Kia Telluride Complaints

2,086 consumer complaints on file.

#11772272October 19, 2026
ENGINE
The car shuts down and displays the same message a lot of the other complaints are saying. Engine shut off, please put in P or N and restart engine. It shuts down while driving! I have 2 kids under [XXX] and I bought this for safety. It seems Kia is aware of this issue and none of the dealerships across the U.S. have a fix for it yet. And they keep sending the vehicles back out on the roads since they can’t fix it! 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
#11771932October 18, 2026
ENGINE
Engine shut off while idling. Had to shift into Park and restart engine.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11771808October 17, 2026
AIR BAGS, SEAT BELTS
I was involved in a rear end collision, with the SUV behind me going 65mph and my vehicle only at approx. 20mph. I was then pushed into the car, which I struck in front of me. My airbags did not deploy and though I was wearing my seat belt I was still propelled upward cutting my eye on the visor and bruising on my chin and lower lip from the steering wheel. I am concerned as to why the air bags did not deploy or the seatbelt lock. The damage was significant and my vehicle including the one that rear ended me are both totaled. Can this be looked into?
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11771825October 17, 2026
SEATS
1. Incident & Vehicle Identification •Vehicle: 2020 Kia Telluride •Owner Name: [XXX] •Contact Phone: [XXX] •Kia Customer Care Case Number: XXX •NHTSA Safety Recall Number: 26V430 2. Description of Safety Hazard & Manufacturer Reimbursement Refusal Plaintext COMPLAINT REGARDING MANUFACTURER NON-COMPLIANCE WITH 49 CFR § 573.13 (REIMBURSEMENT FOR PRE-NOTIFICATION REMEDIES) STATEMENT OF FACT & CHRONOLOGY: 1. In XXX, my 2020 Kia Telluride experienced a dangerous, uncommanded driver's power seat failure. The seat drifted to the full-forward position without user input and the switch/assembly became stuck, preventing adjustment. 2. I took the vehicle to an authorized Kia dealership to address this safety hazard. The dealership diagnosed the issue and performed repairs out-of-pocket. 3. Subsequent to my repair, Kia issued an official NHTSA Safety Recall concerning the driver's power seat switch/fuse assembly, warning owners that the switch could stick, overheat, and cause a vehicle fire. 4. I submitted my repair receipt and dealership invoice to Kia for reimbursement under the federal General Reimbursement Plan. 5. On September 25, 2026, Kia Customer Care formally denied my claim (Case #26382986), stating: "Per the invoice received, the electronic fuse assembly was not installed. Reimbursement request denied." REGULATORY VIOLATION UNDER FEDERAL LAW: Under 49 CFR § 573.13(d)(2)(v)(A), federal safety standards stipulate that a manufacturer's reimbursement plan MUST cover repairs that addressed "the defect or noncompliance that led to the recall OR A MANIFESTATION OF THE DEFECT OR NONCOMPLIANCE." Kia is violating federal regulations by imposing an arbitrary constraint requiring the dealership's pre-recall repair invoice to match the specific part number or component description identified in the subsequent recall, rather than recognizing that the repair 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
#11771544October 16, 2026
ENGINE
hi- I bought a used Kia Telluride (2020) and after 2 months it stalled out and after 2 different mechanics and a Kia dealership telling me it was fixed- it was not. The car basically had no oil left with zero light or warning. after doing some research, there are tons of people complaining of the same issue. the engine is essentially ruined and needs to be replaced and Kia is not addressing this as an issue. my care has stalled out 3 times with my children in it at dangerous intersections. Kia is not taking responsibility of this- having to check oil every 3 days is not normal but Kia thinks it is I guess. The blue smoke coming from my exhaust is a serious problem. A local news station just reported on this of a woman needing an engine replacement and Kia not covering it, but after the news got to them they now are. We need this issue addressed as it is NOT SAFE and Kia needs to put a recall on this immediately- like 5 years ago this should have been addressed! I am not stuck with a car I still owe money on and have to figure out how to pay for a new engine!? KIA needs to do something- this is a safety issue! see article below! [XXX] 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
#11771698October 16, 2026
ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
NHTSA Vehicle Safety Complaint – 2021 Kia Telluride I am the original owner of a 2021 Kia Telluride with approximately 78,000 miles. My vehicle has experienced recurring mechanical and drivability concerns, including an intermittent check-engine light, a previously reported camshaft-related diagnostic trouble code, and hesitation during acceleration. Of particular concern, there have been instances when I have pressed the accelerator pedal and the vehicle has hesitated before responding. This delayed acceleration creates a potential safety concern, particularly when entering traffic, merging, or navigating intersections where predictable engine response is essential. Additionally, the vehicle has exhibited rough operation while reversing and unusually harsh engine behavior when the automatic engine stop-start system engages. Despite multiple visits to a Kia-authorized dealership, including a monitored 1,000-mile oil consumption test, these concerns remain unresolved. The dealership advised that the vehicle passed the oil consumption test but subsequently recommended a dynamic engine cleaning procedure. I was informed that the technician was approximately 85% confident this procedure would resolve the issue. However, no definitive explanation of the underlying mechanical problem was provided. I have requested written documentation of the diagnostic findings and the basis for the recommended procedure. I have also opened a formal case with Kia America Consumer Affairs regarding these unresolved concerns. I am submitting this complaint because I am concerned that the recurring acceleration hesitation and related engine symptoms may indicate a safety-related defect that has not been adequately identified or resolved. I respectfully request that NHTSA document these concerns and evaluate whether similar complaints involving 2021 Kia Telluride vehicles indicate a broader safety issue.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11771710October 16, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Display gets very hot to the touch , even in 70° or lower weather. Vehicle is kept garaged. Seems hotter behind steering wheel than the home screen/radio side. Trim is not hot. We usually use a sun screen. We do not usually use built-in navigation, real-time traffic, or phone charging. Seems to be a potential fire risk. Internet info suggests that the manufacturer is aware of the problem but no recall. Not sure how long this has been going on. Happens when/after driving.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11771432October 15, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES, POWER TRAIN, STEERING
I am reporting recurring braking, transmission/powertrain, and steering concerns with a new 2027 Kia Telluride purchased in July 2026. BRAKES: When traveling over bumps, especially at higher speeds, braking intermittently flutters, pulses, or feels as if it skips. Braking also feels inconsistent at low speeds. I am concerned about stopping predictably in an emergency. POWERTRAIN: When slowing, coasting toward a stop, or accelerating again, the vehicle sometimes hesitates before responding, then engages abruptly with a jolt. On an inclined driveway, while transitioning from rolling slightly backward to moving forward, the vehicle jerked violently and nearly struck the garage door. Similar hesitation and jolting have occurred repeatedly. STEERING: When driving over road bumps, I intermittently hear an electrical-type buzzing or vibrating sound near the steering column and feel a jolt or vibration through the steering wheel. These symptoms began within the first few months of ownership during normal driving. On October 11, 2026, at approximately 5,997 miles, the vehicle was towed to an authorized Kia dealership because we did not feel safe driving it. The dealership has documented the concerns. Braking and transmission diagnosis were authorized; the steering concern was reported but diagnosis was deferred. As of this report, no confirmed cause or repair findings have been communicated. Kia America has also been notified. The vehicle remains at the dealership for inspection. I am concerned these conditions may affect braking, vehicle control, and acceleration and increase the risk of a collision.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11771310October 15, 2026
VISIBILITY/WIPER
The sunroof on my 2025 telluride spontaneously exploded this morning. It sounded like a gunshot went off. No other vehicles were around and wasn’t near anything that could fall on the vehicle
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11771314October 15, 2026
SEATS
NHTSA Recall Number 26V430000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11771340October 15, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The digital instrument panel cluster went completely black and dead upon vehicle startup, leaving me with zero visibility of my speedometer, safety alerts, or fuel levels while trying to operate the vehicle. Even with completing a short drive, turning off the car for a few minutes and turning it back on, the instrument panel was completely black (3 restarts in an hour period). Approximate mileage of 38,000. I took it to University Kia in Waco, TX who stated that 3-4 other vehicles of various models came in with the same issue recently. They are keeping the vehicle for repairs under the warranty.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11771024October 14, 2026
ENGINE
I have this 2020 telluride and it’s consuming a lot of oil I have to add a quart of oil every 600 miles. I was wondering if there is any open recalls for this.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11771037October 14, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
While driving on the highway with no cars around me my sunroof exploded while closed.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11770469October 11, 2026
VISIBILITY/WIPER
I have a 2025 Kia Telluride, purchased in Jan 2025. Almost right away, I started having issues with my windshield wipers where they wouldn't work when the lever was pushed - in any setting (High, low, intermittent, etc.). The rear wipers have always worked. After several visits and holding onto my car for several weeks, this was fixed in February 2025, by replacing the wiper motor, by a Kia service center at a dealership. Things were fine for a year and a half. They stopped working again in August 2025. Again, I took it to a Kia dealership where they were able to replicate the problem and also replaced the motor. Now, on October 11th, they did not work on a rainy night when I went to use them.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11770031October 9, 2026
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
My low beam passenger side headlight started turning on and off randomly. Now it’s both low and high beams. Some days it is on when I start the vehicle and then turns off while driving and vise versa. Some days there is a dash light with it, and some days there is not. Some days it is out all day, while other days it works all day. Then I can get in the vehicle the next day and it turns on and off sparatically.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11770102October 9, 2026
ENGINE
2025 Kia Telluride engine shut down on highway in construction zone with no shoulder. Engine shut off, alarms sounded and it displayed to put the vehicle in park or neutral and restart. I had to coast to an exit ramp. Vehicle did restart and seems to be intermittent.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11770105October 9, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Telluride. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the air bag warning light illuminated. The dealer was contacted by phone and made aware of the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with an electrical bleeding between the wiring harness. The contact was informed that the wiring harness needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the failure was an expensive out-of-pocket repair. The manufacturer was contacted by phone and made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 119,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11770117October 9, 2026
ENGINE
I was attempting to accelerate on the freeway and the rpms kept going up but it felt like the engine didn't want to shift gears. Suddenly the rpms shot all the way up and then dropped to nothing and I was forced to coast off the freeway, thankfully we were by an exit. The vehicle had zero power and we were unable to move it off the road, despite assistance from passersby. The wheels were locked in place and would not move until the tow truck driver showed up and looked something up online to manually force the car into neutral. (Though it was displayed as being in neutral) This is a 2021 vehicle bought brand new and has been properly maintained. Approximately 2-3 weeks before this, my husband randomly checked the oil and it was about 2qts low. It was filled and seemed to be running perfectly fine so we didn't give it another thought until this happened but now we're wondering if this particular engine is prone to the excessive oil consumption that has been noted in several other kia motors.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11770206October 9, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
While driving to work, stoped at a red light, a loud noise occurred, such a heavy object hitting glass, but sounded like an explosion. The rear glass looked strange. I got out of my vehicle to look and the entire back glass was shattered. There was no object or anything that could have caused it. Upon the non-emergent police officer arriving and examining the vehicle, they stated it appears that the glass “exploded” or shattered from the inside. I have owned the vehicle since the end of May 2026 and it was brand new.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11770236October 9, 2026
ENGINE
Vehicle is shutting down while driving or idling.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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