Kia Recalls 6,264 Tellurides; ~63 Vehicles May Have Driver Seat Belt Defect

Kia is recalling 6,264 certain 2027 Telluride and Telluride Hybrid vehicles because the driver’s seat belt emergency locking retractor may lock and prevent the strap from extending. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said in a June 2 notice that the vehicles were manufactured between March 24 and May 12.

The defect was caused by an error by the supplier and means the seat belts fail to comply with federal motor vehicle safety standards.

Kia estimated that 1% of the recalled vehicles, or about 63 cars, have the defect. The NHTSA said the condition can increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash. Owners should bring their vehicle to a Kia dealership where the seat belt assembly will be replaced free of charge.

Kia will reimburse owners for repair expenses already incurred under a plan filed April 30. Notification letters are expected to be mailed to vehicle owners by July 31. Owners may call Kia’s customer service at 800-333-4542 or the NHTSA’s Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236.