Kia Issues Recall for 6,000 Telluride SUVs Due to Seatbelt Malfunction Risk of Injury

Kia is recalling over 6,000 vehicles due to a seatbelt malfunction that could heighten the risk of injury in the event of a crash.

The recall impacts approximately 6,264 models of the 2027 Kia Telluride and Kia Telluride Hybrid, as reported by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Specifically, this includes 4,367 Telluride Hybrid models produced between March 24 and May 12, 2026, and 1,897 gas-powered Telluride models manufactured from March 24 to May 10, 2026.

Kia discovered that the “driver seat belt emergency locking retractor (ELR) may lock” when the driver tries to extend the seatbelt webbing in certain Telluride vehicles. This malfunction prevents the seatbelt strap from extending properly, posing a significant safety risk.

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Kia is recalling more than 6,000 vehicles because of a seatbelt malfunction. (Getty Images / Getty Images)

“An unavailable occupant restraint increases the risk of injury to an unbelted driver in the event of a collision,” the notice states.

The defect is believed to stem from an “incorrect vehicle sensor” installed in specific driver seatbelt assemblies by one of Kia’s suppliers. The NHTSA has indicated that this issue arose due to a supplier error.

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The recall potentially affects 6,264 2027 Kia Telluride and Kia Telluride Hybrid models. (Josh Lefkowitz/Getty Images / Getty Images)

This defect renders the vehicles non-compliant with the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 209, which pertains to “Seat Belt Assemblies.”

Importantly, no other Kia vehicles are equipped with the faulty retractor. The NHTSA estimates that about 1% of the recalled vehicles may exhibit this defect.

Owners of affected vehicles can take their cars to a Kia dealer, where the seatbelt assembly will be replaced at no cost. Kia’s recall number for this issue is SC372.

Vehicle owners affected by the recall will be able to take their cars to a Kia dealer for dealers to replace the seat belt assembly at no cost. (REUTERS/You Sung-Ho KKH/SA / Reuters Photos)

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Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed out on July 31. Vehicle Identification Numbers involved in the recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov starting June 16, 2026.

Kia is recalling over 6,000 vehicles due to a seatbelt malfunction that could heighten the risk of injury in the event of a crash.

The recall impacts approximately 6,264 models of the 2027 Kia Telluride and Kia Telluride Hybrid, as reported by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Specifically, this includes 4,367 Telluride Hybrid models produced between March 24 and May 12, 2026, and 1,897 gas-powered Telluride models manufactured from March 24 to May 10, 2026.

Kia discovered that the “driver seat belt emergency locking retractor (ELR) may lock” when the driver tries to extend the seatbelt webbing in certain Telluride vehicles. This malfunction prevents the seatbelt strap from extending properly, posing a significant safety risk.

MORE THAN 1 MILLION JEEP VEHICLES RECALLED OVER FIRE RISK AS OWNERS WARNED NOT TO PARK INSIDE

Kia is recalling more than 6,000 vehicles because of a seatbelt malfunction. (Getty Images / Getty Images)

“An unavailable occupant restraint increases the risk of injury to an unbelted driver in the event of a collision,” the notice states.

The defect is believed to stem from an “incorrect vehicle sensor” installed in specific driver seatbelt assemblies by one of Kia’s suppliers. The NHTSA has indicated that this issue arose due to a supplier error.

SUBARU RECALLS NEARLY 70,000 SUVS AFTER MOONROOF PANELS DETACH WHILE DRIVING

The recall potentially affects 6,264 2027 Kia Telluride and Kia Telluride Hybrid models. (Josh Lefkowitz/Getty Images / Getty Images)

This defect renders the vehicles non-compliant with the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 209, which pertains to “Seat Belt Assemblies.”

Importantly, no other Kia vehicles are equipped with the faulty retractor. The NHTSA estimates that about 1% of the recalled vehicles may exhibit this defect.

Owners of affected vehicles can take their cars to a Kia dealer, where the seatbelt assembly will be replaced at no cost. Kia’s recall number for this issue is SC372.

Vehicle owners affected by the recall will be able to take their cars to a Kia dealer for dealers to replace the seat belt assembly at no cost. (REUTERS/You Sung-Ho KKH/SA / Reuters Photos)

GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE

Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed out on July 31. Vehicle Identification Numbers involved in the recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov starting June 16, 2026.