2020 Kia Telluride SUV
Mack Hogan | CNBC
Kia is recalling more than 427,000 of its Telluride SUVs due to a defect that could cause the cars to roll away while parked.
According to documents published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the intermediate shaft and right front driveshaft of some 2020-2024 Tellurides may not be fully engaged. Over time, this can lead to “unintended vehicle movement” while cars are in the parking lot, increasing potential crash risks.
Kia America decided to recall all 2020-2023 model year models and select 2024 model year Tellurides earlier this month, NHTSA documents show. At the moment there have been no injuries or accidents reported.
Improper assembly is suspected to be the cause of the shaft engagement issue, with the recall affecting 2020-2024 Tellurids manufactured between January 9, 2019 and October 19, 2023. Kia America estimates 1% have the defect .
To remedy this problem, the recall documents say, dealers will update the electronic parking brake software of affected cars and replace any damaged intermediate shafts free of charge. Owners who have already incurred repair costs will also be reimbursed.
Meanwhile, drivers of the affected Tellurides are asked to manually apply the emergency brake before exiting the vehicle. Drivers can also confirm whether their specific vehicle is included in this recall and find more information by using the NHTSA site and/or Kia’s recall search platform.
Otherwise the owner notification letters will be sent on May 15th, while the dealer notification will begin a few days before.
The Associated Press contacted Irvine, California-based Kia America on Sunday for further comment.