Kia Recalls Thousands of Telluride SUVs Over Seatbelt Defect

What Caused the Recall?

According to documents filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), approximately 6,264 vehicles are included in the recall. The issue stems from an incorrect vehicle sensor that was installed in some driver's seatbelt assemblies during production. Under certain conditions, this faulty sensor can cause the emergency locking retractor mechanism to engage when a driver attempts to pull out the seatbelt. As a result, the seatbelt may become stuck and fail to extend properly.

While the defect does not cause the seatbelt to detach or break, it can temporarily prevent the belt from being used. Federal safety regulations require seatbelts to remain available and functional for occupants, and a seatbelt that cannot be extended may leave a driver unrestrained during vehicle operation. Kia and NHTSA warn that this condition increases the risk of injury in the event of a collision.

Which Vehicles Are Affected?

The affected vehicles include certain 2027 Kia Telluride and Telluride Hybrid SUVs manufactured between March 24 and May 12, 2026. Kia traced the issue to seatbelt assemblies installed during that production window. Vehicles produced after May 12 were equipped with corrected components and are not part of the recall.
Kia first became aware of the issue after receiving reports from drivers who experienced seatbelts that became stuck while attempting to fasten them. An internal investigation followed, during which the company reviewed warranty claims and inspected additional vehicles. The investigation ultimately traced the problem to a supplier error that resulted in the installation of incorrect sensors in certain seatbelt assemblies.

At this time, Kia has not reported any crashes, fatalities, or confirmed injuries related to the defect. Even so, the company chose to issue the recall because of the potential safety risk if a driver is unable to use the seatbelt when needed.

What Kia Is Doing to Fix It

To address the issue, Kia dealers will inspect affected vehicles and replace the driver's seatbelt assembly with a corrected component at no cost to owners. The replacement assembly contains the proper sensor and eliminates the possibility of the emergency locking retractor engaging incorrectly. Kia will also reimburse eligible owners who previously paid for repairs related to the defect.

What Owners Should Do

Owners of affected vehicles will receive notification letters beginning July 31, 2026. In the meantime, Kia advises drivers to check whether their vehicle is included in the recall by using their Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) through NHTSA's recall database or by contacting a Kia dealership. VIN lookup availability is expected to begin on June 16, 2026.

Drivers who notice that their seatbelt is difficult to extend, becomes stuck, or does not operate normally should arrange for an inspection as soon as possible. Although the issue may not appear in every affected vehicle, the recall is intended to prevent situations where a driver could be left without a functioning restraint system during a crash.

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