A major recall for over 300,000 vehicles has been announced by Kia America. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, these models were found to have defects and were recalled on July 28, 2025:
- 201,149 Kia Telluride SUVs from model years 2023–2025.
- 100,063 Kia K5 sedans from model years 2023–2025.
The Defects Behind Kia’s Massive Recall
The Telluride models have loose door belt moldings, causing them to detach. A door belt molding is the thin strip along the top edge where the glass meets the frame. If these thin strips are not repaired, they can detach from the window completely. Additionally, since these belt moldings prevent air, water, and dirt from entering the inside of the doors, it is important to replace them to prevent rusting and other complications.
The K5 models have issues with their C-pillar garnish face plates. These are the decorative panels for the rear windows. These plates were supplied by a Korean-based manufacturer of vehicle parts called Keumgang Chemical. Over time, these plates can detach from the base and fall off, causing damage to other vehicles or even causing an accident.
Noticeable signs of the defect include: visible gaps, rattling sounds, and unusual window noise while driving.
How to Check If Your Vehicle Is Affected
Instead of waiting up to September 26, 2025, to receive the notification letter, you can immediately check if you are affected. Here are the steps:
- Visit the NHTSA recall website
- Enter your 17-digit VIN.
- Check if your vehicle model has other active recalls listed.
The Real Safety Risk and What Kia Owners Should Do
Although the parts with defects are only for decorations, their failure can compromise safety when driving. Broken parts can shatter windshields of traffic behind or force other drivers to make abrupt evasive maneuvers that can escalate to accidents.
If your vehicle is among the recalled models, you should schedule your recall repair right away. It is also advisable to avoid DIY fixes. Lastly, during your appointment, ask the dealer about other open recalls.
According to the NHTSA, inspection and repair for all recalled models will be at no cost to you.
Official Statements and Recall Timeline
All owners of the affected vehicle models will be issued with notification letters by September 26, with guidelines on how to schedule for full repair.
Conclusion
The recall issued by Kia illustrates that decorative components can have serious safety implications. The recalled models include Kia Telluride SUVs from model years 2023–2025 and Kia K5 sedans from model years 2023–2025. If you own any of these two models, you should visit the NHTSA recall website and use the VIN to see if your vehicle is among those recalled.
These defects can endanger your safety and that of other road users; therefore, book an appointment as soon as possible.