Kia EV9 Three-Row EV Recalled Over Faulty Airbag System That Could Endanger Children

Kia is recalling 21,290 units of its three-row EV9 electric crossover over a critical airbag safety flaw that could put children at risk. The issue stems from the vehicle’s occupant detection system, which may fail to disable the front passenger airbag when a child or child seat is present. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the problem occurs because the mat bladder tube in the occupant detection system can become pinched when the front passenger seat is adjusted to its highest position. This improper routing—caused by a supplier error—prevents the system from correctly detecting a child in the seat, leading to a potential airbag deployment that violates federal safety standards. The recall covers 2025 and 2026 model-year EV9s, with an estimated 6% of the affected vehicles—roughly 1,277 units—likely impacted. Owners may notice warning signs such as an illuminated airbag warning light or an unexpected front passenger seatbelt reminder, even when no passenger is present. Kia will begin notifying owners via mail in mid-October, instructing them to take their vehicles to an authorized dealership for inspection. If a fault is found, technicians will replace the occupant detection system’s mat and bladder tube with a properly routed unit and also swap out the seat cover assembly to ensure full compliance with safety regulations. The recall highlights ongoing quality-control challenges in the rapidly expanding EV segment, where even minor supplier oversights can have serious safety implications.