Kia Telluride Complaints

2,086 consumer complaints on file.

#11769911October 8, 2026
ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Vehicle was sitting all night and entered the garage in the morning and found the radiator fan at full speed. Car was not running, so backed it out, turned it off and the fan turned back on. Took it to a KIA dealer and kept it for a few days and just stated they couldn't duplicate the issue, although I couldn't get them to tell me technically what they checked. I kept the car parked outside for fear there might be an electrical issue and something overheats. Then was recently out and came out to my vehicle to find the fan running again. This time took multiple videos and it now consistently doing it. Took it home for the evening and disconnected the battery, and in the morning as soon as I reconnected the battery the fan started up to full speed again. Dropped it off to another KIA dealership and it was still doing it and showed it to the service advisor and gave him the videos. They are currently looking at it now. Also, there were never any warning lights or alarms that anything was wrong. There are so many postings out there on this issue on forums, FB, Telluride sites, etc., that I'm shocked there isn't at least a KIA TSB on this problem.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11769945October 8, 2026
POWER TRAIN, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
While driving the vehicle on the highway attempting to pass a vehicle at 75 mph the car unexpectedly shut completely off. We had to swerve between 2 vehicles narrowly avoiding an accident and the car would not turn back on. Towed to Kia dealership and was told it was simply a sensor that "talks" to the key fob which caused the car to shut off without warning. Dealership claimed it was fixed but there was no warning lights or notice of the failure. Since the dealership "fixed" the issue now the car is continuously running a check engine failure code and now the dealership claims it's the catalytic converters failing and needing to be replaced. Vehicle was inspected by the Kia dealership that it was purchased from.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11769498October 7, 2026
STRUCTURE:BODY
This afternoon i noticed that my 2020 Kia Telluride paint has and continues to peel in large chunks in my driveway. All was good this morning and then all of the sudden large pieces of paint started to break away. Near the windshield hood area.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11769524October 7, 2026
VISIBILITY/WIPER
I just returned from a trip and I have 3 window chips from rocks on my windshield. I have been driving for over 40 years and only have had 2 chips on my previous vehicles. I'm concerned that if the factory windshield is not strong enough to withstand a rock (one which sounded like a bug) what happens in an accident? I am getting the windshield replaced with a Kia OEM windshield, so we will see if rocks continue to crack the windshield.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11769535October 7, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Sunroof wind deflector broke which caused the track to break also
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11769601October 7, 2026
SEATS
The contact owns a 2022 Kia Telluride. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V430000 (Seats) and 24V407000 (Seats) and the recall repairs were performed. The contact stated that the seats constantly became hot and lowered down while driving. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The dealer confirmed the failure. The failure mileage was 96,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11769606October 7, 2026
ENGINE
I am reporting a potential safety defect involving excessive engine oil loss and persistent oil leakage on my 2020 Kia Telluride, VIN [XXX]. The vehicle currently has approximately 100,367 miles. It has been experiencing significant oil loss, approximately one quart of engine oil per week. I am concerned that this amount of oil loss is abnormal and creates a potential safety hazard if the engine loses sufficient oil while the vehicle is being driven. The vehicle has also had repeated oil leaks, including an oil pan leak and timing cover leak. I have taken the vehicle to Kia for repairs multiple times, but the oil-related problems have continued. This has required me to continually monitor and add engine oil to prevent the oil level from becoming dangerously low. I specifically brought the vehicle to Kia because of the excessive oil consumption and ongoing leaks. However, the dealership has told me that they will not perform an oil-consumption test until the existing oil leaks are repaired. Kia Customer Care also opened case #[XXX], but I was subsequently told that Kia could not provide assistance because the vehicle is outside the standard warranty period. I am concerned that the underlying cause of the excessive oil loss has not been properly diagnosed. I am also concerned about the possibility of engine damage or engine failure if the vehicle continues losing oil at this rate. Kia has also issued a 2026 warranty extension concerning an engine oil-filter-housing gasket leak on certain 2020–2025 Telluride vehicles. I have asked Kia to determine whether my vehicle is affected by this condition and whether the current oil leaks are related, but I have not received a satisfactory resolution. I am asking NHTSA to review this complaint along with other complaints involving 2020 Kia Tellurides experiencing excessive oil consumption and/or recurring engine oil leaks to determine whether there is a potential safety defect or broader pattern that warrant INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION AC
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11769663October 7, 2026
SEATS, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Rear seats coming unlocked on there own and will not stay in locked position once pushed back into place this is the second row of seats motor of fold down button keeps running
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11769481October 6, 2026
ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER, SUSPENSION
I am filing this safety report regarding my 2020 Kia Telluride, which currently has approximately 133,000 miles. The vehicle is experiencing severe internal oil consumption, burning through multiple quarts of engine oil rapidly between normal service intervals without triggering any dashboard warning lights, creating a high risk of sudden engine failure or stalling at highway speeds. Additionally, the vehicle is losing coolant at an accelerated rate, risking severe engine overheating. Furthermore, the suspension system has been a recurring safety nightmare; the shocks have failed and been replaced twice, and a critical structural defect caused the tires to rub directly against suspension components while driving, prematurely destroying the tires and severely compromising vehicle stability and steering control. I do not feel safe driving this car or transporting my kids everyday. When I spoke to Kia customer service, I was told they could not do anything despite being just under 100,000 miles at the time.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11769245October 6, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, SEATS
Power seats malfunction
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11769270October 6, 2026
STRUCTURE:BODY
While carrying bikes with a bike rack the factory installed trailer hitch failed while we were driving on the highway. The weight being carried was well under the tang weight rating of the hitch. The construction of the hitch appears substantially inferior to comparable factory hitches. The failure of our hitch presented, and the potential failure of others installed on similar Kia vehicles presents, a substantial safety risk to passengers and surrounding individuals and property. If failure occurs while towing heavier items, such as a boat, it could be catastrophic. A VA state trooper did inspect the hitch and filed an incident report at the time of the accident. The vehicle is scheduled to be inspected by a KIA dealership 10/20/26. I have pictures and vehicle is available for inspection. No warning lamps or messages appeared prior to failure.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11768938October 5, 2026
ENGINE
On September 4, 2026, my son was driving our 2021 Kia Telluride on the highway at approximately 70 mph with cruise control engaged when the vehicle suddenly began making a clicking noise, followed by a catastrophic engine failure. We observed no oil-pressure warning or other advance dashboard warning before the failure. The sudden failure at highway speed created a significant safety risk. I am the original owner. The vehicle had approximately 115,000 miles at the time of failure. Its most recent oil change was performed on June 4, 2026, at 112,613 miles, approximately 2,400 miles before the incident. The servicing Kia dealership reported that the engine had a hole in it and essentially no oil remaining. The oil filter and drain plug were in place, and the dealership reported no external oil leak that explained the missing oil. An oil-filter-housing leak had previously been repaired in January 2026. The cause of the oil loss and engine failure has not been conclusively established. I am concerned about possible excessive internal oil consumption and the absence of an advance warning before catastrophic failure. I request that NHTSA investigate whether this condition affects other Tellurides and creates a risk of sudden engine failure or loss of propulsion at highway speed. Kia denied my initial request for goodwill repair assistance. The case has been escalated, but remains unresolved. The vehicle and failed engine are available for inspection through the servicing dealership.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11768480October 2, 2026
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
LED running light of driver's side headlamp assembly inoperable On 10/14/24 BOTH headlamp assemblies were under recall warranty and replaced at Sons Kia in McDonough GA. On 10/8/25 I returned to Sons Kia for service and to have the LED checked on the driver's side as it was no longer operable, less than a year after replacement. I was advised there was no warranty on the LED running light but only the halogen bulb. They priced this headlamp assembly replacement cost at $1169. I believe Kia should accept responsibility of the failure of the new assembly that they sent a recall for and replace this one assembly at no charge to the customer. Kia Customer Service stated this was under warranty but denied by dealership service manager
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11768310October 1, 2026
ENGINE
On September 24th, 2026, while traveling with my family in my 2020, KIA, Telluride, the vehicle began experiencing an unusual engine vibration approximately 200 miles into our trip. About five miles later, I exited the freeway and stopped to inspect it. Once stopped, the engine began knocking loudly. I checked the engine oil and coolant levels; both appeared normal, and the temperature gauge was at its usual reading. After waiting about five minutes, I restarted the vehicle, but the knocking became worse with each start. I stopped running the engine and had the vehicle towed to a Kia service center. The vehicle had approximately 99,350 miles. The shop has described the engine problem as a “catastrophic failure.” The cause and specific failed components are cannot be identified in this kind of failure. This sudden failure during freeway travel with my family created a serious safety concern and I am sure this needs to notified so that it doesn't happen to anyone who own's the same car. There are particles of metal shavings found in Oil filter which concludes engine failure with no explanation. Only option I am given is get the engine swap which is ~70% of the total cost of the car. Kia support just says since the car is out of warranty they cannot do anything about it. This is a serious durability issue. I totally understand that the car warranty was reduced for the 2nd owner, but first user could also get this problem on the freeway and can be dangerous for everyone driving in the car as i am still under 100,000miles. I am trying to spread awareness, Kia already acknowledges that consuming 1qtz of oil every 1000 miles is normal, which means the engine has a issue that Hyundai/Kia needs to fix before more family starts facing this with even worse situation than ours. Please look into this so that they can acknowledge fix the problem and opens a recall for fixing it.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11768348October 1, 2026
VISIBILITY/WIPER
1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The panoramic sunroof glass spontaneously failed while the vehicle was being driven on the interstate at approximately 70 mph. A very loud bang, comparable to the sound of a gunshot, was heard from the roof area. After safely pulling over, we observed that the sunroof glass was bowed upward/outward and had a large crack extending from the driver’s side toward the passenger’s side and toward the front of the vehicle. The glass remained intact within the sunroof frame but was visibly damaged. The vehicle and sunroof assembly are available for inspection upon request. The damaged sunroof glass should also be retained and made available for inspection, if possible. 2. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The failure occurred unexpectedly while traveling at approximately 70 mph on an interstate. The sudden, extremely loud bang startled us and created an immediate safety concern while the vehicle was traveling at highway speed. The sunroof glass also bowed significantly upward and developed a large crack. An unexpected failure of overhead glass while traveling at highway speed presents a potential safety hazard to the occupants. We were also concerned about the possibility of glass breaking further or pieces of glass becoming detached and creating a hazard for the occupants or other motorists. 3. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? At this time, the failure has not been reproduced or independently confirmed by a Kia dealer or independent service center. The damaged sunroof is available for inspection. 4. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? To date, the vehicle and sunroof failure have not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives. A claim has been submitted to insurance company.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11768364October 1, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I was driving down the highway and heard a loud pop. I looked at my windshield and did not see any cracks. I looked at the back windshield and could see pieces coming down. I didn't know what it was still and could hear air coming from somewhere in my car. I open the screen to my sunroof and there was a hole and shattered glass. There were no large trucks around. There were a couple of cars but they were to the right side of my car, two lanes over. Nothing hit my sunroof. The glass exploded. It was Sept 22nd at 9:30am. I looked it up online and this is a common problem with Kia Tellurides. I contacted Gay Family Kia and they would not replace it. They contacted Kia manufacture and they would not cover it. The maintenance person at Gay Family Kia looked at it and took a picture when he submitted it to Kia. There were no warning signals. I think the heat that is trapped between the glass and screen of the sunroof cause this. There needs to be a protective film on there. I tried to upload a photo but it would not proceed with it. It was a small file and a jpg. It is going to cost abt $900 to replace. I am getting it done Saturday so I don't have an invoice yet.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11768414October 1, 2026
ENGINE, SUSPENSION, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Purchased vehicle 8/31/2021 - 32k miles 10/18/21 - first mention of oil consumption (opened case with Kia) 2023,2025,2026. 3 more cases filed and DENIED with Kia customer care. Filed BBB claim, filed BBB anutoline claim, also hired lemon lawyer. Kia offered $6k to go away (I declined). *July 18,2026 Kia finally diagnosis and recommends engine replacement. Bore scope was used to discover scoring on cylinders from significant oil consumption. Vehicle is now smoking at take off (112k miles), current open case with Kia customer care again. Requesting buyback or settlement for the 3rd time in 5 years. Still paying $600 a month Safety concern: on a trip out of state vehicle dash lit up every icon and went dead in the middle of a packed 4 lane highway , started with power steering, no lights, no horn , couldn't roll window down.(video avail) Vehicle towed to dealership. Had replaced battery 2 times already. This has happened twice and my family was in the vehicle once on the large highway, very scary no one knew we were broke down bc we had no way to show it. People blowing and zooming by mad. Low oil light doesn't exist on this vehicle, I've been bone dry with no indication EVER. I now ride around with a 5 quart jug of oil and funnel in the back of my car since 72,000 miles. This should be illegal. Rear suspension: 4 times the rear suspension has been replaced (7 times in the shop to be fixed one time over 30 days) and has never been fixed , now making the same knocking noise it's always made. The car is a lemon and Kia knows it and will not stand behind their product. I DO NOT FEEL SAFE IN THIS VEHICLE, kia has been notified numerous times in every avenue and every way I could communicate, they say "we will call you with an update when we have one" that call NEVER happens.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11768254October 1, 2026
AIR BAGS, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The airbag warning light came on at about 4,000–4,500 miles in July 2026. The selling dealer found active code B142900 and a damaged yellow SRS connector under the driver-side second-row seat. The green wire is pulled out of the terminal, with exposed copper. The connector is hanging loose under the seat, in the path of the seat frame. The dealer wiring diagram identifies it as connector F49, Rear Side Airbag LH. The failed connector is still on the vehicle and available for inspection. Dealer case 26238900 was opened July 7, 2026 and closed July 8. Techline said it only handles engines, transmissions, and high-voltage batteries, and directed the warranty question to the service manager, DPSM, and warranty department. The dealer did not issue a written warranty decision, called the damage owner-caused, and quoted a main-harness replacement above $6,000. This is the same second-row driver-side side-airbag circuit recalled under SC262 / NHTSA 23V-035 for harness damage from seat-frame contact during normal seat movement. The SRS light is still on at 6,182 miles, so that airbag will not deploy. A warranty review was submitted to Kia Customer Care Center on October 1, 2026. No crash, fire, or injury. Photos of the pulled wire, the under-seat location, and the F49 diagram are attached.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11768097September 30, 2026
ENGINE
Vehicle is burning a significant amount of oil leading to it becoming dry. I am seeing a lot of people complaining about this issue but there has not been a recall sent out.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11768170September 30, 2026
WHEELS
On XXX, I picked up a rental vehicle from the Budget Car Rental branch at [XXX] (SJC) for a family trip. On XXX, while driving through a remote mountain area near [XXX], the rear tire suffered a catastrophic and sudden pressure failure, dropping instantly to 0 PSI. Upon inspecting the failed tire, I discovered severe, pre-existing mechanical negligence: the entire inside edge of the tire tread was completely bald with structural steel belts and cords fully exposed. Most shockingly, upon inspecting the vehicle's keys, I discovered that the rental agency had full, documented prior knowledge of this dangerous defect. The words "Tires Bald" were explicitly handwritten by the fleet maintenance team directly onto the corporate barcode key tag attached to the key fob. The rental agency negligently bypassed their own safety tag and deployed an illegal, unroadworthy vehicle into commercial service. This gross safety violation directly endangered my family, including my [XXX] father, [XXX] mother, and wife, while navigating winding mountain passes in Yosemite National Forest at night. A high-speed blowout under these conditions could have easily resulted in a fatal rollover accident. The rental company has since admitted absolute fault by fully refunding the rental contract (Budget Confirmation: XXX/ Costco Travel Confirmation: XXX). I am filing this official safety report because renting out a vehicle with documented bald tires and exposed steel belts constitutes an extreme public safety hazard and a violation of federal vehicle safety standards. Photographic proof of the tire cords, dashboard system warnings, and the "Tires Bald" corporate key tag are attached to this report for investigation. 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

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