Head-to-head reliability
KIA EV9 vs Toyota Camry
How the KIA EV9 and Toyota Camry 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 Toyota Camry: The EV9 has 80.3 complaints per year over 3 years, while the Camry has 214.3 per year over 10 years. The EV9's issues center on electrical and battery systems, while the Camry's include powertrain and brake failures. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the KIA EV9 or Toyota Camry 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 complaints concentrated in its first three years. Owners report serious electrical system issues, including battery management problems and instrument cluster failures, as well as suspension and driver-assistance glitches. These issues can affect daily usability and safety, but the vehicle is still early in its lifecycle.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a long-standing sedan with a decade of data, showing a higher total number of complaints but spread over more years. Owners frequently report powertrain, engine, and brake problems, including transmission failures and sudden acceleration incidents. While some issues are severe, the Camry's pattern reflects a mix of age-related wear and specific model-year defects.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | KIA EV9 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 241 Better | 2,143 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 13 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 3 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 80.3 Better | 214.3 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 5 Better | 163 |
| 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 battery cell imbalance and state-of-charge mismatches, leading to 'check EV system' warnings and potential towing. Also, intermittent total loss of the instrument cluster while driving, which can disable critical safety displays.
The multimedia display (head unit) goes dark after a few minutes of driving, requiring a full vehicle reset. Some also experience sudden jerking with a 'Motor Control System' warning, indicating a motor control unit fault.
Dashboard blackouts can make forward collision avoidance and other safety features non-functional or obstructed. Some owners receive 'check ev system' warnings that require dealer visits, but appointments are hard to get.
Premature tire wear is severe, with some owners destroying two sets of tires in four months despite alignments. Others report heavy side-to-side swaying at 20-40 mph on rough roads, taking 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…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Transmission issues are common, including grinding noises on acceleration and the need for full transmission replacement. Some owners note recalls for similar issues on other model years, but parts may be on backorder.
Air conditioning condensers are easily damaged by rocks, leading to AC failure. Recurring HVAC odors (vinegar/mildew) are also reported, making the cabin unpleasant.
Sudden unintended acceleration has been reported, leading to crashes and total loss. Engine maintenance lights may indicate coolant valve bypass issues, but some VINs are not covered by recalls.
Brake failure incidents include no response when pressing the pedal, especially on hills, and difficulty stopping in parking lots. These are critical safety concerns.
“I turned into a restaurant’s parking lot, found a spot and slowly drove into the lot, I eased off the gas pedal and gently applying the brake as the lot has a slight downward slope. When I reach the chunk (the parking block), I added more force to the brake,…”
“Grinding noise coming from front end upon acceleration. Brought to dealership who confirmed noises coming from transmission. Transmission needs to be replaced per dealer recommendation. Recalls on 2021 Toyota Camry for same issue. Transmissions on backorder a…”
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…
Toyota Camry — 31 recalls
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Corolla, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Lexus ES350, Lexus RX350, Lexus RX450H, 2021 Sienna Hybrid, Lexus ES250, 2020-2022 Camry, Camry Hybrid, and ES300H vehicles. A short cir…
The risk: An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the sensor as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed in February 2024. Some final remedy owner letters were mailed October 31, 2024. Letters will continue…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Camry and Camry Hybrid vehicles. The second-row center and right-side seats may have insufficiently welded head restraint brackets. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle…
The risk: A head restraint bracket that is insufficiently welded may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the 60% rear seat-back frame sub-assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 19, 2024. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 24TB0…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023 Camry and Camry Hybrid vehicles. The lug nuts that attach the wheels to the vehicle may be loose, which can result in wheel detachment.
The risk: A wheel that detaches from a moving vehicle can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the repair has been performed. Dealers will inspect and tighten the lug nuts, and replace any damaged components, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Camry and Camry Hybrid vehicles. The second-row center and right-side seats may have insufficiently welded head restraint brackets. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle…
The risk: A head restraint bracket that is insufficiently welded may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the 60% rear seat-back frame sub-assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 19, 2024. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 24TB0…
Buyer analysis
KIA EV9 or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The KIA EV9 has fewer complaints per year (80.3) compared to the Toyota Camry (214.3), but the EV9's issues are concentrated in electrical and safety-critical systems. The Camry's higher rate includes many older vehicles, but its brake and acceleration problems are alarming. In practice, the EV9 may have fewer overall issues, but the Camry's failures are more varied and some are severe.
Key differences
- The EV9's electrical system failures (battery, instrument cluster) are more frequent and can disable safety features, while the Camry's issues span powertrain, engine, and brakes.
- The Camry has a much higher number of crash-related complaints (181) and injuries (163) compared to the EV9 (3 crashes, 5 injuries), but the EV9 has fewer years of data.
- Suspension problems on the EV9 lead to rapid tire wear, while the Camry's transmission and brake issues are more mechanical.
- The Camry's recalls include air bag sensor and seat issues, while the EV9's recalls target instrument cluster and propulsion system.
- Check for any 'check EV system' warnings or battery management issues, and verify the instrument cluster works consistently.
- Inspect tires for uneven wear and test the suspension on rough roads for excessive sway.
- Test the brakes thoroughly, especially on slopes, and listen for grinding noises during acceleration that might indicate transmission problems.
- Check the AC condenser for damage and smell for any mildew odors from the vents.
Before you buy
- For the EV9: ask for service records on battery and electrical system updates, and have a pre-purchase inspection focus on the instrument cluster and suspension.
- For the Camry: check for any open recalls, especially for air bags and seats, and have a mechanic inspect the transmission and brakes.
- Test drive both vehicles on rough roads and at highway speeds to feel for any sway or brake issues.
- Review the vehicle history for any reported accidents or previous complaints.
- Consider an extended warranty for the EV9 to cover electrical repairs, and for the Camry to cover transmission and engine issues.
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 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 22 | 119 |
| 2025 | 12 | 153 |
| 2024 | 207 | 48 |
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 Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- KIA EV9 vs Toyota Camry
- KIA EV9 total complaints
- 241
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- KIA EV9 total recalls
- 13
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- KIA EV9 avg complaints/year
- 80.3
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- KIA EV9
- KIA EV9 top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN