Kia recalls over 21,000 EV9 SUVs due to faulty airbag system

What happened

• Kia has issued a recall affecting 21,290 EV9 SUVs for model years 2025 and 2026.
• The issue relates to a faulty airbag system that may fail to detect a child in the front seat.
• This defect is caused by the improper routing of the Occupant Detection System (ODS) mat bladder tube by the supplier, which might get pinched after adjusting the front seat.
• Vehicles with this defect might show an airbag warning light or seatbelt chime even when no one is in the front seat.

Why it matters for me

These vehicles were produced at Kia’s manufacturing plant in Georgia. Although Kia estimates only 6% of the affected EV9s have the defect, they still fail to meet Federal Vehicle Safety requirements.

What to remember

• Owner notification letters will be sent starting on October 20, 2026.
• Owners can take their vehicle to a Kia dealer for inspection and replacement of the ODS mat and bladder tube, which is free of charge.

Source: Original article

Source: electrek.co