Kia Telluride Complaints

2,086 consumer complaints on file.

#11712188January 20, 2026
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL, LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION, LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING
I leased this vehicle brand new in 2023 within a month my screen with my speedometer went black and I had called the dealership and they told me to unhook the neutral on my battery to reset the computer, it did work. And then anytime it rained got cold snowed or the roads were wet All my accident on avoided systems would say there's a problem and they would be disabled. I text the sales manager several times so between that and me having to unhook the neutral in the battery to reset my speedometer I was getting a little upset I took it to the dealership and they said there's no trouble codes and I said exactly because I unhooked the neutral which clears the trouble codes they had it for over a week and put 300 mi on it and told me they couldn't find anything wrong and because there was no trouble codes Kia would not do anything about it. I had it down there again for a recall told the service manager and he said just think of it this way it's like having your truck back where you didn't have all those when it goes out and laughed. I had emailed Kia corporate several times and they said I needed to take it to the dealer and the dealer said there's nothing they could do because there's no error codes but even this morning January 20th 2026 on my way to work no snow rain or anything and everything shut down again. The dealer sells manager has many text messages with the images of my dashboard and the warning lights. It just amazes me how the dealer in State college blames Kia and Kia tells me to have the dealer look at it because I've only had it there once which is absolutely not true I had it there a few times discussing it but because one was a recall and the other was an oil change they're not counting that
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11712033January 20, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Upon starting car, digital odometer cluster is blank. While the cluster is down, the gas tank cap is also unable to be opened. In researching on Google/kia forums, the fix has been to turn off the car, lock the doors and then unlock and restart the car. This is a 2022 and has happened approximately six times since purchase, the most recent time being today’s date again, the Kia forum suggested fix worked to remedy the problem today. Unable to “log these” with the dealership, unless it is brought in for service, but as the online remedy works, no service appointment is needed and therefore cannot on the spot replicate the issue as it randomly occurs. Unaware that these incidents could be logged on this site to establish potential patterns outside previous recalls for same issue.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11711813January 19, 2026
ENGINE
Was driving heard a noise and then lost power to gas peddle and bunch of smoke and then flames coming from front of car got out and there were flames coming from hood eventually flames died down and was just smoking police &fire department were called. Piston blew through engine block these engine have a known oil consumption issue and I have kept up with oil .
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11711541January 16, 2026
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
Oil filter housing assembly- Resulted in very low engine oil with no warning lights or engine lights potentially leading to engine damage. Yes the component was inspected and replaced by dealership. This was after getting the oil plan repaired for leaking oil as well
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11711241January 15, 2026
POWER TRAIN
Kia equips their 2020 Tellurides with a plastic oil filter housing unit. Over time, the heat from metal and pressure causes the plastic component to crack, become warped and this leads to oil leaks.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11711244January 15, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Snow White Pearl paint is peeling like a banana. Contacted Kia and are aware of the problem but offered nothing.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11710877January 14, 2026
AIR BAGS, SEAT BELTS, SEATS
My wife must use a cushion or pillow to sit in the passenger seat. This causes the Passenger Occupancy Seat Sensor to fail. The seat does not recognize that she is there. The seat belt alert does not chime and the air bag is turned off. I have called KIA and they have no fix. I have talked to the dealer and they have no fix. I can not override the air bag and turn it on manually. We have tried multiple cushions and pillows. It does work without the cushion but this is not an option for her body. How can this be safe??
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11710797January 13, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, STRUCTURE:BODY
I am reporting a safety issue with my vehicle’s electronic door locking system. Vehicle: 2022 Kia Telluride SX Prestige with Nightfall Edition Issue: The door locks randomly unlock on their own multiple times without any input. This behavior happens specifically when the child safety lock is enabled. While driving or after locking the vehicle, the locks will unexpectedly unlock, creating a serious safety and security concern. Safety Concern: This issue poses a risk to passengers, especially children, because doors may unlock unexpectedly while the vehicle is in motion. It also creates a security risk when the vehicle is parked, as the car cannot be reliably kept locked. Additional Notes: I have seen multiple similar complaints from other Telluride owners reporting the same behavior. This appears to be a recurring defect rather than an isolated incident. I am requesting that this issue be investigated for a potential defect and safety recall.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11710472January 12, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The infotainment system, which also allows for use of backup cameras and safety alerts went black and has ceased working. Despite a technician diagnosing it to see if it was a simple fix. It looks like a complete malfunction of the unit.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11710324January 12, 2026
VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY
The contact owns a 2025 Kia Telluride. While driving 70 MPH, the contact heard an abnormal sound like a gunshot coming from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact became aware that the sunroof glass had exploded. The vehicle was immediately driven to the residence. Upon inspection of the vehicle, the contact discovered that the glass from the sunroof had exploded outward and there were several shards of glass in the rear of the vehicle. The contact placed a canopy over the vehicle to prevent water from entering the vehicle. The dealer was notified of the failure, and the contact was informed to file a claim with the Insurance Provider. The contact refused and stated that the failure was a manufacturer’s defect. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 1,470.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11710216January 11, 2026
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN, SEATS
We have had multiple issues with this car. First the pearl white peeling off on hood and above the windshield. Second CV3 axles boots leaking on our vehicle and multiple others at the Kia dealership. Third burnin oil even with good maintenance records. 3rd sunroof won’t open or close now for no reason at all. 4th back seat now attempts to fold at random times. Even with our kids in the seat. 5th oil housing leak. 6th CEL comes on and off randomly causing it to run rough. 7th screen is now to have issues of not working right. We’ve had to pay out of pocket for multiple things. Including the paint. We’ve spoken to service department and common issue they don’t see why it’s not a recall by now. Dealership is no help. Beware
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11710196January 11, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Sunroof bracket broke off when opening
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11710063January 10, 2026
POWER TRAIN
P0741 Error Codes - Torque Converter issue around 100k miles. Shuttering at low rpm between 2nd and 3rd gears. This is a known issue for owners of the 2020 model year. TCM software update and transmission oil change did not fix.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11709987January 9, 2026
ENGINE
My vehicle was consuming what I thought was a good bit of oil, I had an oils consumption test done, at 1000 miles it was 1 qt low, they said that is normal. So I drove away, another 1000 miles later my engine blew while I was driving, blowing metal everywhere! Left me sitting on the side of the road and Kia is saying it is not a known issue!! No lights car on indicating low oil or engine light.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11709856January 9, 2026
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN
The vehicle decelerated in the highway, from about 70mph to 40mhp with no warning, no check engine light, and no previous symptoms, sounds or other indicators. The vehicle was brought to the dealer who advised the high pressure fuel pump went bad as well as the solenoid and OCV harness, causing oil to be forced through the harness. KIA refused to cover the repairs at 74k miles and it was fixed at the owner expense, even after KIAs long history of failed high pressure fuel pumps in many other models. We were in the fast lane and were almost hit by a semi, who was thankfully able to move over at the last minute, narrowly averting the deaths of both my children, myself, my nephew and brother at aprox 4am.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11709446January 7, 2026
ENGINE
My 2020 Kia Telluride has been serviced repeatedly for what has been described as an oil pan leak. My car has stalled out on multiple occasions and at one point wouldn't go above 60 on the highway. This is a know issue with 2020 Kia Tellurides, but the repair solutions are not solving the problem. My car stalled again and is idling rough and will now be serviced again for the same problem.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11709481January 7, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
While driving at highway speed and the adaptive cruise control engaged, the vehicle applied the brakes without driver input. The vehicle slowed gradually over several seconds even though there was no vehicle, pedestrian, or obstacle present in front of the vehicle. Road and environmental conditions were clear and normal, including clear weather, dry roadway, and unobstructed lane of travel. Traffic was flowing normally, and there was no lead vehicle. The driver was attentive and did not press the brake pedal. The braking occurred without any warning, alert, or collision indication and resulted in an unexpected reduction in speed, creating a risk of a rear-end collision from following traffic and on one occasion road rage (which has occurred due to this condition) as the driver thought I "brake checked" him. The vehicle has been inspected by the local Kia dealership (Spitzer Kia of Mansfield) and they could not replicate the condition. Kia has also been notified and a case number assigned (25773402) but with no resolution. This issue has occurred multiple times under similar highway driving conditions, indicating repeatable uncommanded braking behavior. Additionally, KIA issued a “Voluntary Service Campaign” for 2024 Kia Telluride’s on July 31, 2025 for the same vehicle behavior. Unexpected braking at highway speeds creates sudden speed differentials and increases the risk of rear-end collisions, even when deceleration is gradual. The driver has limited ability to anticipate or prevent the event. No warning lights, audible alerts, or collision warnings were displayed. CONCLUSION The vehicle exhibits repeatable false or uncommanded activation of the automatic braking system during highway driving, consistent with a potential defect in the AEB/FCA system. This condition poses a safety risk to vehicle occupants and surrounding traffic and should be reviewed by NHTSA
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11709402January 7, 2026
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, ENGINE
On 12/24/25 the vehicle experienced the very same issue, on the highway, with my family in the car, coming from Christmas Eve festivities. The car decelerated and NO cel (check engine light) ever came on. when transporting to dealer, the car began rough idling like it wanted to die, but still no CEL. At this time, I am told there is a need for a new engine but no supporting documents or other diagnostic documentation has been shared with me and KIA at this time is refusing to resolve the issue under the powertrain warranty and the car is still under 80k miles (powertrain is until 100k) Additional Info: on Aug 5, 2025, the vehicle, with no warning lights or CEL present, the vehicle decelerated on the highway, putting me and my family in imminent danger (large truck behind us who narrowly missed hitting us) and after about 10 min the CEL came on. the vehicle would not drive above 45mph. Once the car was stopped, the CEL went off and the vehicle was diagnosed as failed high-pressure fuel pump, OCV harness, and solenoid, along with accompanying lines/gaskets/plugs and seals. After the repairs were done, I reported rattling noise to the dealer within 5 days of picking up the vehicle, when I had to bring it in for an axle joint replacement (aprox 8/12/25).
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11709139January 6, 2026
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
The headlights on this car are pointed too high. When driving on the road at night vehicles coming the other way often assume you have your bright lights on and flash you with their bright lights which can temporarily blind you - obviously a big safety problem! If this only happened once in a while I'd say no big deal but it happens EVERY SINGLE TIME YOU DRIVE THE CAR! I've spoken with other 2020 Kia Telluride owners and they report the exact same problem. I've spoken to the Kia representative at our local dealer about this and his attitude was basically "not my problem". Please, tell Kia to fix this problem. Otherwise there will be accidents that could have been avoided. Thanks.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11709142January 6, 2026
SEAT BELTS, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
I am submitting this complaint to report multiple unresolved safety-related issues involving my 2024 Kia Telluride that have not been properly addressed by either the authorized dealership or Kia corporate. Issue #1: Front Bumper Sensor / Mounting Bracket Failure The front bumper sensor mounting bracket failed and detached without any impact, collision, or customer-caused damage. I did not strike anything, and there is no evidence of accident-related damage. This appears to be a manufacturing defect. This component is part of the vehicle’s front driver-assistance and safety sensor system. Because the bracket is damaged, I am concerned the sensor may be misaligned, inoperative, or providing inaccurate data, which presents a potential safety risk while driving. Issue #2: Unrepaired Safety Recall – Door Belt Molding I brought the vehicle to an authorized Kia dealership (Fred Beans Kia of Langhorne) to have recall work completed, including a recall involving the door belt molding. After the service visit, I received conflicting information indicating that I may need to bring the vehicle back in for the same recall, and to date I have not received confirmation that this recall repair was completed. This recall involves door belt molding trim that can delaminate and detach from the vehicle, creating a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash to myself and other motorists. I am concerned that I may currently be operating a vehicle with an open and unresolved safety recall. Despite multiple attempts to obtain clarification and direction from both the dealership and Kia corporate customer care, I have received no clear confirmation of recall completion, no resolution of the sensor bracket failure, and no assurance that my vehicle is safe to operate. These unresolved issues raise serious concerns regarding: •The integrity and functionality of safety-related sensor systems •Proper execution and documentation of safety recall repairs •Manufacturer and dealer respons
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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