Kia Warns Front Passenger Airbags May Injure Kids

Kia is recalling more than 21,000 EV9 electric sport utility vehicles, warning that their airbags could harm children.

The vehicles may not be able to properly detect when children or child restraints are in front passenger seats, according to the automaker. That means they could fully deploy in an accident, risking injury to kids, Kia said in a recall notice filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The company is recalling certain 2025 and 2026 EV9s that were built between May 2024 and May 2026. Kia is also reminding owners that child car seats should always be placed in rear passenger rows and that kids under 13 should also sit in the back.

Kia says the problem is a pinched tube that a supplier improperly installed. 

“In certain vehicles, the ODS mat bladder tube located under the front passenger seat cushion may become pinched when the seat is adjusted to the highest position due to improper routing of the tube by the supplier,” Kia said. “Repeated adjustment of the front passenger seat height/tilt may damage the bladder tube.”

Kia estimates about 6 percent of the recalled vehicles actually have the defect. The company said owners should watch for signs: an airbag warning light illuminating on the dashboard or the seat belt reminder chiming, even with no one in the front passenger seat.

Kia plans to notify owners of recalled vehicles by October 20. In the meantime, EV9 drivers can check the NHTSA website to see if their vehicles are part of the recall. The company will ask owners of recalled SUVs to bring them to authorized service providers for inspection and repair. 

California Lemon Law Right for Kia Drivers

This is just the latest safety issue for Kia and its drivers. 

The automaker recently called back 85,000 Telluride SUVs, citing a problem with their power front seats. That came months after Kia recalled 5,000 Tellurides and K4 sedans over seatbelt problems.

Fortunately, Kia drivers in California have some important rights and protections under the state’s lemon law. Many do not have to wait for recalls to get the company to fix malfunctioning and defective cars.

The lemon law generally requires carmakers to perform various repairs on vehicles while they are under warranty. It also requires companies to repurchase covered vehicles they cannot repair. That includes compensating the owner for the car’s purchase price, as well as financing fees, rental car costs, and other related expenses.

No specific number of repair requests or attempts must occur before the buyback or replacement requirement kicks in. An experienced lemon law attorney can help you understand your rights and take action.

Speak with an Orange County Lemon Law Attorney

If you have been stuck with a defective or malfunctioning vehicle, an Orange County lemon law attorney at Bickel Sannipoli APC can help you fight back.  

Call us at (888) 800-1983 or contact us online to speak with an Orange County lemon law attorney.