA EV9 top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE