Kia has launched a review campaign involving thousands of EV9 units in the United States. The situation is related to a component located beneath the front passenger seat and, although it may seem a smaller detail, has important implications for the safety of smaller occupants.
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The campaign reaches 21,290 Kia EV9 for the 2025 and 2026 models.
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The disadvantage may affect the operation of the Passenger Detection System, known as ODS, which determines the necessary conditions for the deployment or removal of the passenger’s front airbag.
The source of the problem lies in a tube connected to the bladder of the ODS system carpet. According to information from the campaign registered with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a provider installed that component following an incorrect route.
The piece is located under the pillow of the front seat and can get stuck when it is in a elevated position. In addition, constant movements to change the height or tilt of the seat can end up causing damage to the pipe.
When this happens, the ODS system may not correctly identify the occupant’s presence and conditions. The scenario that worries most is one in which a child travels in a child retention system installed on the front seat.
If the system does not work as it should, the EV9 may not suppress the deployment of the passenger’s front airbag when it should. In a collision, a bag designed primarily to protect an adult can cause serious injury to a small child located in a child retention system (CRS).
Kia determined that the affected vehicles do not meet the removal requirement established by FMVSS 208, the U.S. federal regulation setting safety criteria for occupants in case of an accident.
The vehicles included were manufactured in the United States between May 17, 2024 and May 13, 2026.For some drivers, there are also signs that could indicate that something is not working properly.
One of them is the appearance of the warning light of the airbag system.The alarm of the front passenger's seat belt could also unexpectedly be activated, even when the seat is empty.
The solution proposed by Kia requires a visit to an authorized dealer. The technicians must review the route of the corresponding tube to the carpet of the ODS system to determine whether it presents the condition indicated in the campaign.
When the problem is confirmed, the affected components will need to be replaced. The repair includes a new ODS carpet and its airbag tube, as well as verifying that the route is installed correctly. The procedure may also include replacing the set of the seat foundation.
All the work will be done at no cost for the owners. Kia also envisages reimbursement of certain expenses that some customers have already made to solve this disadvantage, in accordance with its Kia General Reimbursement Plan, presented on 30 April 2026.
The campaign will also help Kia remember a basic safety recommendation. Children aged 13 or younger should travel in the rear seats and use a retention system appropriate to their age, weight and size.
The manufacturer specifically warns that owners should not install a CRS on the passenger’s front seat.
Owners of an EV9 can check whether their vehicle is included in the campaign using the VIN and will have to stay attentive to Kia’s official communication.
The calendar stipulates that notifications for dealers began on August 24, 2026, while communications to owners are scheduled for October 20, 2026 and will be sent by first-class mail.
If the airbag warning light remains on or the safety belt alarm starts to behave in an unusual way, Kia recommends contacting the company or consulting an authorized dealer.
