vehicles
powerHyundai Ioniq 9 Recall: Power Rear Seats May Trap Passengers
Hyundai is recalling 5,360 Ioniq 9 electric SUVs in the U.S. after discovering the power-operated second-row seats may continue moving after contacting a person or object. Transport Canada has not yet issued a recall.
Hyundai is recalling 5,360 Ioniq 9 electric SUVs in the United States after discovering the vehicle's power-operated second-row seats may fail to detect an obstruction and continue moving, creating a risk of entrapment or injury — particularly for children. The recall covers certain 2026 Ioniq 9 Limited, Calligraphy and Calligraphy Design trims.
What the investigation found
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) opened the investigation after receiving five owner complaints, two of which alleged minor injuries. In all cases, the power second-row seats — including the automatic fold-and-stow feature — did not stop when they encountered a person or object.
Hyundai began investigating the issue in March 2026 and by August determined that certain second-row seat controllers applied more force than the limits set during development. Third-row seat systems tested within limits and are not affected.
Canadian status
No recall has been issued by Transport Canada at the time of publication. Canadian owners should monitor Transport Canada's Motor Vehicle Safety Recalls database for updates. The U.S. recall notice (RCLRPT-26V588-5849) applies to vehicles sold in the United States.
The fix
The remedy is a software update to the seat controller. Dealers will inspect and update affected vehicles free of charge. Eligible owners who have opted in to Bluelink connected services may receive the fix over the air (OTA).
Owner guidance
Until the fix is applied, Hyundai advises owners to:
- Ensure no one is sitting in or near the second-row seats before using power-folding controls
- Keep children clear of the second-row area while seats are moving
- Monitor for the recall notification from Hyundai Canada
What this means for Canadian buyers
The Ioniq 9 is Hyundai's new three-row electric flagship SUV, priced from $59,999 in Canada. The recall affects only the power-operated second-row seats in higher trims — base models with manual second-row seats are not included.
Software-based fixes delivered via OTA are increasingly common for EV recalls, reducing dealer visit burden. However, the fact that a safety system designed to detect obstructions was calibrated with excessive force limits raises questions about validation processes for new vehicle architectures.
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