Kia Recalls Thousands of SUVs Due to Headlight Failure: What Owners Need to Know to Stay Safe​

If you own a Kia SUV, pay close attention: the automaker recently announced a major recall affecting thousands of its popular models due to a critical headlight failure issue. This isn’t a minor defect—failed headlights can drastically reduce visibility at night or in poor weather, increasing the risk of accidents. In this guide, we’ll break down exactly which vehicles are involved, why the recall is happening, what steps you need to take, and how to protect yourself until the fix is applied. Whether you’re a current Kia owner or considering buying one, this information could impact your safety and wallet.

​What’s the Recall About? Key Details You Can’t Ignore​

In late 2023, Kia issued a safety recall for approximately 380,000 SUVs in the U.S. alone, with additional units affected globally. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issued a formal notice linking the issue to a flaw in the headlight control modules (HCMs) that power the vehicles’ headlights. Specifically, moisture can seep into the HCMs over time, causing corrosion that disrupts electrical signals. This leads to inconsistent headlight behavior—most alarmingly, headlights may fail to turn on entirely, dim unexpectedly, or switch between high and low beams improperly.

Affected models include:

• 2020-2022 Kia Telluride (3-row midsize SUV)

• 2020-2022 Kia Sorento (midsize SUV)

• 2020-2022 Kia Sportage (compact SUV)

• 2021-2022 Kia Seltos (subcompact SUV)

Production dates span from March 2019 to July 2022, meaning many nearly new vehicles are included. Kia estimates that roughly 30% of these SUVs could develop the issue if not repaired, though the exact risk varies by vehicle use (e.g., exposure to rain, snow, or high humidity accelerates corrosion).

​Why Headlight Failures Are More Dangerous Than You Think​

Headlights aren’t just for seeing the road—they’re a critical safety feature that keeps you visible to other drivers. Consider these stats: the NHTSA found that 2,424 crashes annually involve vehicles with non-functioning headlights, with nighttime accidents accounting for 70% of these. For Kia owners, a failed headlight at 65 mph on a dark highway could mean seconds of blindness, making it impossible to spot debris, wildlife, or stopped traffic.

Worse, some owners report the issue strikes without warning. Forums like Reddit and Kia Forums are filled with stories: “I was driving home from work at night, and suddenly both headlights went out. I couldn’t see anything—had to pull over to the shoulder using my phone flashlight.” Another owner described intermittent flickering that made their Sportage “look like a Christmas tree,” confusing oncoming drivers. These anecdotes highlight the unpredictable nature of the defect—and why immediate action is critical.

​What Caused the Headlight Failure? A Deep Dive into the Technical Flaw​

To understand why this recall matters, it helps to know the root cause. The HCMs in question are designed to regulate power to the headlights, adjusting brightness based on speed, ambient light, or driver input (e.g., high-beam activation). However, Kia’s supplier (a Tier 1 automotive parts manufacturer) used a sealant around the HCM’s circuit board that proved insufficient. Over months or years, condensation—especially in regions with frequent rain or high humidity—penetrates the module. The water causes corrosion on the circuit board, creating short circuits that disrupt the HCM’s ability to send power to the headlights.

Kia engineers discovered the flaw during internal testing after field reports of headlight malfunctions. The automaker traced the issue back to a specific production batch of HCMs, leading to the recall. Importantly, this isn’t a software glitch; it’s a hardware defect requiring physical repair.

​What Should You Do If Your Kia Is Affected? Step-by-Step Action Plan​

If you own one of the listed SUVs, follow these steps immediately:

​1. Check If Your Vehicle Is Part of the Recall​

The first step is confirming eligibility. Use Kia’s online recall lookup tool or the NHTSA’s VIN checker:

• ​Kia’s Recall Portal: Visit kia.com/recall and enter your 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), found on your driver’s side dashboard or registration card.

• ​NHTSA’s Database: Go to nhtsa.gov/recalls and input your VIN. The site will list all open recalls for your vehicle, including this headlight issue.

If your VIN is listed, Kia will notify you by mail with instructions. However, don’t wait for the letter—proactive checking ensures you stay ahead of potential problems.

​2. Schedule a Free Repair Appointment​

Once confirmed, Kia dealerships will perform the fix at no cost. The repair involves replacing the faulty HCM with an updated version that uses improved sealant and corrosion-resistant components. Technicians will also test the headlights to ensure proper function. Most appointments take 1-2 hours, though wait times may vary depending on dealership demand.

Importantly, Kia has prioritized recalls for high-risk regions (e.g., Florida, Washington state with heavy rainfall) to address the most urgent cases first. If you live in an area prone to moisture, don’t delay—contact your local dealer to expedite.

​3. What If Your Headlights Fail Before the Repair?​​

If your headlights act up before your appointment, avoid driving at night or in low visibility. Use temporary solutions like portable LED lights, but prioritize getting the vehicle to a dealer. Kia covers towing costs if the failure renders the vehicle unsafe to drive, so ask your dealer about this benefit.

​4. Keep Records of the Repair​

After the fix, save all documentation: the repair order, confirmation email, and any receipts. This paperwork proves the defect was addressed, which could be valuable if you sell the vehicle later or if issues arise post-repair.

​Kia’s Response: How the Automaker Is Handling the Crisis​

Kia has faced scrutiny for the recall’s scale, but the company has taken steps to reassure owners. In a press release, Kia America CEO Sean Yoon stated, “Customer safety is our top priority, and we’re working tirelessly to resolve this issue as quickly as possible.” The automaker has allocated $50 million to cover repair costs and increased dealer training to ensure consistent fixes.

Additionally, Kia is offering goodwill gestures to affected owners, such as extended warranty coverage on related components (e.g., HCMs, headlight bulbs) for three years or 36,000 miles. While not mandatory, these perks aim to rebuild trust.

Critics note that Kia could have identified the issue earlier—some owners reported problems as early as 2020—but the automaker insists the defect only became widespread enough to warrant a recall after extensive data collection. Regardless, the key takeaway is that Kia is covering all repair costs and prioritizing safety.

​Long-Term Implications: What This Means for Kia Owners and Buyers​

For current owners, the recall is a hassle but a manageable one. The free repair eliminates the immediate safety risk, and Kia’s support minimizes out-of-pocket expenses. However, it’s a reminder to stay proactive about vehicle recalls—sign up for Kia’s recall alerts and check NHTSA regularly, even if your car feels fine.

For prospective buyers, this recall raises questions about Kia’s quality control. While no automaker is immune to defects, Kia’s response—issuing a timely recall, covering costs, and offering goodwill measures—shows accountability. Still, buyers should check VINs for open recalls before purchasing a used Kia SUV from the affected model years.

​How to Protect Yourself Beyond the Recall: Proactive Headlight Maintenance​

Even after the fix, keeping your headlights in top shape is smart. Here are tips to avoid future issues:

• ​Clean Regularly: Dirt and grime can reduce headlight output. Use a headlight restoration kit annually to polish lenses.

• ​Inspect Bulbs and Fuses: If headlights dim or flicker, check bulbs for damage and fuses for corrosion. Replace as needed.

• ​Park in Covered Areas: Minimizing exposure to rain, snow, and road salt reduces moisture buildup in electrical components.

​Final Thoughts: Don’t Ignore This Recall—Your Safety Depends on It​

Kia’s headlight recall is a serious matter, but it’s also a chance to reinforce good habits: check recalls promptly, work with dealerships, and prioritize vehicle maintenance. By taking action now, you’re not just fixing a defect—you’re ensuring your family stays safe on the road, night or day.

If you’re a affected owner, use the links above to check your VIN and schedule a repair. And if you know someone with a Kia SUV in the listed model years, share this information—many owners aren’t aware of the recall until it’s too late. Together, we can turn this crisis into a lesson in proactive vehicle safety.