The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 is under recall over a problem with its second-row power-folding seats, which may fail to detect a person or object in their path and continue moving while folding or stowing. The recall affects 5,360 SUVs, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Second-Row Seats Are at the Center of the Recall
The issue involves the software controlling the Ioniq 9’s second-row power seats. Hyundai says the system may sometimes fail to recognize when the seats encounter a person or object while folding or stowing.
The recall affects Ioniq 9 trims equipped with powered second-row seats, including the Limited, Calligraphy and Calligraphy Design models.
The problem is similar to the earlier rear-seat safety issue involving Hyundai’s third-row seats. That issue led to a stop-sale on the 2026 Palisade after a tragic incident and also affected the Kia Telluride because the two SUVs share the same power-folding seat setup.
More Than 5,000 Ioniq 9 SUVs Recalled
According to the NHTSA recall document, 5,360 units of the 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 are included. The affected SUVs were built between March 17, 2025, and May 4, 2026, at Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America in Georgia.
Hyundai began investigating the issue in March 2026 after its North American Safety Office identified concerning results while comparing power-folding seat performance across different models.
Over the following months, Hyundai worked with an independent engineering firm to conduct biomechanical testing and develop equipment capable of measuring the amount of force generated by the seats.
Hyundai Received Five Complaints
Before deciding to issue the recall, Hyundai had received five complaints, including two alleged reports of minor injuries. The company said there were no crashes or fires associated with the issue.
Some Ioniq 9 owners had also discussed the seat behavior on owner forums. One owner of an Ioniq 9 Calligraphy wrote that the vehicle had experienced two near misses in which the seat almost crushed their children.
Other owners reported that their powered seats continued closing after contacting passengers or objects, while some owners said they had not experienced any problems.
Hyundai Plans a Software Fix
Hyundai is advising owners to exercise extra caution around the second-row power seats until the repair is completed, particularly when children are near the folding area.
Dealers will inspect the seat controller software and install an update that adjusts the anti-pinch logic for the rear power seats. Owners whose Ioniq 9 vehicles are connected to Hyundai Bluelink may also receive the update over the air.
Hyundai has already begun installing the updated software in new builds. The company will begin notifying dealers and owners in November, and the recall repair will be provided at no cost.
Owners who have already paid for a repair may also be eligible for reimbursement through Hyundai’s recall reimbursement program.
