Kia Telluride Complaints

2,086 consumer complaints on file.

#11709092January 6, 2026
POWER TRAIN, ENGINE
The oil filter housing cracked on the car, causing all the oil to leak out. In researching this, I have found that this is a common problem with the Kia Telluride and Kia Sorrento. The problem is that the oil filter housing is made of cheap plastic and not durable material such as aluminum or steel. This allows the oil filter housing to easily crack under stress. In speaking with the dealership, this is not an uncommon problem. I feel that this should be covered under the Powertrain warranty or through a recall. A quick Google search will show that the problem is widespread in the Sorrento and Telluride models. This repair cost me a total of $425. If I had not replaced or repaired oil filter housing, the engine would have locked up as all the oil at escaped onto the pavement.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11708957January 5, 2026
ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Vehicle manufacturers have certain basic rules and procedures that must be followed. When a vehicle manufacturer sells a vehicle, it has a duty to ensure that the vehicle functions properly and safely for its advertised use and is free from defects. When a vehicle manufacturer discovers a defect, it must explicitly disclose the defect and make it right or cease selling the vehicle. When a vehicle manufacturer provides a warranty, it must stand by that warranty. I believe Kia has breached its duties and rules as follows. Specifically, these Class Vehicles (Tellurides and Others) have malfunctions regarding their incorrectly manufactured piston oil rings which can result in engine damage and failure, and even potentially cause a fire known internally and secularly as an ("Oil Ring Defect”). Now, I purchased this car in January of 2023. Based on Kia’s active and persistent promotions touting the quality of its vehicles and my partners admiration of Kia vehicles, we considered Kia a quality company with a strong reputation for producing reliable vehicles. In addition to Kia's reputation through its marketing and promotion. We decided on the 2020 Kia Telluride because we believed it was a high-quality vehicle, after a salesman convinced us that the vehicle was highly reliable and came with great technological features. Since purchasing this vehicle it has only taken the vehicle to the certified dealership for its routine maintenance as recommended by both the vehicle alert system and the Service Department at Courtesy Kia. However, through all our consistent visits to dealerships, we had never been told of any recalls or defects related to his vehicle’s oil ring system. Since 2015, KIA has designed, manufactured, distributed, sold, and leased the Class Vehicles with this problem. As discussed earlier and in more detail below, the Class Vehicles contain a defect that causes a serious safety concern. The unresolved defect with the Telluride engine is an attack on owners.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11708958January 5, 2026
ENGINE
The argument for the warranty claim to be honored and the work to be completed is as follows. Kia Inc may not want to take responsibility for the engine. They may want to shy away from their duty by claim negligence on the part of the owner. Kia will ask the car owner to produce every receipt and service record you can scrape together just to prove that one was not done at an “authorized” center of some sort. Or they will argue the distance between intervals of oil change down to the smallest of detail to claim you abused the engine. An engine they know has a flaw. An engine with a ring flaw across multiple lines, years and models. That in multiple lawsuits they have in fact taken responsibility for and lost in cases so they are aware of the issue. But my argument is not necessarily these things. My argument is the oil warning light. That light is the real danger when combined with this fatal engine flaw. For a **3.8L V6 gasoline engine** (like that of the 2020 Kia Telluride) using **SAE 5W-30 motor oil**, you can theoretically determine the oil loss level that would trigger a warning indicator based on the overall oil capacity and typical safety standards. Oil Capacity and Warning Indicator Calculation Specifications of My 2020 Kia Telluride according to Anthropic AI. - **Oil Capacity**: 6.9 quarts - **Typical Safe Operating Level**: Generally, engines are designed to alert drivers when oil levels drop to about **1 quart** below the full capacity, which is critical to maintain proper lubrication. Oil Loss Threshold- - **Full Capacity**: 6.9 quarts - *Warning Threshold*: -*Safe Level*: 5.9 quarts (6.9 quarts - 1 quart)Safe Oil Level - The warning indicator would typically come on when the oil level falls to approximately **5.5 to 5.9 quarts.This range ensures the engine continues to operate safely without risking damage due to inadequate lubrication.Key Aspects of FMVSS 101 Regarding Oil Pressure Warning Lights. S5.2.3. (The light must alert the driver...
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11708378January 2, 2026
ENGINE
The checked engine light came on with Code: P219C00. Vehicle was taken to the Kia Perris dealership for maintenance inspection. This happened after the vehicle had to be taken back to dealership for an oil leak post oil change service. The issue has been reported by multiple owners on Reddit. Seems like a manufacturer issue that should be addressed.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11708200January 1, 2026
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
My INSTRUMENT GAUGE CLUSTER WENT OUT. Black! No speedometer, no gas gauge and it didn’t increase the mileage when I drive the vehicle. No safety gauges working. Kia dealerships will not accommodate me that day to fix it.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11707979December 31, 2025
ENGINE
Bought the vehicle in February. The vehicle is burning oil too fast. In 1 week 5 qts. I don't drive much as I work from home. Kia dealer wants thousands of dollars. I paid for extended warranty.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11707835December 30, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The sunroof will not close. The closing mechanism broke.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11707795December 30, 2025
POWER TRAIN
Summary of Defect and Repair History My 2024 Kia Telluride EX AWD has experienced repeated and ongoing transmission failures. The failures include the vehicle becoming stuck in 5th gear, unsafe acceleration characteristics, and loss of normal drivability. Two transmissions have been replaced, and the same defect continues to occur. The vehicle remains at the dealership today with the defect unresolved. Repair Attempts and Days Out of Service 1 Transmission replacement 30 days Returned but defect recurred. A warning lamp (check engine) did illumiinate after the first transmission failure, however did not for the second nor third failure. Failure was confirmed by Kia dealership. 2 Transmission replacement 47 days. Returned but defect recurred. Failure was confirmed by Kia dealership. 3 Current repair attempt 24+ Not repaired. The vehicle has incurred three repair attempts and 101+ days out of service for the same defect. Failure was confirmed by Kia dealership. Substantial Impairment: Use, Value, and Safety 1. Impairment of Use  The vehicle has been in the dealership’s possession for more than three months in 2025, making it unavailable for normal use  Driving attempts prior to service demonstrated lack of shifting, hesitation, clunking, and unsafe behavior  The defect continues to occur despite repeated major repairs 2. Impairment of Value  A newer model vehicle requiring two full transmission replacement in one year and still malfunctioning has demonstrably reduced value  Transmission replacement history is discoverable and materially reduces market value 3. Impairment of Safety  Transmission failure compromises safe acceleration, speed regulation, and predictable power delivery  The failures occurred at low mileage, indicating a systemic nonconformity rather than normal wear, presenting an ongoing risk As a engineer with 20+ years of experience, I do believe the root cause is a wiring issue (e.g. shorted wiring harness), not a transmission failure.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11707761December 30, 2025
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
I purchased the 2021 Telluride (former owner of a Sportage, Rio and Sorento). I have our local mechanic handle maintenance and service. After paying $1,400 for a tune up to address misfiring, we quickly concluded the transmission was shot and my engine was burning theough every drop of oil before it was due for a change. I went to Kia of Des Moines, since it is covered under a 200k/20-year warranty. They replaced the transmission under warranty, I shared my mechanic details for records, and they told me they were going to do an oil consumption test. They sent me on my way, asking for me to return after 1,000 miles. I did (and then my car began shaking, but we thought it was due to snow conditions) and they quickly said, "Yes, it is an issue!" My Telluride burned through almost 2.5 quarts of oil in 1,000 miles. I left on 12/15, being told they would have direction from Kia corporate on next steps and acknowledged I need a vehicle loaner during repairs (single disabled mother, who has to travel safely). I did not hear back, chasing for updates. Yesterday, Steven text me saying I would need to authorize $1,600 engine tear down fee in order to confirm issue. I asked for Denny, the manager to contact me. I also called Kia Care, who said it is up to dealer. I am seeing so many issues with Tellurides burning oil. And, I do not have $1,600 to make my vehicle safe - that amount would make me sacrifice my home or another necessity. Google said to fight it and to submit a form to you also. I have to fight this because I have no other choice than to sell an organ. I will stock up on oil to keep filling it so my engine doesn't blow up, but have incredible fear of being stranded and not being able to get my vehicle towed or us home safely. If there is anything you can assist with, I appreciate it. I just found out my parent's 2023 telluride is burning too much oil too - they haven't got the $1,600 sticker, but I know that amount will wreck them also.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11707728December 30, 2025
STRUCTURE
The contact owns a 2024 Kia Telluride. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, the driver's side rear door belt molded trim detached from the vehicle. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that it was a known failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated wthat hile driving approximately 45 MPH, two years later, the trim detached from the driver's side front door. The contact had previously heard the trim becoming loose while going through a car wash. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V494000 (Structure), which the contact related to the failure; however, the part needed for the recall repair was unavailable. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that the recall remedy was not available. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the recall remedy was not available. The failure mileage was approximately 5,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11707540December 29, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2023 KIA Telluride. The contact stated the vehicle was experiencing heating system failures. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer on three occasions for heating and cooling failures. The dealer replaced an unknown sensor and the thermostat; however, the heat became inoperable. The contact stated that the heat was only operable while driving, and the vehicle would blow cool air while idling. The contact stated that the heat was barely warming up the vehicle while driving. The contact stated that the failure had caused the windows to be foggy, which reduced the road's visibility while driving. The vehicle was taken to a Kia Dealer, where an unknown sensor and the thermostat were replaced, but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 35,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11707297December 27, 2025
ENGINE
First there are holes in the block from a rod bearing coming off. It was leaking oil and started on fire. There are many recalls and law suits regarding this matter and we shouldn’t be on the hook for putting a new engine in.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11707253December 27, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Upon starting the vehicle, the gauge cluster screen was and remained completely blank. No indication as to an error, no visual indicator was available as to my speed or the vehicle's status, and no problem lights were visible. The vehicle appeared otherwise operable, and the media control screen was fully functional
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11707249December 27, 2025
STRUCTURE:BODY
The plastic arms of the sunroof deflector assembly broke. Part # - (81690-S8000). Now my sunroof won't close.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11706913December 24, 2025
STRUCTURE:BODY
While driving our 2022 Kia Telluride under normal operating conditions, the panoramic sunroof glass suddenly and spontaneously shattered outward with a loud explosion-like noise. The sunroof was fully closed at the time of the explosion. There was no impact with any object, no debris strike, no road hazard, and no external cause observed. Weather conditions were clear, traffic was normal, and the vehicle was traveling at a normal speed. The failure occurred without warning. There were no prior cracks, chips, noises, warning lights, or messages before the incident. A large hole immediately formed in the sunroof glass, and glass fragments fell into the vehicle and were caught by the shade. The sudden shattering and loud noise scared the driver and passengers and created an immediate safety hazard, requiring us to pull over right away. Occupants were placed at risk of injury from falling glass and sudden driver distraction. For safety reasons, loose and hanging glass was removed after stopping the vehicle. At the time of this report, the vehicle has not yet been inspected by a Kia dealer, manufacturer representative, or independent service center, as the incident occurred recently (we have an appointment in two days). The remaining sunroof components and vehicle are available for inspection upon request. This appears to be a sudden and spontaneous glass failure occurring during normal vehicle operation.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11706857December 23, 2025
ENGINE
0n 12-23-2025 I left our Kia Telluride with the engine running for 4 hours in our cul-de-sac. Eventually our neighbors told us the vehicle was running. The car was unlocked and the key fob was not inside. I know, stupid thing to do. I had to move the vehicle for an appliance delivery and accidentally left it is running. Approx nine months prior my wife thought she had pushed the button to turn vehicle off after parking in the garage and shutting the door. I was not home, but I received a notification on my phone from KIA Connect that the engine had been running for nearly an hour. I immediately contacted my wife, and she turned the car off. This is an extremely dangerous condition to ignore. For today's occurrence in the cul-de-sac, I did not receive a notification. I've learned that was because I let the Kia Connect App, Ultimate Tier package expires after the 1-year free trial subscription ended. It's my opinion that the extended, unattended run detection feature should be part of the vehicle and not behind a pay-walling APP. My GMC 2024 Yukon has 15 minute unattended shut down integrated into the vehicle. So, a precedence of a safety concern and of available engineering has been recognized by some auto manufacturers. Please don't ignore this condition.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11706739December 23, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1) What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The panoramic sunroof assembly — specifically the sunroof panel and its track/mechanism — failed. The sunroof panel came off its track and damaged related components (e.g., guide rails/wind deflector arms). The damaged sunroof and broken parts are available for inspection upon request. 2) How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The sunroof panel dislodged unexpectedly during normal use. This could have caused objects or glass to fall into the cabin or onto the roadway, presenting a risk of injury to occupants or other road users. Sudden failure of the sunroof mechanism also poses a distraction while driving. 3) Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes. The dealership/service center inspected the vehicle and confirmed the sunroof panel was off its track and broken. (If the dealer refused to acknowledge it as a defect, state: “The dealership inspected the failure but did not classify it as a warranty defect.”) 4) Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? The vehicle/sunroof was inspected by an authorized Kia dealership service department. (If applicable: “Insurance representatives were not involved.” / “Kia corporate has not inspected the vehicle.”) 5) Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? There were no warning lamps or dashboard messages prior to the sunroof failure. There were no abnormal noises or operational symptoms immediately before the sunroof panel disengaged from its track.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11706387December 21, 2025
ENGINE
Around Dec 13 the cooling fan started running by itself while the vehicle was in the garage for a few hours with the engine shut off, so, engine is cold.. What we do in this circumstance is starting and shutting the engine, that takes car of the situation until it happens again, sometimes right away or a few hours later or next day. I can't identify a relay that controls the fan. So, at this point we don't know how to resolve this problem.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11706337December 20, 2025
STRUCTURE:BODY
Wind deflecters on sunroof have broken off which is making it inoperable.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11706066December 19, 2025
VISIBILITY/WIPER
I had noticed a 1" wide crack had formed in the center of the windshield after first night of cold weather (~10°F). There was no prior damage to the windshield before the crack formed. I'm concerned that the crack will continue to spread as we progress into the winter in the upper Midwest, ultimately shattering while I'm driving.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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