Which has more recalls, the KIA EV9 or the Lincoln Navigator?

The Lincoln Navigator has more recalls (68) 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 KIA EV9 or the Lincoln Navigator?

Adjusted for sales volume, the KIA EV9 has a lower complaint rate at 1.3 per 10,000 vehicles sold versus 6.2 for the Lincoln Navigator. Normalizing by sales gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.

Is the KIA EV9 or Lincoln Navigator safer?

Both the KIA EV9 and Lincoln Navigator 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

KIA EV9 vs Lincoln Navigator: Reliability Compared

KIA EV9

Good

More Reliable

Lincoln Navigator

Good

Choosing between the KIA EV9 and the Lincoln Navigator? 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. The Lincoln Navigator currently leads with an average score of 62/100 compared to 61/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.

How Do the KIA EV9 and Lincoln Navigator Generations Compare?

As of 2026, the Lincoln Navigator is in its fifth generation, which began in 2025. Historically, newer platforms like this can experience first-year issues as manufacturers work out initial production kinks. The previous fourth generation, lasting from 2018 to 2024, saw a significant refresh in 2022, suggesting a mature design that likely had improved reliability over time. In contrast, the KIA EV9 is in its first generation, introduced in 2024. Being early in its lifecycle, the EV9 might still be addressing initial teething problems typical of new models. Buyers should consider that mature platforms, like the Navigator's previous generation, often offer more reliability due to refinements accumulated over their production run.

Verdict

The Lincoln Navigator is more reliable than the KIA EV9, scoring 62/100 vs 61/100.

The Lincoln Navigator and KIA EV9 both show similar average reliability scores, with the Navigator at 62/100 and the EV9 slightly lower at 61/100. However, the Navigator has a higher recall frequency over its nine-year span, with 68 recalls compared to the EV9's 8 across two years. The EV9 also boasts a significantly lower owner complaint rate at 1.3 per 10,000 sold, compared to the Navigator's 6.2. While repair costs for the EV9 are not provided, the Navigator's estimated annual repair cost of $1089 suggests potential higher maintenance expenses, making the EV9 a more reliable choice overall.

Key Differences

1KIA EV9 has 58 fewer total recalls
2KIA EV9 has 4.9 fewer complaints per 10k sold
3Lincoln Navigator scores 1 points higher in reliability

Category Scoreboard

2KIA EV9

—

1Lincoln Navigator

Reliability ScoreTotal RecallsComplaint RateSafety Rating

KIA EV9 vs Lincoln Navigator: Which Is More Reliable?

KIA EV9 vs Lincoln Navigator at-a-glance reliability comparison
Metric	KIA EV9	Lincoln Navigator
Reliability Score	61/100	62/100
Years Tracked	2	9
Total Recalls	10	68
Complaints per 10k Sold	1.3	6.2
Safety RatingNHTSA overall	2025 NHTSA	2026 NHTSA
Frontal
Side
Rollover
Year Wins	0	2

What Are the Common Problems With the KIA EV9 and Lincoln Navigator?

The Lincoln Navigator and KIA EV9 present distinct problem profiles, with the Navigator showing a higher concentration of issues related to the power train, totaling 45 complaints, while the KIA EV9 is predominantly affected by electrical system concerns, accounting for 96 complaints. Both vehicles have electrical system complaints linked to crashes, with the Navigator having two such incidents. However, the Navigator also faces a diverse array of issues, including engine and seat belt problems, with the latter having one crash-linked complaint, whereas the EV9's additional concerns are more evenly distributed across suspension, steering, and vehicle speed control categories. Overall, the Navigator's issues are more varied, but the severity and frequency of electrical system complaints in the EV9 indicate a significant reliability challenge in this area.

KIA EV9 vs Lincoln Navigator common problem areas comparison
Component	KIA EV9	Lincoln Navigator
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	0.6Very Low	0.9Very Low
POWER TRAIN	0.1Very Low	1.4Low
UNKNOWN OR OTHER	0.1Very Low	0.5Very Low
ENGINE	—None	0.6Very Low
STEERING	0.1Very Low	0.3Very Low
SEAT BELTS	—None	0.4Very Low
SUSPENSION	0.1Very Low	0.2Very Low
BACK OVER PREVENTION	—None	0.2Very Low
VISIBILITY/WIPER	—None	0.1Very Low
VISIBILITY	—None	0.1Very Low
AIR BAGS	—None	0.1Very Low
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL	—None	—None
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM	—None	—None
SEATS	—None	—None
WHEELS	—None	—None
SERVICE BRAKES	—None	—None
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE	—None	—None

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

Which Is Cheaper to Maintain: KIA EV9 or Lincoln Navigator?

Independent repair cost data suggests that maintaining a Lincoln Navigator costs approximately $1,089 annually, with an average of 0.4 repair visits per year and an 18% risk of major repairs. In practical terms, this means a Navigator owner might spend around $5,445 over five years, with a notable chance of facing significant repairs. While specific data for the KIA EV9 isn't available, electric vehicles often have lower maintenance costs due to fewer moving parts. For cost-conscious buyers, the EV9 might offer a more economical option over time. However, without precise figures, the Navigator's predictable costs and repair frequency provide a clearer financial picture.

How Does KIA EV9 vs Lincoln Navigator Reliability Compare by Year?

KIA EV9 vs Lincoln Navigator year-by-year reliability scores
Year	KIA EV9	Lincoln Navigator	Edge
2025	62/1003R / 19C	64/1006R / 7C	Lincoln Navigator
2024	60/1007R / 205C	64/1007R / 14C	Lincoln Navigator

Best years to cross-shop: The 2025 KIA EV9 scored 62/100 and the 2025 Lincoln Navigator scored 64/100 — these represent the strongest model years in our tracking range.

Who Should Buy the KIA EV9 vs the Lincoln Navigator?

If you prioritize a vehicle with a lower risk of recalls and fewer owner complaints, the KIA EV9 could be the better choice for you. With only 8 recalls and 1.3 complaints per 10,000 sold, it offers a more reassuring ownership experience, particularly if you're concerned about post-purchase issues. While specific repair costs and frequencies aren't available, the EV9's lower complaint rate suggests fewer immediate concerns. On the other hand, if you value detailed cost predictions and are willing to manage a higher number of recalls, the Lincoln Navigator might suit you better. Despite having a slightly higher reliability score of 62/100, the Navigator comes with higher repair costs at $1,089 annually and a 0.4/year repair frequency. However, this model provides more information on potential expenses, which can be helpful for budgeting. Choose the Navigator if you prefer a more informed financial commitment despite possible higher maintenance demands.

KIA EV9 vs Lincoln Navigator: Common Questions

Is the KIA EV9 more reliable than the Lincoln Navigator?: Based on our data, the Lincoln Navigator is more reliable with an average score of 62/100 compared to 61/100. The difference is modest, so both are reasonable choices.
Which has more recalls, the KIA EV9 or the Lincoln Navigator?: The Lincoln Navigator has more recalls (68) 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 KIA EV9 or the Lincoln Navigator?: Adjusted for sales volume, the KIA EV9 has a lower complaint rate at 1.3 per 10,000 vehicles sold versus 6.2 for the Lincoln Navigator. Normalizing by sales gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.
Is the KIA EV9 or Lincoln Navigator safer?: Both the KIA EV9 and Lincoln Navigator 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 KIA EV9 comparisons

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More Lincoln Navigator comparisons

Lincoln Navigator vs Cadillac Escalade reliability Lincoln Navigator vs Toyota Sequoia reliability Lincoln Navigator vs GMC Yukon reliability Lincoln Navigator vs Nissan Armada reliability Lincoln Navigator reliability by year Lincoln Navigator years to avoid

Decided between KIA EV9 and Lincoln Navigator? 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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