Kia Follows Hyundai Into Stop-Sale Of Telluride Models After Fatal Accidents

On March 13, Hyundai issued a stop-sale for its Palisade SUV. We covered the tragic fatal accident that resulted in the death of a child. Now, Hyundai's sister company, Kia, is following the brand into the stop-sale order with its Telluride SUV. The two are closely related, sharing many parts. Evidently, Kia believes the rear seat mechanisms that caused the accident are closely related enough to warrant a stop-sale.

The accident led to a recall for 69,060 Hyundai Palisade SUVs, but only in top trims with a power-operated third row; the SUV's Limited and Calligraphy trims are the only ones part of the stop-sale and recall. As for the newly recalled Kia equivalents, the total number of recalled units is more limited in scope. Kia has recalled 568 Telluride Hybrids, simultaneously stopping sales of SX Prestige and X-Line SX Prestige trims equipped with the optional Executive Package. In the Telluride, these are the models within the lineup equipped with the powered second rows. Notably, this is not the powered third row recalled at the Hyundai end, though the issue is the same: the seat may fail to detect an occupant and will fold if asked to do so, occupant or not.

As a result, Kia has advised owners to ensure there are no passengers in the seats during power-folding operation, and says to be cautious of accidentally activating the functionality until a remedy has been deployed. As with the Hyundai recall, the fix here has yet to be determined. Hyundai is deploying an interim software update that should improve contact detection by the end of March, though Kia's filings with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration show a similar fix has yet to be solidified.

It's likely Kia's steps towards a remedy will mirror Hyundai's, given the close relationship between the two brands and their SUVs. As of publishing, Hyundai owners have been offered rental vehicles while a remedy is finalized, and it's likely Kia is working on a similar interim software update to help curb the likelihood of another accident occurring. For now, owners can check the NHTSA's website with their VIN or year, make, and model to determine if their Telluride is subject to the recall. No matter what, owners will be notified by April 6, with the automaker stating a remedy should be announced to owners on May 19.