Kia is recalling more than 21,000 2025-2026 EV9 electric SUVs over an issue beneath the front passenger seat that could prevent the vehicle from properly suppressing the passenger airbag for a child in a car seat during a crash.
Airbag Suppression Issue Triggers Recall
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued a safety recall report covering the 2025-2026 Kia EV9. The problem involves the ODS mat bladder tube located beneath the front passenger seat cushion.
According to the report, the bladder tube can become pinched when the passenger seat is adjusted to its highest position. Because of improper tube routing, repeated seat adjustments and pinching could eventually damage the tube.
If the tube is damaged, the system may not properly suppress deployment of the front passenger airbag for a child secured in a car seat or Child Restraint System (CRS) during a crash.
The issue also means affected EV9s do not comply with the airbag suppression requirement of FMVSS 208, §19.2.1.
What EV9 Owners May Notice
The recall report identifies two potential signs that an EV9 could have the issue. An airbag warning light may illuminate in the instrument cluster, and the seatbelt chime may sound even when the seatbelt is being used properly.
These symptoms can indicate a problem with the system involved in passenger airbag suppression.
Which Kia EV9s Are Affected?
The recall affects EV9 vehicles built at Kia’s Georgia plant from May 17, 2024, through May 13, 2026. EV9s manufactured at Kia’s South Korea facility are not affected by the recall.
In total, 21,290 vehicles are included in the recall. The NHTSA estimates that approximately 6% of the affected units will actually have the defect.
The recall addresses a relatively small component issue, but the potential impact on passenger airbag suppression prompted the safety action involving the affected Kia EV9 vehicles.
