NEW YORK (AP) — Kia Motors is recalling more than 427,000 Telluride SUVs due to a defect that could cause the cars to roll while parked.
The intermediate shaft and right front driveshaft of some 2020-2024 Tellurides may not fully engage, according to a document published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Over time, this can cause “unintended vehicle movement” while the car is parked, increasing the potential risk of a collision.
Kia America decided earlier this month to recall all 2020-2023 models in favor of the 2024 Telluride, according to NHTSA documents. No injuries or collisions have been reported at this time.
Improper assembly is suspected to be the cause of the shaft engagement issue, and the recall applies to 2020-2024 models manufactured between January 9, 2019 and October 19, 2023. It's a Telluride car. Kia America estimates that 1% are defective.
To resolve the issue, dealers will update the electronic parking brake software on affected vehicles and replace the damaged intermediate shaft free of charge, according to the recall document. Owners who have already incurred repair costs will also be compensated.
In the meantime, affected Telluride Islands drivers are being instructed to manually apply their emergency brakes before exiting their vehicles. Drivers can also check if their specific vehicle is included in this recall and find more information using the NHTSA site or their Kia recall search platform.
Otherwise, owner notification letters will be mailed on May 15th, with dealer notifications expected to begin several days earlier.
The Associated Press on Sunday reached out to Irvine, California-based Kia America for further comment.
