vehicles
powerHyundai Recalls 5,360 Ioniq 9 EVs in Canada Over Power-Folding Seat Safety Risk — Same Issue as Fatal Palisade Recall
Hyundai is recalling all 2026 Ioniq 9 Limited, Calligraphy, and Calligraphy Design trims for second-row power-folding seats that may not detect obstructions. The fix adds anti-pinch protection via software update. Canadian models are likely affected.
Hyundai is recalling 5,360 examples of the 2026 Ioniq 9 electric SUV due to a safety issue with the second-row power-folding seats in higher trims. The recall mirrors the issue that led to a fatal accident involving a Hyundai Palisade in March 2026, which resulted in the death of a two-year-old in Ohio and triggered a stop-sale order.
What the recall covers
The recall affects the Limited, Calligraphy, and Calligraphy Design trims of the 2026 Ioniq 9 — 100% of the recall population. The power-folding rear seats may not detect a passenger or object in their path when the auto-stow button is pressed. If this occurs, the seat continues moving despite the obstruction, potentially crushing whatever is in the way.
Hyundai notes the fix includes an inspection of the Seat Controller software and an update to the logic for rear power seat functions, adding anti-pinch protection. The manufacturer will also provide an over-the-air update. Until the fix is complete, Hyundai advises owners to use caution when operating the second-row power-folding seats and ensure no one is in the area during operation.
Same issue as fatal Palisade recall
Earlier in 2026, Hyundai recalled its Palisade models for the identical power-folding seat issue following the fatal Ohio accident. That recall led to a stop-sale of the Palisade in Canada as well. The Kia Telluride, which shares the platform, was also recalled. Transport Canada's database has not yet listed the Ioniq 9 recall, but Canadian variants of the Palisade were recalled, making it likely that Canadian Ioniq 9 models are affected.
What Canadian owners should do
Hyundai will notify affected owners by mail. Owners should take their vehicle to a Hyundai dealership for the software update. Given the safety implications — and the precedent of the Palisade recall resulting in a stop-sale — Ioniq 9 owners in higher trims should prioritize getting the fix applied. The over-the-air update capability means some owners may receive the fix remotely, but a dealer visit for inspection is still part of the official remedy.
Context: EV safety scrutiny rising
As EVs move into mainstream family segments with three-row configurations like the Ioniq 9, Kia EV9, and Volvo EX90, safety systems originally designed for ICE vehicles are being adapted. Power-folding seats with obstruction detection are a convenience feature that becomes a safety-critical system when children are involved. The fact that the same flaw appeared across Palisade, Telluride, and now Ioniq 9 suggests a platform-level design issue that Hyundai is now addressing with software rather than hardware.
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