Recall 26V173 affects 568 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid vehicles because rear power seats can trap a person. Free software update by OTA or dealer.
Kia is recalling 568 2027 Telluride Hybrid vehicles with the Executive Package because the second-row power seats can fail to detect a person during powered movement. The seat can keep moving after contact and trap a person, especially a child, so Kia dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid in this recall uses a power rear seat control unit for the right-side second-row seat. That control unit runs powered seat movements such as one-touch tilt-and-slide and automatic fold-and-stow. Its job is to move the seat only as commanded and stop when the seat contacts a person or obstruction.
On affected vehicles, the seat control logic does not detect an obstruction as intended in certain situations. If a person is in the seat's path during a powered movement, the seat can keep moving after contact instead of stopping. The issue is in the operating logic, not the seat frame itself, and the repair uses updated logic for the power second-row seat system.
There is no warning sign before failure. The owner will not get a specific light, message, sound, or seat behavior that proves the detection logic is working correctly before someone is contacted.
Who's affected?
VINs became searchable on March 25, 2026.
| 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid | seat assembly |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 568 |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific SUV.
What's the safety risk?
A rear powered seat can trap a person, especially a child, increasing injury risk. There is no warning sign before this happens. Until the repair is complete, keep children out of the rear seats and away from the rear seating area during power-folding operation. Use the second-row power seat controls carefully. Repair is free at any franchised Kia dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Kia dealer to confirm whether the OTA update is complete or to schedule the free software update that addresses rear power seats continuing to move after contacting a person.
- Keep children out of the rear seats and away from the rear seating area during power-folding operation until the repair is complete.
- Bring the owner letter if you have it. If not, reference recall number 26V173 and Kia recall SC366 when you call.
- Use the second-row power seat controls cautiously until the software update is complete.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Kia technician updates the power second-row seat control unit software. Kia also provides the software update over the air when the vehicle receives it that way. The recall repair is free, and parts and labor are covered when dealer work is needed. Until the update is installed, use caution with the second-row power seat controls, and keep children out of the rear seats and away from the rear seating area during power-folding operation. Kia's standard reimbursement plan covers documented out-of-pocket repairs related to this defect. Keep repair paperwork and ask Kia customer service how to submit it.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| March 20, 2026 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| March 20, 2026 | Dealer notification began |
| March 20, 2026 | Dealer notification ended |
| March 25, 2026 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| April 20, 2026 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 26V173?
Recall 26V173 covers 568 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid vehicles equipped with the Executive Package. The second-row power seats can keep moving after contacting a person during powered seat functions. Kia will update the power second-row seat control unit software for free.
What should I do if my 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 26V173. If it is, use caution with second-row power seat functions until the software update is complete. Keep children out of the rear seats and away from the rear seating area during power-folding operation.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the defect repair at no cost, and Kia will update the power second-row seat control unit software free of charge. The update is available over the air, or a Kia dealer can perform it if needed.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is entrapment by a rear powered seat. Kia says a person, especially a child, can become trapped if the second-row power seat fails to detect contact and continues moving, increasing the risk of injury.
When were owners notified about recall 26V173?
Kia mailed owner notification letters on April 20, 2026. If you did not receive a letter, check your VIN to confirm whether your 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid is included, then reference recall 26V173 or Kia recall number SC366 when contacting Kia customer service or a dealer.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/26V173000 |
|---|---|
| Kia customer service | 1-800-333-4542 |
| NHTSA recall # | 26V173 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 26V173000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Misc. Document (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Remedy Instructions (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 19, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →