Hyundai recalls 5,360 Ioniq 9 EVs in the US amid reports that rear seats may trap childrenThe Cool DownAaron GoldsteinThu, September 24, 2026 at 9:04 AM UTCAdd us on GooglePhoto Credit: iStockHyundai is recalling 5,360 model-year 2026 Ioniq 9 electric vehicles in the United States because the second-row power-folding seats may fail to detect an occupant and could even trap a child.Here's what to knowThe U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration released a safety recall report for the Ioniq 9s on Sept. 10.In the NHTSA recall, the agency explained that "the second row power seat assemblies equipped in the subject vehicles may not respond to contact with an occupant or object as intended during activation or certain powered seat functions."AdvertisementAdvertisementThe NHTSA explained: "If contact with an occupant or object occurs without recognition during operation of these powered seat functions, there may be an increased risk of injury."Essentially, when the power-folding feature is used, the rear seats' anti-pinch protection may not work properly, as InsideEVs reported.And because the Ioniq 9 is a large electric SUV, and vehicles in this segment are often marketed for their spaciousness, ease of use, and peace of mind for parents, this recall is especially important.The affected vehicles are certain Ioniq 9 SUVs in the Limited, Calligraphy, and Calligraphy Design trim packages, produced between March 2025 and May 2026. Hyundai estimates that 100% of the 5,360 vehicles recalled have this defect.AdvertisementAdvertisementFive complaints regarding this issue were filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, including two that alleged minor injuries, as reported by InsideEVs.What's being done?Dealers will inspect the seats and install revised Seat Controller software that updates the rear-seat anti-pinch logic. This will be done at no cost to the vehicle owners.Some owners may not even need to visit a dealership. Owners enrolled in Hyundai Bluelink can receive over-the-air updates to fix the issue wirelessly.But until the repair is completed, Hyundai says owners of potentially affected vehicles should "exercise caution when operating the second-row power-folding seat functions."Where can I learn more?For more on the Ioniq 9, Hyundai's broader safety record, and EV recalls, these stories add useful context.AdvertisementAdvertisement• Hyundai's three-row Ioniq 9 launch targeted families, though one usability concern remained.• Hyundai also recalled 421,000 U.S. vehicles over collision-avoidance braking glitches that could trigger suddenly.• Hyundai is also embedding battery-fire suppression technology to limit EV safety risks.Get TCD's free newsletters for easy tips, smart advice, and a chance to earn $5,000 toward home upgrades. To see more stories like this one, change your Google preferences here.