In an important safety measure, Kia Motors has initiated a recall of approximately 427,407 Kia Telluride SUVs from model years 2020 through 2022, due to a risk that the vehicles could unintentionally roll away when parked. This announcement was made on April 22, 2024, from Kia’s offices in Irvine, California. The underlying issue involves a crucial defect in the vehicle’s driveshaft, a key component responsible for transmitting power to the wheels, which, due to a manufacturing error, may not engage fully.
The problem stems from the possibility that the driveshaft might not achieve full engagement. This incomplete engagement can, over time, lead to wear and damage to the component, increasing the likelihood of the vehicle moving out of its parked position. Such movement could occur even if the vehicle’s transmission indicates it is securely in park, presenting a significant risk of accident and injury.
The specific risks associated with this recall reflect a potentially serious safety hazard. The design flaw in the driveshaft not only compromises vehicle stability but also elevates the chances of collisions that could endanger both passengers and pedestrians. Previous articles and reports on similar recalls underscore the severity of the risk if not addressed promptly.
Drivers may be able to detect early signs of the problem. A notable grinding noise, for instance, might accompany vehicle operation, and a noticeable reduction in power during acceleration could also be a symptom of the driveshaft issue.
As a precautionary step, Kia recommends that owners of Kia Telluride vehicles use the emergency parking brake every time they exit their vehicles. This additional measure aims to secure the vehicle against unintended movement until the defect can be rectified.
The decision to recall followed the receipt of multiple reports from vehicle owners, including ten warranty claims, three technical support cases, and four direct customer complaints. Fortunately, there have been no reported injuries or accidents related to this defect as yet. This recall is part of a series of safety actions by Kia; earlier recalls involved issues such as nonfunctional headlights and potential fire risks due to oil leaks in different models, including the Kia Stinger and K900.
To address the defect, Kia dealers will perform an update of the Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) software. This update will ensure the parking brake automatically engages when the vehicle’s transmission is shifted into Drive or when the driver’s door is opened. All repairs related to this recall will be carried out free of charge.
Kia will be sending out notification letters to all affected Kia Telluride owners between May 15 and May 17, 2024, detailing the steps they need to take. The letters will include instructions on how to schedule a service appointment with their dealers.
Owners of potentially affected Kia Telluride SUVs are urged to check whether their vehicle is included in the recall. This can be done using MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool, which provides immediate feedback on recall status.
