Kia recalls over 21,000 EV9 SUVs over airbag safety fault

Kia is recalling more than 21,000 EV9 electric SUVs after a fault was identified that may prevent the airbag system from correctly detecting when a child is seated in the front passenger seat.

The concern is that if the system fails to recognise a child is present, the front passenger airbag may not respond appropriately in a collision. Airbag occupant detection systems are designed to adjust or suppress airbag deployment based on who is sitting in the seat, and a failure in that detection could increase the risk of injury to a young passenger.

According to a trade report, the recall affects over 21,000 EV9 vehicles. No further detail about the precise nature of the fault, the model years affected or the remedy being offered has been confirmed at this stage.

Owners of an EV9 who are concerned should look out for official correspondence from Kia, as manufacturers are required to notify registered keepers directly when a recall applies to their vehicle. Official UK government data on open recalls can also be checked using a vehicle's registration number.