Kia is recalling greater than 427,000 of its Telluride SUVs resulting from a defect that may cause the cars to roll while parked.
According to documents released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the intermediate shaft and right front driveshaft on certain 2020-2024 Tellurides is probably not fully engaged. Over time, this could result in “unintentional vehicle movement” while cars are parked, increasing the potential risk of accidents.
Kia America has decided to recall all the 2020-2023 model 12 months and choose Tellurides for the 2024 model 12 months, NHTSA documents show. No injuries or accidents were reported at the moment.
Improper assembly is suspected to be the explanation for the shaft engagement issue – the recall affects 2020-2024 Telluride series manufactured between January 9, 2019 and October 19, 2023. Kia America estimates that 1% have the defect.
To fix this issue, dealers will update the affected cars’ electronic parking brake software and replace any damaged intermediate shafts freed from charge, in keeping with recall documents. Owners who’ve already incurred repair costs may even be reimbursed.
Meanwhile, drivers of the affected Tellurides are instructed to manually apply the emergency brake before exiting the vehicle. Drivers also can confirm whether their specific vehicle is affected by this recall and find more details about it NHTSA website and/or Kias Recall search platform.
Otherwise, owner notification letters are expected to be sent out on May 15, with dealer notifications starting a number of days earlier.
