Sunita Somvanshi
Kia is dealing with three separate vehicle recalls affecting over 400,000 cars and SUVs, with one now under federal investigation.
The automaker recently announced two recalls involving exterior trim pieces that can detach from vehicles. These recalls affect 201,149 Telluride SUVs and 100,063 K5 sedans from model years 2023-2025. When these trim pieces fall off, they create road hazards for other drivers, increasing crash risks.
For the Telluride, the door belt molding trim can progressively delaminate and detach. On the K5 sedans, rear window trim pieces can become loose and fall off. Owners might notice loose trim parts, hear rattling sounds, or experience unusual wind noise inside their vehicles.
Kia plans to notify affected Telluride and K5 owners by September 26. Dealers will inspect and replace the faulty trim pieces for free, installing improved parts that use mechanical retention in addition to adhesive.
Separately, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) opened an audit on August 6 into Kia’s handling of a previous engine recall. This investigation examines how Kia is addressing problems with 137,256 vehicles—specifically 2021-2023 Soul and Seltos models with 2.0L engines.
The original engine recall, announced in February 2025, involved incorrectly manufactured piston oil rings that can damage cylinder walls. This damage increases oil consumption and can lead to engine stalling or, in rare cases, fires.
NHTSA’s audit follows 47 complaints filed between April 29 and June 27 from vehicle owners. These complaints allege that Kia’s fix—which includes engine inspections, replacements when necessary, and installation of piston-ring noise-sensing software—has been either ineffective or unavailable.
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The recall remedy became available on April 4, but Kia changed its engine inspection procedures on May 7, 2025. NHTSA’s audit aims to evaluate how effective Kia’s fix has been and how the company has responded to owner complaints.
“Kia carefully monitors the quality and safety performance of its vehicles, including the effectiveness of its recall remedies which is the subject of the audit,” Kia said in a statement.
Drivers of vehicles affected by the engine recall may notice increased oil consumption, hear abnormal engine noise, or see oil pressure warning lights illuminate. If these symptoms appear, owners should contact their Kia dealer immediately.
For all these recalls, vehicle owners can contact Kia customer service at 800-333-4542 for more information. They can also check if their vehicle is affected by entering their Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on NHTSA’s website at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
The timing of these multiple recalls comes as Kia has been working to improve its safety reputation in recent years. The company must now demonstrate that its recall remedies effectively address these safety concerns to maintain consumer trust.
