The 2023 Towing Saga Part 2 - Finally good news!

[damiangoli]

Now I have everything at home finally.
Having installed the hitch long time ago i only have the put the harness and the brake controller.
I cannot belive I cant find the plug for the controller. I checked several videos showing where it is but I cannot find the connection!
I have the 2023 xpro, it is supposed to be somewhere else? I only saw videos about 2023 model.
Thanks for the help.


EDIT: I found it!

 

[Sqrob]

Actually I was looking for both part #'s... The original so my internal OCD can be satisfied And the modified version with the hitch cutout etc. to see if it fits a Curt hitch. And if anyone figures out if it fits the Curt hitch (when it finally becomes available), I'd love to hear their experience!

Thanks

86672-S9500 is the number on the sticker and stamped in the plastic for the 2023 original bumper insert, or as is marked, skid plate

 

[Happy but frustrated]

Just wanted to thank everyone for adding their updates and to let them know that the 2023 hitch kit and molding does exist.
My wife has wanted the Tellulride for > a year but I was worried about the towing saga for the '23. As we wanted it to tow a 17" 2700lb compact camper I didn't want to take any chances but she insisted on the Telluride and well... we bought our 2023 SX Prestige X pro and finally received it in May. I had purchased the Hyundai harness from Canada as suggested on this forum and was about to have the 2020-22 hitch installed by my dealer on September 21st. I thought I would check one last time which is when I came across those on here who had been able to get the 2023 hitch kit with the hitch, custom molding and new lift gate latch assembly. Part Number S9F61-AU100CCC. I called and of course my dealer didn't have a tow hitch package for my 2023. I then asked them to run that part number and sure enough, they had it, and for some reason could order it. (Another dealer said it was part of a campaign and my VIN wasn't eligible?) Well, I received it yesterday. To my surprise they included the wiring harness for the KIA along with the other parts mentioned for ~$515. They offered to install it for ~$600 in early December but I needed it by October 30th.
I was able to install it in ~2.5 hours taking my time but with the added use of my neighbors car ramps. To be honest, it was not as difficult as the one I installed on my 2019 Ford Escape two years ago. The lift gate hitch assembly was a little difficult at first as there were no directions but once I figured out how to remove the panels it was very straight forward.
Just wanted to let people know it is out there.
Thanks

 

[dex]

I am also interested in the reasoning for the latch replacement. According to the letter from Kia,

"Model Year 2023 and early MY 2024 (produced before October 2023) Tellurides will require Tailgate Latch replacement when installing a Tow Hitch Kit to comply with testing standards."

The only thing I can think of is possibly rear collision testing.

My guess is tongue weight causing the latch to not function properly?

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[steve-o]

My guess is tongue weight causing the latch to not function properly?

That's possible. I'll have to figure out a way to test that.

 

[mcl821]

I have a 23 EX, and this summer purchased the 22 hitch from the dealer (about 1 week before the 23 parts and bulletin were released, naturally). If I install the hitch now, can the dealer add in the harness and the 23 bumper trim piece afterwards? I was hoping to have the hitch itself for leaf season here in New England but can wait on wiring a bit. Thanks for the info all!!

 

[Sqrob]

If your dealer can figure out how to order the bumper trim piece separately for you, please let me know and I will drive down to the same dealership and buy one.

 

[skeetermx1825]

finally getting my 2023 HItch installed today, quoted $722 for all parts and $420 for install labor (2 hours) Just wanted to get the prices out so others could compare

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[Ivan44]

Anyone in south Florida been able to have the tow package installed? 2024 Telluride coming but dealership says they don’t sell the kit.

 

[Deb in Bailey]

Anyone in south Florida been able to have the tow package installed? 2024 Telluride coming but dealership says they don’t sell the kit.

Give them a copy of the memo they should have received with all the information - including part numbers.

 

[skeetermx1825]

from what i've read, only existing owners can order the hitch (those who've been waiting for it) that's why Kia needs your VIN# when ordering (again this is what i've read) Once they get through the existing owner installs (or get enough inventory of hitches) they will start allowing ordering/installing on new orders...it's also possible that the Latch part install requirement is causing the new vehicle exclusions, this will eventually be done on the assembly line and thus no longer needed in the hitch kit....

 

[Deb in Bailey]

from what i've read, only existing owners can order the hitch (those who've been waiting for it) that's why Kia needs your VIN# when ordering (again this is what i've read) Once they get through the existing owner installs (or get enough inventory of hitches) they will start allowing ordering/installing on new orders...it's also possible that the Latch part install requirement is causing the new vehicle exclusions, this will eventually be done on the assembly line and thus no longer needed in the hitch kit....

FWIW, I do not think this is true. I have a 2024, have ordered the parts, and will have them installed in a few weeks.

However, you are right that it's only for 2023MY and 2024MY manufactured before Oct 2023. So, yes, it's possible that a new build that doesn't have the hitch put on as a PIO may have to work with the dealer to sort out the details.

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[Ivan44]

Give them a copy of the memo they should have received with all the information - including part numbers.

They claim they can’t even order it. Crazy

 

[Deb in Bailey]

They claim they can’t even order it. Crazy

As skeetermx1825 mentioned above, the parts are for MY2023 and early MY2024 (produced before Oct 2023). So, it is possible you will have to work with your dealer to get the parts you need if you don't have your car yet and did not have the hitch put on as a PIO. It may take some time for the dealers to know what they need for the later 2024 Telly's.

 

[skeetermx1825]

10+ month wait is finally over! It sucked navigating a summer's worth of towing trailers and not having a hitch on our main tow vehicle, but i'm glad I waited it out and got the factory look installation. Price out the door was $1,211

 

[danbad007]

10+ month wait is finally over! It sucked navigating a summer's worth of towing trailers and not having a hitch on our main tow vehicle, but i'm glad I waited it out and got the factory look installation. Price out the door was $1,211

Did anyone in CA, Bay Area get this installed at any dealer recently? My nearest dealer seems to not be able to figure out how to order it.

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[rbev2308]

In reading all of these tow hitch problems, my dealer said Kia was now installing them at the factory again as I ordered a new Telluride one month ago. The failcat website reflected a new build assigned to my dealer in my specs, so hence, it was my order and has estimated arrival one week from now. The provided window sticker does show $575 charge for factory installed equipment for a tow hitch so hopefully, some dealers will start this in their ordering, especially for the X-Pro options which in my opinion, should be standard...

 

[skeetermx1825]

Kia released the hitch kits over a month ago, so it makes sense that the factory would start installing them again...

 

[rbev2308]

Kia released the hitch kits over a month ago, so it makes sense that the factory would start installing them again...

thats why I wanted anyone to know that is in a position to order one..you will get it for about half the price the dealer may charge to install after the fact once its in the lot...

 

[Ivan44]

Thanks. I inquired about having it added as a line item on my order/allocation before my Telly is built. Let’s see what the dealer says.