Kia Recall: Over 427,000 Telluride SUVs Affected

Kia has issued a recall affecting more than 427,000 Telluride SUVs due to a significant defect that could potentially lead to unintended vehicle movement while parked. This recall, prompted by documents from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, pertains to certain Tellurides manufactured between the model years 2020 and 2024. These vehicles may experience incomplete engagement of the intermediate shaft and right front driveshaft, presenting a notable safety concern if not promptly addressed.

The decision to recall these vehicles was made by Kia America earlier this month, with the recall encompassing model years 2020 to 2023 as well as selected 2024 models. Despite the absence of reported injuries or accidents associated with the defect, Kia deemed it necessary to prioritize consumer safety by initiating the recall process.

The underlying flaw is believed to be rooted in potential improper assembly during the manufacturing process. The recall spans Tellurides produced between Jan. 9, 2019, and Oct. 19, 2023, affecting an estimated 1% of the total vehicles manufactured during that period.

To rectify the identified issue, Kia will offer affected vehicle owners a free update to the electronic parking brake software and replace any intermediate shafts found to be damaged. Additionally, owners who have already incurred expenses related to repairs will be reimbursed accordingly.

In the interim, owners of affected Tellurides are strongly advised to manually engage the emergency brake before exiting their vehicles to mitigate any potential risks associated with the defect. For further information, including whether a specific vehicle is part of the recall, individuals can visit the NHTSA website or utilize Kia’s recall lookup platform.

Notification letters will be dispatched to affected owners starting May 15, with dealers being informed a few days prior to ensure a smooth recall process.