NHTSA complaint #11760459

Owner complaint summary

On XXX, at approximately 7:40 a.m., my 2023 Kia Telluride, VIN [XXX], experienced a sudden mechanical failure while traveling approximately 65+ mph southbound on [XXX]. The vehicle suddenly locked up, causing the driver to lose control, skid, and swerve toward the side of the freeway. The rear wheels appeared to be locked. Fortunately, no collision occurred and no one was injured. The vehicle was towed for inspection. A technician at Colton Tire advised that the axle appeared to be bent. The vehicle was then transported by flatbed to Allstar Kia in [XXX] for diagnosis. The Kia dealership initially suggested the vehicle must have been involved in an accident because of a minor exterior scrape on the driver's-side rear passenger door. The vehicle has not been involved in an accident or collision. The scrape occurred while slowly maneuvering into a home garage at approximately 1–2 mph and did not involve impact to the wheel, axle, suspension, drivetrain, or differential. The dealership later advised that the technician believed an alleged “accident” caused the differential to slowly leak over time, ultimately causing the axle to bend “pretty badly.” I dispute this conclusion and have requested the complete diagnostic findings and physical evidence in writing. I am reporting this incident because the vehicle suddenly experienced a serious mechanical failure and loss-of-control event at freeway speed. I am also requesting investigation of whether the intermediate shaft, right-front driveshaft, axle, differential, or related drivetrain components could have been affected by NHTSA Safety Recall 24V-214 / Kia Safety Recall SC303, or another mechanical defect. I understand the recall has not been established as the cause of this specific incident. I am asking that the actual cause of the sudden vehicle lockup be investigated because the failure occurred at approximately 65+ mph and could have resulted in a serious crash. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)