Kia Telluride SUVs Recalled Over Rollaway Risk

Kia is calling back nearly half a million Telluride sport utility vehicles, the company recently told federal safety regulators.

The problem: The SUVs could roll away unexpectedly and without warning. That increases the risk of accidents and injuries, the company acknowledged.

“The intermediate shaft and right front driveshaft may not be fully engaged due to suspected improper assembly by the supplier,” the company said in a defect notice filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. “Over time, partial engagement can cause damage to the intermediate shaft splines.”

That is not good, to say the least.

“Damaged shaft splines may result in unintended vehicle movement while in Park if the parking brake is not engaged,” Kia said. “Unintended vehicle movement increases the risk of a crash.”

The recall covers more than 426,000 Telluride SUVs from model years 2020 to 2024. 

Kia plans to notify owners of recalled vehicles by May 17, the company told NHTSA. Drivers can check the NHTSA website in the meantime to see if their cars are covered by the recall.

The carmaker will ask owners to bring their vehicles to local dealers for inspection and repair. 

“Kia dealers will install updated Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) software to automatically engage the EPB to prevent unintended vehicle movement when the gear shifter is in the “P” (Park) position and the engine is turned off, or when the vehicle is stopped in any gear shifter position and the driver’s door opens,” the company said. It advises owners to manually engage EPB before exiting their vehicles before they are fixed.

How the California Lemon Law Works

This is far from the only safety concern for Kia and anyone driving its cars.

Kia and parent company Hyundai recently recalled more than 3.4 million vehicles that they say are at risk of fires, for example. The companies said owners should park their vehicles outside until they are repaired, a precaution to prevent possible fires from quickly spreading.

There is some good news for Subaru owners and lessors in California, however. The state’s lemon law gives you some comprehensive rights and protections.

Known officially as the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, the California lemon law generally requires carmakers to perform various repairs on vehicles while they are under warranty. It also forces them to buy back vehicles that they are not able or flat-out refuse to fix. 

That includes compensating the owner for any down payment on the car, as well as for monthly loan payments, the outstanding balance on any loan. The manufacturer is also responsible for towing, rental car and other related expenses. 

Talk with a California Lemon Law Attorney

If you have been stuck with a defective or malfunctioning vehicle, a California lemon law attorney at Bickel Sannipoli APC can help you fight back.  

Call us at (888) 800-1983 or contact us online to speak with a California lemon law attorney.