Kia is initiating a recall for over 427,000 of its Telluride SUVs due to a potential defect that could result in unintended vehicle movement while parked. According to documents released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, certain 2020-2024 Telluride models may experience incomplete engagement of the intermediate shaft and right front driveshaft. This issue, identified as improper assembly, could elevate the risk of accidents.

Kia America made the decision to recall all 2020-2023 model year Tellurides and specific 2024 models earlier this month, as outlined in NHTSA documents. As of the recall announcement, there have been no reported injuries or accidents associated with this problem.

The recall covers 2020-2024 Tellurides manufactured between January 9, 2019, and October 19, 2023, with an estimated 1% of vehicles affected by the shaft engagement issue. To address the problem, dealers will update the electronic parking brake software and replace any damaged intermediate shafts at no cost to owners. Those who have already incurred expenses for repairs will be reimbursed.

As a precautionary measure, owners of affected Tellurides are advised to manually engage the emergency brake before exiting their vehicles. To determine whether their vehicle is subject to the recall and obtain additional information, drivers can visit the NHTSA website or Kia’s recall lookup platform.

Notification letters for owners are scheduled to be mailed out starting on May 15, with dealer notifications beginning a few days earlier.