Recall 20V436 covers 86,921 2020 Kia Telluride vehicles for trailer brake lights that fail under Smart Cruise Control braking. Free repair at franchised Kia dealers.
Kia is recalling 86,921 2020 Telluride SUVs equipped with Smart Cruise Control because trailer brake lights do not illuminate when the system applies the brakes. That leaves drivers behind the trailer without a clear slowing signal and increases crash risk; Kia dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
On the 2020 Kia Telluride, Smart Cruise Control is the driver assistance system that holds a set speed and distance from traffic ahead. When it slows the SUV, it applies the vehicle brakes without the driver pressing the pedal. If a trailer is connected, the trailer brake lights need the same braking signal so drivers behind the trailer know it is slowing.
On affected Tellurides, that signal is not sent from the SUV to the trailer when Smart Cruise Control brakes on its own. The Telluride slows, but the trailer brake lights stay off during that automatic braking event. The remedy changes the system so the trailer brake lights receive the signal when Smart Cruise Control decelerates the vehicle.
There is no warning sign before failure. The driver does not get a normal in-cabin symptom when the trailer lights fail to illuminate during Smart Cruise Control braking. The issue only appears with a trailer connected and the system braking independently.
Who's affected?
| 2020 Kia Telluride | Adaptive cruise control |
|---|---|
| 2020 Kia Telluride | Brake lights |
| 2020 Kia Telluride | wiring |
| Units affected | 86,921 |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
Inoperative trailer brake lights can leave drivers behind the vehicle without a clear brake signal, which increases crash risk when the Telluride slows or stops while towing. If your VIN is included, schedule the repair soon and use extra caution when towing until it is complete. Repair is free at any franchised Kia dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2020 Kia Telluride is included in this recall.
- Contact your nearest franchised Kia dealer to schedule the free additional wire-harness installation that signals the trailer brake lights when Smart Cruise Control applies the brakes.
- Bring the recall notice if Kia has mailed one. If not, reference recall number 20V436 when you call.
- Avoid using Smart Cruise Control while towing until the repair is complete.
- Call Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542 with questions, and reference recall number 20V436 (Kia recall SC194).
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Kia technician installs an additional wire harness to the main fuse box so the trailer brake lights receive a signal when Smart Cruise Control applies the brakes. The recall repair is free, with parts and labor covered. If you've already paid out of pocket for this trailer brake light repair, Kia's General Reimbursement Plan covers documented repair expenses already incurred. Bring repair paperwork and payment records to the service desk.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| July 28, 2020 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| September 2, 2020 | Dealer notification began |
| September 2, 2020 | Dealer notification ended |
| September 10, 2020 | Owner notification mailed |
| September 10, 2020 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 20V436?
Recall 20V436 covers 86,921 2020 Kia Telluride vehicles equipped with Smart Cruise Control. When a trailer is connected, the trailer brake lights do not illuminate when Smart Cruise Control applies the brakes. Kia dealers install an additional wire harness to the main fuse box for free.
What should I do if my 2020 Kia Telluride is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Telluride is included in recall 20V436. If it is, contact a franchised Kia dealer to schedule the added wire harness repair. Reference recall number 20V436 or Kia recall SC194 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Kia will install the added wire harness free of charge at any franchised Kia dealer. Parts and labor are covered for vehicles included in recall 20V436.
What is the safety risk in recall 20V436?
The risk is that other drivers are not warned when the vehicle slows while towing. With a trailer connected, the trailer brake lights do not illuminate when Smart Cruise Control applies the brakes, increasing the risk of a crash under recall 20V436.
When did Kia start the recall repair?
Kia began the recall repair on September 10, 2020. Dealers install an additional wire harness to the main fuse box so the trailer brake lights receive a signal when Smart Cruise Control applies the brakes.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/20V436000 |
|---|---|
| Kia customer service | 1-800-333-4542 |
| NHTSA recall # | 20V436 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 20V436000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Misc. Document (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 23, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →