Kia America is recalling 21,290 model-year 2025–2026 EV9 electric SUVs because the front passenger Occupant Detection System may not correctly suppress the airbag when a child restraint is on the seat. The federal campaign number is 26V545, and Kia identifies it as campaign SC379.
The recall covers all 2025 and certain 2026 EV9s built at Kia Georgia from May 17, 2024, through May 13, 2026. Kia's filing says Korean-built 2025 EV9s are not included. Model year or assembly location alone cannot confirm an individual vehicle; recall coverage is ultimately VIN-specific.
What the record says
The problem begins with a sensor bladder tube under the front passenger-seat cushion. If the tube was routed incorrectly, raising or tilting the seat can pinch and eventually damage it. The system may then fail to recognize a child restraint and may allow the passenger airbag to deploy in a crash, increasing the risk of injury to a child.
Possible warning signs identified by Kia are an illuminated airbag warning light or a seat-belt reminder sounding for the front passenger position when nobody is sitting there. A vehicle can still be included without showing either warning.
The free remedy is an inspection of the sensor-tube routing. If needed, the dealer will replace the sensor mat and bladder tube, route them correctly, and replace the seat-cover assembly. Kia reported no related crashes, injuries or fatalities in the chronology filed with NHTSA.
What dealers and customers should know
What this means for owners: do not place a child restraint in the front passenger seat, and keep children age 13 and younger in a rear seat. Contact a Kia dealer promptly if either warning appears. Kia plans for affected VINs to become searchable September 4, 2026, and owner letters to be mailed October 20, so check again after that date if an earlier search shows nothing.
What this means for shoppers: before accepting a new or used 2025–2026 EV9, ask the seller to run the VIN and document whether SC379 applies and whether the inspection is complete. Until the VIN data is live, a dealer should not treat a blank public lookup as proof that a U.S.-built EV9 is unaffected.
Why it matters
Keep every child restraint—and every child age 13 or younger—in a rear seat. Watch for an airbag warning light or an unexpected passenger-seat-belt chime, and arrange the free inspection when your VIN becomes eligible under recall SC379.
AI-assisted reporting disclosure
This article was researched and generated with AI-assisted systems using the direct references listed below. Dealership Tech Report applies automated accuracy and risk checks, but recalls, investigations, incentives and market conditions can change. Verify time-sensitive details with the cited primary source before acting.
Recall and investigation coverage applies only to vehicles included by VIN or the official campaign record. Affected populations, remedy timing and instructions can change. Check the exact VIN and current manufacturer or NHTSA guidance before sale, delivery or repair.
Cited references
- NHTSA Part 573 recall report — campaign 26V545 — Direct reference; development dated Aug. 27, 2026
- NHTSA VIN recall lookup — Supporting direct reference
- Kia recall lookup — Supporting direct reference