2020 Kia Telluride

The sun roof came completely off the tracks and won’t close. The car is no longer weather proof and is at risk of the glass flying off at high speeds. Problem has not been reproduced or confirmed. Has not been inspected by the manufacturer or others. No warnings prior to the failure.

Reported

Jul 2026

Incident date

Jul 2026

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

This 2020 Telluride, like others, burns excessively through oil. I had to add 2.5 quarts recently and I had not hit 3,000 miles since my last oil change. I have to check the oil level constantly because of how fast it burns through it. It does not meet the manufacturers guidelines nor does it give any warnings that the oil level low at all. Even being THAT low.

Reported

Jul 2026

Incident date

Jul 2026

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

My vehicle has the radiator fan that will not shut off. It stays running until the battery goes dead. I have taken it in to dealership and get the can not reproduce answer as well as maybe its this or that, you will have to leave it here. In doing research this is a known issues with the relay being built in to the PCB fuse block. The block shorts or sticks and the whole thing needs to be replaced. Very pricey. Lots of owners have or had the same issue. In speaking to an independant repair facility I was told this could be a fire risk yet again. The unit could overheat from running at full speed constantly or the wiring could catch fire. Kia will not recognize the situation, and wants to throw parts at it at owners cost. I have to unplug the fan when parked to stop this from occurring.

Reported

Jul 2026

Incident date

Feb 2026

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Vehicle has 75,000 miles. The knuckle on the steering column and the rack and pinion became worn out causing the steering wheel to be loose and jump at high speeds. Mirrors would stop opening randomly. Rear camera stopped working making it very difficult to view when backing up. Replacing the camera did not work, the harness was tested to be ok. The only other option is the software in the head unit. This is the 2nd head unit as the first one was replaced for a failed bluetooth. Cost exceeds $5000 to replace it.

Reported

Jul 2026

Incident date

Jun 2026

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The power sunroof and its sliding track/rail assembly failed. While operating the sunroof using its normal electric open/close function during highway driving, the sunroof glass/panel traveled to full open and the track mechanism broke at that point, preventing normal closure. The vehicle and damaged sunroof/track assembly are available for inspection upon request. The failure occurred while the vehicle was in motion on the road, creating a distraction and an unexpected open aperture in the roof at highway speed. An uncontrolled/stuck-open sunroof exposes the cabin to wind, debris, weather, and noise, and could distract the driver attempting to address the malfunction while driving. There is also risk of glass or track hardware detaching from the vehicle. A Kia dealership inspected the vehicle and confirmed the track is broken and quoted approximately $5,000+ to replace the sunroof assembly, citing no applicable warranty coverage. No warning lamps or messages appeared prior to the fail I have found other consumer complaints/forum reports describing similar sudden sunroof track failures on this make/model during normal operation, suggesting this may be a widespread component defect rather than an isolated incident or wear item. Despite this, the manufacturer has not issued a recall or extended warranty coverage for this failure mode, leaving owners to pay approximately $5,000 out of pocket for a repair caused by what appears to be a manufacturing or design defect rather than misuse.

Reported

Jul 2026

Incident date

Jun 2026

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

After reading multiple forums, I've learned there's a known issue with the 2020 Tellurides burning excessive oil. We had noticed this before, but this time was worse. My wife drove the car to pick up my nephew from the airport without any problems, such as warning lights or engine noise. However, our kids later took the car to go to the store, and on the way, all of the warning lights lit up on the display, and the car shut off on the highway. When I checked the car, I found the oil level was completely gone from the dipstick, so I added about 2.5 quarts of oil. I reported this to the Kia dealership and customer service. The vehicle had just slightly exceeded the 100,000-mile warranty (109,805 miles). The service interval was set for 3400 miles, with 725 miles and 90 days remaining. The engine was dry because of the excessive oil consumption known to Kia. The diagnostic from the dealership indicated an oil pump failure, but they did not have information about the oil addition since it wasn't relayed to them by the phone staff. There were no warning lights or engine noise indicating a low oil level before the incident. Apparently, Kia repeatedly dismisses this known issue and blames the owners. The interval of 3400 miles with 725 miles remaining far exceeds the manufacturer's recommended 6000-7000 miles for regular oil changes.

Reported

Jul 2026

Incident date

Jun 2026

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The contact owns a 2020 Kia Telluride. The contact stated that four door belt molding trim pieces had become loose and unsecured, but the front driver’s side door belt molding trim piece had become unsecured and detached from the vehicle. Additionally, the contact stated that while touching the unsecured molding, the arm became bruised and scratched. No medical treatment was required. The cause of the failures was not yet determined. The local dealer was contacted, but no assistance was offered. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V494000 (STRUCTURE). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 30,000.

Reported

Jul 2026

Incident date

Oct 2022

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

1 injuries

Sunroof issue with the air dam that lifts up when the sunroof opens breaks off and throws the the sunroof off track so your stuck with it open or it breaks the track or glass

Reported

Jul 2026

Incident date

Jun 2026

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The contact owns a 2020 Kia Telluride. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60-65 MPH on the highway, the vehicle suddenly shut off and the battery warning light was flickering and the vehicle lost power. The contact was able to coast the vehicle into a parking lot off the highway where the vehicle remained. The contact replaced the battery; however, approximately one hour later while driving 50-55 MPH on the highway, the vehicle lost power and shut off. The vehicle was coasted onto the shoulder of the roadway. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where the vehicle was diagnosed with alternator failure. The alternator was replaced. The contact was notified of a possible transmission failure; however, there was no fault codes retrieved. The vehicle was later taken to a dealer to be diagnosed. The dealer informed the contact that the head gasket was damaged, and the spark plugs needed to be replaced. Additionally, the contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

Reported

Jun 2026

Incident date

Jun 2026

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Oil burns too fast causing oil changes to be required by every 3000 miles

Reported

Jun 2026

Incident date

Jun 2026

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

I am filing this complaint regarding my 2020 Kia Telluride because of excessive oil consumption that Kia has refused to address. My vehicle currently has approximately 138,000 miles and consumes about one quart of engine oil every 500 miles. This level of oil consumption is excessive and creates an ongoing risk of engine damage if the oil level is not constantly monitored and replenished. After researching this issue, I discovered that many Kia owners have reported similar excessive oil consumption problems. Despite the large number of complaints, Kia has not issued a recall or provided assistance for owners whose vehicles experience this problem after the factory warranty expires. I sought assistance from my local Kia dealership. At one point, the service manager attempted to advocate for me and other customers by bringing these concerns to Kia corporate. I later learned that he was no longer employed there. They have completed oil consumption tests and agreed my car is consuming a significant amount of oil. They conducted a “band aid” fix that did not help. The last appointment when we brought it in, all they did was check oil levels again. Since then, my concerns have largely been ignored, and I have been offered no meaningful assistance. While I understand my vehicle is outside the warranty period, a vehicle should not consume one quart of oil every 500 miles under normal operation. This appears to be a widespread issue rather than normal wear and tear. I respectfully request that this complaint be investigated and added to the record of similar complaints involving Kia vehicles. I also ask that Kia be encouraged to provide assistance to affected owners whose vehicles suffer from excessive oil consumption caused by what appears to be a common defect. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Reported

Jun 2026

Incident date

Jan 2026

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

My 2020 Kia Telluride that has Snow White Pearl paint that is coming off in chunks. There are lots of records of 2017-2023 Kia's that have the Snow White Paint peeling off. The paint is coming off the roof and hood area. The exposed metal can quickly develop penetrating rust. This weakens the metal's ability to withstand impacts increasing the risk of failure during a crash. Also the flaking clear coat and paint, creates highly reflective surfaces distracting other drivers. Also the paint peeling in large sheets can detach and potentially strike following vehicles and causing road hazards or accidents. The dealership has taken pictures and acknowledged the issue but fails to correct it due to "high mileage" and me not having a paint warranty. The problem started about 7 months ago

Reported

Jun 2026

Incident date

Jan 2026

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

My vehicle’s white exterior paint and clear coat are delaminating and peeling off in pieces while driving. Loose paint pieces fly off the vehicle, creating a potential road hazard for other drivers. The defect affects the hood, the front, and the area above the windshield. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. The paint delamination has been visually confirmed and is worsening over time. I have contacted Kia customer service multiple times by phone and email requesting repair or resolution. Kia has not responded or offered any remedy. The defect has not been inspected by the dealer as Kia declined to address it. No warning lamps or messages are applicable to this defect. The peeling first became noticeable approximately June 1st, 2026 and has progressively worsened since.

Reported

Jun 2026

Incident date

Jun 2026

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The factory paint on my 2020 white Kia Telluride has failed. The paint is peeling and flaking from the hood and the roof of the vehicle. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request, and I have photographs documenting the paint failure. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The peeling paint exposes the underlying metal to the elements, which may lead to corrosion and deterioration of the vehicle over time. Pieces of peeling paint may also detach while the vehicle is being driven, creating a potential hazard for other motorists. In addition, the loss of the factory paint significantly reduces the value of the vehicle and raises concerns about the quality and durability of the manufacturer's finish. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? At this time, the problem has not been confirmed by a Kia dealer or an independent service center. However, I have found numerous reports from other owners of white Kia Tellurides experiencing similar paint peeling issues, suggesting this may be a widespread manufacturing defect. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others? Not at this time. Were there any warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? There were no warning lights, messages, or other vehicle symptoms before the paint began peeling. The issue developed gradually as the factory paint began separating from the hood and roof under normal use.

Reported

Jun 2026

Incident date

Jun 2026

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The paint on my white 2020 Kia Telluride is peeling/delaminating from the hood and the area directly above the windshield (A-pillar/roof edge). Peeling began as small chips and has progressed to larger sections coming off down to bare primer/metal, with no impact or collision involved. This appears consistent with a known paint adhesion defect affecting Pearl White Kia Telluride and Sorento vehicles across multiple model years, as documented in numerous other owner complaints and online forums. The peeling paint exposes bare metal to the elements, creating a risk of corrosion/rust that could compromise body panel integrity over time. It also significantly reduces visibility-adjacent surface integrity near the windshield area and creates sharp/jagged paint edges. This is not isolated wear-and-tear damage but a manufacturing/coating defect, as the primer layer is visibly intact and separating cleanly from the base coat. I am requesting NHTSA investigate this as a widespread manufacturing defect, as it appears Kia has been aware of this issue but has not issued a recall or extended warranty coverage to affected owners outside the standard paint warranty period.

Reported

Jun 2026

Incident date

Jun 2026

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The contact owns a 2020 Kia Telluride. The contact stated that while driving with the AWD activated in the rain, the vehicle ran off the road. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact spoke to the seller, who confirmed a previous failure with the AWD coupler. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Another local dealer, Kia Service - Southlake Kia (4191 E Lincoln Hwy, Merrillville, IN 46410); was contacted but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer stated that there was no warranty coverage on the vehicle for the failure. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 84,000.

Reported

Jun 2026

Incident date

Jun 2026

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

SC299 (high‑beam headlight failure) is actually a safety defect tied to visibility and part of a recall which my telluride falls just outside of

Reported

Jun 2026

Incident date

Jun 2026

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The wind deflector and track assembly on the sunroof of our 2020 Kia Telluride (56K miles) broke when trying to open the sunroof and Kia Corporate is unwilling to cover the cost of the repairs ($4,000). Because the track assembly cracked, the dealer had to break another part just to get the sunroof glass to sit flush, and it is only being held down with Gorilla tape. This happened in the drive way at our home and thankfully not on the highway at high speeds. We already had to pay $350 for Kia just to break a part of the sunroof so that it sits flush and they are quoting $3800+ for the remaining repair.

Reported

Jun 2026

Incident date

May 2026

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

I have a 2020 Kia telluride. On 6/14/2026 I opened my sun roof and was unable to close it. I called my local dealership and was advised that they were unable to look at my car for at least 2 weeks. I am currently having it repaired by a licensed auto shop which will cost me $3800.00

Reported

Jun 2026

Incident date

Jun 2026

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The contact owns a 2020 Kia Telluride. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. No warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that while driving at slower speeds, the vehicle lost automotive power. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed with oil consumption and a misfire in cylinder #3. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. Upon further inspection, the contact stated that as per the Kia App, the vehicle was diagnosed with error codes: P030300 and P030500. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.

Reported

Jun 2026

Incident date

Mar 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Rattling noise experienced going over small bumps. Dealer confirmed rear shocks were leaking/rusted and needed replacement. Was charged almost an additional $1450 since I am out of warranty period. Car only has 44,275 miles after 6.5 years of owning.

Reported

Jun 2026

Incident date

Jun 2026

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

A continuation from my last post. I brought my car back to the dealer.The worker came out to inspect my car and he lifted the hood and he said I had a loose negative battery cable and that I had the wrong battery in my car. He said that might be the cause of the flickering lights.My car was at the dealership for three days before I was called to come pickup my car.He stated they found another service update that my car needed P0471 and that cleared my check engine light and the battery he said once again I have the wrong battery in my car and they were only able to tighten the negative cable so much.I explained to him that it was the correct battery because I went to Walmart where the battery was purchased and they auto manger printed out that paperwork that shows it is the correct battery for that car.Then he had me sign for my car and I left.While driving home my battery light stared flickering again.So I called him and said I thought you were able to tighten the negative cable to the battery. He then said they did the best they can do because it is the wrong battery.After he got off the phone all my lights on my dashboard lit up.My car seemed possessed.My steering locked up and brakes were not working.Scared and crying i called him back and was telling him what was happening to my car.He said once again it was due to battery. Crying I said I'm scared what do I do?He advised me to put my car in netural and try to pull off to the side.I explained to him that I was on the freeway in 5pm traffic my hazards, signals and brakes aren't working.I then asked him what do I do once I can stop the car.Do I bring it back to the dealership? He said the only thing they can do if i bring it back is to have me buy a new battery.At this point the car completely turned off.I was able to roll off the freeway then my car stopped completely violently as if someone slammed the the brakes.Now they want me to buy a new alternator and transmission.Car had no issue before taking it in.

Reported

Jun 2026

Incident date

May 2026

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Not due to recalls. My entire car was malfunctioning over the backup camera. Every system was being displayed on my dashboard as all lights were on. Turning signals and four ways would not work, my steering became tight and hard to turn.

Reported

Jun 2026

Incident date

Jun 2026

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

My 2020 Kia Telluride with the 3.8L V6 engine is experiencing excessive oil consumption between scheduled oil changes. The vehicle consumes a significant amount of engine oil without any visible external leaks. The oil level drops substantially between oil change intervals, requiring frequent monitoring and oil additions to prevent the engine from running low on oil. This condition creates a safety risk because the vehicle can operate with dangerously low oil levels without providing sufficient warning to the driver, increasing the risk of engine damage, engine failure, loss of power while driving, or a vehicle breakdown in traffic. A sudden loss of engine power could increase the risk of a crash. The condition has been observed repeatedly and is ongoing. No external oil leaks have been identified. The vehicle has been maintained according to manufacturer recommendations. The excessive oil consumption appears to be internal to the engine. The issue has been reported to and discussed with a Kia dealer. The problem is consistent and reproducible between oil changes. Prior to discovering the oil loss, there were no obvious symptoms other than the oil level decreasing significantly between service intervals. The issue was identified through routine oil level checks. I am concerned that this condition may affect a large number of vehicles equipped with the same engine and could result in engine failure or loss of power while driving.

Reported

Jun 2026

Incident date

Feb 2026

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The vehicle was taken in several times for a vibration, binding coming from the rear. It has been ongoing back to the original owner. It is the all wheel drive coupler. This is a known issue with TSBs out on it. Kia has been contacted and seems unwilling to help, replace. Online thousands of these things have failed some even twice. In icy or slippery conditions this can cause loss of control due to binding.

Reported

Jun 2026

Incident date

Oct 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Vehicle experienced catastrophic engine failure while traveling approximately 70 mph on a highway. I heard a loud popping noise and immediately lost power. The vehicle would no longer accelerate normally and I was forced to pull over. White smoke was visible from the engine compartment, and a large amount of engine oil leaked from the vehicle. This failure created a safety risk because it occurred at highway speed, resulting in sudden loss of power while traveling with surrounding traffic. The vehicle required towing and could not be driven from the scene. Prior to the failure, the vehicle had exhibited symptoms beginning around May 11, 2026. A check engine light illuminated and an independent mechanic diagnosed a cylinder 3 misfire and replaced the ignition coil. Following that repair, the check engine light returned. Additional symptoms included stalling at idle, knocking noises from the engine, and intermittent oil pressure warning lights. The vehicle was subsequently inspected by an independent mechanic who diagnosed a thrown connecting rod with damage to the engine block, including a hole in the engine near the transmission area. The mechanic advised that the engine requires replacement. The damaged engine is currently available for inspection. The vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer. No injuries or crash occurred, but the sudden engine failure and loss of power at highway speed created a significant safety concern.

Reported

Jun 2026

Incident date

Jun 2026

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

While driving on the [XXX] in [XXX] on XXX a connecting rod punctured the engine block of no fault of my own Kia has stated it was a manufacturing defect. This caused a vehicle fire under the vehicle and I had to get my family out of the vehicle 4 children and wife from the vehicle children ages ranging from age [XXX]. This completely has destroyed my confidence in the safety of this vehicle. I do not want to put my children back in this vehicle due to the traumatic experience of the fire. The car only had 60k miles on it and I just bought it as a second owner from Staten Island Kia back in October 31st of 2025 with just a little over 55k miles on the car. The Staten Island Kia dealership has replaced the engine but confirmed that they have not done any other safety checks of hoses or wiring or anything else that may have been damaged by the fire. Kia Corporate has given us a loaner vehicle until they review our case. Case number is XXX. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Reported

Jun 2026

Incident date

May 2026

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

Fire

My sunroof windscreen arm broke which in turn caused the glass to go off track. The windscreen arm is a known issue! But there is no recall. I SHOULDN'T HAVE TO PAY $7000 to fix a known problem!

Reported

Jun 2026

Incident date

May 2026

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The sunroof wind deflector broke and as a result the sunroof was jammed open. In order to close the top I had to break the mechanism and now the sunroof, while mostly shut, still shifts free occasionally when driving.

Reported

May 2026

Incident date

May 2026

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Component/System Failed: Engine — excessive oil consumption and oil leaks leading to complete engine failure requiring full engine replacement. Vehicle is currently at my home and available for inspection upon request. Safety Risk: My vehicle became completely inoperable while in use as my primary family transportation. As a parent of three children this has left my family without safe reliable transportation. An inoperable vehicle also creates safety risks related to emergency situations where transportation is critical. Confirmed by Dealer: Yes. An authorized Kia dealership confirmed the engine defect and approved a full engine replacement. The repair has not yet been performed. Inspections: Vehicle has been inspected exclusively at an authorized Kia dealership where all service and maintenance has been performed. Warning Symptoms: This is the third time this vehicle has become inoperable due to what was previously identified as an oil issue but is now confirmed to be an engine defect. Prior to complete failure the vehicle exhibited ongoing oil leaks and excessive oil consumption over an extended period. AAA roadside assistance was contacted and identified possible starter and battery failure believed to be connected to the engine condition. Additional Note: I have identified NHTSA complaints from other 2020 Kia Telluride owners reporting identical engine oil consumption and failure issues suggesting a pattern defect.

Reported

May 2026

Incident date

May 2026

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Following a recent $9,000 engine replacement performed by an authorized Kia dealership, my vehicle suffered a catastrophic, simultaneous mechanical and electronic systems failure while in operation. Without warning, the vehicle triggered the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) and entered "Limp Home Mode," severely restricting vehicle power. Immediately following this, the vehicle experienced a total loss of essential safety and driving controls: Steering Failure: The power steering completely locked up, creating an imminent crash hazard. Dashboard & Gauge Failure: All dashboard warning lights illuminated simultaneously, and the speedometer completely stopped functioning, leaving me unable to monitor vehicle speed. Powertrain & Shifting Malfunction: When brought to a stop and placed into "Park," the vehicle's electronic systems failed to recognize the gear change, indicating on the dashboard that the vehicle was still in "Drive." This created a severe vehicle roll-away risk. Ignition Failure: The vehicle completely refused to shut off or power down when the ignition button was pressed. This event represents an extreme safety hazard involving sudden loss of vehicle control, steering immobilization, roll-away risk, and primary electronic communication failure immediately following a major manufacturer warranty/recall repair. The vehicle is currently un-driveable.

Reported

May 2026

Incident date

May 2026

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

I own a 2020 Kia Telluride currently with approximately 91409 miles. The vehicle has a repeatable transmission issue during acceleration, most noticeable around 40 mph when the transmission shifts. The vehicle shudders/hesitates/jerks and does not accelerate smoothly. This creates a safety concern because the hesitation occurs during normal acceleration and could affect merging, passing, or maintaining speed in traffic. I brought the vehicle to Vision Kia of East Rochester, 201 East Linden Ave, East Rochester, NY 14445 on 2/4/26 at approximately 88067 miles. The Kia service manager/technician duplicated the concern during inspection/road test and stated that the issue is related to the torque converter damper clutch. However, I was told the dealer would not repair the vehicle unless a warning light/check-engine light comes on. No warning light is currently illuminated. I am reporting this because the transmission defect has been observed by the dealer while the vehicle is still under warranty, but no repair has been authorized. I am concerned that the condition may worsen and could cause delayed acceleration or unsafe drivability.

Reported

May 2026

Incident date

Feb 2026

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

I was driving down the interstate when all of a sudden, I hear a bang, and my power went crazy, couldn't push the gas at all, my car was suddenly shut off. We coasted to the side of the interstate and got out to see a pile of oil underneath my car. Called a tow truck to help us and he found a massive hole in the engine block / oil pan - catastrophic engine failure. I have 117k miles on my car BUT I have kept up with maintenance on this vehicle. There should be no reason for this to happen. This put my family in immediate danger.

Reported

May 2026

Incident date

May 2026

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

In February 2026 my vehicle had a front parking sensor error. When i broght it in for repair my shop found a corroded cable in the front parking sensor harness. The mechanic was able to repair the harness...$280 In May 2026 my vehicle this time had a rear parking sensor error. The shop discovered a rear parking sensor harness completely corroded & had to be replaced along with one parking sensor...$715. (The invoice does not include the cost of the sensor as it was purchased separately when diagnosing the front sensor failure) I purchased this vehicle in January 2020 & it has spent its entire life garaged in New York State or in Florida. It has only been driven one winter(2025-2026) in NY State. This is unacceptable! The cost of rear harness alone including tax was over $300!

Reported

May 2026

Incident date

Feb 2026

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Took my 2020 kia telluride for emission software update after being notified by the the dealership. Two days later my check engine light keeps coming on and off. I called the dealership and the said to bring it in only if the light is on. The next day my engine light once again keeps going on and off but now also my battery light keeps flickering on and off as well. My car is also slow to idle and when going slow speed my steering will shake. Also when I first start my car in the morning by RPM needle goes up and down as well as my a/c blow strong and then low matching rpm needle. My car seems to pull on hills it feels as there is not enough power to make it up the hill and my car also shakes. My car was running perfectly fine before I took my car to the dealership for this emission software update.

Reported

May 2026

Incident date

May 2026

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

i was driving home from work my 2020 Telluride shut off at stop light. I was able to turn the car back on and continue my drive after about 30 minutes into my continued drive i started hearing extreme banging noise coming from the front of the car. i then drove to kia dealership where they had inspected and diagnosed as the engine had failed and i would need a whole new engine.

Reported

May 2026

Incident date

May 2026

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

I had my most recent oil change on 2/20/26, and on 5/2/26 , the check engine light came on and I heard a knocking sound. I checked the dipstick and it was below the “low” mark. I hadn’t driven 3k miles yet!! I had to purchase 2 quarts of SAE 5w 30 oil to put into it. My vehicle is consuming more than 1 quart per 1000 miles.

Reported

May 2026

Incident date

May 2026

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Kia radio goes out randomly, will cut off and fails to turn on when the vehicle turns on. It will make a loud noise like an old car being scratched and then it turns off. The radio will freeze up and it affects my digital speed control. I have reported multiple times to my dealership with no help. It has been happening since I purchased the vehicle in 2023.

Reported

May 2026

Incident date

May 2023

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Transmition- I started bringing it into the dealer around 80,000 miles because it was slipping and bucking (gears). Allegedly, they could provide warrenty coverage but could duplicate the problem. It is doing it more frequently and hesitates (drastically) which can cause an accident from behind. Yes, it was reproduced but as I stated, I was told, "They couldn't do 'anything about it'". It has been inspected multiple times at Kia prior to 100K warrenty At one point, my check engine light kept coming on, then it just went off. There seems to be some major faulty component with this make, model and year. I have read many very similiar complaints, online and there seems to be chronilogical issues/problems that arise at certain miles. Everything I have read, it the exact same situation I have been having which is just geting worse by the day. However, I was blatently informed by Kia, "They would not replace the transmition unless it went." I think that is totally ridiculous, you wait until it goes and can cause an accident before you will fix/replace the part. I also read and heard from multiple mechanics that it could be the "failed torque converter" which was never mentioned from the dealer. I have also had issues with the CV axle and oil plastic housing.

Reported

May 2026

Incident date

May 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

There is a brake assist issue that comes up intermittently pedal can become stiff at times. This caused me to almost have an accident at an intersection when a car pulled out in front of me. Stopping was delayed and very difficult and frightening. Issue has not been reproduced or confirmed by deal or service center. It has not been inspected. No warning, messages or symptoms of any kind. I purchased it in Oct 2025 and it started in April 2026. After this happening quite a few times I am no longer driving it and can't afford to fix it.

Reported

May 2026

Incident date

Apr 2026

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

I was driving down the highway no cars were near me in any direction and I was not near an overpass it sounded like a giant explosion. I heard glass moving around and realized something happened to my sunroof.

Reported

May 2026

Incident date

Apr 2026

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

I was just driving down the block and stop at the stop light when I went to pull off and make a left turn the car completely shut off with no warning or anything. Just stopped completely went off in the middle of the road and all of the dash lights came on. It started right back up thankfully but it stopped and locked up

Reported

May 2026

Incident date

May 2026

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Sunroof is stuck open after trying to retract it

Reported

Apr 2026

Incident date

Apr 2026

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

I was driving, no warning lights came on, and the car just stopped. Had it towed to a local mechanic and was told the engine froze.

Reported

Apr 2026

Incident date

Apr 2024

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Oil leak that I’ve put so much effort in getting fixed or replaced and nothing is working. The seat belts suck. The seats are ripped.

Reported

Apr 2026

Incident date

Apr 2026

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

While driving on a highway at approximately 50 mph, the vehicle suddenly lost acceleration without warning and was unable to exceed approximately 10–15 mph. This created a dangerous situation requiring immediate maneuvering across multiple lanes of traffic to reach safety. At the time of the incident, the check engine light was illuminated. Diagnostic trouble codes P0191, P2177, and P2179 were later identified, indicating fuel pressure irregularities and air/fuel imbalance. The vehicle was inspected by a dealership, which diagnosed a purge valve vacuum leak and faulty high-pressure fuel system components. The repair required replacement of the purge valve and high-pressure fuel system components. The failure involved components within the fuel/propulsion system and engine systems, which are controlled in part by the electronic control module (ECM). This resulted in a sudden and unexpected loss of propulsion while driving at highway speed. Prior to the incident, there were issues with refueling, including difficulty filling the fuel tank when near empty, indicating a potential developing issue within the fuel system. This condition created a significant safety risk due to the sudden and unexpected loss of vehicle speed in active highway traffic, increasing the risk of collision.

Reported

Apr 2026

Incident date

Dec 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The contact owns a 2020 Kia Telluride. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH, the vehicle stalled and lost automotive power. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was unable to restart and was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with battery and starter failure. The contact was informed that the starter and the battery needed to be replaced. After the replacement of the starter and the battery, the contact was informed by the dealer that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact stated that the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The approximate failure mileage was 91,300.

Reported

Apr 2026

Incident date

Apr 2026

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Windshield spontaneously cracked. I know it was spontaneous because the car was parked and I was near it for the full hour, nothing hit the windshield and when I got back in the car the windshield was cracked.

Reported

Apr 2026

Incident date

Mar 2026

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The sunroof mechanism in the vehicle jammed and broke out of the track. When my wife drove the vehicle in the interstate the sunroof began to vibrate and move around. She was afraid the glass was about to fly out and possibly hit a vehicle behind her. She had to reduce her speed excessively and my daughter had to hold on to the sunroof all the way home. The vehicle is well maintained with approx 50.000 miles. The warranty is out and I am being told that KIA will not cover the repairs. I am still trying to get customer affairs to approve a fully covered repair at no cost but it seems the are not being co operative so far.

Reported

Apr 2026

Incident date

Mar 2026

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The contact owns a 2020 Kia Telluride. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost automotive power with the check engine and other unknown warning lights illuminated. Additionally, the vehicle stalled several times and with several unknown warnings illuminated. The contact stated that a friend had checked the vehicle and stated that there was no oil inside the engine. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle started to lose automotive power with several unknown warning lights flashing on the instrument cluster. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed of repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 73,000.

Reported

Apr 2026

Incident date

Apr 2026

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2020-2024 Telluride vehicles. The front power seat motor may overheat due to a stuck power seat slide knob or an improper recall 24V407 repair, which can result in a fire while parked or driving.

Risk: A fire increases the risk of injury.

Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will install an electronic fuse assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 13, 2026. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC374. This recall replaces NHTSA recall number 24V407. Vehicles already repaired under the previous recall will need to have the new remedy completed. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning July 17, 2026.

Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2020-2024 Telluride vehicles. The front power seat motor may overheat due to a stuck power seat slide knob, which can result in a fire while parked or driving.

Risk: A fire increases the risk of injury.

Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will install a bracket for the power seat switch back covers and replace the seat slide knobs, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 30, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC316.

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2020 Telluride vehicles. The seat belt assemblies in the front passenger, second, and/or third row seats may not tightly secure a child restraint system in the event of a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Risk: If a child seat is not properly secured, there is an increased risk of injury to the occupant in a crash.

Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles and replace any incorrect seat belt assemblies. The repair will also include replacing the driver's seat belt which has a non-U.S. specified label, with a U.S. specification seat belt. The repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began August 30, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC181.

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2020 Telluride vehicles equipped with Smart Cruise Control (SCC). When a trailer is connected to the vehicle, the trailer brake lights will not illuminate when the SCC applies the brakes. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

Risk: Inoperative trailer brake lights can fail to warn other drivers that the vehicle is slowing, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will install an additional wire harness to the main fuse box to signal the trailer brake lights, free of charge. The recall began September 10, 2020. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC194.

Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Telluride vehicles potentially equipped with a Genuine Kia 4-pin tow hitch harness installed as original equipment, or purchased as an accessory through a Kia dealership. Debris and moisture accumulation on the tow hitch harness module printed circuit board (PCB) may cause an electrical short, which can result in a fire.

Risk: A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will install a new fuse and a wiring harness extension. Dealers will also inspect and replace the tow hitch harness assembly, as necessary. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 12, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC247.

Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2020 Telluride vehicles. The high beam headlights may fail.

Risk: Inoperable high beam headlights may reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and repair or replace the high beam headlights, as necessary free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 9, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC299.

Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2020-2024 Telluride vehicles. The intermediate shaft and right front driveshaft may not be fully engaged, which can result in vehicle roll away while in PARK.

Risk: A vehicle roll away increases the risk of a crash or injury.

Remedy: Owners are advised to manually engage the emergency parking brake prior to exiting the vehicle until the recall remedy is performed. Dealers will update the electronic parking brake software and replace any damaged intermediate shafts as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 15, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC303.