Kia America recently issued two important recall notices affecting over 300,000 vehicles due to safety concerns related to loose parts near the doors and windows. Specifically, the recalls involve 201,149 units of the Telluride models (2023-2025) for issues with faulty door belt moldings and 100,063 K5 models (2023-2025) due to problems with window trim detachment. These notifications, communicated on July 28 by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), highlight the potential hazards associated with detached trim pieces, which can pose risks of accidents for other motorists.
The recall for the Telluride vehicles centers around the door belt molding trims, which are narrow strips located along the upper edge of the door where the window meets the metal frame. According to NHTSA, these trim pieces may become loose and eventually detach. For the K5 models, the issue is similar, where the C-pillar garnish face plates—decorative elements located near the rear windows—may suffer from detachment. Both recalls stem from a supplier quality issue that has led to the components loosening from their bases, increasing the danger of road hazards.
Kia’s Safety Office elaborated on the implications of these defects, stating that if a vehicle is driven under these conditions, the loose trim pieces could fall off while in motion, posing serious risks to other road users. The NHTSA echoed these concerns in both recall notices, emphasizing that such detaching components elevate the likelihood of accidents. Kia is advising owners to act on these recalls promptly to avoid potential dangers.
To address these recalls, Kia will provide a free inspection and replacement service for the affected components at its dealerships. The NHTSA notes that dealers will replace the faulty C-pillar garnish assemblies and door belt moldings not previously addressed under warranty. Furthermore, Kia has pledged to reimburse owners for any repair expenses related to these issues that may have been incurred prior to the recall notification.
Notifications regarding these recalls are set to be mailed to affected vehicle owners on September 26. Owners of the K5 and Telluride models will receive letters outlining the necessary next steps. For additional assistance, Kia customer service can be reached at 800-333-4542, with specific recall numbers provided for each model—SC346 for the K5 and SC347 for the Telluride.
Owners can also verify if their vehicles are part of the recalls by visiting the NHTSA recall website, which allows them to search using various identifiers like make, model, and Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). This proactive approach helps ensure that all affected vehicles are accounted for and that owners are informed of the necessary safety measures, although NHTSA and Kia did not respond to requests for further comment at that time.
