Kia recalls 2026 K4 Hatchback and 2027 Telluride for seatbelt buckle defect
Kia recalls 14,870 vehicles due to seatbelt buckle issue
Kia recalls 2026 K4 Hatchback and 2027 Telluride for seatbelt buckle defect
Kia recalls 2026 K4 Hatchback and 2027 Telluride models over center seatbelt buckle defect. Learn about the safety risk, affected vehicles, and repair details.
2026-03-15T13:37:34+03:00
2026-03-15T13:37:34+03:00
2026-03-15T13:37:34+03:00
Kia America has announced a recall of 14,870 vehicles, specifically the 2026 K4 Hatchback and 2027 Telluride models. According to SPEEDME journalists, the recall stems from a potential defect in the center seatbelt buckle. For the K4, this involves the second-row center belt, while the Telluride's issue affects the third-row center belt. A supplier manufacturing error may cause the buckle to fail to latch properly.If the seatbelt doesn't secure correctly, passengers might not be adequately restrained during a crash, increasing the risk of injury. Owners might notice difficulty when trying to fasten the belt.Kia reports that the defect was identified in February 2026 following a notification from the Kia Georgia plant. Analysis revealed that similar components from the same supplier, Samsong Mexico, were also used in Mexican-assembled K4 Hatchbacks. Despite no recorded accidents or injuries, the company decided on a voluntary recall on February 27, 2026.The recall covers 13,499 Kia Tellurides produced between January 2 and February 19, 2026, and 1,371 Kia K4 Hatchbacks manufactured from October 31, 2025, to February 23, 2026.As outlined in service bulletin SC364, dealers must disassemble the buckle housing and inspect the spring retainer's position relative to its support point. If any misalignment is found, the entire assembly must be replaced, with no reuse of the defective part allowed.Dealers will be notified on March 9, 2026, and owners will receive letters starting May 5. Repairs will be performed at no cost, and VIN numbers for verification will be available from March 20.
Kia recall, 2026 K4 Hatchback recall, 2027 Telluride recall, seatbelt buckle defect, vehicle safety recall, Kia seatbelt issue, automotive recall
2026
Michael Powers
news
Kia recalls 14,870 vehicles due to seatbelt buckle issue
Kia recalls 2026 K4 Hatchback and 2027 Telluride models over center seatbelt buckle defect. Learn about the safety risk, affected vehicles, and repair details.
Michael Powers, Editor
Kia America has announced a recall of 14,870 vehicles, specifically the 2026 K4 Hatchback and 2027 Telluride models. According to SPEEDME journalists, the recall stems from a potential defect in the center seatbelt buckle. For the K4, this involves the second-row center belt, while the Telluride's issue affects the third-row center belt. A supplier manufacturing error may cause the buckle to fail to latch properly.
If the seatbelt doesn't secure correctly, passengers might not be adequately restrained during a crash, increasing the risk of injury. Owners might notice difficulty when trying to fasten the belt.
Kia reports that the defect was identified in February 2026 following a notification from the Kia Georgia plant. Analysis revealed that similar components from the same supplier, Samsong Mexico, were also used in Mexican-assembled K4 Hatchbacks. Despite no recorded accidents or injuries, the company decided on a voluntary recall on February 27, 2026.
The recall covers 13,499 Kia Tellurides produced between January 2 and February 19, 2026, and 1,371 Kia K4 Hatchbacks manufactured from October 31, 2025, to February 23, 2026.
As outlined in service bulletin SC364, dealers must disassemble the buckle housing and inspect the spring retainer's position relative to its support point. If any misalignment is found, the entire assembly must be replaced, with no reuse of the defective part allowed.
Dealers will be notified on March 9, 2026, and owners will receive letters starting May 5. Repairs will be performed at no cost, and VIN numbers for verification will be available from March 20.
