Kia Telluride Recall: A Proactive Step Against Rollaway Risk

In a move that underscores the importance of vehicle safety, Kia has initiated a recall of over 427,000 Telluride SUVs due to a potential rollaway risk when parked. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has reported that the right front driveshaft and the intermediate shaft in some vehicles may not be fully engaged, which could lead to damage over time and result in unintended vehicle movement.

The Telluride, a highly sought-after SUV launched in 2020, has garnered immense popularity among consumers due to its spacious interior and impressive features. During its initial release, the demand was so substantial that dealerships resorted to selling it above the suggested retail price. Nonetheless, safety remains a top priority, prompting Kia to implement measures aimed at safeguarding the well-being of its clientele.

Individuals who own the impacted Telluride models, spanning from 2020 to 2024 and produced between January 9, 2019, and October 19, 2024, are urged to manually engage the emergency parking brake as a temporary solution until authorized Kia dealerships can update the electronic parking brake software and address any potential issues with the intermediate shafts. Furthermore, Kia has announced that it will provide compensation to those who have borne expenses for repairs related to this matter.

It is anticipated that around 1% of the vehicles will be affected by this recall, based on estimates provided by Kia. To offer clarity to owners unsure if their Telluride is subject to the recall, Kia has established an accessible platform that enables individuals to verify the inclusion of their vehicle by inputting the 17-digit identification number.

Vehicle recalls are not uncommon within the automotive industry, with Kia’s Telluride now joining the ranks of recent recalls issued by other prominent manufacturers like Ford, BMW, and Subaru. It is advisable for vehicle owners to remain vigilant and stay informed about the status of their vehicles by regularly checking the NHTSA’s recall website for updates.

The issue at hand involves an improperly assembled driveshaft system that could lead to rollaway incidents, increasing the risk of crashes. Kia has reported 16 instances related to this problem, with six confirmed cases of spline damage. The recall covers a wide range of Telluride models, and Kia has taken steps to ensure that 2024 models built after October 20, 2023, are not affected by this issue, thanks to an additional inspection process. Kia plans to notify dealers of the recall on May 13, with owner notification letters to follow by May 15. In the meantime, owners can visit the NHTSA recalls website to determine if their vehicle is impacted.

The Telluride has been a significant success for Kia, winning accolades and recording an 11% sales increase in 2023. Despite this being the fifth recall since its debut, the Telluride’s track record remains relatively strong, with the previous major recall concerning a tow hitch harness issue. As we await further details, owners are encouraged to contact Kia customer service or visit the official recall page for more information. With proactive measures like these, Kia demonstrates its commitment to customer safety and the integrity of its products.

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