Kia Tellurides Have Faulty Front Seats
» Posted April 13, 2026 • Resources | Share This Post
Kia is recalling some 85,000 Telluride sport utility vehicles, citing a problem with the power front seats.
The seats may not properly restrain people in rear-end collisions, Kia recently told federal regulators. That is because of a supplier snafu in manufacturing the seats’ recliners, the company said in a recall notice.
“Due to improper manufacturing of the power seatback recliner, the front seatback(s) in the subject vehicles may not adequately restrain the occupant in certain rear impact collisions, increasing the risk of injury,” Kia said.
The recall covers certain 2025 Telluride SUVs. Owners may notice that the seats feel loose or hear a grinding noise when they recline, according to Kia.
The company plans to notify owners of recalled vehicles by the end of April. Kia wants owners to bring their vehicles to authorized service providers for inspection and repair, and to have the seats replaced if necessary. Owners who have already paid out of pocket for related repairs can seek reimbursement from the automaker, Kia said.
Safety Issues for Kia, Hyundai Pile Up
These kinds of recalls are all too familiar for Kia, its parent company, Hyundai, and people who drive its cars.
Hyundai late last year recalled some 300 vehicles across models whose side airbags may not properly deploy in a crash, for example. The move came months after Kia said it would recall some 39,000 Sorrento SUVs due to a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning defect that could increase fire risk.
More recently, Hyundai called back certain Palisade SUVs and warned dealers to stop selling the cars following the tragic death of a child. A two-year-old Ohio girl reportedly died after a power seat in a Palisade SUV collapsed and trapped her.
Legal Rights for Kia Drivers in California
Hyundai and Kia drivers in California should be aware of their legal rights regarding malfunctioning and defective vehicles. The good news is that the state’s lemon law offers you some valuable protections.
The California lemon law, known formally as the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, generally requires carmakers to perform a wide range of repairs on vehicles while they are under warranty. The law also forces manufacturers to buy back cars that they are unable or simply refuse to fix. That includes compensating the owner for the vehicle’s purchase price, as well as financing charges, rental car costs, and other related expenses.
There is no specific number of recall requests or attempts that must be made before the buyback or replacement requirement kicks in. An experienced California lemon law attorney can help you understand your rights, explore your options, and take action.
Talk with a California Lemon Law Attorney
If you have been stuck with a defective or malfunctioning vehicle, a California 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 California lemon law attorney.
