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2020 Kia Telluride

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Telluride years

Owner complaints for the 2020 Kia Telluride are substantially higher than the model-year median of 215.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

194 reports with mileage · 564 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Exterior Lighting. Review the 183 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine. Review the 142 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Visibility/wiper. Review the 135 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

8 crash reports9 fire reports8 injury reports

Power Train complaints

70 reports
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Mileage unknown · Apr 4, 2024
EnginePower TrainSuspension

Valve cover gasket leak, coolant hose leaks, passenger side axel boot slinging grease, parasitic draw

NHTSA ODI #11581249

Mileage unknown · Feb 20, 2024
Power Train

Passenger front CV axle boot leaking grease causing damage estimated $1000. Seems to be a huge issue for a lot of Kia owners (as parts seem to be on back order now). No rough terrain driving. So if this is an issue driving on Minnesota roads, bad parts by Kia. I lived on a farm where you drove on uneven terrain all the time… ne…

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Passenger front CV axle boot leaking grease causing damage estimated $1000. Seems to be a huge issue for a lot of Kia owners (as parts seem to be on back order now). No rough terrain driving. So if this is an issue driving on Minnesota roads, bad parts by Kia. I lived on a farm where you drove on uneven terrain all the time… never had a vehicle (Ford, Buick) never had this issue

NHTSA ODI #11573040

Mileage unknown · Dec 18, 2023
Power Train

1st winter of owning vehicle. The engine started to Rev with high rmps about 8000, and no power / speed incrase would happen. This was looked at by dealer within first year. This then happened again, dealer looked at it. Third time, the dealer had a code to look at, and the transmission was upgraded with software. We are n…

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1st winter of owning vehicle. The engine started to Rev with high rmps about 8000, and no power / speed incrase would happen. This was looked at by dealer within first year. This then happened again, dealer looked at it. Third time, the dealer had a code to look at, and the transmission was upgraded with software. We are now a 4th time at the dealer, and the observed reving is happening again, and shifting is not smooth.

NHTSA ODI #11560783

Mileage unknown · Nov 21, 2023
Electrical SystemExterior LightingPower Train

This started in July/August. I went in to get into my car and noticed that although my car was making the sound of unlocking, it wasn’t unlocking. Neither the key fob or pressing the button on the door handle would unlock my car. I manually used the key to get in. Once I got in, I had a rear collision warning on my dash and …

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This started in July/August. I went in to get into my car and noticed that although my car was making the sound of unlocking, it wasn’t unlocking. Neither the key fob or pressing the button on the door handle would unlock my car. I manually used the key to get in. Once I got in, I had a rear collision warning on my dash and was unable to shift from park. I overrode the shift mechanism and took it to a mechanic. They hooked it up to a reader and was tracking down the error when all of sudden the error code disappeared, and they were unable to progress. I left there and drove to work without issues. Two days later (Saturday) it happened again. I disconnected the negative battery cable and waited a few minutes before I hooked it back up. It was fine for about a month and then it started happening again. This time I tried the battery cable again and it worked for a while, but it started to happen more regularly. I took it to a Kia dealer but they were unable to replicate it. They said if it happens again record it and send a the video. Two days later it happened, and I sent them a video. I took my car back to the dealer and it has been there 11/9. In between visits, it happened, and I overrode the shift mechanism and I noticed my dash lights were almost out as well as the other issues. I believe I know what the issue is. I noticed this only happens when it’s cool in the early morning and then, when the sun comes up, there is an abundance of moisture on the inside windshield. I believe that heavy moisture is shorting out the electronics in my dash. I’ve never had an issue when it rains or midday. It’s probably why this has been so noticeable in the fall early winter. We have lots of mornings in the 30’s and they quickly warm up when the sun comes out. I have read some online forums that talk about the condensation issue with the Kia Telluride. I haven’t found any that talks about the electronic issue however.

NHTSA ODI #11556250

Mileage unknown · Apr 19, 2023
Power Train

BELIEVED TO BE FRONT POWER TRANSFER UNIT WAS LOOKED AT BY ANOTHER DEALER NOT KIA. FOUND PTU LEAKING FLUID AND HOWLING DURING TESTING. NOT SURE IF IN FUTURE THE UNIT WILL LOCK UP CAUSING UNSAFE VEHICLE CONDITION. . HAS HAD BRAND NEW MICHELIN TIRES INSTALLED AT THE REQUEST OF KIA DEALER. VEHICLE STILL HAS A VIBRATION AT 67-72MPH D…

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BELIEVED TO BE FRONT POWER TRANSFER UNIT WAS LOOKED AT BY ANOTHER DEALER NOT KIA. FOUND PTU LEAKING FLUID AND HOWLING DURING TESTING. NOT SURE IF IN FUTURE THE UNIT WILL LOCK UP CAUSING UNSAFE VEHICLE CONDITION. . HAS HAD BRAND NEW MICHELIN TIRES INSTALLED AT THE REQUEST OF KIA DEALER. VEHICLE STILL HAS A VIBRATION AT 67-72MPH DEALER FOLLOWED TRA099 TSB, DIDN'T FIX ISSUE/DIDN'T WANT TO SPEND THE TIME DIAGNOSING BECAUSE ITS UNDER WARRANTY AND THEY DON'T GET PAID FOR THEIR TIME. HAS BEEN TO DEALER FOR CONCERN WAS TOLD NORMAL OPERATION. NOT NORMAL AT ALL THE WHOLE VEHICLE GROANS AND SHAKES.

NHTSA ODI #11517803

Mileage unknown · Jan 29, 2023
Power TrainSteeringSuspension

Severe vibration at highway speeds between 60-80 mph on intermittent basis. Low frequency vibration at speeds 40-50 mph on intermittent basis. 10/11/2022 Reviewed by service at Wasatch Front Kia, no issues found. Problem continues. 12/16/2022 Reviewed by Costco Tire Center, Draper, UT. Screw/nail found in tire. Tire repai…

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Severe vibration at highway speeds between 60-80 mph on intermittent basis. Low frequency vibration at speeds 40-50 mph on intermittent basis. 10/11/2022 Reviewed by service at Wasatch Front Kia, no issues found. Problem continues. 12/16/2022 Reviewed by Costco Tire Center, Draper, UT. Screw/nail found in tire. Tire repaired. Wheel/tire balance performed. Problem reduced but not eliminated. 01/04/2023 Vibration occurred at similar intensity as to prior to 12/16 service.

NHTSA ODI #11504282

Mileage unknown · Feb 14, 2022
Power Train

I reported a suspected defect on my vehicle 1/26/22. With 44,000 miles, the car began stalling and having difficulty accelerating from a stop at busy intersections. Germain Kia Dealership on Georgesville Rd in Columbus, OH where I purchased the vehicle new has refused to adequately investigate this issue, and has refused to m…

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I reported a suspected defect on my vehicle 1/26/22. With 44,000 miles, the car began stalling and having difficulty accelerating from a stop at busy intersections. Germain Kia Dealership on Georgesville Rd in Columbus, OH where I purchased the vehicle new has refused to adequately investigate this issue, and has refused to make any repair for the open recall on this vehicle involving taillights and the trailer hitch. Dealership stated it would only make repairs if I bought a $15,000 new engine from them, and they stated that Kia would not honor my manufacturer's warranty, nor would Kia honor my extended warranty sold to me for $2,000 at time of purchase. Dealership was acting as an agent of Kia when taking this action. I filed a complaint to Kia headquarters, but this scheme to defraud was endorsed by Kia through a lack of action. I was assigned case number 14636950 by Kia, but the automaker took no action. My recall item was not repaired, and the suspected defect that involves stalling on my two-year old engine was not addressed at all. My records show 5 oil changes since buying this car, but Kia's Columbus, OH dealership says only oil changes done by their own dealership count. None of my oil changes done by other ASE certified repair facilities will be recognized. Dealership says Kia will not honor any warranty due to lack of maintenance. I can prove vehicle was maintained properly. When I escalated this matter to the dealership sales manager, service manager, and general manager, they took no action. I was denied repair on the recall item, as dealership and Kia tried to trick me into buying a new engine, they breached my warranty and my extended warranty, and they did not investigate the new potential defect involving power train. Please do not allow Kia and its dealers to defraud other customers and keep unsafe cars on the road in this fashion.

NHTSA ODI #11451980

Mileage unknown · Oct 16, 2021
Power Train

Started car in 70 degree weather, heard a ticking noise coming from the hood, put car in reverse then drive, engine light came on (solid, not flashing), took it to get a diagnostic test and results state “Torque converter malfunction”. The car is now shifting hard through gears and shaking while driving.

NHTSA ODI #11437024

7,976 miles · Mar 8, 2021
Electrical SystemPower TrainSteering

MY 2020 KIA TELLURIDE HAS HAD ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS SINCE 3 MONTHS AFTER PURCHASING IT IN JUNE OF 2019. IT STARTED OUT SMALL WITH MY BACKUP CAMERA GLITCHING/NOT BEING VISIBLE, THE INTERIOR LIGHTS FLICKERING, AND MY HEAT NOT WORKING PROPERLY. THEN, IT QUICKLY ESCALATED TO MULTIPLE EMERGENCY LIGHTS ENGAGING IN MY DASHBOARD WHILE DR…

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MY 2020 KIA TELLURIDE HAS HAD ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS SINCE 3 MONTHS AFTER PURCHASING IT IN JUNE OF 2019. IT STARTED OUT SMALL WITH MY BACKUP CAMERA GLITCHING/NOT BEING VISIBLE, THE INTERIOR LIGHTS FLICKERING, AND MY HEAT NOT WORKING PROPERLY. THEN, IT QUICKLY ESCALATED TO MULTIPLE EMERGENCY LIGHTS ENGAGING IN MY DASHBOARD WHILE DRIVING OR STOPPED. I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD IF THE CODES AREN'T ACTIVE THEY CAN'T SERVICE THE VEHICLE, SO WHEN IT HAPPENED AGAIN I BROUGHT IT TO THEM DIRECTLY. AT THIS TIME MY VEHICLE WOULDN'T GO IN REVERSE AND THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED. THE DIAGNOSTIC REPORT STATED THE CAR LOST COMMUNICATION WITH FUEL PUMP CONTROL MODULE, INSTRUMENT PANEL CLUSTER (LPC), CONTROL MODULE (CCAN),AND HVAC CONTROL MODULE. THIS HAPPENED ON TWO OCCASIONS COMPROMISING MY FAMILY'S SAFETY. ON THE 3RD OCCASION, THE FOLLOWING HAPPENED: THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED, SHIFTER WOULDN'T WORK, NO LIGHTS NEXT TO SHIFT, WOULDN'T GO IN REVERSE, NO BACKUP CAMERA. ON THE 4TH OCCASION, THE FOLLOWING OCCURRED: WARNING LIGHTS/EMERGENCY LIGHTS ON DASH, STEERING LOCKED, NO LIGHTS NEAR SHIFTER, STEERING TIGHT, RPM INDICATOR WENT TO ZERO, SPEED WENT TO ZERO, WARNING LIGHTS SWITCHED ON AN OFF TO DIFFERENT ONES. THE DEALER REPLACED THE FLOOR HARNESS, DASH HARNESS, AND ENGINE HARNESS. EVEN AFTER THESE "FIXES" IT CONTINUED. ON THE 5TH OCCASION, THE EMERGENCY LIGHTS CAME ON AND MY VEHICLE SHUT OFF WHILE DRIVING AND I LOST MY BRAKES! THE FOLLOWING OCCURRED BEFORE THE SHUT DOWN: FORWARD COLLISION WARNING LIGHT, EMERGENCY LIGHT, RPM INDICATOR UP AND DOWN, ABS WARNING LIGHT, DEGREE/TEMP LIGHT FLICKERING ON AND OFF, PLUS A FEW MORE WARNING LIGHTS. THIS TIME MY CAR HAD TO BE TOWED. KIA WILL NOT TAKE THE CAR BACK AND DENIED MY CLAIM AFTER SUPPLYING OVER 70 PAGES OF DOCUMENTATION. MY CAR HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP FOR A TOTAL OF 84 DAYS SINCE OCTOBER 19, 2020.

NHTSA ODI #11399797

Mileage unknown · Feb 8, 2021
Power Train

VIBRATION/HUMMING NOISE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS (MOST NOTICEABLE BTWN. 65-75 MPH). CONFIRMED BY 2 DIFFERENT KIA DEALERSHIPS, SUSPECTED TO BE AN ISSUE WITH DRIVE SHAFT OR REAR DIFFERENTIAL.

NHTSA ODI #11395154

Official recalls

7

26V430000 · Seats:front Assembly:power Adjust

Jul 2, 2026

Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2020-2024 Telluride vehicles. The front power seat motor may overheat due to a stuck power seat slide knob or an improper recall 24V407 repair, which can result in a fire while parked or driving.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A fire increases the risk of injury.

Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will install an electronic fuse assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 13, 2026. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC374. This recall replaces NHTSA recall number 24V407. Vehicles already repaired under the previous recall will need to have the new remedy completed. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning July 17, 2026.

24V407000 · Seats:front Assembly:power Adjust

Jun 5, 2024

Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2020-2024 Telluride vehicles. The front power seat motor may overheat due to a stuck power seat slide knob, which can result in a fire while parked or driving.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A fire increases the risk of injury.

Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will install a bracket for the power seat switch back covers and replace the seat slide knobs, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 30, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC316.

24V214000 · Power Train:driveline:driveshaft

Mar 20, 2024

Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2020-2024 Telluride vehicles. The intermediate shaft and right front driveshaft may not be fully engaged, which can result in vehicle roll away while in PARK.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A vehicle roll away increases the risk of a crash or injury.

Remedy: Owners are advised to manually engage the emergency parking brake prior to exiting the vehicle until the recall remedy is performed. Dealers will update the electronic parking brake software and replace any damaged intermediate shafts as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 15, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC303.

24V148000 · Exterior Lighting:headlights

Feb 26, 2024

Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2020 Telluride vehicles. The high beam headlights may fail.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Inoperable high beam headlights may reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and repair or replace the high beam headlights, as necessary free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 9, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC299.

22V626000 · Trailer Hitches

Aug 15, 2022

Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Telluride vehicles potentially equipped with a Genuine Kia 4-pin tow hitch harness installed as original equipment, or purchased as an accessory through a Kia dealership. Debris and moisture accumulation on the tow hitch harness module printed circuit board (PCB) may cause an electrical short, which can result in a fire.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will install a new fuse and a wiring harness extension. Dealers will also inspect and replace the tow hitch harness assembly, as necessary. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 12, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC247.

20V436000 · Electrical System:wiring; Exterior Lighting:brake Lights; Forward Collision Avoidance: Adaptive Cruise Control

Jul 28, 2020

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2020 Telluride vehicles equipped with Smart Cruise Control (SCC). When a trailer is connected to the vehicle, the trailer brake lights will not illuminate when the SCC applies the brakes. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Inoperative trailer brake lights can fail to warn other drivers that the vehicle is slowing, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will install an additional wire harness to the main fuse box to signal the trailer brake lights, free of charge. The recall began September 10, 2020. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC194.

Additional source detail variants (3)

Forward Collision Avoidance: Adaptive Cruise Control

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2020 Telluride vehicles equipped with Smart Cruise Control (SCC). When a trailer is connected to the vehicle, the trailer brake lights will not illuminate when the SCC applies the brakes. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

Consequence: Inoperative trailer brake lights can fail to warn other drivers that the vehicle is slowing, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will install an additional wire harness to the main fuse box to signal the trailer brake lights, free of charge. The recall began September 10, 2020. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC194.

Exterior Lighting:brake Lights

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2020 Telluride vehicles equipped with Smart Cruise Control (SCC). When a trailer is connected to the vehicle, the trailer brake lights will not illuminate when the SCC applies the brakes. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

Consequence: Inoperative trailer brake lights can fail to warn other drivers that the vehicle is slowing, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will install an additional wire harness to the main fuse box to signal the trailer brake lights, free of charge. The recall began September 10, 2020. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC194.

Electrical System:wiring

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2020 Telluride vehicles equipped with Smart Cruise Control (SCC). When a trailer is connected to the vehicle, the trailer brake lights will not illuminate when the SCC applies the brakes. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

Consequence: Inoperative trailer brake lights can fail to warn other drivers that the vehicle is slowing, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will install an additional wire harness to the main fuse box to signal the trailer brake lights, free of charge. The recall began September 10, 2020. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC194.

19V594000 · Seat Belts:front; Seat Belts:rear/other

Aug 13, 2019

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2020 Telluride vehicles. The seat belt assemblies in the front passenger, second, and/or third row seats may not tightly secure a child restraint system in the event of a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If a child seat is not properly secured, there is an increased risk of injury to the occupant in a crash.

Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles and replace any incorrect seat belt assemblies. The repair will also include replacing the driver's seat belt which has a non-U.S. specified label, with a U.S. specification seat belt. The repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began August 30, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC181.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Seat Belts:rear/other

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2020 Telluride vehicles. The seat belt assemblies in the front passenger, second, and/or third row seats may not tightly secure a child restraint system in the event of a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Consequence: If a child seat is not properly secured, there is an increased risk of injury to the occupant in a crash.

Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles and replace any incorrect seat belt assemblies. The repair will also include replacing the driver's seat belt which has a non-U.S. specified label, with a U.S. specification seat belt. The repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began August 30, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC181.

Seat Belts:front

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2020 Telluride vehicles. The seat belt assemblies in the front passenger, second, and/or third row seats may not tightly secure a child restraint system in the event of a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Consequence: If a child seat is not properly secured, there is an increased risk of injury to the occupant in a crash.

Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles and replace any incorrect seat belt assemblies. The repair will also include replacing the driver's seat belt which has a non-U.S. specified label, with a U.S. specification seat belt. The repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began August 30, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC181.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

1

PE23002 · Complete Loss Of High Beams

Opened Jan 27, 2023 · Closed Apr 17, 2024

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Exterior Lighting:headlights

On January 27, 2023, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE23002 to investigate allegations of loss of high beams with no warning and no re-engagement resulting in reduced visibility at night in the 2020 Kia Telluride. The investigation revealed that the halogen bi-function projector beam, used in vehicles built between January 2019 and November of 2019, is composed of one halogen bulb light source that provides light for both low beam and high beam. The heat generated by the halogen bulb will inflict damage to the gear mechanism and as a result the shutter’s electric motor will no longer be able to move the shutter to the open position to reveal the high beams. A loss of high beams, prevents the driver from having proper distance illumination, therefore increasing the risk of a crash. On February 24, 2024, Kia filed recall 24V-148 for certain MY 2020 Kia Tellurides. The recall remedy provides an inspection of the high beam shield gear mechanism and will either apply a clip to secure the shield gear to the shaft or replace the headlamp assembly with one that is resistant to heat damagefrom the halogen bulb. In view of the recall action being taken by Kia, ODI is closing this Preliminary Evaluation. The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances. To review the reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.