Kia Telluride Complaints

2,086 consumer complaints on file.

#11744846June 17, 2026
STEERING, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL, SUSPENSION
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Telluride. The contact stated that the passenger’s side drive shaft boot was leaking. The steering and mileage were affected by the failure. While making a turn, the steering wheel was readjusting. The accelerator pedal was depressed; after the pedal was released, the pedal jerked. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who confirmed there were no open recalls associated with the VIN. The brakes were reprogrammed. The vehicle was diagnosed, and it was determined that the front boot was leaking, and the axle and tires needed to be replaced, and an alignment performed. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to another local dealer, Kia Mentor (9090 Mentor Ave., Mentor, OH 44060); who provided the same diagnosis. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed there was no warranty coverage on the vehicle. The BBB was contacted and the Attorney General. The approximate failure mileage was 81,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11744819June 17, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Component - Rear Passenger Window spontaneously failed while traveling on an interstate. We suddenly heard a loud pop and then our rear passenger window shattered without warning. There was no vehicle immediately to the right of us us and nothing struck the window. We were put at risk with this sudden unexplained occurrence as we were driving on the highway at speed. Luckily, we didn't react erratically but could have. We had to pull off to the side of the road on a very busy interstate to figure out what happened. Additionally, we were fortunate that no one was in the back seat as that could have also resulted in injury if someone was sitting there. The manufacturer and dealerships have noted the incident and problem but have not claimed there is any issues. Although the dealership we had the repair done at has seen similar issues with sunroofs with this car type. In researching, we have seen that there are some class action investigations involving these types of window failure in 2020 - 2025 models (noted as rear windows and sunroofs in the investigations). We did have immediate repair of the window through a manufacturer dealership.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11744506June 16, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Cluster that shows speed/gas/safety notifications has went completely black and will not turn back on. It has now been in the shop for 2 weeks and they cannot figure out why this is happening. This is the second time the instrument cluster has went out on the 2024 Kia Telluride.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11744425June 16, 2026
VISIBILITY/WIPER
On June 3, 2026, my 2025 Kia Telluride was struck by a minor piece of road debris. Rather than cracking, spiderwebbing, or chipping as federally regulated safety glass is engineered to do under FMVSS No. 205, the laminated windshield suffered a catastrophic structural and material failure. The minor piece of road debris fully pierced and put a hole entirely through the laminated safety glass, penetrating directly into the passenger cabin. This failure put my safety and the safety of my passengers at immediate, life-threatening risk. Had the projectile been slightly larger, it could have struck the driver or front-seat passenger at highway speeds, causing severe injury or death due to the safety glass failing to prevent cabin penetration. The vehicle is currently grounded and undrivable. The component has been inspected and confirmed by an authorized Kia dealership service department, where the Service Manager formally inspected the damage and stated he had "never seen anything like this before where something went through the glass." The vehicle is currently available for inspection upon request. There were no warning lamps, symptoms, or messages prior to the catastrophic failure of the glass.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11744390June 16, 2026
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
My vehicle was purchased XXX - VIN #[XXX] - on 6 or more occasions, the while driving on the highway with cruise control on at 70 mph, the cruise control feature suddenly applied the brakes bringing the vehicle sometimes down to 48 mph for a few seconds and then re-engages the cruise control to 70 mph. This happens with no obsticals, vehicles, or other interference in front, however, there have been vehicles behind and this is a huge safety issue as it could cause a rear-end collision. My vehicle had been returned to the dealer, the first time for a week, they could not duplicate the issue, the vehicle was returned to me. On XXX I brought my vehicle again to the dealership for the same reason as the cruise control continues to disengages for no reason. The dealership has finally been able to duplicate the issue. The dealership still has my vehicle, not for 34 consecutive days. Kia tech line has been involved and now reports that it is not Kia's issue and they have denied fixing the vehicle and indicate that it a 3rd party issue referring to satellite and internet issues. The dealership has now disabled the satellite connection feature and wants me to try the car out to see if the issue continues. 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
#11744367June 16, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The dash screen has gone out at random times. Currently there is not TSB or any acknowledgement from Kia about this safety issue. Their dealers service department doesn't know what to do and aren't admitting there is a problem. The only fix from customers online was that Kia replaced the entire gauge cluster which is a massive expense to Kia. The consumers are suffering because of this and Kia is not taking responsibility. They need to start a recall campaign or at minimum introduce a TSB so that Kia service departments know what is needed to fix this issue.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11744031June 14, 2026
ENGINE
My 2021 Kia Telluride (approximately 82,000 miles) suffered catastrophic engine failure caused by excessive and abnormal oil consumption. The engine consumed oil at a dangerous rate with no warning lights or dashboard indicators of any kind. The only symptom prior to failure was an unusual engine noise. There was no opportunity to take corrective action before the engine failed completely. This failure occurred while I was driving with my children in the vehicle, creating a serious and immediate safety risk. A sudden engine failure at highway or city speeds — with no prior warning — presents the risk of loss of vehicle control, inability to accelerate out of traffic, and potential collision. The failure has been confirmed by two independent service centers: Vanguard Kia in Arlington, Texas and Christian Brothers Automotive. Both confirmed engine failure. The vehicle and failed components are available for inspection upon request. Kia America has declined to provide warranty assistance or goodwill repair coverage despite this being a widely reported issue among 2021 Telluride owners with the same Lambda II V6 engine. No recall has been issued. Repair cost is approximately $11,000. I am still carrying a loan on this vehicle. I am requesting NHTSA investigate this as a systemic safety defect and consider a mandatory recall.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11743966June 14, 2026
STRUCTURE:BODY
Clear coat on pillar trim around windows on all four doors is oxidizing.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11743898June 13, 2026
SUSPENSION
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11743764June 12, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11743821June 12, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES, STEERING, SUSPENSION
While braking in slow traffic at about 11-15 mph, the vehicle hit a pothole/road irregularity and the ABS appeared to activate. The brake pedal vibrated, but the steering wheel also began shaking rapidly left and right. Braking effectiveness was greatly reduced. Even with firm brake pressure, the vehicle did not slow as expected and continued toward stopped traffic ahead. The brake pedal pushed back against my foot. I tried to steer around the vehicle in front of me, but the steering wheel vibration interfered with my steering input and made the vehicle difficult to control. A rear-end collision was avoided only after I shifted the transmission into Park, which brought the vehicle to a stop. All driver assistance systems were off, including adaptive cruise, lane keeping, highway driving assist, and steering assist. This occurred during normal low-speed braking, not aggressive or high-speed driving. I have had similar but less severe ABS behavior before when braking over potholes, bridge joints, or rough pavement, with excessive ABS activation and reduced braking performance. Dashcam footage is available showing the pothole/road irregularity, vehicle speed, steering/hand vibration, my avoidance attempt, and the near-collision. This appears to involve unexpected ABS activation, reduced braking effectiveness, and steering interference during routine low-speed braking, creating a serious safety hazard.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11743623June 11, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
Vehicle shifts into drive and reverse, but will not move freely. Feels as though brakes are locked up, but emergency brake is not on.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11743142June 10, 2026
STEERING, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11743371June 10, 2026
ENGINE, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Engine shuts off without warning while driving. First reported to the dealer on XXX (approximately 12,000 miles) and has continued for 2.5+ years despite repeated repair attempts. Shutoffs typically occur at low speed while decelerating, such as turning into neighborhoods or approaching stops, but have also occurred while coasting at 33 mph on a busy road with cruise control active (August 8, 2025). Frequency has varied from roughly every 1,000 miles to severe clusters: three shutoffs within one hour on [XXX] and again on [XXX], and five in a single day in mid-August 2025. The dealer reproduced the failure with diagnostic equipment connected in August 2024. Most recent events: XXX;XXX (quit while coasting at 20 mph on a busy four-lane road with cruise control engaged);XXX (quit while slowing to turn onto a neighborhood street, 87 degrees F, A/C on high). The vehicle usually restarts immediately, but on [XXX] it would not restart for 5-7 minutes. After restart, cruise control retains its previous set speed, indicating an incomplete power cycle. The dealer (Kia Store East, [XXX]) has attempted repairs since September 2023 under Kia case #XXX, including crank position sensor replacement, MAP sensor replacement (June 2025), and a four-wheel-drive coupler replacement plus software update (October 2025); shutoffs continued after every repair. Historical fault codes include P0068 and B1763. Events have occurred in traffic and at intersections with several near-misses, including one that nearly caused a collision in an intersection on XXX. This is a family vehicle regularly carrying children. Repair orders are available upon request. 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
#11743248June 10, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Sunroof wouldnt close. Broken assembly.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11743240June 10, 2026
ENGINE
I am the owner of a 2025 KIA Telluride. The engine shuts completely off with a Warming stating "Engine OFF! Shift to P or N, then restart engine". Car has no power and creates a dangerous situation in traffic. You are on a highway and you have to stop the car to restart. The traffic flow is dangerously interrupted. This issue happens randomly on it's own time and the reason is still unknown. The dealership usually cannot duplicate this Warning and several 2025 Tellurides are experiencing this dangerous condition.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11743201June 10, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The sunroof failed and is stuck open. This creates a hazard as you cannot secure the vehicle, it is open to the elements, and you have highway noise. This is not a simple small motor fix it is $3000+ and a complete replacing of the track/cassette.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11743123June 10, 2026
POWER TRAIN, WHEELS, STEERING
The vehicle experiences a recurring mechanical failure where the electronic AWD coupling/rear axle locks up and binds when accelerating through turns. This creates an immediate safety hazard by altering steering dynamics and causing vehicle hesitation or severe wheel hop in intersection turns. A certified Kia dealership has already fully replaced the entire factory AWD Coupling assembly twice: first under the original warranty on July 16, 2024 at 48,054 miles, and again under warranty on May 2, 2025 at 59,350 miles. Following a preliminary check-in for the same symptom on April 9, 2025, this identical component failure has now recurred for a third time at approximately 77,000 miles.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11742960June 9, 2026
ENGINE
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11743078June 9, 2026
WHEELS
The tire separated after only 20k miles. Mechanic stated that I still had half of the tires life left. Was advised not to drive more than a mile on it as it could blow out and cause harm to myself and 2 young children. I had two new tires put on the vehicle. My mechanic will be checking the two remaining at every oil change I have in the future. There was no warning, my vehicle started violently shaking and veering heavily to the right, so much I had to fight it with both hands. Kumho (tire manufacturer) has ignored my calls and emails. Kia told me they cannot help me and to reach out to Kumho.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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