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No Tow - really Kia?

Messages
1
Likes
3
Location
1906 Sweetbriar Lane, Darien, IL
#1
I'm new to forum and realize it's not the best way to kick things off but I have a 2021 SX that I've loved the past two years - bought at the end of 2020. I purchased it to tow my new Airstream 16X Basecamp and it checked the boxes for towing capability(though barely) and I'm very new to towing anyway.

I've managed to log nearly 20K miles towing and recently had to have the suspension replaced in my Telluride - still under warranty and I also had to get new tires most recently.

While having the suspension issues I learned that my local Kia Service had never seen a Telluride pulling a camper - all of the technicians were interested in seeing my set-up. I've added a WD system to my trailer though Airstream claims it's not necessary with such a small rig.

Fast forward >>>> was excited to check out the new Prestige X-Pro and was thinking I may trade up given some of the new bells and whistles and I have nearly 45K on my two year old Kia.

I asked where the tow hitch is and thought they'd designed a new cover on the hitch area as a lot of other SUVs have figured out. I was told they'd have to add the hitch - What???? Isn't this supposed to be the top of the line and they claim it has larger tow capacity and engine cooling, etc. - all features aimed to lure people towing.

After further review I've quickly learned that there's some parts issues (translation: supply chain) and that the new models may not have tow hitches until March 2023????

I was also under the impression that when you add tow hitch after market it's not the same

Is anyone else as baffled and disappointed as myself? I reached out and notified sales that I wasn't interested until they've figured this all out and by that time I hope to possibly switch into a pick-up as that's probably what I should have done all along.
 

Bill23

New Member
Messages
4
Likes
4
Location
TN
#2
I couldn't agree with you more. I've told the local Kia rep I'm ready to order a Telluride once the Tow Package is available. No one around here seems to know anything about availability - very disappointing, if not downright pathetic. If they don't figure it out soon I may be looking for something different.
 
Messages
5
Likes
7
Location
43147
#3
I also bought a 23 X-Line, and made sure that on the invoice when I ordered it....there it was...the new tow mode. But little did I know that tow mode does not mean you have an actual tow package. I guess bad on me for not researching more closely, but to find out I can't even order one because they are not even available....yikes. So much for my plan to tow our kayaks in a nice trailer. Hope they become available soon.

By the way - am I the only one that assumed that a vehicle with a new fancy tow mode would be equipped to actually tow something without having to purchase a hitch??
 

Sqrob

New Member
Messages
6
Likes
2
Location
In my ride
#5
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.
 
Messages
25
Likes
2
Location
Texas
#6
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.
The ”fire hazard” you mention was only related to the 4 pin wiring harness, it did not apply to the 7 pin. Can your dealer not offer you the 7 pin harness?
 

Sqrob

New Member
Messages
6
Likes
2
Location
In my ride
#7
The ”fire hazard” you mention was only related to the 4 pin wiring harness, it did not apply to the 7 pin. Can you dealer not offer you the 7 pin harness?
They said they couldn't order either one in their system.
 

Bill23

New Member
Messages
4
Likes
4
Location
TN
#8
I gave up waiting for Kia to have a Tow Package available which includes a hitch and wiring harness, and purchased a Nissan Pathfinder instead. It isn't quite as roomy in the back row, but it has a better towing capacity of 6,000 lbs (assuming you could actually tow with a Telluride).
 
Messages
3
Likes
2
Location
44087
#9
So I have a brand new 23 SX X-Line tomorrow. I made the dealer add an aftermarket hitch, which I'll see then. It should be just fine. I'm hoping they install the hitch plugin, but if not, the harness is on Amazon. I also found a front harness for the brake controller to KIA harness plugin for $27. As for the hitch, it doesn't matter much aside from the protective coatings. What company would release anything towing unless they were confident enough not to be sued on it? Draw Tite, Reese, Curt...they have no choice but to be perfect. Legally. They're all good.
 

Garry

New Member
Messages
11
Likes
0
Location
Lake Placid,Fl.
#10
I'm going the same route....After market E-trailer hitch and there wiring kit.....Add my name to any class action tooo!!!!!!
 
Messages
3
Likes
2
Location
44087
#11
So I have a brand new 23 SX X-Line tomorrow. I made the dealer add an aftermarket hitch, which I'll see then. It should be just fine. I'm hoping they install the hitch plugin, but if not, the harness is on Amazon. I also found a front harness for the brake controller to KIA harness plugin for $27. As for the hitch, it doesn't matter much aside from the protective coatings. What company would release anything towing unless they were confident enough not to be sued on it? Draw Tite, Reese, Curt...they have no choice but to be perfect. Legally. They're all good.
I'm going the same route....After market E-trailer hitch and there wiring kit.....Add my name to any class action tooo!!!!!!
So I got the new car with the Curt hitch, and as those who've dealt with this know, there was no rear trailer plugin included. Because STILL, KIA nor anybody else has made one. The '20-'22 harness will not fit and with the '23s, the lights run differently. If any techies know...could I just go to the rear KIA installed plug, clip it, then splice the wires to a generic trailer socket, or do I have to use a modulator like the ones I see installers peeling and sticking in a nice clean place under the car? Thanks in advance!
 
Messages
54
Likes
15
Location
Aylett Virginia
#13
Someone at KIA Corporate should be axed over this! :mad:
I am serious - NEVER seen the likes of this runaway incompetence ..... there is a good hyphenated word (shortened with a 2 letter acronym) for it, which I won't use here
 

bctmst

New Member
Messages
5
Likes
4
Location
Fort Wayne, IN
#14
You can get the tow wiring kit in Canada at Hyundai (yes a Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride are very similar vehicles - same frame), part number S8F67-AC800. However, they will charge you about $80 to ship it. Keep in mind if you do order it, the price listed is in Canadian dollars which will turn into fewer US dollars .... but your credit card will charge you a foreign transaction fee. They are on backorder for 2 - 3 months (gee .... I wonder why). I cancelled my order after waiting 2 months and calling and they said it would be another 2 months. I thought I could wait till that part made it into the US. This was back in March, I needed it for early May (when I called). Don't need it for a while, but meanwhile I have a trailer hitch installed but can't use it. If you wish to pursue this route, just google the part number above and a few Hyundai dealerships will come up (in Canada) and you can order it from them .... and wait.
 
Messages
54
Likes
15
Location
Aylett Virginia
#15
You can get the tow wiring kit in Canada at Hyundai (yes a Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride are very similar vehicles - same frame), part number S8F67-AC800. However, they will charge you about $80 to ship it. Keep in mind if you do order it, the price listed is in Canadian dollars which will turn into fewer US dollars .... but your credit card will charge you a foreign transaction fee. They are on backorder for 2 - 3 months (gee .... I wonder why). I cancelled my order after waiting 2 months and calling and they said it would be another 2 months. I thought I could wait till that part made it into the US. This was back in March, I needed it for early May (when I called). Don't need it for a while, but meanwhile I have a trailer hitch installed but can't use it. If you wish to pursue this route, just google the part number above and a few Hyundai dealerships will come up (in Canada) and you can order it from them .... and wait.
Whoever is in charge of the KIA engineering project - for stuff like the wiring harness - should be fired PRONTO. This is not rocket science, no excuse for what has transpired over the last couple of years. And here I have a new '24 - and am found waiting just like all of the '23 owners. :mad:
 

bctmst

New Member
Messages
5
Likes
4
Location
Fort Wayne, IN
#16
Whoever is in charge of the KIA engineering project - for stuff like the wiring harness - should be fired PRONTO. This is not rocket science, no excuse for what has transpired over the last couple of years. And here I have a new '24 - and am found waiting just like all of the '23 owners. :mad:
Part of the delay is probably the NHTSA who will have to approve this new wiring harness. That's probably why its available in Canada, but not the US.
 
Messages
54
Likes
15
Location
Aylett Virginia
#17
Part of the delay is probably the NHTSA who will have to approve this new wiring harness. That's probably why its available in Canada, but not the US.
Ahh - thanks for the info, didn't know that! I can only hope that KIA is "gearing up" for the mad rush when the floodgates open.
 

Garry

New Member
Messages
11
Likes
0
Location
Lake Placid,Fl.
#18
This may be an off question...I just need a 4 pin for a utiliy trailer....If I get the Canadian harness for 7 pin will it work for my 4 pin hook up???? I,ve been waiting for a month an half for the Curt plug an play an just keep getting the run around on a shipdate.....Kinda tired of the games!
 


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