Kia Issues Recall On More Than 300K Vehicles Over Loose Parts

Within a week, Kia issued two notices to recall their more than 300,000 vehicles. This is their 5th recall of the year. The report conducted by NHTSA revealed the issue in K5 and Telluride models, and this report covered customer feedback and internal testing as per Kia Vehicle Recall 2025 Notice. 

Kia Vehicle Recall 2025: Over 300K Telluride and K5 SUVs Affected

Issue: 

From 2023 to 2025, Kia Telluride and K5 models have been recalled twice, according to the NHTSA. This includes 201,149 Kia Telluride and 100,063 Kia K5 in the US market. 

As per the company’s statement, the trim piece of Telluride, which is located below the window on each door, is not properly attached. This negligence leads to loosening of face plates over time and detachment from the vehicle. This recall covers 6% of Telluride models. The supplier quality issue affected the adhesive and mechanical retention between the trim. 

While in K5, the section between the rear window and back windshield, called exterior trims on the C-pillars, may come loose and separate from the vehicle. Both risk increases the chances of incidents or crashes, not only hazardous for the driver and passengers, but also for the vehicles on the road. 

As per the Kia North America Safety Office, the C-pillar garnish and door belt molding face plate may delaminate and separate from the base of the molding. This is all because of the supplier quality issues. If the owner continues to drive the vehicle even after knowing the issue, then the chances are that the face plate might fall and create road hazards. 

Till now, the company has steered clear of any case of incident or accident, which is a good sign for them. 

Remedy:

1. Dealers are prohibited from selling or leasing the affected model until the repairs are made. 
2. First, the dealers will inspect the affected model, and if the trim is loose or compromised, then it will be replaced for free. 
3. The replacement parts include an enhanced mechanical retention adhesive.
4. As per Kia’s General Reimbursement Plan, May 1, 2024, they will reimburse the amount of repair (if anyone tried to resolve the issue from their own pocket). 

Notice to owners:

By September 26 for Telluride and September 29 for K5, all the owners will be notified via mail. Owners can contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety hotline number at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-888-275-9171). For more updates, they can visit the official website of NHTSA.