2023 Telluride Trailer Hitch Receiver availability

[DCWells]

I bought a 2023 Telluride SX X-line last week that came with the Tow option. However, it had no hitch receiver installed. The dealer assured me they would get the parts and install the tow package this week. They called today to tell me Kia has not released the parts for the hitch receiver yet and Kia has no forecast date of availability for the kit.

Do any of you have better availability information than my dealer is providing?

My 2023 EX has been waiting for its tow package since last fall. My dealer told me to call every month for an update. Last month the update was “no tow package for 2023. KIA is trying to have one ready for 2024 model year.”
He had no idea whether ia 2024 design would fit the 2023s. He said “unofficially” he would buy an aftermarket 4-pin unit and splice correct connectors.
I cannot vouch for the reliability of anything my dealer or any KIA dealer says. I have heard a good deal of BS from them about a lot of things.

 

[slim]

I believe your dealer gave you correct information in this last visit. It matches what I have experienced installing the 2022 hitch on my 2023. Since no trailer wiring connector has been integrated into the 2023 wiring harness (the 2022 connector has been removed), the 4-wire aftermarket suggested by your dealer is the logical option.

When will the lawsuit for false advertising go forward?

 

[Telluride_Rider]

Hey! Fyi I just got an reply from Kia Canada about the trailer hitch and wirings.
Guess what, this is not a good new and its very frustrating.... I bought the car to tow my boat.

 

[slim]

It's bad enough that we didn't get the trailing hitches we ordered, but KIA continues to advertise a towing capability for the 2023 Telluride.

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[hlipham]

I received a similar response from KIA:

"Thank you for contacting Kia Customer Care Center about your 2023 Telluride.

Unfortunately, there is no remedy part available for the tow hitch harness recall and no ETA on when one will be available. You will be notified by mail when the tow hitch harness becomes available. We would recommend checking with your dealership periodically

Any aftermarket device added can cause damage or inadvertently negate any Kia warranties. Customers should consult with the local Kia dealer and review your warranty terms in the Warranty & Consumer Information Manual to determine the best option for them while the tow hitches are currently not available at this time for our customer's.

At this time, the trailer hitch is not available due to an unknown issue with the wiring harness. We have also offered our customers to follow up with the selling dealer to discuss with them on having the tow hitch comped.

We apologize for any inconvenience this has caused and hope to have this remedied as quickly as possible. In the meantime, please feel free to email us or call us at 800-333-4542 if you have any questions or concerns and we will be happy to assist you.

Sincerely,

Kia America"

 

[Telluride_Rider]

I received a similar response from KIA:

"Thank you for contacting Kia Customer Care Center about your 2023 Telluride.

Unfortunately, there is no remedy part available for the tow hitch harness recall and no ETA on when one will be available. You will be notified by mail when the tow hitch harness becomes available. We would recommend checking with your dealership periodically

Any aftermarket device added can cause damage or inadvertently negate any Kia warranties. Customers should consult with the local Kia dealer and review your warranty terms in the Warranty & Consumer Information Manual to determine the best option for them while the tow hitches are currently not available at this time for our customer's.

At this time, the trailer hitch is not available due to an unknown issue with the wiring harness. We have also offered our customers to follow up with the selling dealer to discuss with them on having the tow hitch comped.

We apologize for any inconvenience this has caused and hope to have this remedied as quickly as possible. In the meantime, please feel free to email us or call us at 800-333-4542 if you have any questions or concerns and we will be happy to assist you.

Sincerely,

Kia America"

Wow! Very frustrating! I'm wondering if this is considered false advertisement?
Thanks for sharing the message you received from Kia.

 

[dkuldell]

Thank you for posting this message. Did Kia customer service mention whether or not there is an "approved" list of providers of 3rd party hitches and wiring harnesses that would not void the car warranty?

 

[Kgindpls]

Any update on hitch harness for the 2023 Tellurides?

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[G-961037]

You can tow with it and no recalls

 

[redbulltx]

I thought others following would appreciate the information I received from customer service just now.

"We're sorry for any confusion! The tow hitch harness is not being produced on 23 Telluride. No ETA as to when the Manufacturer may provide said part. We don't have part information in office so you can refer to parts for at updates. You can also refer to kia.com as well as kiamedia.com for additional release info. Thank you for reaching out to Kia!"

I will be installing the 22 hitch and making the cuts provided earlier here (thanks Kevin). I wonder where I send the bill to Kia in the off chance i get a ticket for my bike blocking the tail light of the vehicle...

 

[JimSLewis]

I installed a '22 hitch on a '23 today and can confirm the OEM '22 hitch works. Although the price went up - it was $350, now $500, could be the cheaper was an older model number that was being cleared out. I don't know if there is any difference between them, I don't think so. Installation is pretty straight forward, I managed to do it by myself. This was only for the tow hitch, electrics are a different matter but I feel I'm one step closer and can at least use bike racks/cargo baskets.

 

[zwicky]

I’m also installed today S9F61-AU000 OEM for 2022 Telluride and it looks great but I'm not sure I can hook up my 3500 lb. trailer. I can't be sure 100% but I think maybe when the official release of this part it won't be different from the previous one. I bought a trailer and was going to travel in next month, but without 7 pin connector for 2023 I can't do it. It's more disappointment. Maybe someone has some solution for this problem?

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[tyger23]

I’m also installed today S9F61-AU000 OEM for 2022 Telluride and it looks great but I'm not sure I can hook up my 3500 lb. trailer. I can't be sure 100% but I think maybe when the official release of this part it won't be different from the previous one. I bought a trailer and was going to travel in next month, but without 7 pin connector for 2023 I can't do it. It's more disappointment. Maybe someone has some solution for this problem?

The Hyundai palisade harness from Canada works - if you can get one.

The 2023 Towing Saga Part 2 - Finally good news!

As is discussed in Part 1 of this thread, the Hyundai Palisade towing harness is starting to arrive for those who ordered months ago, and it IS WORKING. I thought I would start a new thread to alleviate some of the burden of reading through the 16+ pages of the old thread. As mentioned before...

tellurideforum.org

 

[Garry1951]

Hitch from E Trailer #e45zr works just fine on my 2023 Telluride S.....They also have a "Splice In " harness #119190 with an install video on their site.....Unless ur willing to wait on Kia or sue them then you can get to towing with this info!!!

 

[Fw190nvi]

I don’t plan on pulling any trailers, but really need a bike rack option (can’t use roof with travel box). Is there any issues getting a hitch installed (?uHaul) without having a trailer light wiring harness in place?

 

[Garry1951]

I don’t plan on pulling any trailers, but really need a bike rack option (can’t use roof with travel box). Is there any issues getting a hitch installed (?uHaul) without having a trailer light wiring harness in place?

no Etrailer.com has two that fit 23,Tellys just fine…,I put one on my S took about an hour !!!

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[G-909653]

Thank you, everyone, for posting this. We were ready to purchase the Prestige X-Pro to haul our trailer when I saw this page. Now, back to searching for another car to replace my Highlander... which also changed from V6 and I am not sure I am willing to try their turbo

 

[TheNip73]

Thank you, everyone, for posting this. We were ready to purchase the Prestige X-Pro to haul our trailer when I saw this page. Now, back to searching for another car to replace my Highlander... which also changed from V6 and I am not sure I am willing to try their turbo

Mazda CX-90

 

[KURFDOGG]

no Etrailer.com has two that fit 23,Tellys just fine…,I put one on my S took about an hour !!!

Which one did you go with and did you cut into the rear trim?

 

[Garry1951]

I thought others following would appreciate the information I received from customer service just now.

"We're sorry for any confusion! The tow hitch harness is not being produced on 23 Telluride. No ETA as to when the Manufacturer may provide said part. We don't have part information in office so you can refer to parts for at updates. You can also refer to kia.com as well as kiamedia.com for additional release info. Thank you for reaching out to Kia!"

I will be installing the 22 hitch and making the cuts provided earlier here (thanks Kevin). I wonder where I send the bill to Kia in the off chance i get a ticket for my bike blocking the tail light of the vehicle...

Which one did you go with and did you cut into the rear trim?

I used etrailer's #E45ZR fit is perfect.....Probably go with their Splice in harness #119190.see video....I used etrailers suggestion on triming out the trim plate and it was a little off....I'm flush on one side an a 1/2 or so gap on the other.....I suggest 8an3/4inces from each side of the trim frame....Hope this helps.....