Kia recalls 21,290 EV9 electric SUVs over airbag defect

Kia is recalling 21,290 Kia EV9 electric SUVs from the 2025 and 2026 model years due to a defect in the airbag deployment system. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that a supplier's improper installation of a sensor airbag hose can cause it to become pinched when the front passenger seat is raised to its highest position.

This defect prevents the occupant detection system from correctly identifying the size of a passenger, which may lead to the airbag deploying improperly. Such a failure increases the risk of serious or potentially fatal injuries to children sitting in the front seat. While Kia has reported no known accidents or fatalities related to this issue, the company acknowledged that the affected vehicles do not meet U.S. federal safety standards.

Owners may notice warning lights on the dashboard or hear seatbelt alerts even when the seat is unoccupied. Kia has committed to covering all repair costs and plans to send notifications to affected owners starting October 20, 2026.