Kia Telluride Complaints

2,086 consumer complaints on file.

#11671758July 7, 2025
STRUCTURE:BODY
Paint is peeling off in patches
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11671356July 5, 2025
VISIBILITY/WIPER
I was driving on the freeway and the windshield spontaneously cracked. There were no cars even around me. My 2025 Telluride is brand new and has less than 5k miles on it…
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11671255July 4, 2025
POWER TRAIN
Car erratically shifts and provides more power to vehicle when it is not necessary. It often shakes in between shifting.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11671057July 3, 2025
ENGINE
Another Kia Telluride reporting the known defect in 2020 Kia Tellurides related to severe and excessive oil consumption that poses a potential safety risk and financial loss. I have recently experienced repeated and worsening oil loss between routine oil changes with no visible leaks or warning lights. The rate of consumption exceed 1 quart per 1,000 miles which Kia defines as “excessive” under Technical Service Bulletin ENG222 (Rev 5). This condition creates a risk of engine failure while driving, especially because there are no warning signs that the engine is about to seize. I am in the process of contacting my dealership but Kia of America declined to acknowledge this issue despite it being well documented and affecting a wide range of Kia engines. I believe this is a safety defect that warrants further investigation due to: 1) Sudden engine failure or stalling from low oil levels 2) Lack of adequate early warning indicators 3) Unreasonable financial exposure to consumers for a manufacturer-related defect 4) A pattern of complaints across similar models/engines. I urge the NHTSA to investigate this matter further and ensure Kia is held accountable for this widespread and dangerous issue.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11670820July 2, 2025
POWER TRAIN
The contact's spouse owns a 2020 Kia Telluride. The contact's spouse stated that while the vehicle was parked, the vehicle inadvertently rolled backwards and struck the contact’s aunt as she was exiting the vehicle. The contact’s aunt was taken to the Emergency Room by ambulance/helicopter, where she later succumbed to the injuries and was pronounced dead. The contact stated that the vehicle remained at the scene. In addition, before the incident, there was grinding coming from the gears. The contact was unsure what specific injuries were sustained. A police report was filed. The contact stated that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V214000 (Power Train); which the contact related to the failure. The contact had previously received the recall notification. The dealer was not contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 101,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
1
#11670899July 2, 2025
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Telluride. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and turned off, there was smoke coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that the engine located on the rear driver's side had caught on fire. The vehicle was extinguished by the Fire Department. A fire report was filed, and a fire report number was not provided. The cause of the failure was not yet been determined. A Police report was not filed. There were no occupants at the time of the failure. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was towed to an impound lot. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11670657July 1, 2025
ENGINE
Had in deals hop several times was told it was on record I was there with the issue but no light on, light came on during travel on interstate and car lost all power Long block blew . Was extremely lucky I didn’t get ran over by the tractor trailers . Loaded car with kids included . Kia should be reasonable for everything and they are saying no .
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11670130June 30, 2025
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
This is a follow-up to Complaint #11666572 regarding my 2020 Kia Telluride (VIN: [XXX] ), with urgent concerns about ongoing safety violations and abusive conduct by Greenway Kia East and Kia America. On June 26, 2025, Kia America reversed its prior refusal and agreed to reimburse Uber, rental, and towing costs—but only after I filed multiple complaints. Earlier, they claimed to have no influence over the dealership, which had refused all reimbursement after I complained about Service Manager Gina. Worse, on June 27, the dealership responded via BBB telling me to contact Gina again—the very person I formally complained about for unprofessional and negligent conduct. This isn’t just mishandling; it is degrading, retaliatory, and dangerous. Key safety/legal concerns: • My vehicle was returned on May 31, 2025, with dangerously low coolant, just days after engine replacement—posing a critical safety risk. • The service manager dismissed my concerns until I insisted, then acted with open disrespect. • Repairs were withheld May 19–28 unless I paid $1,833.77, despite warranty coverage. Only after I came in person on May 28 did they reverse and offer free service. • I was charged $580.97 for a diagnostic test tied to a manufacturer defect that led to engine replacement—still not refunded. • The pattern of neglect, retaliation, and deception from both the dealer and Kia America endangers drivers and violates federal safety standards. This dealer has acted with impunity since May 19, 2025. Their behavior is abusive, unsafe, and incompatible with their licensing. I urge NHTSA to investigate whether Greenway Kia East should retain its dealership license. Their conduct undermines public safety and federal standards. A full follow-up and attachments were sent to [email protected] from [XXX] . Please contact me for documentation. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11669554June 26, 2025
ENGINE
The engines mounting bolts failed. Engine nearly fell out of the car according to the dealer mechanic.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11669080June 25, 2025
EXTERIOR LIGHTING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Dash is black & does not show anything when car is started and/or moving
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11669057June 24, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Child Safety Lock Failure. At random times something within the rear doors will make a constant clicking noise for roughly 20 seconds. When clicking stops the dash will display child safety lock failure. The clicking noise sounds as though it is coming from an electrical component such as an actuator or solenoid.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11669005June 24, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The door locks will continually cycle to unlock on their own for up-to 90 seconds and then an error reads in the dashboard "child safety lock failure." Once that error occurs, the rear doors can be opened from the inside or outside of the vehicle when the child safety lock should be properly functioning. This error has been occurring for more than two years, and we have video of it occurring on many occasions. The dealership will not resolve the error unless they witness the error occurring. We've had it at service at least six times and they claim they cannot duplicate the error. The error occurs daily when the car is in our possession. I have researched this and found many Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade owners who have experienced the same problem and it is always traced to the rear door lock actuators being faulty.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11668821June 24, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE
I am reporting a serious and ongoing electrical and transmission issue with my 2021 Kia Telluride (VIN: [XXX] ). The problem began under 20,000 miles and has continued intermittently for years, progressively worsening. My vehicle is currently at ~99,600 miles and under extended warranty. The key safety concerns include: Transmission Lockout: The vehicle intermittently becomes stuck in Park and will not shift, even with the brake depressed. No-Start Condition: The vehicle will randomly become completely unresponsive—no dash lights, no infotainment, and no engine start. Electrical System Failure While Driving: Multiple safety systems fail mid-drive, including: Loss of power steering and air conditioning Random activation of ESC, TPMS, Collision Assist, Blind Spot, and Parking Brake warnings Infotainment screen turns off while in motion Component Failures Due to Electrical Shorts: Both the radio and the backup camera were diagnosed with shorts and had to be replaced under warranty. Brake Lockout Post-Shutdown: The brake pedal becomes very firm and the vehicle will not restart until hours later. Most concerning, my wife and children have been left stranded in the disabled vehicle on multiple occasions due to these issues. The car has been in the shop several times — around 50,000 and 80,000 miles — but no permanent resolution has been found. This is a clear and escalating safety hazard. The failures affect critical systems while driving and leave the vehicle unpredictably disabled. Kia has been made aware and an escalation is underway, but I am filing this report to ensure the NHTSA is aware of the pattern and potential danger these failures pose to others. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11668522June 23, 2025
ENGINE
I am writing to formally file a complaint regarding a known defect in my 2020 Kia Telluride, which is experiencing severe and excessive oil consumption that poses a potential safety risk and financial burden. Vehicle Information: •Make/Model: 2020 Kia Telluride Since ownership, I have experienced repeated and worsening oil loss between routine oil changes — with no visible leaks or warning lights in most cases. The rate of consumption is approaching or exceeding 1 quart per 1,000 miles, which Kia itself defines as “excessive” under Technical Service Bulletin ENG222 (Rev 5). This condition not only creates a risk of engine failure while driving, but it also puts owners like myself at risk of uncovered repair bills in excess of $12,000. I have already contacted my dealership, Kia Corporate, and Fidelity Warranty Services, and was told coverage is uncertain — despite this being a well-documented issue affecting a wide range of Kia engines. I believe this is a safety defect that warrants further investigation due to: •Sudden engine failure or stalling from low oil levels •Lack of adequate early warning indicators •Unreasonable financial exposure to consumers for a manufacturer-related defect •A potential pattern of complaints across similar models/engines As a responsible vehicle owner, I respectfully urge the NHTSA to investigate this matter further and ensure Kia is held accountable for this widespread and dangerous issue. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11668687June 23, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES, BACK OVER PREVENTION: REARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
After a recall on the emergency braking system was resolved, we’ve had frequent occurrences where the rear cross traffic alert system will report traffic that does not exist. The vehicle will then stop abruptly. Once this happens, the emergency brake doesn’t always completely disengage. This almost always happens in parking lots and can increase the likelihood of accidents. I’ve taken it to the dealership, but they’ve been able to replicate the issue.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11668685June 23, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The entire instrument display panel (which includes things like gear, speed, fuel level, auto hold status, etc.) was completely black with no information displayed. The navigation system still illuminated, but the gps was not working properly and resulted in the car thinking (and telling me) that I was driving on the wrong side of the road. My safety was at risk and the safety of other drivers because I had zero feedback about the operation of my vehicle. I was able to drive it, but only able to rely on visual cues (going with pace of traffic). It's currently at the dealer now, but yes I recreated it several times. The only possible warning sign is that a few weeks prior, the vehicle gave me a message stating 'Battery discharging due to external electrical devices', despite no external electrical devices being plugged in. I took it to the dealer, and they had no idea what the cause was but said my battery tested fine.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11668273June 21, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
6/10/25 - 8:40am - Vehicle was in "comfort" drive mode and was stopped in traffic when it stalled. Vehicle would not move when foot removed off brake and pressing accelerator. Warning light "Put vehicle in park and re start vehicle". Driver able to put hazards on, place vehicle in park and restart vehicle. Dangerous situation. Contacted dealer for immediate inspection/resolution. Despite notifying the dealership of their dangerous vehicle they failed to act on it in a timely manner resulting in another dangerous scenario on 6/20. Dealership's first available appointment for service was scheduled for 6/26. During this time, driver would press a button so that the engine system would not shut off. This button must be pressed every time driver starts vehicle, or it defaults to the engine management system that turns the engine off when stopped in traffic. 6/20 - Stopped at a red light. Shut off in traffic again. Could not restart. Police arrived to help and troubleshoot. Would not restart. Could not place in neutral to push to side of the road. Attempted to find some button to unlock the transmission but button not there? Stuck in the middle of traffic for ~ 1 hour while waiting on tow truck.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11668050June 20, 2025
POWER TRAIN
The front axels are leaking and the transmission is lagging/jerking while accelerating.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11667920June 19, 2025
VISIBILITY/WIPER
As I was driving on the interstate, a small pebble hit the corner of my windshield (lower left corner on the driver side). It made a small chip that has quickly turned into a 3" crack. Upon inspection by a windshield repair company, it has been deemed unrepairable and the entire windshield must be replaced due to the location of the incident. I also have a small chip directly in the driver's line of sight in the windshield from the pebble as well. KIA Motors has a known issue on previous year (2020-2023) models of the Telluride, in which the windshields of these models chipped and cracked unusually easy (sometimes without anything even impacting it), clearly causing a safety issue. There was a class action lawsuit for many states. I now have to file a claim with my car insurance company to have it replaced, which will negatively impact all my future insurance rates.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11667813June 18, 2025
POWER TRAIN, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
The vehicle was parked(placed in park on gear shift) in a friends driveway, facing upward on approx. 15Deg incline with the engine idling. My wife exited the vehicle and walked around the front of the vehicle to the houses front entrance where she spoke briefly with the owner inside the front door. On leaving the house the car was gone from where it was left parked. My wife found that it had rolled up the driveway incline until it hit a couple of pine trees at the top end of the drive and stopped. She opened the door and found the gear shift still in the parked position at which point she entered the car, placed it in reverse and backed out of the tree branches and took photos. The incident was immediately reported to KIA America and the dealer. The vehicle has been at the dealer for 3 weeks now with no resolution, undergoing "testing". They say it is not operating the way it should be, but they have not been able to identify or correct the issue. KIA America has told me the issue has been elevated to KIA factory tech support. Other than scratches there appears to be no major damage. Photos show driveway, trees that stopped the vehicle and debris and scratches.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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