Kia Recalls Over 300,000 Telluride and K5 Models for Exterior Trim Detachment

Kia America has initiated a significant recall affecting over 300,000 vehicles, a move that underscores the critical importance of robust supply chain management in modern automotive manufacturing. This voluntary action addresses potential issues with exterior trim components that could detach while vehicles are in motion, posing a considerable road hazard and elevating the risk of accidents. The recall highlights the ongoing challenges manufacturers face in maintaining stringent quality control across extensive global supply chains, alongside the proactive measures undertaken to safeguard public safety.

• Over 300,000 Kia Telluride and K5 vehicles from model years 2023-2025 are affected.
• The recall encompasses 201,149 Telluride models and 100,063 K5 models.
• The issues involve the detachment of door belt molding trims on Tellurides and C-pillar garnish face plates on K5s.
• The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) published recall notices on July 28.
• A supplier quality deficiency is identified as the root cause of the progressive delamination and loosening of these exterior components.
• Kia will provide complimentary inspections and replacements, and will reimburse owners for previous related repairs.

The Scope of the Recall

Detailed in two separate notices issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on July 28, the recalls collectively encompass a substantial fleet of vehicles. This includes 201,149 Kia Telluride models manufactured between 2023 and 2025, alongside 100,063 Kia K5 models from the identical model years. Specifically, the Telluride vehicles are prone to potential loosening and detachment of their door belt molding trims, which are strategically positioned along the top edge of the vehicle’s door where the window glass meets the metal frame. Concurrently, the K5 models exhibit a similar defect with their C-pillar garnish face plates, which are decorative panels located near the rear windows, contributing to the vehicle’s aesthetic and structural integrity.

Underlying Issues and Safety Concerns

The fundamental cause of these identified issues has been pinpointed as a deficiency in supplier quality, leading to the progressive delamination and subsequent loosening of these crucial exterior trim pieces from their base molding. This defect, if unaddressed, poses a direct safety threat. Should these components detach from a vehicle while it is in motion, they can transform into hazardous road debris, significantly increasing the risk of a collision for other road users. This potential for adverse events has necessitated the manufacturer’s swift and decisive intervention to mitigate danger and ensure public road safety.

Remedial Actions and Owner Support

To proactively address the identified risk and ensure the safety of its customers, Kia America has outlined a comprehensive mitigation strategy. Owners of affected vehicles are instructed to schedule an appointment at an authorized Kia dealership for a complimentary inspection and repair. Dealerships will facilitate the replacement of the problematic C-pillar trim assemblies and door belt molding trim assemblies with improved components designed to prevent future delamination. Furthermore, Kia has committed to reimbursing owners for any repair expenses already incurred for this specific issue, aligning with the company’s General Reimbursement Plan, which was formally filed on May 1, 2024. Notification letters to registered owners of the recalled K5 and Telluride models are slated for mailing on September 26. For additional inquiries or assistance, vehicle owners can contact Kia customer service directly at 800-333-4542, referencing recall number SC346 for the K5 models and SC347 for the Telluride models. As an alternative verification method, owners can also determine if their specific vehicle is included in the recall by entering its Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the NHTSA recall website, a readily accessible resource for public safety information.