Kia Telluride Rollaway Recall

Kia America recently issued a recall affecting 427,407 Telluride vehicles due to a significant safety issue: rollaway while in the park. The defect involves the connection between the intermediate shaft and the right front driveshaft, which is not fully engaged. This mechanical issue can result in unintended vehicle movement, posing a serious risk to drivers and others on the road. If your Kia Telluride has been recalled, it’s crucial to understand the implications of this recall and what legal options you may have.

At Wirtz Law APC, we are committed to helping consumers like you take action under California’s lemon law when your vehicle fails to meet safety standards. If this recall has impacted your Telluride, we’re here to help you fight for the compensation you deserve.

The Scope of the Kia Telluride Recall

This recall affects Telluride vehicles produced between January 9, 2019, and October 19, 2023, for the 2020 through 2024 model years. The defect was identified due to improper assembly by a subsidiary of Hyundai Mobis, which provides parts for Hyundai and Kia vehicles. 

Kia’s recall documentation, filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), reveals that the Tellurides produced after October 20, 2023, have undergone more thorough inspections to ensure full engagement of the driveshaft assemblies. If your vehicle was produced before this date, taking action and seeking repairs as soon as possible is essential.

How The Defect Was Discovered

Kia first became aware of the problem in April 2022 when customers reported issues such as transmissions failing to hold in park, unintended vehicle movement, grinding noises, and vibrations. These complaints prompted Kia engineers to investigate. However, it wasn’t until December 2023 that Kia identified the root cause: the intermediate shaft had spline wear, which resulted from partial engagement with the driveshaft.

This abnormal wear led to several documented cases of vehicles rolling away while parked, increasing the risk of crashes and injuries. Kia decided to recall the cars in March 2024 after reviewing the field data and warranty, which revealed sixteen unique vehicle identification numbers (VINs) with confirmed incidents of unintended movement.

Kia’s Recall Remedy

To address this serious safety concern, Kia offered a solution. First, they will update the software for the electronic parking brake, which ensures the brake automatically engages when the car is placed in park and the engine is turned off.

While the software update is an essential part of the recall, it doesn’t completely solve the problem, as the issue is mechanical in nature. Kia has also committed to inspecting and, if necessary, replacing the intermediate shaft and driveshaft in affected vehicles, free of charge. Owners of affected vehicles should have received letters from Kia in May 2024 with instructions on how to proceed with the repairs. If you have not and have questions, you should reach out to the manufacturer and call our lemon law attorneys to see what your options are. 

Understanding Your Lemon Law Rights

If you own a Kia Telluride, you might be eligible for compensation under California’s lemon law. California lemon law protects consumers who purchase or lease defective vehicles that fail to meet safety standards or require multiple repairs. If your vehicle’s defect has led to safety risks, repeated repairs, or financial losses, you may be entitled to a refund, replacement, or compensation for the defect.

To qualify under California lemon law, your vehicle must meet certain conditions:

• The defect must significantly impact the vehicle’s safety, value, or usability;
• The manufacturer must have been given a reasonable number of attempts to repair the defect, and
• The vehicle must still be under warranty.

In the case of the Kia Telluride recall, the rollaway defect clearly poses a significant safety risk.

Taking Action After the Kia Recall

Acting quickly is essential if your Kia Telluride has been affected by this recall. Unintended rollaway incidents can lead to serious accidents, injuries, and financial losses. While Kia offers repairs, you may still be entitled to compensation for the defect and any resulting damages.

Contact Wirtz Law APC today for a free consultation. We’ll review your case, explain your legal options, and help you file a lemon law claim to ensure you’re compensated for your defective vehicle. With offices across California and a 98% success rate in lemon law cases, we’re here to fight for you.

Are You Concerned About Your Recalled Kia?

If you own a Kia Telluride and are concerned about the safety and value of your vehicle in the wake of the most recent Telluride recalls, reach out to Wirtz Law APC to learn more about your legal rights and what you can do to pursue financial compensation for what you’ve been put through.

At Wirtz Law APC we’ve assembled a dedicated team of Lemon Law attorneys who have an in-depth understanding of California consumer protection laws. We offer all prospective clients free consultations and will not collect a fee for our services unless we’re able to recover compensation on your behalf.

We proudly serve our local San Diego communities and other parts of Southern California. We also have experience helping consumers who live in Central and Northern California. To learn more and to schedule a free consultation today, call Wirtz Law APC at 858-259-5009. You can also connect with us through our secure online contact form.