Kia Recalls 85,448 Telluride SUVs Over Front Seat Back Frame Defect.

Kia America has issued a safety recall for 85,448 vehicles in the United States due to a critical defect in the front-row seat back frames. Announced by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on Friday, February 27, 2026, the recall highlights that the structural frames may fail to properly restrain occupants during certain collisions.

Key Safety Concerns

• Restraint Failure: The defect involves seat back frames for both front-row perches that may fail to provide adequate support, potentially compromising the effectiveness of seat belts during a crash.
• Injury Risk: Occupants may notice a loose front seatback or a grinding noise when reclining. In the event of a rear-impact collision, these failing components significantly increase the risk of passenger injury.
• Affected Models: The recall specifically impacts 2025 Kia Telluride SUVs equipped with power front seats and produced between November 1, 2024, and August 8, 2025.
• Preventive Action: While Kia identified the issue through internal performance testing following rear-impact sled tests, no accidents, injuries, or fatalities have been reported to date.

The Remedy

• Free Repair: Authorized Kia dealerships will inspect the affected vehicles and strengthen or replace the problematic seat back components at no cost to the owner.
• Owner Notification: Kia began investigating the issue in August 2025 after reports from its Georgia facility and will contact affected owners directly.

Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes based on official reports from the NHTSA and Kia America regarding the February 2026 recall. Owners of Kia vehicles should consult authorized dealers or the official NHTSA website for specific model details and repair schedules.