Kia Telluride Complaints (2020)

777 consumer complaints on file.

#11735035May 1, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11735220May 1, 2026
ENGINE
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
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11734382April 28, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Sunroof is stuck open after trying to retract it
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11731741April 16, 2026
ENGINE
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11730781April 13, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11730157April 9, 2026
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11730240April 9, 2026
ENGINE
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11730293April 9, 2026
VISIBILITY/WIPER
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11729295April 5, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11729005April 3, 2026
ENGINE, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11728915April 2, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Opened the sunroof. Used the automatic switch to close it. The sunroof jammed and would not close. It is popped up in the back. A piece on the left track broke off. The dealership wants over $6000 to repair the sunroof.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11728510April 1, 2026
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Telluride. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the high beam headlights failed to illuminate as intended, and the vehicle shuddered before losing automotive power. No warning light was illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that the warning lights failed to illuminate as designed when the engine oil level was low. The vehicle was taken to a local Auto Zone, where the relay and high beam headlights were replaced; however, the failure reoccurred. An appointment with the dealer was scheduled to inspect the vehicle. The vehicle was not yet repaired. Upon further investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign: 24V148000 (Exterior Lighting); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unavailable.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11727289March 26, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I am the original owner of a 2020 Kia Telluride. The white paint on the car is coming off in huge pieces all over the front. The primer is still attached to the metal. Huge chunks are coming off as we drive it. We have spoke to the dealership and Kia corporate as well and they do not care because it is out of the 3 year warranty. We had a paint shop inspect it and get an estimate for it to be fixed and they have told us this is a paint manufacturer defect clearly considering the primer is noticeably on the metal still. The vehicle has never been in any type of accident ever.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11727142March 25, 2026
POWER TRAIN
My transmission failed at 95k miles and was available for inspection at a fee. My safety was at risk since my car was jerking on the highway and I had to quickly pull over while the car slowed down in a fast and high trafficked area. The problem has been an ongoing issue especially in 2020 models from social media and the dealership. The vehicle was inspected by the Kia dealership. The engine light did not come on until the car showed immediate signs of issues.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11724560March 16, 2026
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Description of Defect: My 2020 Kia Telluride experienced catastrophic engine failure and excessive oil consumption, which is a known issue for this model year (to the point that I had to sell it just 1 year after I bought it). The vehicle consumes oil at an alarming rate without any dashboard warning lights, or low oil pressure indicators, leading to sudden loss of engine power and potential stalling while in motion. This failure occurred at 93,200 miles, well before the expected service life of the powertrain. Safety Risk: Sudden engine stalling or power loss while driving at highway speeds creates an immediate risk of rear-end collisions and leaves the driver without power steering or braking assistance. The lack of any 'Check Engine' or 'Low Oil' light prior to the mechanical crisis meant there was zero opportunity to safely maneuver off the road before the vehicle became disabled. Furthermore, excessive oil consumption in this engine type has been linked to potential fire risks under the hood. Failure/Incident Details: Despite following all manufacturer-recommended maintenance, the vehicle suffered a major [Engine/Transmission] failure. Kia America has acknowledged the failure but refuses to provide transparency or assistance, despite Technical Service Bulletins (TSB SA428 and TSB 089) existing for these exact powertrain issues. This represents a significant safety defect that puts my family and other drivers at risk.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11724744March 16, 2026
STRUCTURE:BODY
the paint, it is flaking and rusting underneath. yes it is avail for inspection the paint flakes off in sheets while driving down the road it has been seen by the local dealership i first started noticing it when i was washing the vehicle.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11724782March 16, 2026
ENGINE
I have been having issues with excessive oil consumption . No warning signs or notifications . Also had an issue with my car stopping in the middle of the road which could have been related to the above problem per my mechanic.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11724007March 13, 2026
STRUCTURE:BODY
Peal white paint peeling off in large patches started above the windshield, not the hood.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11723762March 12, 2026
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
The engine is stalling, knocking and the check engine light will occasionally come on. You can smell carbon monoxide and hot oil. We are having to add a quart of oil weekly.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11723787March 12, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Vehicle began shifting really hard and the rpm meter started going way up and down really fast. The check engine light also came on. It caused difficulties with control of the vehicle. Vehicle was parked and taken to a mechanic so said the issue was the torque converter and that it needs a new transmission.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

← Back to Kia Telluride