NHTSA Complaint #11697130 — 2024 KIA TELLURIDE

I activated the windshield wipers and noticed no fluid spraying from the nozzles. Upon checking the washer fluid reservoir under the hood, it was nearly empty despite being refilled just two days prior. There were no visible external spills, but I discovered a significant puddle of washer fluid accumulating behind the front-right wheel well liner, indicating an internal leak. Further inspection (guided by online owner forums reporting the same issue) revealed that the ribbed plastic section of the windshield washer hose—specifically at the connection point near the firewall—had cracked and separated. This hose runs as a single assembly from the reservoir, through the engine bay, to both front and rear nozzles. The crack appears to be a manufacturing defect in the brittle plastic material, which is prone to fracturing under normal temperature fluctuations or minor vibrations, rather than wear from high mileage. The failure eliminates the ability to clear the windshield of rain, bugs, or debris, creating a hazardous blind spot and directly contributing to reduced visibility.