Certain 2023 Kia Telluride automobiles could experience an illuminated air bag warning light due to a manufacturing error affecting the second row seat side air bags. Owner notifications are expected to be sent out at the end of February.

Kia became aware of the problem late December 2022 when the Kia Technical Assistance Center received a report from a dealer about a damaged second row seat side airbag wire harness in a 2023 Telluride. Kia stopped shipping the 2023 Telluride vehicles and conducted an inspection of 2,219 vehicles at the plant. Twenty out of 2,219 vehicles had a wire harness that contacted the seat frame, though no damage to the harness was identified, there was no airbag warning light illuminations, and no wire harness contact with the seat frame was found in the remaining inspected vehicles. Kia Georgia informed Kia Safety Office of Inspection about the results of the investigation and a recall was initiated.

According to the defect report, the side airbag wire harness in the second row seat cushion assembly was manufactured with the incorrect length. The wire harness could become damaged if it contacts the seat frame when the seat is folded or adjusted. If the wire harness is damaged, the second row seat side airbag(s) may not deploy in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Owners receiving notices will be asked to return to their dealerships to have the wire harness inspected and replace, or secure the air bag wire harnesses, as necessary. Kia’s number for this recall is SC262 and the NHTSA campaign number is 23V-035.

The potential number of 2023 Kia Telluride vehicles affected by this recall is 1,943.

If you are having repeated problems with your 2023 Kia Telluride and you think it could be a Lemon, or if you have any questions about your rights under the California Lemon Law, please call our office at 1-888-395-3666 and get some great Lemon Law advice!