Is the Ford Expedition more reliable than the KIA EV9?

They're very close — both average 61/100 in our reliability scoring. Other factors like repair costs and specific year models may tip the decision.

Which has more recalls, the Ford Expedition or the KIA EV9?

The Ford Expedition has more recalls (84) compared to the KIA EV9 (10). More recalls don't always mean worse reliability — some are minor — but it's worth reviewing what each recall covers.

Which has fewer owner complaints, the Ford Expedition or the KIA EV9?

Adjusted for sales volume, the KIA EV9 has a lower complaint rate at 1.3 per 10,000 vehicles sold versus 27.5 for the Ford Expedition. Normalizing by sales gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.

Is the Ford Expedition or KIA EV9 safer?

Both the Ford Expedition and KIA EV9 received the same NHTSA overall safety rating of 5/5 stars. Check the frontal, side, and rollover sub-ratings above for a more detailed comparison.

Last updated: 2026-08-24

Ford Expedition vs KIA EV9: Reliability Compared

Ford Expedition

Good

KIA EV9

Good

Choosing between the Ford Expedition and the KIA EV9? This page compares their reliability scores, NHTSA recall history, owner-reported complaints, and estimated annual repair costs so you can make a confident long-term ownership decision between these two full-size suvs.

Our reliability scores are based on NHTSA recall and complaint data, independent repair cost estimates, and sales-normalized complaint rates. Both models currently share an average reliability score of 61/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.

How Do the Ford Expedition and KIA EV9 Generations Compare?

As of 2026, the Ford Expedition is in its fifth generation (U717), introduced in 2025. Historically, Ford's full-size SUV has undergone significant updates, with the most recent redesign just a year ago. Newer platforms like the Expedition's current generation can sometimes face typical first-year reliability issues as manufacturers work out initial production kinks. In contrast, the KIA EV9 is in its first generation (MV1), launched in 2024. Being early in its lifecycle, the EV9 may also encounter initial teething problems typical of new electric vehicle platforms. Buyers prioritizing reliability might consider that mature platforms, like the Expedition’s previous generations, tend to have well-sorted reliability records.

Verdict

The Ford Expedition and KIA EV9 are evenly matched with a reliability score of 61/100.

Both the Ford Expedition and the KIA EV9 have an identical average reliability score of 61 out of 100, but they differ significantly in other reliability metrics. The Ford Expedition has a higher owner complaint rate of 27.5 per 10,000 sold and has experienced 84 recalls over nine years, indicating a more troubled reliability history. In contrast, the KIA EV9 has a notably lower complaint rate of 1.3 per 10,000 sold and only 8 recalls in its two-year history, suggesting superior reliability. While independent repair cost estimates are unavailable for the EV9, the Ford Expedition's estimated annual repair cost is $861, further highlighting its higher maintenance burden.

Key Differences

1KIA EV9 has 74 fewer total recalls
2KIA EV9 has 26.2 fewer complaints per 10k sold

Category Scoreboard

0Ford Expedition

—

2KIA EV9

Reliability ScoreTotal RecallsComplaint RateSafety Rating

Ford Expedition vs KIA EV9: Which Is More Reliable?

Ford Expedition vs KIA EV9 at-a-glance reliability comparison
Metric	Ford Expedition	KIA EV9
Reliability Score	61/100	61/100
Years Tracked	9	2
Total Recalls	84	10
Complaints per 10k Sold	27.5	1.3
Safety RatingNHTSA overall	2026 NHTSA	2025 NHTSA
Frontal
Side
Rollover
Year Wins	2	0

What Are the Common Problems With the Ford Expedition and KIA EV9?

The Ford Expedition faces significant issues with its power train and engine, with 679 and 164 complaints respectively, and a notable number of crash-linked incidents, particularly in the power train category. Additionally, the Expedition's service brakes have a high crash-linked complaint rate, with 7 out of 35 complaints indicating accidents. In contrast, the KIA EV9 experiences the majority of its complaints in the electrical system, which accounts for 96 of the 217 total complaints, but lacks any crash-linked incidents in this category. While both vehicles have issues across various components, the Ford Expedition's problems are more severe and safety-related, particularly in areas impacting vehicle operation such as the power train and brakes.

Ford Expedition vs KIA EV9 common problem areas comparison
Component	Ford Expedition	KIA EV9
POWER TRAIN	11.2Above Avg	0.1Very Low
ENGINE	2.7Low	—None
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	1.9Low	0.6Very Low
UNKNOWN OR OTHER	2.3Low	0.1Very Low
SEAT BELTS	1.2Low	—None
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING	1Very Low	—None
STRUCTURE	0.7Very Low	—None
SERVICE BRAKES	0.6Very Low	—None
AIR BAGS	0.5Very Low	—None
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL	0.5Very Low	—None
SUSPENSION	0.4Very Low	0.1Very Low
EXTERIOR LIGHTING	0.4Very Low	—None
STEERING	0.3Very Low	0.1Very Low
VISIBILITY	0.3Very Low	—None
SEATS	0.1Very Low	—None
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE	0.1Very Low	—None
FUEL SYSTEM	0.1Very Low	—None
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM	0.1Very Low	—None
VISIBILITY/WIPER	—None	—None
WHEELS	—None	—None

Complaints per 10,000 units sold, aggregated across all tracked model years from NHTSA owner reports.

Which Is Cheaper to Maintain: Ford Expedition or KIA EV9?

The Ford Expedition incurs an annual repair cost of $861, with an expected repair frequency of 0.2 visits per year and a 15% risk of major repairs. This translates to approximately one repair visit every five years, with a notable risk of needing significant repairs. In contrast, data for the KIA EV9's repair costs and frequency are not yet available, but electric vehicles generally have lower maintenance needs due to fewer moving parts. For cost-conscious buyers, the Ford Expedition offers a clear picture of expected expenses, whereas the KIA EV9's potential savings hinge on typical EV advantages. Over five years, the Expedition's known costs may appeal to those prioritizing predictability, though the EV9 might offer long-term savings if it follows typical EV trends.

How Does Ford Expedition vs KIA EV9 Reliability Compare by Year?

Ford Expedition vs KIA EV9 year-by-year reliability scores
Year	Ford Expedition	KIA EV9	Edge
2025	71/1005R / 27C	62/1003R / 19C	Ford Expedition
2024	68/1007R / 68C	60/1007R / 205C	Ford Expedition

Best years to cross-shop: The 2025 Ford Expedition scored 71/100 and the 2025 KIA EV9 scored 62/100 — these represent the strongest model years in our tracking range.

Who Should Buy the Ford Expedition vs the KIA EV9?

If you prioritize low running costs and fewer headaches with recalls, the KIA EV9 may be the better choice for you. With only 8 recalls and a minimal owner complaint rate of 1.3 per 10,000 sold, the EV9 presents a more reassuring profile in terms of reliability issues. While specific repair cost data isn't available, the lack of major repair frequency and risk statistics suggests it could be less troublesome over time. On the other hand, if you're seeking a more traditional vehicle with established repair cost estimates, consider the Ford Expedition. Despite its higher number of recalls (84) and owner complaints (27.5 per 10,000 sold), it comes with an estimated annual repair cost of $861 and a known repair frequency of 0.2 per year. However, be prepared for the potential of dealing with major repairs, as there's a 15% risk involved. Choose the Expedition if you value having more data on maintenance costs and risk.

Ford Expedition vs KIA EV9: Common Questions

Is the Ford Expedition more reliable than the KIA EV9?: They're very close — both average 61/100 in our reliability scoring. Other factors like repair costs and specific year models may tip the decision.
Which has more recalls, the Ford Expedition or the KIA EV9?: The Ford Expedition has more recalls (84) compared to the KIA EV9 (10). More recalls don't always mean worse reliability — some are minor — but it's worth reviewing what each recall covers.
Which has fewer owner complaints, the Ford Expedition or the KIA EV9?: Adjusted for sales volume, the KIA EV9 has a lower complaint rate at 1.3 per 10,000 vehicles sold versus 27.5 for the Ford Expedition. Normalizing by sales gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.
Is the Ford Expedition or KIA EV9 safer?: Both the Ford Expedition and KIA EV9 received the same NHTSA overall safety rating of 5/5 stars. Check the frontal, side, and rollover sub-ratings above for a more detailed comparison.

More Ford Expedition comparisons

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More KIA EV9 comparisons

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Decided between Ford Expedition and KIA EV9? Run a VIN check before you buy — uncover hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls.

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How We Calculate Reliability Scores

Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.

Key Ranking Factors

Complaint Severity

NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

Recall Impact

Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.

Issue Diversity

Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.

Scores are grouped into four tiers:

80–100: Excellent— Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
60–79: Good— Reliable with some minor concerns
40–59: Mixed— Notable issues, research before buying
0–39: Risky— Significant problems, proceed with caution

Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases via vehicles.dev. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.

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