The Kia Telluride, heralded as a commercial triumph, faces a significant setback as it grapples with a recall due to a roll-away risk, affecting a substantial number of vehicles. The recall encompasses a staggering 427,407 units, spanning from all 2020-2023 Tellurides to select models from the 2024 lineup.
Following reports received by Kia's North American Safety Office, citing instances of unintended vehicle movement and failures to remain in park, alongside complaints of grinding noises, vibrations, and difficulty shifting gears, the automaker found itself confronted with a myriad of concerns. In response, Kia embarked on a vigilant monitoring process and subsequently initiated an investigation. Despite exhaustive efforts, no discernible pattern of failure emerged. Undeterred, Kia persisted in scrutinizing components, ultimately uncovering spline wear indicative of partial engagement of the intermediate shaft and right-hand front axle.
Substantiated through rigorous testing, Kia identified ten warranty claims, three techline cases, and four complaints across 16 vehicles potentially linked to spline wear. Of these, six cases were unequivocally confirmed, prompting the company to institute a recall. While no accidents or injuries have been reported thus far, the safety recall report attributes the issue to suspected improper assembly by the supplier, resulting in incomplete engagement of the intermediate shaft and right front driveshaft.
As part of the recall procedure, affected owners will receive notification via mail, instructing them to schedule a visit to their dealership. Technicians will then install software designed to automatically activate the parking brake upon the vehicle entering park mode and the engine shutting off, or when the vehicle comes to a stop and the driver's door opens. Additionally, any damaged intermediate shafts will be replaced. In the interim, owners are advised to manually engage the parking brake as a precautionary measure.