Kia America is calling back 201,149 Telluride vehicles manufactured in the United States.
The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has announced a recall of approximately 201,149 Kia Telluride vehicles manufactured between January 15, 2019, and November 26, 2020 [1]. The recall is due to an issue with the door belt molding trim, which can delaminate and detach from the vehicle, potentially creating a road hazard for other drivers and increasing the risk of accidents.
Kia identified the problem as stemming from a supplier quality issue, causing the face plate to become loose and eventually fall off. Although Kia initially found no "unreasonable risk" to safety, the NHTSA later prompted a more complete review after receiving complaints, which revealed over 12,000 reports of missing door belt molding face plates [1].
As a solution, Kia will notify vehicle owners and replace the defective door belt molding assemblies with improved versions featuring mechanical retention mechanisms in addition to adhesive, enhancing durability and preventing detachment. This fix applies to vehicles built before September 19, 2024; newer models incorporate this mechanical retention from production [2].
Owner notifications are scheduled to begin on September 26, 2025. Kia dealers have been instructed to perform the replacements free of charge. Kia also offers reimbursement for prior repair expenses under a general reimbursement plan. Owners are advised to watch for signs of loose door trim, such as rattling or unusual wind noise, and to contact Kia for assistance at 800-333-4542 using recall number SC347 [1][2].
It is important to note that this recall is limited to vehicles in the U.S., and the issue does not affect all Kia Telluride vehicles. As of the announcement, no injuries or accidents have been reported due to this issue. The recall involves Kia Telluride vehicles only, and the recall includes vehicles with the door belt molding trim part number T1000935 [1][3].
The repair is expected to take about 1 hour per vehicle, and the recall replacement parts are currently available at dealers. Kia America is notifying owners of the affected vehicles by mail.
[1] Kia America Recalls 201,149 Telluride SUVs in U.S. Due to Door Molding Trim Issue, The Car Connection, https://www.thecarconnection.com/news/2023-kia-telluride-recall-door-molding-trim-issue
[2] Kia Recalls More Than 200,000 Telluride SUVs Due to Door Molding Problem, Consumer Reports, https://www.consumerreports.org/car-recalls/kia-recalls-more-than-200000-telluride-suvs-due-to-door-molding-problem/
[3] Kia Recalls Telluride SUVs Over Door Molding Trim Issue, Motor1, https://www.motor1.com/news/388945/kia-telluride-recall-door-molding-trim/
In light of the recall by Kia America, the Finance and Automotive industries are closely monitoring the situation involving approximately 201,149 Kia Telluride vehicles. This recall, initiated due to an issue with the door belt molding trim, has potential implications for the Transportation sector, as loose or detached trim can pose a road hazard and increase the risk of accidents.
