Kia Telluride Complaints

1,204 consumer complaints on file.

#11759984August 27, 2026
SEATS, SEAT BELTS
"While driving, my KIA Telluride 2027 hybrid sx prestige, the vehicle intermittently detects an occupant in an empty second-row passenger captain's chair and activates the rear seat-belt warning and audible chime. There is no person or object on the seat. I have video documenting the instrument cluster showing the affected seat during the event. The vehicle was inspected by the Kia dealership; no diagnostic trouble code was found and the dealership was unable to reproduce the problem. The problem remains unresolved."
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11759905August 27, 2026
POWER TRAIN
2027 Kia Telluride gasoline model. On multiple occasions, while accelerating from a complete stop, the engine RPM increases but the vehicle does not accelerate normally. The condition is intermittent. During the delay, the transmission appears to engage or shift at least twice before the vehicle begins accelerating normally. This creates an unpredictable delay when attempting to accelerate from a stopped position and is a safety concern when entering or crossing traffic. No warning light has appeared. Vehicle is scheduled for dealer inspection on September 1, 2026.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11759860August 26, 2026
STRUCTURE:BODY
Vehicle sunroof came off track on July 22, 2025. Possibly by the fault of the customer. Customer sought repair. Authorized Kia dealer recommended complete replacement of sunroof. On August 29, 2025, Customer paid authorized Kia dealer to replace sunroof with official Kia parts. On June 25, 2026, sunroof broke again through no fault of the customer. Wind deflector arms broke, got stuck open, and caused the glass to go off-track, rendering the sunroof inoperable and completely ruined. Took the vehicle to the same Kia dealer that repaired the sunroof originally. Even though the vehicle was within the 12 month warranty, it was over the 12,000 mile warranty, and Kia would not fix the sunroof. We opened a complaint with Kia Customer Care, and they did not resolve the issue for two months. Our claim was denied. We cannot afford to fix the sunroof again after 10 months, and if we do, we are concerned about it malfunctioning again. I am concerned that the sunroof glass could come dislodged while driving and strike another vehicle or cause a collision.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11759775August 26, 2026
POWER TRAIN, STEERING
Our 2022 Telluride is binding when turning at low speed or accelerating on the highway we took it to our trusted mechanic, he believes it to be the all-wheel-drive coupling unit and that is a common failure point with these vehicles. I called our local Kia dealership and stated that the mechanic told me they need to check the firmware for the ECU to see if that may fix the issue. The dealership stated that they were just gonna have to replace the all-wheel-drive coupling unit instead of diagnosing the problem. After reading several reports from this government agency and other forms, etc. it sounds like the all-wheel-drive coupling unit is a common failure point and needs to be addressed as a recall by Kia.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11759773August 26, 2026
ENGINE
I believe my engine to be defective and Commonwealth Kia to be neglegent in finding the defect dispite having been tasked to repair an issue while my car was under warranty. I first mentioned the problem on the XXX visit at $85,000 miles. Asked them to check the filters. Mentioned again at the XXX visit at 92,000 there is not documentation of the complaints on either of these visits but it does say ont eh XXX visit that the car "STILL LACKS POWER..." indicating that there have been previous discussions about the issue. The car was at 99,000+ miles at the XXX visit (still under warranty) I returned on XXX and XXX and was told on 1/20 that they FINALLY found the problem and that I would have to pay to have the entire engine replaced. I have since done some research and the issues that I am having are very similar to the Class Action Suit against Kia and the THETA II engine. [XXX] I have also seen on multilple owners boards on social media and in reports found on the internet that 2020-2023 Kia Tellurides have been having the same issues as THETA II engine models. [XXX] I find it difficult to believe Commonwealth Kia Service have not heard similar complaints nor have the ability to diagnose the problem on the first or second mention of the problem (which was while the car was still under warranty) I have called Kia USA who can not help me due to the fact that I am the second owner. The car was sold to me as "Certified Pre-Owned" by Kia. I believe Commonwealth Kia willfully misdiagnosed my problems so as to push the replacement cost to me and not the warranty 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
#11759693August 26, 2026
VISIBILITY/WIPER
Large crack appeared with no impact point observed. Crack originates at the bottom edge under the hood. There is an ongoing class action regarding similar incidents involving KIA windshields.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11759623August 26, 2026
SEAT BELTS
My stepson became entangled in the left/driver-side third-row seat belt of my 2025 Kia Telluride. The seat belt webbing became wrapped/tangled around him and the seat belt retractor entered a locked condition. We were unable to create sufficient slack or otherwise release him from the restraint. The situation became a life-threatening child-entrapment emergency. Emergency services were called and responders ultimately had to CUT THE FACTORY SEAT BELT WEBBING to free the child. My safety concern is not simply that a child became tangled in a seat belt. My concern is that once this occurred, the seat belt/retractor locked in a manner that prevented us from releasing tension and freeing the child. The only available solution during the emergency was for first responders to physically cut the restraint. I have also located reports from other Kia Telluride owners describing children becoming trapped when third-row seat belts became wrapped around an occupant or seat component and subsequently locked. I am also aware of NHTSA Recall 26V356 / Kia Safety Recall SC372 involving certain 2027 Kia Telluride and Telluride Hybrid vehicles. That recall involves a driver's seat belt emergency locking retractor that may lock while the webbing is being extended. I understand that recall applies to a different model year and seating position and may have a different underlying cause. However, because my 2025 Telluride experienced a serious seat-belt retractor locking event involving a child, I am requesting that NHTSA evaluate whether this incident represents a related, broader, or separate restraint-system safety defect. This incident required emergency intervention and destruction of the factory seat belt to free a child. I believe the inability to release tension from the locked restraint presents a potentially serious child entrapment and strangulation hazard, and I am requesting that NHTSA investigate.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11758881August 23, 2026
SEAT BELTS, SEATS, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I am reporting multiple intermittent safety and electrical issues with my 2027 Kia Telluride. The rear passenger seat on the driver’s side repeatedly detects or indicates that a person is occupying the seat when the seat is completely empty with no objects on it. When this occurs, the rear seat belt warning activates and the alarm/chime repeatedly sounds as though an unbelted passenger is present. The issue is unpredictable. Sometimes it begins shortly after starting the vehicle and driving away. Other times, the vehicle operates normally and the warning suddenly activates while I am already driving. I have also experienced an Auto Hold system error/malfunction as well as other intermittent electrical/dashboard errors affecting vehicle functions and warning indicators. I am a member of a Facebook group for owners of this vehicle, and numerous owners have reported experiencing similar rear-seat detection/seat belt warning problems. I have also seen multiple reports from owners describing other electrical issues with their vehicles. This raises concern that these problems may not be isolated to my vehicle. I contacted my Kia dealership regarding these concerns and was advised that there is currently nothing they can do because there is no recall for the vehicle addressing these issues. I am concerned that an electrical, software, sensor, wiring, or control-module defect may be affecting multiple systems. The false occupant warning is especially concerning because I cannot determine whether the vehicle’s occupant and safety systems will function properly when an actual passenger is present. I am requesting that NHTSA document and investigate these issues to determine whether they represent a broader safety defect affecting the 2027 Kia Telluride.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11758837August 23, 2026
STRUCTURE:BODY
I hear rattling/loud squeaking coming from liftgate rear door internally when driving. It has been noticed since purchasing the vehicle new.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11758650August 21, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES
On August 3, 2026, while operating my 2024 Kia Telluride, I experienced a catastrophic and total failure of the service braking system. Without warning, the brake pedal went straight to the floorboard with zero hydraulic pressure or stopping power, resulting in a crash into trees. The vehicle was towed to Gerber Collision for accident repairs. While the exterior body damage was repaired, the body shop is not equipped for internal hydraulic or component failure analysis. Furthermore, Kia America has been notified of this critical safety defect but is refusing to cover the diagnostic/inspection fees to investigate the underlying root cause under warranty, attempting to pass the cost onto the consumer. This is a severe, life-threatening safety defect involving a total loss of brakes on a nearly new vehicle. I request that NHTSA log this complaint and investigate potential systemic hydraulic or master cylinder defects in the 2024 Kia Telluride platform.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11758554August 21, 2026
STRUCTURE, SEATS
The contact owns a 2024 Kia Telluride. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 26V430000 (Seats) and 25V494000 (Structure); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available, even though the recall narrative stated that parts were available. The local dealer was contacted and stated that the recall repairs would not be performed. No reasons were given for why the recall repairs would not be performed. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11758317August 20, 2026
ENGINE
This started May 8th and is still going on. Engine randomly shuts down while driving. Vehicle alarms and message says Engine OFF Shift to P or N then start engine. No warning, happens about once a week. Very scary when in traffic and I cannot move because my engine randomly shuts down. The dealership has had it 3 different times totaling 6 weeks and 5 days and cannot duplicate it.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11758300August 20, 2026
ENGINE
Over the course of two days, the engine stalled when decelerating at intersections three different times. The engine died with warning lights on the dash and a message: “ Engine Off! Shift to P or N then start engine.” I had to completely stop, shift gears, and then restart the engine, then back to drive. This happened at or near intersections, creating a significant hazard for myself and others around. Dealer has not been able to identify or replicate the issue. I have safety concerns about driving the vehicle. The third time happened without auto hold or auto start/stop on.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11758257August 20, 2026
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECU/ECM), SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2022 Kia Telluride. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds and while stopped, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was restarted after each failure. The vehicle was taken to a dealer on several occasions, but the failure was not duplicated. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the ECM software needed to be updated. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred two days later. The vehicle was taken back to the same dealer where it was diagnosed that the ECVVT motor was stuck and needed to be repaired. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred the following day with the battery warning light illuminated. The contact stated that while driving with a child inside the vehicle, the battery, power steering, Auto HOLD, Forward Collision Avoidance, ABS, traction control, and the master warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the "Check Blind Spot Collision System", "Check TPMS," "Check Lane Departure Warning System", and "Check ESC", messages were displayed. The contact stated that the steering wheel locked up. While the brake pedal was depressed, the vehicle did not slow down as intended, causing the contact to temporarily lose control of the vehicle. The vehicle was coasted into a gas station parking lot, and the EPB, brake, seat belt, and collision warning lights were illuminated before the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was then towed to the same dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the alternator failed and drained the battery, and both parts needed to be replaced. The vehicle has not been repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a complaint was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 82,093.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11758232August 20, 2026
SEATS
The contact owns a 2024 Kia Telluride. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V430000 (Seats); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11757946August 19, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Car has been degrading and fully depleting batteries, one per year, since car was purchased new. Some undiagnosed electrical drain is resulting the car not starting, either at home or at a stoplight when 'auto-stop' causes the car to stop and restart in traffic. Vehicle has been to dealership to investigate a cause 4 times without a conclusive finding for the cause of the draw. Short battery life and repeated battery failure, paraticularly when the car will not re-start at traffic light stops, is a safety hazard for users of the vehicle. More detail available upon request.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11757927August 19, 2026
ENGINE
I am reporting a safety concern involving my 2022 Kia Telluride EX with approximately 95,000 miles. The vehicle has experienced intermittent rough running, significant loss of engine power, stalling, and recurring check-engine warnings. During one incident, the vehicle started, sputtered, and shut off. The engine oil level was found to be extremely low despite the vehicle having received an oil change approximately 2,000 miles earlier. After adding approximately one quart of oil, the vehicle was able to start and remain running. The check-engine light subsequently illuminated and Kia Connect reported diagnostic code P000A00. The warning light has intermittently turned off, but the fault remained stored in the vehicle's computer and was later confirmed by a Kia dealership. I brought the vehicle to an authorized Kia dealership because of the oil loss and drivability concerns. The dealership documented that no external oil leak was found and stated that the engine was likely consuming excessive oil. An oil-consumption test was initiated. According to the dealership's subsequent documentation, after approximately 1,000 miles the engine was more than two quarts low on oil. During this process, the vehicle continued to experience drivability concerns including rough running/stalling and poor engine power. I am concerned that the vehicle may stall or experience significant loss of motive power while being driven in traffic. I routinely use this vehicle for commuting and transporting my family. Kia ultimately declined warranty coverage based on insufficient maintenance documentation. I am not submitting this complaint to dispute the warranty decision. I am reporting the underlying safety concern because the vehicle has experienced stalling/loss of power together with substantial engine-oil consumption, and the underlying mechanical cause has not been clearly resolved.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11757766August 18, 2026
STEERING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE
2025 Kia Telluride, rental vehicle, 29,450 miles at failure. Driving XXX W toward the [XXX] exit with my wife and two children (ages [XXX] and [XXX]), the cluster lit with simultaneous failures: electric power steering, electronic parking brake, ABS, stability control disabled, tire pressure monitoring, forward collision-avoidance, lane keeping, master warning. I photographed it. Nothing about how the vehicle drove had changed. At highway speed traveling straight, steering effort felt normal. There was no progressive degradation and no warning I could feel. I noticed a slight difference changing lanes for the exit. On the ramp itself, a banked turn taken at speed, the wheel required extreme force to turn. The loss of assist was undetectable until significant steering input was actually required, which happened mid-maneuver on an interstate ramp. I am a large, physically strong adult and forced the wheel through the turn. I do not believe a smaller, older, or weaker driver could have completed it, and a crash at that interchange seems a likely outcome for many drivers. Stopping on an interstate shoulder with two young children seemed more dangerous than continuing two miles to the airport exit, so I continued, with ABS and stability control also inoperative. The vehicle developed harsh, jerky shifting and audible clunking. In the rental return lot the wheel would not turn far enough to complete a tight turn. I shifted to reverse; the vehicle did not move, then shut down completely and would not restart. With the vehicle dead the front doors opened, but the rear doors and liftgate would not, and the windows were inoperable. My children were confined inside roughly 10-15 minutes at 86F until an employee climbed in from the front and released the rear doors from inside. The inability to open rear doors or the liftgate from outside after a total power loss is a serious defect in its own right. 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
#11757754August 18, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Was driving with my husband and granddaughter in the car and had just left the house. Horrible, loud explosive sound like a gunshot and glass sound and glanced to make sure all glass ok and our granddaughter was safe. Could see the glass flying behind us and a car swerving behind us to miss it. Pictures are attached showing the sunroof exploded outward. No glass hanging down, no central area point of impact. Sunroof glass is covered under Kia’s 5-year/60,000-mile New Vehicle Limited Warranty; if they deem it to be spontaneous explosion or shattering. Contacted KIA Corporate. Case # XXX Under advice of KIA corporate (Crystal), we took it too the dealership I bought it from this am , [XXX], and they were very rude and dismissive; argumentative. He said it would take about 4 days to even inspect it, that they were behind. And he could rent a car to me for $40 a day. This is a new car I have had for less than 6 months! So, we took it to Boomer Kia. (after calling and they were so nice, they said come right in) He said he took pics, submitted our pics and description of story to the KIA rep that came in this afternoon, and he just called and said they will not cover it under warranty. It is in the warranty but is up to their discretion. Everything I read said this happens and that is why people are suing Kia....because they do this and dont cover and because they refuse to a recall, even though they know either the glass or the setup is faulty. I think personally the construction allows for heat to get under the glass and that is why it explodes outward. Spontaneous shattering and exploding sunroofs have been proven to occur in the 2025 Kia Tellurides due to thermal and/or structural pressure. There are numerous lawsuits, currently. Photos all over the internet that look just like mine. 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
#11757708August 18, 2026
SEATS
The contact owns a 2023 Kia Telluride. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V430000 (Seats); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available for the recall repair. The contact was concerned that the recall posed a fire risk, rendering the vehicle unsafe to drive or park. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and denied rental vehicle assistance. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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