My replacement shocks have been on order for 2 months with no ETA as of a couple weeks ago. Like you said, they are putting out plenty of new Telluride's but not allocating replacement parts for ones they f'd up from the get go. This is my first Kia and maybe my last. I've had less than stellar service from 2 different dealerships.
My first shock replacement took place about a year ago and it only took 1 day for it to arrive. The second shock will probably be ordered next week and the dealer already told me it's not available anywhere and will be backordered with an unknown ETA
If I have the issue repeat after having new shocks installed, it's trade in time.My first shock replacement took place about a year ago and it only took 1 day for it to arrive. The second shock will probably be ordered next week and the dealer already told me it's not available anywhere and will be backordered with an unknown ETA
It also seems like Kia tries to "hide" this issue. It's obviously very widespread (with most people probably not even noticing it and consider the noise normal), yet there's no recall nor official communication from KIA for relevant owners. I also don't know if Kia actually fixed the design flaw, or I'm facing struts change every few thousands miles...
As you wrote - as much as the vehicle may be overall great value, these things may make this vehicle my first and last Kia.
Can it be considered a safety defect?
My dealer replaced my Nivomat's with standard shocks removed from a vehicle in stock. Not a simple remove / replace. Also requires the standard spring and spring seats as the springs have a higher load rating than the springs paired with Nivomats. (learned first hand as my vehicle was still sagging cuz we initially only replaced the shocks. But, not the springs. Took the next step, replaced with standard springs...Bingo...rides like new) In theory, the Nivomat suspension setup was designed for the Nivomat to perform the majority of heavy lifiting. (uh huh...I just said that) Not the case with the standard setup. The springs and shocks equally share the load. Be mindful, this is not an option that dealers are willing to explore. I'm fortunate to have a long relationship with the service GM who is tied to the ownership group that I've purchased many higher end vechiles from over the years. In this case, the Service GM was keeenly aware of the hoops that Kia makes dealers go through for warranty compensation work. By the book, or no reimbusement for the work. So we proactively came up with a plan. Bottom line: get close to the service leadership at your dealership or find another dealer willing to be your advocate to go above / beyond.
Good approach. Price out the cost of the Std shocks and springs and the cost to have your local tire shop do the work. At the end of the day, your wallet will be happy, you won't have to endure potential markup and lead time for a new ride. You just may fall in love with your existing ride again.
www.kiapartsaccessories.com
I was looking for aftermarket options as well, but couldn't find any...For anyone interested, here is a breakdown of the Kia parts without the self leveling suspension and with.
Shocks & Components for 2020 Kia Telluride | Kia Parts Accessories
I keep checking for aftermarket options to start emerging as the oldest Tellurides and Palisade put on more and more miles. Bilstein, KYB, Fox, Monroe, Gabriel, Rancher, . . . anyone interested in making some money by offering an affordable direct OE replacement option?
There just aren't any yet, but I hope very soon.
We've had two Tellurides both with the tow package/self leveling and neither had had any issues. It's possible the issue has been worked out for the newer production as I haven't seen many comments regarding this from '21 and '22 owners. Even for those that were affected I don't think this was an extremely widespread issue.
Unless Kia fixed the design, I’d definitely avoid that. Unfortunately I haven’t seen any formal communication from Kia for this matter.
What issues were you having ?
Clunking noises. Many people reported this issue with the self leveling struts.
