NHTSA complaint #11681622

Owner complaint summary

am the owner of a 2024 Kia Telluride, VIN [XXX] . This is the 2nd Telluride we have and total 3rd Kia we have. I am writing to formally report a design defect in the rear seatbelt system that poses a serious child passenger safety hazard. In the second row, where my child’s car seat is installed, the seatbelt buckle is positioned extremely low and close to the seat base. This placement makes it nearly impossible for a child to buckle themselves in and causes delays in securing them quickly. In emergency situations, this design could also prevent a child from unbuckling themselves promptly, creating a serious risk if rapid evacuation is needed. Both in everyday use and urgent scenarios, this flaw can lead to improper restraint or dangerous delays in ensuring a child’s safety. I called Kia Consumer Affairs on Tuesday August, 12th 2025 Case # [XXX] and was told there were no available solutions or suggestions. I am not satisfied with this response, as this is not a matter of convenience but of safety compliance and proper usability for child passengers. As a loyal Kia customer, I expected a resolution or at the very least a clear commitment to investigate this issue. I am requesting that Kia: Document this as an official safety complaint. Inform me if there are any existing Technical Service Bulletins, engineering reviews, or pending design changes related to this issue. Provide an explanation of how Kia intends to address this safety concern for current and future Telluride owners and particularly to me as I have a 2 year lease. I am also submitting this report to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) so it is on record for investigation. Photos and video of the defect can be provided upon request. Thank you for your prompt attention to this serious safety matter. Sincerely, INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)