Kia EV9: Front passenger

Date

Aug. 21, 2026

Filed by

Kia America, Inc.

Vehicles

Kia EV9 (2025, 2026)

Component

Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification › Front Passenger

Description of the defect

Kia America, Inc (Kia) is recalling certain 2025-2026 EV9 vehicles. Due to improper routing, the Occupant Detection System (ODS) may not deactivate the air bag when a child or child seat is in the front passenger seat. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Potentially affected

21290

What can happen

A child in the front seat may be at a greater risk of injury if the air bag deploys during a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect and replace the ODS mat and bladder tube with a new one and ensure proper routing as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters will be mailed beginning October 20, 2026. Owners may contact Kia Customer Service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC379. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov on September 4, 2026.

Manufacturer campaign number

SC379

Recall type

V (vehicle)

FMVSS

208

Influenced by

MFR

Manufacturer's component

CUSHION ASSY-FR SEAT, RH · Right Front Seat Cushion Assembly · 88200-XA005***; CUSHION ASSY-FR SEAT, RH · Right Front Seat Cushion Assembly · 88200-XA015***

Recall number

26V545000

What should I do? Car recall: how to check your car and get it fixed

Source: NHTSA · Vehicle record. View the agency notice. The agency notice governs; check it and the company before acting.