- Hyundai is recalling over 21,000 EVs over an airbag issue.
- The occupant detection system might not work properly.
- Could cause the airbag to deploy when a child rides up front.
Kia is recalling 21,290 EV9s over an airbag issue that can potentially harm children. The campaign involves 2025 and 2026 vehicles, and the government says their occupant detection system might not work properly.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the occupant detection system’s mat bladder tube can become pinched when the front passenger seat is put into its highest position. This means the system may not deactivate the front passenger airbag, when a child is riding up front. This increases the risk of injury and means the vehicle fails to comply with federal safety standards.
More: Hyundai And Kia Tells Some EV Owners To Park Outside, Away From Their Home
While the government unfortunately dropped the ball on the chronology, the problem is being blamed on “improper routing of the tube by the supplier.” 6% of the recalled vehicles are believed to be impacted and this would equate to around 1,277.
Owners might be tipped off to the problem if their airbag warning light illuminates. The vehicle may also sound a seatbelt reminder for the front seat passenger, even if there isn’t one.
Notification letters are scheduled to be mailed out in mid-October and owners will be instructed to take their electric crossover to a dealership. There, technicians will inspect the mat bladder tube routing.
If a problem is found, the occupant detection system mat and bladder tube will be replaced with a new one to ensure proper routing. The government also said dealers will replace the seat cover assembly.
