Kia Cops to More Telluride Seatbelt Problems

Kia is again recalling Telluride sport utility vehicles because of a seatbelt defect. 

The automaker is calling back more than 6,000 new SUVs because their driver’s side seatbelts might fail to extend. Kia told federal regulators that a sensor problem is to blame. 

“Due to an error by the supplier, the driver's seatbelt assembly may contain an incorrect vehicle sensor that, in certain conditions, causes the emergency locking retractor (ELR) to lock when attempting to extend the webbing,” Kia said in a recall notice. “A seatbelt that locks when attempting to extend the webbing may be temporarily unavailable as an occupant restraint.”

Drivers may skip the safety devices altogether if they cannot extend, according to Kia. That is a problem if a crash happens.

“An unavailable occupant restraint increases the risk of injury to an unbelted driver in the event of a collision,” Kia said in the report, filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The recall covers certain 2027 Telluride and Telluride hybrid SUVs. It comes about three months after Kia separately recalled some 15,000 Tellurides and K4 sedans over problems with their passenger seat belts. The vehicles’ rear center seatbelt anchor buckles and third-row center seatbelt anchor buckles may not latch properly, Kia said at the time.

This time around, Kia said it plans to notify owners of recalled Tellurides via mail by the end of July. Owners can also check the NHTSA website to see if their cars are part of the recall. 

Kia will ask owners to bring their SUVs to authorized service providers for inspection and repair. “Dealers will replace the driver's seatbelt assembly with one containing the correct vehicle sensor,” Kia said.

How the California Lemon Law Works

There is some good news for Kia drivers across the Golden State: The California lemon law gives you some strong rights and protections. Namely, you do not need to wait for a recall to get a defective or malfunctioning car repaired.

The lemon law, formally known as the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, requires carmakers to perform a wide range of repairs on vehicles under warranty. It also requires auto manufacturers to buy back (or, in some cases, replace) covered vehicles that they are unable to repair or simply refuse to fix. That includes compensating the owner for the purchase price, as well as financing fees, rental car costs, and other related expenses.

There is no specific number of repair requests or attempts that must happen before the buyback or replace requirement kicks in. That is one reason why it is important to consult an experienced California lemon law attorney, who will help you understand your rights and take action.

Talk with a Sacramento Lemon Law Attorney

If you have been stuck with a defective or malfunctioning vehicle, a Sacramento lemon law attorney at Bickel Sannipoli APC can help you fight back.  

Call us at (888) 800-1983 or contact us online to speak with a Sacramento lemon law attorney.