Kia Telluride Complaints

2,086 consumer complaints on file.

#11730983April 13, 2026
STRUCTURE:BODY
I was notified of a recall on my vehicle related to door trim. I contacted my authorized Kia dealership to have the recall repaired and was told the required parts are unavailable, with no estimated timeline for resolution. I have been on a waitlist for over one year with no update. The unrepaired defect causes excessive noise that makes the vehicle unsafe and unsuitable for highway travel. I have submitted a formal demand letter to Kia America requesting either expedited repair, a vehicle buyback, or compensation for damages — and have received no response after 17 days.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11730571April 11, 2026
ENGINE
Kia has 110,000 miles on it. We’ve regularly changed the oil at 3-5k mile intervals. A week ago, I heard loud knocking from the front of the car, along with loss of power. We drove it to our local Kia dealer (Kia of Bedford, OH), where upon inspection, they found cylinder bank 2 to be inoperative due to loss of oil. They found approx 2 quarts of oil in the engine - way below normal. They observed NO oil leaks. We inspected our garage and driveway floors, and there is no indication of any oil leaks. The Kia dealer said the engine needs to be replaced, at a cost of $12,700. I contacted Kia Customer Care, and they said it’s out of warranty and they won’t help. I replied back with an appeal to escalate to a higher / regional level for help. The oil had been changed at 105,000 miles. No oil leak present. Routine oil changes performed. This engine should never have had this issue at 110,000 miles. I know this is a known issue with this era of Kia engines. I’ve asked Kia to provide assistance in a repair.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11730350April 10, 2026
SEATS
Front and passenger seats may fail to restraint occupants. I was told there is no remedy for this. I've expressed this is a major safety concern for the driver. As a disabled veteran I need the safety of knowing my seat is functioning Properly
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
#11730234April 9, 2026
POWER TRAIN, STRUCTURE:BODY
Hello, I've contacted customer service for Kia America and also, customer service in Puerto Rico since I'm a resident in Puerto Rico, so that I can address the safety recall with number SC303 and also a technical service bulletin with number BOD319. However, customer service advised that they can't pull up my SUV vehicle information with the VIN provided. I'm unable to address the safety recall and the technical service bulletin since Kia can't pull up the vehicle information. My vehicle is experiencing technical failure with the intermediate shaft as described on the safety recall. Also, the sunroof is experiencing technical difficulties compatible with the information included on the TSB. I ask for your support to address the described issues, accordingly. Thank you!
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11730026April 8, 2026
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, EXTERIOR LIGHTING
The information cluster behind the steering wheel is not turning on. Started all of a sudden. Can’t show speed, none of the advance driving features are working , and not showing gas level.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11729989April 8, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
*The vehicle cuts off randomly while driving without warning . *Error lights come on randomly on dash and states to shift to park. *Trouble starting the vehicle and putting in reverse. *There have been many random occurrences with this vehicle which began shortly after October 2025. * I have taken it to the dealership twice complaining g of the issues and the service department states "that they are not able to duplicate the issues and no errors are being see." * I fear for the safety of my family and I as issues have occurred in traffic posing a dangerous situation. I do not have means to obtain a rental or purchase another vehicle. So,this is the only vehicle available.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11729692April 7, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Driving on the highway with no obstacles or vehicles in proximity, the sunroof spontaneously shattered. If we had the sunroof visor (slide cover) open to let in light, we would have been rained down on by thousands of glass shards while driving at highway speeds. Luckily for us, the cover acted as a barrier from the glass. This part of the sunroof is over both driver and passenger seats. The vehicle was driven to the dealership which was very close to the occurrence location and the dealership would not inspect vehicle but did do a work order stating that they would not cover exploding glass. Dealer stated that we needed to contact our insurance company but I have held off due to feeling like it would be a fraudulent claim of damage since it was not caused by an object striking our vehicle. We have documented 24 calls to case manager with Kia and no action or returned calls to date. (04/07/2026). On a call with the Kia 800 number, the customer representative acknowledged he had heard of numerous problems with the sunroofs exploding for no apparent reason. The vehicle had been parked inside our garage and not moved or driven since the incident waiting for someone to investigate or inspect our vehicle.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11729487April 6, 2026
SEATS
The contact owns a 2025 Kia Telluride. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V105000 (Seats). The local dealer and the manufacturer were contacted and informed the contact that parts for the recall repair were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11729468April 6, 2026
SEATS, UNKNOWN OR OTHER, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I have 2 issues going on with my vehicle. The trim on the outside of my doors is coming off which I know was a recall for some telluride vehicles about this old. Also ive been having some electrical issues/hot smell like something is burning if the heated seats get turned on.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11729326April 6, 2026
ENGINE
Recently our 2021 Kia Telluride, had a fluttering/metal knocking/mechanical sound and I scheduled a shop visit at our trusted local mechanic. After their inspection, they found that the oil was extremely low and there was metal shavings in the oil filter housing. This was found when absolutely no warning lights were activated that would indicate low oil level or any other engine challenges. The vehicle is maintained with regular oil changes. The vehicle only has 65k miles. Looking further into this online, it seems very similar to the Theta engine recall from Kia. No warning lights/indicator lights, well maintained vehicle with regular oil changes, and to all of a sudden consume almost all the oil and have metal shavings in the oil filter housing is extremely concerning. As of 4/6/2026 the dealer is assessing the vehicle and coming up with a plan and or further actions to be done.
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
#11728949April 2, 2026
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Code P0087 on a Kia Telluride indicates that the fuel rail pressure is too low. This means the engine is not receiving enough fuel, often resulting in poor acceleration, stalling, rough idle, and decreased power. It is frequently caused by a faulty high-pressure fuel pump... This is the code is threw when it stalled in busy traffic on a hill. The CEL came on at this point. Then continued to stall. Before this incident, it would periodically stall while in park, or rough idle and prolonged startup. However, this was sporadic and couldn't be recreated when taken to a mechanic. We were coming back from vacation with 5 kids in the car ranging from a baby to a 12 year old. It was towed BY Kia to the nearest dealership. They claimed the recalls were addressed and the software updates cleared the codes. I came home tonight and it almost immediately started acting up again. This is a known and recognized issue in certain other vehicles (like the Sedona) and has been given an extended warranty. I'm not sure why this isn't addressed in all their GDI vehicles with these High Pressure Fuel Pumps. I'm afraid of it dying and being stranded in the heat again with young children, as well as being hit when/if it stalls.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11728708April 2, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
2023 Kia Telluride: black digital cluster screen will not turn on, affecting the ability to monitor vehicle status, odometer, speedometer, and safety features. We purchased this vehicle brand new in 2023. The vehicle has been in the Kia dealership service center (where it was purchased) from January 2026 to present. The dealership estimates it will be June 2026 before backordered parts can be replaced by a master mechanic. We have continued to make payments on a vehicle we are unable to use with no resolution in sight. The vehicle has also been serviced for 5 separate recalls since purchased new in 2023, and we just received our 6th recall notification for an additional issue.
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
#11728060March 30, 2026
POWER TRAIN
My 2023 Kia Telluride SX Prestige X-Pro is experiencing multiple powertrain and safety defects beginning at approximately 48,000 miles. The vehicle is well maintained per the manufacturer schedule. ISSUE 1 - TRANSMISSION SHUDDER: The vehicle has a pronounced shudder and stuttering through the drivetrain during normal driving, especially under acceleration and load. This began at approximately 48,000 miles and has progressively worsened. Symptoms are consistent with torque converter clutch failure documented under Kia TSB 089 (DTC P0741) and Service Action SA490. ISSUE 2 - INTERMITTENT LIMP MODE (SAFETY HAZARD): On multiple occasions the vehicle enters limp mode without any warning while being driven on public roads. When this occurs the accelerator becomes unresponsive beyond approximately 30 mph. The vehicle cannot accelerate regardless of throttle input. The only way to restore normal operation is to pull over, shut the engine off, and restart. This creates an extremely dangerous condition on highways, during merging, and in heavy traffic. My wife is the primary driver and no longer feels safe operating the vehicle. ISSUE 3 - INSTRUMENT PANEL BLACKOUT: The instrument cluster intermittently goes completely dark while driving, leaving the driver with no access to speed, fuel level, warning indicators, or turn signals. This vehicle also has multiple open safety recalls including SC296 (engine valve springs/fire risk), SC303 (intermediate shaft/loss of drive), SC316 (power seat motor/fire risk), and SC347 (door trim delamination). A recent emissions recall was also received. Problems first reported at approximately 48,000 miles. Current mileage is 86,793. A case is being opened with Kia Consumer Assistance and warranty service has been requested at the purchasing dealer. The vehicle is within the 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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