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Kia Telluride Recall 20V436: Trailer brake lights may stay dark during auto braking

NHTSA campaign 20V436, reported July 28, 2020, 86,921 vehicles potentially affected.

What this recall means for you

On certain vehicles with Smart Cruise Control, the trailer brake lights may not turn on when the system applies the brakes while a trailer is connected. This means the trailer lights fail to show that the vehicle is slowing, and the vehicle does not meet federal lighting requirements.

Without working trailer brake lights, drivers behind the trailer may not realize the vehicle is slowing down, which raises the risk of a rear-end crash.

Kia will notify owners, and authorized dealers will install an additional wire harness to the main fuse box so the trailer brake lights are signaled properly. The repair is free. You can contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542 and reference recall SC194. You can also check your vehicle's VIN for open recalls.

Check whether this recall is open on your vehicle

The repair is normally free at an authorized dealer.

Official recall notice

Safety recall 20V436Kia Motors America
Component
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING; EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS; FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
Problem
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2020 Telluride vehicles equipped with Smart Cruise Control (SCC). When a trailer is connected to the vehicle, the trailer brake lights will not illuminate when the SCC applies the brakes. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Risk
Inoperative trailer brake lights can fail to warn other drivers that the vehicle is slowing, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Kia will notify owners, and dealers will install an additional wire harness to the main fuse box to signal the trailer brake lights, free of charge. The recall began September 10, 2020. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC194.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Affected vehicles

Kia Telluride2020