Update, Feb 1, 2:30 p.m.: Kia said in a statement that it is aware of the preliminary investigation and that it plans to work closely with NHTSA on it.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigations (ODI) announced that it is looking into complaints from owners of the 2020 Kia Telluride reporting a complete loss of their high beams.
According to an ODI report, NHTSA has received 23 complaints alleging that they lost their high beams on the road, leaving them with only their low beams. They report that there was no apparent solution to the problem apart from replacing the headlight units completely.
Naturally, if the ODI’s preliminary evaluation of the issue suggests that, if this is indeed the case, it would be a safety issue for drivers, whose visibility would be impacted at night. Although no recall has been issued yet, a preliminary evaluation is often a step along the way to launching one.
Read: GM Recalls 340,000 Full-Size SUVs Because Their DRLs Don’t Turn Off When The Headlights Are On
For now, NHTSA writes that is it determining the scope and severity of the problem to fully assess its impact on the safety of the vehicle. In a statement, Kia said that it is monitoring the situation.
“Kia carefully monitors the quality and safety performance of its vehicles, including the MY 2020 Telluride that is the subject of the PE,” the company wrote in a statement to Carscoops. “Kia remains focused on the safety of its customers and will continue to work closely with NHTSA on the ongoing investigation.”
According to customer complaints filed with NHTSA, though, the issue is a mystifying one. One incident, dated January 17, 2023, reports that the high beams went off without warning, and there was no indication of an error on the dash. Although the switch appeared to be working, as did the low beams, the high beams did not.
Another owner wrote that after their headlights went out, they tried replacing the bulbs to no avail. Others, meanwhile, complain that even after bringing their Telluride to the dealer, either the issue is not addressed or the fix does not work.
These owners should hold onto their receipts, though, because if Kia and NHTSA decide that a recall is the appropriate course of action, they may be entitled to reimbursement for the money they spent trying to fix this issue on their own.
The 2020 Telluride has active recalls relating to its tow hitch harness, which may catch fire, inoperative trailer brake lights, and incorrect seat belt assembly installation.
