Seatbelt Defect Puts Kia Passengers at Risk

Kia is calling back some 15,000 Telluride sport utility vehicles and K4 sedans over problems with their seatbelts.

The vehicles’ rear center seatbelt anchor buckles and third-row center seatbelt anchor buckles may not latch properly, Kia recently told federal auto safety regulators. The company said it was not aware of any accidents or injuries related to the problem, but acknowledged the safety risks.

“A seatbelt anchor buckle that does not latch properly may not adequately restrain the occupant during certain collisions,” Kia said in a recall notice filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The automaker, which blamed a “manufacturing error by the supplier,” said the defect increases the risk of injury.

The vast majority of the recalled vehicles are 2027 Telluride SUVs, with a little more than 1,000 2026 K4 sedans also included. 

Kia said it planned to notify owners of recalled cars by May 5. In the meantime, Kia drivers can check the NHTSA website to see if their cars are included in the recall. Drivers should also be aware of the warning signs of seatbelt problems, such as difficulty buckling.

The automaker will ask owners of recalled cars to bring the vehicles to dealers for inspection and repair. Dealers will replace the anchor buckle assemblies, if needed, according to Kia.

Kia, Hyundai Seat Safety Issues Continue

This is just one of several safety concerns for Kia, its parent company, Hyundai, and the people who drive its cars.

Kia recently announced it is recalling some 85,000 Telluride SUVs because of a problem with their power front seats, for example. The automaker said the seats may not appropriately restrain passengers in rear-end crashes.

Hyundai earlier this year 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.

California Lemon Law Rights for Kia, Hyundai Drivers

There is some good news for people who drive Kia and Hyundai vehicles in California. You have some important rights and protections under the state’s lemon law. 

The lemon law forces car manufacturers to perform certain repairs on vehicles while they are under warranty. It also requires the companies to buy back cars that they cannot or will not fix.

An auto manufacturer can offer to replace the vehicle instead, but it is up to the owner to decide whether to accept or reject the alternative. 

There is no specific number of repair requests or attempts required before the buy-back or replace requirement kicks in. An experienced California lemon law attorney can help you understand your rights and explore your options.

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.