Kia has issued a recall affecting 21,290 of its EV9 SUVs due to a potential defect in the occupant detection system that could prevent the airbag from properly deploying in certain situations involving a child in the front seat.
The recall, announced last week, impacts 2025 and 2026 model year EV9s. According to a letter submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the issue stems from improper routing of the Occupant Detection System (ODS) mat bladder tube by the supplier. This tube may become pinched when the front seat is adjusted, potentially causing the system to fail to deactivate the airbag when a child or child seat is present.
Kia estimates that approximately 6% of the recalled vehicles have the defect, but the vehicles do not meet Federal Vehicle Safety requirements. Affected vehicles may display an airbag warning light or a seatbelt chime even when the front seat is unoccupied. The recalled EV9s were manufactured at Kia’s plant in Georgia; 2025 models built in Korea are not affected.
Owner notification letters will be mailed beginning October 20, 2026. Kia dealers will inspect and replace the ODS mat and bladder tube, if necessary, free of charge. Owners with questions can contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. The recall number is SC379. Additional information is available from the NHTSA hotline at 1-888-327-4236 or at NHTSA.gov; the NHTSA campaign number is 26V545.
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