Kia has announced a significant recall affecting over 427,000 of its Telluride vehicles across the United States due to a risk that they could inadvertently move while set to park.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issued a warning that encompasses all Telluride models produced between the years 2020 and 2023, extending to certain models from 2024. The concern arises from a potential issue with the vehicles' intermediate shaft and right front driveshaft, which may not be correctly engaged because of what is suspected to be an improper assembly process by a supplier.
The NHTSA elaborated that the faulty engagement could lead to damage over time to the splines on the intermediate shaft, posing a risk of the vehicles moving unexpectedly if the parking brake is not activated. The recall comes as part of a broader initiative to ensure vehicular safety, prompted by a meticulous review of vehicle and supplier production records. Kia is directing concerned customers to reach out to its Customer Care Center or an authorized Kia dealership for more specific information about their vehicles.
This recall marks another addition to the increasing number of automotive recalls affecting the industry. Recently, Kia America, in conjunction with Hyundai, recalled over 48,000 vehicles due to issues with the charging units, underscoring the importance of ongoing vigilance in automotive safety and manufacturing standards.
Kia's approach to addressing this issue involves updating the electronic parking brake software on the affected Telluride SUVs and replacing any damaged intermediate shafts, all at no charge to the vehicle owners. The company has also committed to reimbursing owners who have previously incurred expenses in resolving this issue, reflecting Kia's dedication to customer safety and satisfaction.
