Full Breakdown
Kia Recalls Over 6,000 2027 Telluride SUVs for Seatbelt Malfunction
6/9/2026, 1:27:28 PM
Recall Overview: Affected Models and Defect
Kia America, Inc. announced a voluntary recall of 6,264 2027 Kia Telluride and Kia Telluride Hybrid SUVs. The recall covers vehicles built from March 24 2026 to May 12 2026 after the driver-seat belt emergency locking retractor (ELR) was found to lock, preventing the belt webbing from extending. The malfunction is linked to an incorrect vehicle sensor installed by a Kia supplier, rendering the restraint system non-compliant with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 209.
Background & Context
The 2027 Telluride is a three-row midsize SUV that has become a top-selling model for Kia. Kia first learned of the issue in April when a driver reported the seatbelt jamming while being pulled out; a second report followed a few weeks later but could not be reproduced. An internal investigation identified numerous warranty claims involving the same sensor error, prompting the company to act before any injuries occurred. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) classified the problem as a safety-critical fault.
Data & Statistics
- Vehicles recalled: 6,264 (2027 Telluride and Telluride Hybrid)
- Manufacturing window: March 24 2026 – May 12 2026
- Estimated defect occurrence: 1 % of recalled units (NHTSA)
- Recall identifier: SC372
- VIN lookup begins: June 16 2026 on NHTSA.gov
- Owner notification letters: expected July 31 2026
- Repair cost: free seat-belt assembly replacement at Kia dealerships
Official Statements & Responses
NHTSA’s notice warned that an unavailable occupant restraint increases the risk of injury to an unbelted driver in a collision. Kia’s response emphasizes a voluntary recall, instructing owners to bring affected vehicles to authorized dealers for a complimentary seat-belt assembly replacement. Kia provided a toll-free number (800-333-4542) for customer inquiries, while NHTSA offers a safety hotline (888-327-4236). Both agencies confirm that no injuries or fatalities have been reported.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
All sources agree on the recall size, affected models, and cause. The only variance lies in phrasing of the defect rate—NHTSA cites a 1 % occurrence, whereas other reports simply note the possibility of the ELR locking. No external criticism or alternative explanations have been documented, and the investigation has not reproduced the fault in the second reported case. No injuries or fatalities have been reported.
Verbatim Quotes
- “An unavailable occupant restraint increases the risk of injury to an unbelted driver in the event of a collision,” — NHTSA notice
- “driver seat belt emergency locking retractor (ELR) may lock” — Kia America, Inc. notice
- “incorrect vehicle sensor” — Recall documentation
- “temporarily unavailable as a passenger restraint.” — NHTSA description
What’s Next
Starting June 16 2026, owners can verify their VINs on the NHTSA website. Kia will mail notification letters by July 31 2026, after which dealers will perform the seat-belt replacement at no charge. The agency will monitor repair completion and may issue further safety advisories if additional incidents arise.
