Kia Sued Over Alleged Brake Defect In 2020-2024 Telluride SUVs

Case Overview: A class action lawsuit claims Kia Telluride SUVs have a brake defect that poses a serious safety risk, and the company failed to address the issue despite consumer complaints.

Consumers Affected: Owners and lessees of Kia Telluride SUVs from model years 2020-2024.

Court: U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, Southern Division

Kia Motors is in the hot seat over allegations that its 2020-2024 Telluride SUVs are plagued by a dangerous brake defect that can cause the system to fail entirely. A new class action lawsuit claims that the defect, which causes brake pedals to lose hydraulic pressure and become "spongy," poses a significant safety hazard, leaving drivers unable to stop effectively and putting lives at risk.

The plaintiffs accuse Kia of selling vehicles with defective brakes, failing to address the issue despite consumer complaints, and withholding crucial safety information from buyers.

Kia Telluride SUVs Suffer from Brake Defect, Lawsuit Claims

Two Telluride owners are leading the lawsuit, describing frightening incidents that underscore the defect’s severity. Sara Raymond of Spring, Texas, purchased her 2023 Telluride in mid-2023. In November, while cresting a hill, her brakes suddenly lost all pressure, causing her SUV to gain speed and ultimately collide with another car. 

Raymond’s vehicle has been in a Kia dealership’s repair shop ever since, leaving her to pay out of pocket for rental cars. She claims Kia failed to provide a loaner vehicle or a timeline for repairs, resulting in over $2,000 in additional expenses.

Michelle O’Brien of Olathe, Kansas, experienced a similar scare with her 2024 Telluride. Just three weeks after purchasing the SUV, her brakes failed while driving through a busy intersection during a Meals on Wheels delivery. 

She narrowly avoided a collision, but the incident left her unwilling to drive the vehicle. Kia’s Consumer Affairs division later advised her not to retrieve the SUV from the dealership, citing unresolved safety concerns.

Both plaintiffs argue they would not have purchased their Tellurides—or would have demanded a lower price—had Kia disclosed the defect.

Kia Accused of Failing to Address Brake Defect and Safety Risks

The lawsuit contends that Kia was well aware of the brake defect before selling the affected vehicles. Internal documents and pre-sale testing allegedly revealed the problem, which stems from a malfunction in the braking system’s master cylinder.

Despite these findings and mounting consumer complaints, Kia has yet to issue a recall or implement a reliable fix, leaving drivers to grapple with the safety risks on their own. Federal regulations require automakers to ensure vehicles meet safety standards, including rigorous testing of brake systems. 

The plaintiffs claim Kia’s failure to address the defect demonstrates a disregard for these standards and its customers’ safety.

Other Automakers Face Lawsuits Over Alleged Defects

This lawsuit is just one of several recent legal actions targeting automakers over safety defects. Kia is also facing claims over dangerously defective sliding doors in its 2022-2023 Carnival minivans, which allegedly close with excessive force and fail to stop when obstructed.

Hyundai and Kia have been hit with class action lawsuits alleging defective headlights, while Toyota faces legal action over faulty door lock actuators that leave occupants vulnerable to theft or entrapment. Even luxury brands like Porsche aren’t immune—its EVs have come under fire for battery defects that could cause power loss or fires.

As Kia defends itself in court, the plaintiffs hope their case will not only secure compensation but also push the automaker to take responsibility for the alleged defects and prioritize safety. They are seeking damages, declaratory and injunctive relief, costs, fees, and interest as they seek to represent owners and lessees of Kia’s model year 2020-2024 Telluride nationwide. They are suing for breach of the implied warranty of merchantability, fraud, unjust enrichment, and violation of the Kansas Consumer Protection Act.

Case Details

• Lawsuit: Raymond et. al v. Kia America, Inc.
• Case Number: 8:24-cv-02737-DOC-DFM
• Court: U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, Southern Division 

Plaintiffs' Attorneys

• Robert Ahdoot and Theodore W. Maya (Ahdoot & Wolfson, PC)
• Jonathan Shub, Benjamin F. Johns, and Samantha E. Holbrook (Shub & Johns LLC)

Do you own a Kia Telluride? Have you experienced any problems with the brakes? Share your experience in the comments below.