Subaru Forester: Seating and safety restraints / Seats

Loose objects

Loose items, such as water bottles or equipment, located in the driver’s foot area can dangerously interfere with the operation of the foot pedals, potentially leading to a loss of vehicle control. Never place or store any items under the front seats of your Kia Telluride.

Raising a seat upright

When returning a manual seatback to an upright position, always hold and guide it firmly. Do not simply press the release lever and let go, as the spring-loaded mechanism may cause the seatback to snap forward rapidly, potentially striking you or other passengers.

Driver responsibility for passengers

As the driver of the Kia Telluride, you must ensure that all passengers maintain their seatbacks in an upright, locked position whenever the vehicle is in motion. Reclining the seat significantly while the vehicle is moving compromises the effectiveness of the seat belt and airbag restraint systems, drastically increasing the risk of severe injury during a collision.

Seat cushion

Occupants should never use aftermarket seat cushions or pads. These additions can disrupt the sensitive Occupant Detection System (ODS), causing it to malfunction. Furthermore, in the event of a sudden stop or impact, these cushions may cause the passenger’s hips to slide under the lap belt, increasing the risk of serious internal injury.

Driver’s seat

• Never attempt to adjust the driver's seat position while the Kia Telluride is in motion. Any sudden, unexpected movement can result in a loss of vehicle control.

• Ensure that nothing interferes with the seatback’s function or positioning. Storing heavy items or luggage against the seatback is dangerous, as these objects could shift during a collision or sudden brake application, resulting in fatal injuries.

• For your safety, sit as far back from the steering wheel as possible while still maintaining full, comfortable control of your Kia. We recommend keeping a distance of at least 10 inches (25 cm) between your chest and the steering wheel hub. This distance is vital to reduce the risk of injury from airbag deployment.

Rear seatbacks

Before driving, always verify that the rear seatbacks are securely locked into place. An unlocked seatback can pivot forward during sharp braking or accidents, risking injury to passengers or causing unsecured objects to be thrown forward.

Unexpected seat movement

After finalizing a manual seat adjustment, always confirm the seat is locked by shifting your weight firmly forward and backward. If the driver’s seat is not properly latched, it could shift unexpectedly while driving, causing you to lose control of the Kia Telluride.

Seat adjustment

• Avoid adjusting the seat while the seat belts are fastened. Moving the seat forward can create dangerous, excessive pressure on your abdomen.

• Never place your hands near the base or the seat tracks while making adjustments. The moving metal components pose a risk of pinching or trapping your fingers.

Luggage and cargo

To prevent injuries during a sudden stop or collision, never stack luggage or cargo higher than the height of the seatbacks in the cargo area. If you are transporting large or heavy items, ensure they are securely fastened within the dedicated cargo space.

Cargo area

The cargo area is exclusively designed for the transportation of luggage and equipment. Under no circumstances should passengers ever ride in the cargo section of the Kia Telluride.

Small objects

Exercise caution when attempting to retrieve small items that have fallen under the seats or into the gaps around the center console. The seat mechanism contains sharp metal edges that could cause cuts or other injuries to your hands.

Precautions with seat covers

Be extremely careful when installing or removing seat covers. Improper handling can cause short circuits in the electrical seat components or damage to the integrated ventilation system, potentially leading to abnormal noises or system failure.

Seat short circuit risk

When using aftermarket seat covers or protective plastic, be mindful of internal wires and air vents. Blocking ventilation paths or damaging electrical wiring can lead to a short circuit, which may result in component damage or pose a serious fire hazard.