Photo: Getty Images
Kia is recalling more than 6,000 of its 2027 Telluride and Telluride Hybrid vehicles in the United States because of a seat belt defect that could increase the risk of injury during a crash. According to a notice from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the recall affects 6,264 vehicles, specifically 4,367 Telluride Hybrid models produced between March 24 and May 12, 2026, and 1,897 gas-powered Telluride models produced between March 24 and May 10, 2026.
The issue is linked to the driver seat belt’s emergency locking retractor (ELR), which may lock and prevent the seat belt strap from extending properly. This malfunction is traced back to an incorrect sensor installed by one of Kia’s suppliers, causing the vehicles to fail to meet federal safety standards. As stated in the NHTSA notice, “An unavailable occupant restraint increases the risk of injury to an unbelted driver in the event of a collision."
No other Kia vehicles are impacted by this defect. Kia estimates that about one percent of the recalled vehicles may be affected by the faulty seat belt retractor.
Owners of affected vehicles will receive notification letters by mail on July 31, 2026, with instructions to visit a Kia dealer for a free replacement of the seat belt assembly. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) associated with the recall will become searchable on the NHTSA website starting Tuesday, June 16, 2026. For additional information, owners can contact Kia customer service at 800-333-4542 or the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236.