Headlights keep getting more complicated and according to a new recall notice, Kia’s suppliers did not adequately consider this fact, and built headlights whose high-beam shield gear mechanism can break as a result of the heat generated by the bulbs.
Kia must recall 35,031 Tellurides from the 2020 model year as a result, as the design flaw leaves drivers without access to their high beams. Affected vehicles were built between January 9 and November 18, 2019.
Fortunately, the automaker says it is not yet aware of any injuries or fatalities that resulted from this issue. However, it says that it has received three reports of alleged deer strikes due to the reduced visibility caused by the lack of high beams.
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Despite those complaints, Kia didn’t initially believe this issue necessitated a recall campaign. Although it became aware of the flaw in January 2023, it looked at past precedent from the National Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). First, it decided to extend the Telluride’s warranty period to 15 years or 150,000 miles (241,402 km) because it did “not create an unreasonable to motor vehicle safety.”
NHTSA agreed with Kia’s position and, in October, the automaker reached out to customers to notify them of the extended warranty campaign. However, by January 2024, the regulator had received several complaints from customers and requested that Kia conduct a proper recall of Tellurides equipped with halogen lightbulbs, to further raise awareness.
As a result, Kia plans to start reaching out to owners on April 25 and will ask them to return their vehicles to a nearby dealer. There, the high beam shield gear mechanism will be inspected, and a clip will be equipped to secure it to the shaft. Where necessary, Kia will replace the headlamp assembly on affected 2020 Tellurides.
