Kia is recalling thousands of vehicles over potentially faulty seat belt straps in the driver’s seat that can increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
The recall includes certain 2027 Telluride and Telluride Hybrid vehicles manufactured between March 24 and May 12, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said in a June 2 notice.
The Seoul, South Korea-based automaker estimated that 1% of the 6,264 vehicles included in the recall – or about 63 cars – have the defect.
Due to an error by the supplier, the seat belt emergency locking retractor on the driver’s side may lock, preventing the seat belt strap from extending and failing to restrain an occupant in a crash, according to federal regulators.
As a result, the seat belts fail to comply with federal motor vehicle safety standards, the NHTSA said.
Owners should bring their vehicle to a Kia dealership, where the seat belt assembly will be replaced free of charge.
Kia will also reimburse owners for repair expenses already incurred, according to a reimbursement plan filed April 30.
Notification letters are expected to be mailed to vehicle owners by July 31.
Owners may also call Kia’s customer service team at 800-333-4542 or the NHTSA’s Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236.