Kia recalls over 300,000 vehicles due to dangerous loose parts
- Kia America issued recalls over loose parts affecting more than 300,000 vehicles from 2023 to 2025, including Telluride and K5 models.
- The recalls are due to a supplier quality issue that may lead to components detaching and creating road hazards.
- Owners are advised to take their vehicles to dealerships for free inspections and potential replacements.
In the United States, Kia America announced two separate recall notices affecting over 300,000 of its vehicles due to an issue with loose parts located near doors and windows. The recalls specifically target 201,149 Telluride models and 100,063 K5 models from the 2023 to 2025 production years. Both recall notices were issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on July 28, highlighting the safety risks associated with detached vehicle components. The recalled Telluride models may experience loosening and detachment of door belt molding trims, which are positioned along the top edge of the vehicle’s doors. In contrast, the K5 models are affected by C-pillar garnish face plates which may also become loose and detach. According to Kia North America, issues arose due to a supplier quality problem, leading to the progressive delamination of these components. If the vehicles are driven in this condition, these pieces may eventually fall off, posing a hazard to other road users and potentially increasing the risk of crashes. Kia advises owners of the affected vehicles to visit their local dealerships for a free inspection and potential replacement of the affected trim assemblies. The company assures affected customers that vehicles previously serviced under warranty will also be addressed with improved parts. In addition, Kia has committed to reimbursing owners for repair expenses incurred prior to the recall notices, stating that this falls under Kia’s General Reimbursement Plan that was filed on May 1, 2024. Notification letters are expected to be mailed to vehicle owners on September 26, 2024. In the meantime, concerned owners can check if their vehicles are included in the recall by visiting the NHTSA recall website. The recall situation has drawn attention to the importance of vehicle safety and manufacturing quality standards, especially as loose parts can create road hazards not only for the vehicle owner but for the broader driving public as well. This incident has raised questions about supplier quality control and the implications it may have for vehicle manufacturers in terms of customer safety and brand reputation.