2027 KIA Telluride Hybrid
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › KIA › Telluride Hybrid › 2027
These records cover every 2027 KIA Telluride Hybrid. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
2 recalls name the 2027 KIA Telluride Hybrid. Newest first.
Kia America, Inc (Kia) is recalling certain 2027 Telluride and Telluride Hybrid vehicles. The driver seat belt emergency locking retractor may lock, causing the seat belt strap not to extend. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 209, "Seat Belt Assemblies."
Risk and remedy
Risk
A seat belt strap that does not extend can fail to restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the seat belt assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed July 31, 2026. Owners may contact Kia at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC372. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning June 16, 2026.
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2027 Telluride Hybrid SX Prestige and X-Line SX Prestige vehicles equipped with the Executive Package. The second-row power seats may fail to detect a person. The seat may continue to move after contacting a person during powered seat functions, such as one-touch tilt-and-slide or automatic power fold-and-stow.
Risk and remedy
Risk
A person, especially a child, may become trapped by a rear powered seat, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy
Owners are advised to exercise caution when operating the second-row power seat functions until the repair is performed. Children are advised to not be in the rear seats or near the rear seating area during power-folding operation. The power second-row seat control unit software will be updated over-the-air (OTA) or by a dealer, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 20, 2026. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC366. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov on March 25, 2026.
Owner complaints
17 complaints2 involved a crash
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Power train
The contact owns a 2027 Kia Telluride. The contact stated that upon coming to a stop or while accelerating from a stop, the vehicle shifted into neutral(N) and required to manually shift to drive(D). On another occasion, after entering a parking spot the transmission unintendedly shifted to…
The contact owns a 2027 Kia Telluride. The contact stated that upon coming to a stop or while accelerating from a stop, the vehicle shifted into neutral(N) and required to manually shift to drive(D). On another occasion, after entering a parking spot the transmission unintendedly shifted to neutral(N) and needed to be manually shifted into drive(D) to park the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the shift lever had failed and needed to be replaced. The shift lever was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 400.
- Power train · Service brakes · Steering
I am reporting recurring braking, transmission/powertrain, and steering concerns with a new 2027 Kia Telluride purchased in July 2026. BRAKES: When traveling over bumps, especially at higher speeds, braking intermittently flutters, pulses, or feels as if it skips. Braking also feels inconsistent at…
I am reporting recurring braking, transmission/powertrain, and steering concerns with a new 2027 Kia Telluride purchased in July 2026. BRAKES: When traveling over bumps, especially at higher speeds, braking intermittently flutters, pulses, or feels as if it skips. Braking also feels inconsistent at low speeds. I am concerned about stopping predictably in an emergency. POWERTRAIN: When slowing, coasting toward a stop, or accelerating again, the vehicle sometimes hesitates before responding, then engages abruptly with a jolt. On an inclined driveway, while transitioning from rolling slightly backward to moving forward, the vehicle jerked violently and nearly struck the garage door. Similar hesitation and jolting have occurred repeatedly. STEERING: When driving over road bumps, I intermittently hear an electrical-type buzzing or vibrating sound near the steering column and feel a jolt or vibration through the steering wheel. These symptoms began within the first few months of ownership during normal driving. On October 11, 2026, at approximately 5,997 miles, the vehicle was towed to an authorized Kia dealership because we did not feel safe driving it. The dealership has documented the concerns. Braking and transmission diagnosis were authorized; the steering concern was reported but diagnosis was deferred. As of this report, no confirmed cause or repair findings have been communicated. Kia America has also been notified. The vehicle remains at the dealership for inspection. I am concerned these conditions may affect braking, vehicle control, and acceleration and increase the risk of a collision.
- Unknown or other
While driving on the highway with no cars around me my sunroof exploded while closed.
- Unknown or other
While driving to work, stoped at a red light, a loud noise occurred, such a heavy object hitting glass, but sounded like an explosion. The rear glass looked strange. I got out of my vehicle to look and the entire back glass was shattered. There was no object or anything that could have caused it.…
While driving to work, stoped at a red light, a loud noise occurred, such a heavy object hitting glass, but sounded like an explosion. The rear glass looked strange. I got out of my vehicle to look and the entire back glass was shattered. There was no object or anything that could have caused it. Upon the non-emergent police officer arriving and examining the vehicle, they stated it appears that the glass “exploded” or shattered from the inside. I have owned the vehicle since the end of May 2026 and it was brand new.
- Visibility/wiper
I just returned from a trip and I have 3 window chips from rocks on my windshield. I have been driving for over 40 years and only have had 2 chips on my previous vehicles. I'm concerned that if the factory windshield is not strong enough to withstand a rock (one which sounded like a bug) what…
I just returned from a trip and I have 3 window chips from rocks on my windshield. I have been driving for over 40 years and only have had 2 chips on my previous vehicles. I'm concerned that if the factory windshield is not strong enough to withstand a rock (one which sounded like a bug) what happens in an accident? I am getting the windshield replaced with a Kia OEM windshield, so we will see if rocks continue to crack the windshield.
- Structure › Body
While carrying bikes with a bike rack the factory installed trailer hitch failed while we were driving on the highway. The weight being carried was well under the tang weight rating of the hitch. The construction of the hitch appears substantially inferior to comparable factory hitches. The failure…
While carrying bikes with a bike rack the factory installed trailer hitch failed while we were driving on the highway. The weight being carried was well under the tang weight rating of the hitch. The construction of the hitch appears substantially inferior to comparable factory hitches. The failure of our hitch presented, and the potential failure of others installed on similar Kia vehicles presents, a substantial safety risk to passengers and surrounding individuals and property. If failure occurs while towing heavier items, such as a boat, it could be catastrophic. A VA state trooper did inspect the hitch and filed an incident report at the time of the accident. The vehicle is scheduled to be inspected by a KIA dealership 10/20/26. I have pictures and vehicle is available for inspection. No warning lamps or messages appeared prior to failure.
- Visibility/wiper
This side mirror folding bring to comfort to driver. but after parked vehicle and fold side mirror. after few times with fold and unfold sidemirror. afterthought, mirror keep moved downward. I've been changed sidemirror motor one time already and waiting for 2nd part to arrive at dealership now. this keep happening bring me stressful to few times reset mirror setting.
- Forward collision avoidance › Adaptive cruise control
when wear sunglasses during driving. it kept alert me to focus to face forward on road.
- Power train · Vehicle speed control
On the morning of September 25, 2026, while parking my 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid (approximately 6,000 miles), I lightly pressed the accelerator pedal and the vehicle suddenly surged forward with force that felt disproportionate to my pedal input, striking a wall in front of the vehicle. The front…
On the morning of September 25, 2026, while parking my 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid (approximately 6,000 miles), I lightly pressed the accelerator pedal and the vehicle suddenly surged forward with force that felt disproportionate to my pedal input, striking a wall in front of the vehicle. The front bumper and front fender were damaged; the vehicle is currently being repaired at a body shop under an insurance claim. No injuries occurred. Notably, my dashcam has no recorded footage covering the exact time of the incident. I am concerned this may have been a sudden unintended acceleration event and am reporting it so it can be evaluated for a potential safety defect. Approximately one week before this incident, my vehicle received two dealer software updates: campaign SA652 (ultra-wide band sensor software) and campaign SA658 (SBCM software logic improvement). I am including this timing information in case it is relevant to the evaluation.
- Wheels
OEM equipment failure / severe safety hazard: I purchased a new 2027 Kia Telluride on March 14, 2026, equipped from the factory with 21-inch alloy wheels and Kumho Majesty X Solus TA92 tires (size 265/45 R21). In exactly 6 months of ownership, 4 tires across 3 different wheel positions have…
OEM equipment failure / severe safety hazard: I purchased a new 2027 Kia Telluride on March 14, 2026, equipped from the factory with 21-inch alloy wheels and Kumho Majesty X Solus TA92 tires (size 265/45 R21). In exactly 6 months of ownership, 4 tires across 3 different wheel positions have suffered sudden blowouts or structural sidewall failures under ordinary driving conditions. Timeline of Failures: April 11, 2026 (Rear Passenger): Sidewall failure following a low-speed curb bump. Replaced with an identical OEM Kumho tire on April 25 ($521.33). June 1, 2026 (Rear Driver): Sudden, catastrophic blowout while driving routine commute route through town at normal municipal speeds; no severe pothole or road hazard involved. Replaced with an identical OEM Kumho tire on June 4 ($406.43). July 2026 (Rear Driver): The brand-new replacement tire installed in June developed an unrepairable sidewall air leak within 6 weeks of installation. Certified technicians confirmed structural failure of the sidewall cords. September 14, 2026 (Front Passenger): Catastrophic blowout during normal daily city commute. The vehicle is currently disabled on a temporary spare. Pattern & Hazard: This vehicle curb weight exceeds 4,500 lbs, yet Kia fitted it with an ultra-low-profile 45-series tire designed for grand-touring comfort rather than structural impact resistance. Standard pavement seams, highway expansion joints, and ordinary municipal road imperfections repeatedly cause the tire sidewall to bottom out against the 21-inch alloy rim, causing internal ply fractures, sidewall leaks, and instantaneous blowouts. Identical OEM replacements fail within weeks under normal driving. Having 4 tire failures across 3 wheels in 6 months—leaving only 2 intact tires today—demonstrates an inherent design/equipment defect that poses a continuous risk of high-speed highway loss of vehicle control. Kia must address the suitability of this 21-inch wheel/tire configuration.
- Engine · Power train
I went for a test drive of this 2027 Kia Telluride X-line Hybrid at Gateway Kia of Warrington PA ([XXX]). After turning the ignition on and attempting to drive, the car didn't respond. When it did respond, it then drove extremely rough, shuddering hard in and out of gear. It then started to drive…
I went for a test drive of this 2027 Kia Telluride X-line Hybrid at Gateway Kia of Warrington PA ([XXX]). After turning the ignition on and attempting to drive, the car didn't respond. When it did respond, it then drove extremely rough, shuddering hard in and out of gear. It then started to drive normally, only to fail again and not exceed 5 mph. We had to turn the car completely off and then restart it. This fixed the problem temporarily but then the issue would repeat. I floored the pedal repeatedly and the car didn't respond multiple times. This happened at an intersection of a busy road. I was attempting a left turn and the car wouldn't respond, putting myself and others in danger of an accident. I was able to crawl across the dual lane road to a parking lot. Turned car off and restarted it. The issue repeated at another intersection, again not responding, followed by shuddering, and then driving slowly. The check engine light would come on and then go off upon a fresh restart, only to come on again when the power would surge. My research indicated that this is: - Limp Mode Activation: When the car did not accelerate, the car's main computer (ECU) detected a severe glitch. It intentionally cut off power to protect the engine and hybrid battery. - Hybrid Power Transition Glitch: Hybrid vehicles rely on complex software to seamlessly shift between the electric motor and the gasoline engine. If the software or the physical clutch fails to coordinate these two power sources when you demand sudden acceleration, it can cause the vehicle to shake or lag violently. - Transmission "Gear Hunting" or Slipping: The hard shuddering in and out of gear points toward an issue with the transmission's torque converter or dual-clutch transmission engagement system. When it cannot decide which gear to use or slips, it can feel like driving over severe potholes. This issue is increasingly showing up in online forums, so I know I am not alone. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552
- Electrical system
The 2027 Kia Telluride's battery continues to deplete after being inactive for a period of 6 to 48 hours. implying that I am compelled to repeatedly jump over this vehicle. This poses a significant safety hazard and concern for me as an amputee and female. I will be left stranded if the car is left uncranked overnight while traveling away from home. The dealership does not possess a solution for this issue.
- Seat belts
An incorrect vehicle sensor installed in the driver seat assembly can cause locking and sensor miscommunications, triggering false alarms or failure-to-retract warnings.
- Engine and engine cooling
The contact owns a 2027 Kia Telluride. The contact stated that while the contact's daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine overheating warning light illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The vehicle was later towed to a dealer, where it was diagnosed with oil in the…
The contact owns a 2027 Kia Telluride. The contact stated that while the contact's daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine overheating warning light illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The vehicle was later towed to a dealer, where it was diagnosed with oil in the coolant line. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was being repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200.
- Unknown or other
My windshield on the 2027 Telluride cracked with a small rock that almost sounded like a bug instead of a rock. My other cars have gotten hit with rocks that sound 10 time loader and the windshield does not crack. I think KIA is still putting windshield that are not safe on their new cars. I am…
My windshield on the 2027 Telluride cracked with a small rock that almost sounded like a bug instead of a rock. My other cars have gotten hit with rocks that sound 10 time loader and the windshield does not crack. I think KIA is still putting windshield that are not safe on their new cars. I am certain that anything hits this windshield will cause it to crack again. I am hoping that it was just a one of, but time will tell.
- Electrical system · Structure › Body
Rear passenger door latch failure on my brand-new 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid. The vehicle has had this issue since the moment we drove it off the lot. The rear door opens, but the latch mechanism does not properly reset or disengage, so the door will not close and securely latch. This is a serious…
Rear passenger door latch failure on my brand-new 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid. The vehicle has had this issue since the moment we drove it off the lot. The rear door opens, but the latch mechanism does not properly reset or disengage, so the door will not close and securely latch. This is a serious safety defect, not a minor inconvenience. A rear passenger door that cannot reliably close and stay latched creates an obvious risk of the door opening unexpectedly while driving, which could result in passenger ejection, injury, or a collision hazard to other vehicles on the road. The problem appears concentrated in the rear doors and is not consistent with a child-lock issue. This should be treated as an urgent safety-related defect in the latch, actuator, or related door mechanism.
- Electrical system · Engine
EV shut down