Kia recalls over 21,000 EV9 SUVs due to child-safety airbag flaw
Kia is recalling 21,290 EV9 electric SUVs from the 2025-26 model years because a sensor may fail to turn off the front passenger airbag when a child is present, raising injury risk.
Kia announced a recall of 21,290 EV9 electric SUVs built for the 2025 and 2026 model years after NHTSA documents revealed a defect in the Occupant Detection System. The malfunction may prevent the front passenger airbag from being disabled when a child or child-restraint device occupies the seat, increasing the chance of injury in a crash. Owners may see an airbag warning light or a seat-belt reminder chime even if the seat is empty.
Kia urges drivers not to install child seats in the front and to keep children 13 years or younger in the rear seats. Authorized dealers will inspect the vehicles and replace the ODS mat and bladder tube, ensuring proper routing, free of charge. Notification letters are expected to begin mailing on Oct. 20, and the affected VINs will be searchable on NHTSA’s website from Sept. 4. The action follows a July recall of over 460,000 Telluride SUVs for a separate fire-risk issue.
Why it matters
Faulty airbag sensors can endanger children, and the recall affects thousands of new electric SUVs.
In this story
