To fix Another Car, A Kia Dealer Took Parts From A customer’s Telluride

Trust in dealerships can be shattered by unethical practices, as demonstrated by a recent incident in Lake Charles, Louisiana, where a Kia dealership improperly removed parts from a customer’s Telluride to service another vehicle.

According to reports from KPLC 7 News, vehicle owner Shirley Poullard brought her SUV to Kia of Lake Charles on June 17, 2026, following a tire blowout on the interstate. After her vehicle remained at the dealership for over a month with minimal communication, Ms Poullard visited the facility, only to discover that her engine had been dismantled. Furthermore, the service manager acknowledged that two fuel injectors had been removed from her vehicle to service another customer’s car without her authorization.

While the exact model year is unconfirmed, visual evidence suggests Ms Poullard’s SUV is a facelifted first-generation Telluride (MY2023–2026). Footage shows the owner confronting the service manager, who was subsequently fired. Kia of Lake Charles has completed an internal review, but despite recovering her vehicle, Ms Poullard remains uncomfortable driving it.

While Kia America is not directly responsible for this independent dealership’s actions, this incident highlights the need for better manufacturer oversight. Upholding rigorous service standards is vital, as dealership conduct directly impacts brand reputation and consumer trust.

The service manager’s decision to harvest parts from the Telluride remains unexplained, though it likely stemmed from an attempt to expedite another repair. Regardless of the intent, removing parts without consent is a major breach of trust. This incident proves that dealership service is not immune to failure. Owners should always demand detailed repair orders and thoroughly inspect their vehicles before leaving the service center.

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