Kia: Occupant Detection System May Fail To Suppress Air Bag (air Bags)

Kia is recalling certain 2025-2026 EV9 vehicles because the Occupant Detection System may not properly turn off the front passenger air bag when a child or child seat is present, increasing injury risk in a crash. Dealers will inspect and replace the affected air bag sensor component at no cost to owners. Kia will begin mailing owner notification letters on October 20, 2026.

Recalling firm

Kia America, Inc.

Product

Component: AIR BAGS. 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."

Reason

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.

Classification

Class I

Category

vehicle recall

Country

United States

Agency

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

Recall date

2026-08-21

Status

Ongoing

Distribution

Nationwide

Official recall notice from National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

Recall details on Nibble Recalls: https://trynibble.app/recalls/39fd21cb-5cde-4d40-a9cc-d58e65d6d4bf