Kia EV9 2025–2026 Recall: Airbag Sensor Fault, Affected VINs and Repair

© A. Krivonosov

Kia is recalling 21,290 model year 2025–2026 EV9 electric SUVs in the United States. A misrouted occupant detection system (ODS) tube may keep the front passenger airbag from deactivating when a child is riding in a child seat.

All 21,290 Kia EV9 crossovers are covered by the campaign, even though Kia itself estimates that only 6% of the vehicles actually have the defect — about 1,277 units. Still, the entire declared population of 2025–2026 EV9s has to be inspected. The campaign carries NHTSA number 26V545 and Kia's internal designation SC379.

The cause sits under the front passenger seat. Because the occupant detection system (ODS) tube is misrouted, it can get pinched when the seat is raised to its highest position. Repeated height and tilt adjustments can damage it further. When that happens, the electronics may fail to deactivate the front passenger airbag if a child is riding in a child restraint system, raising the risk of injury in a crash.

The recall covers EV9s built at the Kia Georgia plant between May 17, 2024, and May 13, 2026. Korean-built 2025 model year Kia EV9 units are not included in the campaign. Since May 14, 2026, production has used a correctly routed ODS tube.

Dealers will inspect the system free of charge and, if needed, replace the ODS mat along with the tube and the passenger seat trim. Kia is also separately reminding owners not to install a child seat in the front passenger position and to keep children under 13 in the rear seats. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed October 20, and VIN lookup in the NHTSA database is expected to open September 4.