Carlos M.
KIA ignoring latent defects
Good afternoon KIA America Thank you for your response. I understand that safety recalls are VIN-specific and that my 2020 Kia Telluride is not currently included in Recall SC347. However, your response continues to overlook the fundamental safety concern I have repeatedly raised. My concern is not about warranty coverage or recall eligibility. It concerns a potentially identical safety defect that Kia has already recognized as a hazard in other Telluride vehicles. Through Recall SC347 (NHTSA Campaign 25V494), Kia has acknowledged that exterior door molding may detach while the vehicle is in motion, creating a potential road hazard and increasing the risk of an accident. My 2020 Telluride is exhibiting what appears to be the same condition, presenting a similar potential danger to its occupants and other motorists. The exclusion of my vehicle, or any other Telluride, from an existing recall does not establish that the vehicle is free from the same safety defect. I am therefore requesting that Kia address the actual safety concern rather than continue to reiterate that my vehicle is not covered by the recall. Specifically, I request: A formal technical evaluation of the reported condition by Kia's Product Safety or Engineering Department. An explanation of any technical differences between the molding components, materials, design, and attachment methods used in my 2020 Telluride and those involved in Recall SC347. A written safety determination addressing whether the reported condition presents a safety risk and identifying the technical basis for Kia's conclusion. Appropriate corrective action at Kia's expense if the investigation establishes that my vehicle is affected by the same or a substantially similar safety defect. I am requesting that Kia investigate a reported safety concern based on its technical merits rather than dismiss it solely because my vehicle falls outside the existing recall population. As the manufacturer, Kia possesses the engineering expertise, production records, and technical information necessary to determine whether this condition is associated with the same or substantially similar components, materials, or design deficiencies identified in the recall. A vehicle's exclusion from a recall establishes only that it is not included in that particular campaign. It does not, in itself, establish that the vehicle is free from the underlying safety hazard defect. If Kia declines to investigate or provide corrective action, I respectfully request a written explanation identifying the technical and factual basis for that decision. My preference is to resolve this matter directly and constructively with Kia. However, should my concerns remain unaddressed, I intend to submit the relevant correspondence, photographs, and supporting documentation to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the Better Business Bureau, and other appropriate consumer protection agencies for their independent review. I trust that Kia shares my commitment to identifying and addressing potential safety hazards before they result in preventable accidents or injuries. I look forward to a substantive response addressing the specific concerns and requests outlined above, rather than another general statement regarding warranty limitations or recall eligibility. Respectfully, Carlos Mora From: Kia Date: Wed, Oct 14, 2026, 15:05 Subject: Kia Customer Care Case#26390658 To:MM Dear M M I apologize, but I have provided you with all the information we are able to share. At this time, there are no open service campaigns or safety recalls related to the trim on your vehicle. If a campaign is ever released regarding the trim for your vehicle, you will be notified via first-class mail. Thank you for your understanding. Sincerely, Kia America They directed their response to my wife and not myself which I am a co-owner of the vehicle and the one that has been exchanging emails with them for the last several weeks.