Kia Telluride Recall Affects Over 6,000 SUVs

Kia Telluride recall affects over 6,000 2027 SUVs due to a faulty seat belt retractor. Kia dealers will provide free repairs to affected owners

A new Kia Telluride recall has been announced affecting more than 6,000 vehicles in the United States due to a potential seat belt malfunction that could increase the risk of injury during a crash.

According to a notice issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the Kia Telluride recall involves 6,264 model-year 2027 vehicles, including 4,367 Telluride Hybrid SUVs manufactured between March 24 and May 12, 2026, and 1,897 gas-powered Telluride models produced from March 24 through May 10, 2026.

Thousands of Vehicles Affected

The recall covers both hybrid and gasoline-powered versions of the popular three-row SUV. NHTSA reports that the issue stems from a defect found in certain driver seat belt assemblies installed during production.

While the total number of affected vehicles exceeds 6,000, regulators estimate that only about 1% of the recalled SUVs may actually contain the defect.

Seat Belt Retractor May Fail to Extend

The problem involves the driver’s seat belt emergency locking retractor (ELR). According to the recall notice, the retractor may lock when the driver attempts to pull out the seat belt webbing.

If the seat belt cannot be extended, the driver may be unable to properly secure the restraint system before operating the vehicle. Safety officials warn that an unavailable seat belt increases the risk of injury in the event of a collision.

Supplier Error Identified as Root Cause

Investigators traced the issue to an incorrect vehicle sensor installed within certain seat belt assemblies supplied to Kia. The defect is believed to be the result of a supplier manufacturing error rather than a design flaw in the vehicle itself.

Because of the malfunction, the affected vehicles do not comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 209, which governs seat belt assembly requirements.

Free Repairs Available for Owners

Owners affected by the Kia Telluride recall will be notified by mail and instructed to visit an authorized Kia dealership. Dealers will replace the defective driver seat belt assembly free of charge.

Kia has assigned recall number SC372 to the campaign. The automaker also confirmed that no other Kia vehicle models are equipped with the defective retractor.

Vehicle owners can contact Kia customer service or visit the NHTSA recall website to determine whether their SUV is included in the recall.