Kia is in the eye of the storm (yes, once again) after they issued a statement to recall more than 300,000 Telluride and K5 vehicles! The reason? Pretty serious safety risks that could lead to fatal accidents. So, if you own one of those vehicles, let’s pay attention…
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the defect affects body components that could detach while driving, with potentially deadly consequences… Wow, scary.
But, keep calm, Kia has already started the process to notify affected owners of this failure. If you drive one of these models, keep reading!
What is happening with Kia?
Another recall, and it’s already, well, we wouldn’t know how many it’s been… This recall involves two models. First, the Kia Telluride (2023–2025), with a total of 201,149 units recalled. The fault in this car is found in a part located on the edge of the door: the door beltline molding, which can gradually detach due to poor application of the adhesive that keeps it in place.
According to the NHTSA, if this component detaches while driving, it could fall on the road and cause accidents. Some owners have already reported noises, vibrations, and loose parts, signs that the problem may be present even before the failure occurs!
What about Kia K5?
The other model is the Kia K5 (2023–2025), also included in the recall with 100,063 units affected. In this case, the problem is located in the C-pillar garnish, a part of the rear frame of the car. Just like in the Telluride, the defect is due to insufficient adhesive application during the assembly process.
In both cases, the estimated percentage of vehicles with the defect is between 5% and 6% (thanks God), but when there is a risk, there is a risk, and we don’t want to have to regret any accident or loss. Kia, get your act together!
More than just cosmetic…
Even if it seems like this recall is about something cosmetic, stop and think about it for a moment. A highway, something detaches from the vehicle in front of us, it can hit us, break the windshield, blow out a tire, anything! Any part, no matter how small it seems, can cause other vehicles to swerve quickly to avoid the hit and end up crashing into each other. Better safe than sorry, like my grandma used to say!
What is Kia asking?
The company has warned owners to pay attention to abnormal wind noises, vibrations, or visibly loose parts on the doors or rear pillars, and if they notice any of these, we’re going to explain what you need to do.
What should owners do?
Pay close attention, they will receive a letter by postal mail with instructions to go to the nearest dealership. There, the technicians will evaluate the changes and replace the defective parts at no cost.
Also, wait! Kia has promised to reimburse users for the repair expenses according to the Kia General Reimbursement Plan submitted in May 2024, so if you spent any money fixing this issue, they’ll give it back!
How do I know if my car is in this recall?
Very simple, enter your VIN number on Kia’s official site or in the NHTSA database. If your car appears on the list, head to the dealership as soon as possible.
No car is perfect or 100% reliable, but Kia sometimes seems to take all the bad things on the market and put them in its cars. Let’s hope acting in time makes a difference for its users and there are no more problems like this.