Towing package with hitch (2024)

My dealership sold me the tow hitch and installed it on my 2023 X-Pro
I figured that I was good to go until I learned that they don't sell/install the wiring harness due to the fire recall on 2020-2022 models.

I now have the most expensive tow-equipped KIA which can't legally tow a trailer.

I guess we'll have to wait for KIA to fix the recall on previous model years.

I’m getting the run around on my order for a tow package. I see e-trailer makes a comparable hitch and 7 way harness. Has anyone bought one of these https://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Hitch/Kia/Telluride/2023/391KIATELL20T.html?vehicleid=20235001311

It’s my understanding it has to do with tailgate latch… when the telluride “equipped with a hitch” gets rear ended the tailgate pops open. The NHTSA does not like that. No hitch will be offered until 2024….

😯

Finally!

August 31, 2023 To: All Kia Dealers Re: 2023-2024MY Telluride Tow Hitch Kit Availability As you are aware, Kia America, Inc. (KUS) has been unable to offer a tow hitch & harness for the 2023 Model Year (MY) Telluride due to complications impacting rear hatch functionality. This situation left many Telluride customers waiting for the release of a compatible tow hitch kit. I am pleased to report that a Dealer Installed Option (DIO) accessory Tow Hitch Kit is now available for 2023 and 2024 MY Tellurides. Model Year 2023 and early MY 2024 (produced before October 2023) Tellurides will require Tailgate Latch replacement when installing a Tow Hitch Kit to comply with testing standards. To promote customer satisfaction, KUS will absorb the incremental cost of the parts and labor for the Tailgate Latch Assembly (81800S9600CCC and 81800S9500CCC) from the 2022 MY DIO Tow Hitch for the affected vehicles for a limited time. Tow Hitch Kits have been created for both power and manual closing hatches as shown below: Tailgate Type Trims Tow Hitch Kit P/N Manual Closing LX & S S9TOW-MANUA Power Closing EX, EX X-Line, SX, SX-Line, SX X-Pro, SXP, SXP X-Line, SXP X-Pro S9TOW-POWER 2 Kia America, Inc. | Corporate Headquarters 111 Peters Canyon Road, Irvine, CA 92606 USA T +1 949.468.4800 When placing customer orders for these kits, the dealership will receive three (3) separate boxes which will include the following:  Tow Hitch with Bumper Cover  Towing Harness  Tailgate Latch Assembly Please ensure that your Service Department is aware that the Tailgate Latch MUST BE replaced with the provided part when the tow hitch is installed. You can reference the parts bulletin (Parts Bulletin MI-23-31) on this topic for further ordering and installation instructions. You are encouraged to begin contacting your impacted Telluride customers today! Sincerely, Greg Silvestri Vice President, Service and Aftersales Operations Kia America, Inc.

Yes, because when you purchased your 2023 SX Prestige X-pro, you couldn't order a hitch as a PIO and it wasn't available as a DIO. Now that you have your car already, the only option is the DIO option. But at least it's finally available.

And it shouldn't be $1500. At least for now, it is supposed to be at 2022 parts and labor cost. I'm getting it for about $900 including taxes. I've seen a wide range of costs - mostly because of labor cost. But definitely check with your dealer and make sure you let them know you know about the memo from corporate that states it should be at 2022 prices and you know it takes less than 2 hours labor.