Kia America is recalling 427,407 Kia Telluride SUVs over concerns that a shaft misalignment could cause the vehicles to move while parked and cause a crash, authorities announced Tuesday.
The Irvine, Calif.-based manufacturer said the intermediate shaft and right front driveshaft in each affected vehicle “may not fully mate due to suspected improper assembly by the supplier.” Stated. According to the document Published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
“Over time, partial engagement can damage the intermediate shaft splines,” the NHTSA document continues. “Damaged shaft splines can cause the vehicle to move unintentionally while parked if the parking brake is not engaged.”
The document said affected vehicles were at increased risk of a collision. (Related: Car company recalls more than 260,000 vehicles to address potential fuel leak and fire hazard)
＃Recall: Kia Motors is recalling all 2020-2023 Telluride SUVs and some 2024 models due to the possibility of them rolling over when placed in parks. A total of 427,407 vehicles are subject to recall. https://t.co/KaPaNuQLco
— Consumer Reports (@ConsumerReports) March 28, 2024
According to the document, these vehicles were manufactured between January 9, 2019 and October 19, 2023 and represent approximately 1% of all 2020 to 2024 Kia Telluride SUVs manufactured during the same period. . Kia reportedly identified the vehicle by examining the vehicle and supplier’s production records. The supplier was identified as MOBIS Alabama, LLC, based in West Point, Georgia.
Kia Motors plans to refer owners of affected vehicles to Kia dealers via first class mail. Dealers will install the latest electronic parking brake (EPB) software to prevent movement of parked vehicles and replace any damaged intermediate shafts found, according to the document.
“To prevent unintentional vehicle movement before this recall is complete, Kia Motors is asking vehicle owners to move the gear shifter to the ‘P’ (Park) position before exiting the vehicle and to always use manual EPB. ,” the document reads.
Kia has reportedly promised to refund vehicle owners who may have paid to resolve the issue independently.
