Kia is recalling over 21,000 EV9 SUVs over a faulty airbag issue

This news is about a vehicle recall, not a home energy upgrade, but here's what's happening if you own one of these SUVs. Kia is recalling more than 21,000 EV9 electric SUVs from model years 2025 and 2026 because of a problem with the airbag system's occupant detection setup, the sensor mat that tells the car whether a child or child seat is in the front passenger seat. A tube connected to that sensor can get pinched after the seat has been adjusted several times, which may stop the airbag from properly deactivating when it should. Kia estimates only about 6% of the recalled vehicles actually have the defect, but all of them fail to meet federal safety standards on paper.

The recall covers EV9s built at Kia's plant in Georgia, including all 2025 models from that plant and some 2026 models. EV9s built in Korea are not affected. A warning sign to watch for is the airbag light coming on or a seatbelt chime sounding even when no one is in the front seat.

Kia will start mailing notification letters to owners on October 20, 2026. Owners can take their vehicle to a Kia dealer for a free inspection and, if needed, replacement of the sensor mat and tube. Questions can go to Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542, referencing recall number SC379, or to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration at 1-888-327-4236 (campaign number 26V545).