Kia is recalling over 427,000 of its Telluride SUVs due to a defect that could cause them to roll away while parked. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration published documents revealing that the intermediate shaft and right front driveshaft in certain 2020-2024 Tellurides may not be fully engaged, leading to unintended vehicle movement. While no injuries or crashes have been reported, Kia America decided to recall all 2020-2023 models and select 2024 models due to improper assembly, estimating that 1% of affected vehicles have the defect.
To address this issue, recall documents state that dealers will update the electronic parking brake software and replace any damaged intermediate shafts at no cost. Owners who have already incurred repair expenses will also be reimbursed. In the meantime, drivers of the impacted Tellurides are advised to manually engage the emergency brake before exiting the vehicle. They can confirm if their specific vehicle is included in the recall and find more information on the NHTSA site and Kia’s recall lookup platform. Owner notification letters are scheduled to be mailed out on May 15, with dealer notification beginning a few days earlier.
Kia America has taken steps to address the potential safety risks posed by the defect in 2020-2024 Telluride SUVs. The recall covers vehicles manufactured between Jan. 9, 2019, and Oct. 19, 2023, and aims to prevent unintended vehicle movement while parked, reducing the likelihood of crashes or injuries. By updating the electronic parking brake software and replacing damaged intermediate shafts, the company hopes to rectify the issue and ensure the safety of affected vehicles and their owners.
The recall process for the Telluride SUVs involves updating software and replacing components to prevent unintended movement while parked. Kia America has committed to covering the costs of these repairs, as well as reimbursing owners who have already incurred expenses related to the defect. Owners are advised to follow specific instructions, including manually engaging the emergency brake and verifying if their vehicle is included in the recall. The company will also send out notifications to owners and dealers to facilitate the recall process.
The safety concerns associated with the defect in Telluride SUVs have prompted Kia America to take swift action in issuing a recall for over 427,000 vehicles. While the company has not received reports of injuries or accidents related to the issue, it is taking proactive measures to ensure the safety of all impacted vehicles. By addressing the shaft engagement problem through software updates and component replacements, Kia aims to prevent any potential risks and maintain the integrity of the affected vehicles.
Drivers of the recalled Telluride SUVs are urged to take precautions, such as manually engaging the emergency brake, until the necessary repairs are completed. By following the guidelines provided and staying informed through the NHTSA and Kia’s platforms, owners can ensure the safety of their vehicles and minimize the risk of accidents. Kia America’s efforts to address the defect demonstrate its commitment to prioritizing consumer safety and maintaining the quality of its vehicles, reflecting the company’s dedication to customer satisfaction and vehicle performance.
