Kia Telluride Complaints (2024)

226 consumer complaints on file.

#11698338November 8, 2025
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
Vehicle was part of the NHTSA 24V077 recall for faulty valve springs and took into dealership in April 2024 and engine was not replaced as it was listed as ok. Subsequently took for other recalls and maintenance, each time the vehicle was released back. Took vehicle in for oil change in Apr 2025 and stated evidence of noise in rear end, repair records indicate spare tire loose so tightened and given back. Noise was still evident so I tightened and in mid August, noise got worse and could feel while driving. Took in 29 Aug 2025 for oil change and mentioned noise. At this point after 6 or more visits, Kia flagged the vehicle under 24V077 and directed engine change saying unsafe to drive. So they allowed me to drive 30K miles and finally replaced engine which was performing satisfactory. The rear end noise was determined to be rear differential which was replaced, noise remained, techline case opened, shocks changed, noise remained, Field engineer visit scheduled 6 weeks out then canceled with direction to change rear cross member which was changed, noise still there. Now existing case re-opened with request for another engineer to visit. More money spent in rear end repairs which noise started in April 2025, then the cost of engine replacement which has only 65 miles all by dealership. Vehicle at dealership since 29 August 2025. Not confident engine replacement is satisfactory as fuel pump also required replacement and the inability to fix rear end is keeping from checking engine replacement is fixed. Wife no longer feels safe ever driving this vehicle again. Furthermore, Kia put us at risk by failing to direct dealership to change engine in April 2024 and all subsequent visits before finally flagging. My guess is lack of new engines available and did not want me to wait so allowed us to continue to drive extra miles and addl time took out of state Lemon Law timeframe likely. All repair records avail on request. Demanding buyback from Kia of America
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11697795November 5, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Electronic speedometer does not display. Unable to see speed while driving.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11697130November 3, 2025
VISIBILITY/WIPER
I activated the windshield wipers and noticed no fluid spraying from the nozzles. Upon checking the washer fluid reservoir under the hood, it was nearly empty despite being refilled just two days prior. There were no visible external spills, but I discovered a significant puddle of washer fluid accumulating behind the front-right wheel well liner, indicating an internal leak. Further inspection (guided by online owner forums reporting the same issue) revealed that the ribbed plastic section of the windshield washer hose—specifically at the connection point near the firewall—had cracked and separated. This hose runs as a single assembly from the reservoir, through the engine bay, to both front and rear nozzles. The crack appears to be a manufacturing defect in the brittle plastic material, which is prone to fracturing under normal temperature fluctuations or minor vibrations, rather than wear from high mileage. The failure eliminates the ability to clear the windshield of rain, bugs, or debris, creating a hazardous blind spot and directly contributing to reduced visibility.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11695422October 24, 2025
ENGINE
The contact owned a 2024 Kia Telluride. The contact stated that, while the vehicle was turned off in her driveway, she observed flames emanating from the interior of the vehicle on the driver's side. No warning lights were illuminated. Local emergency services arrived and were able to extinguish the flames. The contact was later informed that firefighters on scene believed that the fire originated at the driver's seat. The vehicle was towed to a storage facility and deemed a total loss by the contact's insurance provider. A fire report was filed. A police report was filed, and injuries were not reported. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V407000 (Seats); the VIN was included, but the vehicle had been repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 50,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11695206October 23, 2025
STRUCTURE
The contact owns a 2024 Kia Telluride. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V494000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. 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
#11693915October 16, 2025
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
Summary: Emergency collision warning system activated unexpectedly at highway speed, causing sudden braking and loss of vehicle control. Details: While traveling approximately 65 mph on [XXX] , the emergency collision warning system in my Kia activated suddenly and without cause. There were no vehicles in front, beside, or near me at the time. The system automatically engaged the brakes, causing the rear of my vehicle to jackknife. The vehicle did not slow gradually—it braked abruptly, creating a serious risk of rear-end collision. Afterward, the car would not shift back into drive, leaving me stranded in a dangerous location in the middle of the highway. This is the third time I have contacted Kia regarding the same malfunction with the emergency collision warning system. The issue remains unresolved and continues to pose a severe safety hazard to myself and other motorists. Date of most recent incident: [XXX] Vehicle information: 2024 KIA telluride Vin: Est.mileage: 37,000 Location: [XXX] Summary of concern: This malfunction causes the vehicle to brake unexpectedly and lose drivability, with no valid reason for system activation. This could easily result in a rear-end crash or multi-vehicle collision. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate whether other Kia owners have experienced similar incidents and whether this issue warrants a safety recall or software fix. This is my third experience with this warning system malfunctioning I have reached out to Kia previously before. 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
#11693549October 15, 2025
STRUCTURE
The contact owns a 2024 Kia Telluride. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V494000 (STRUCTURE); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. 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
#11693468October 14, 2025
STRUCTURE
The contact owns a 2024 Kia Telluride. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V494000 (STRUCTURE); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the vehicle was purchased in June 2025. While driving back to the residence after the vehicle was purchased, the cover behind the rearview mirror detached and was hanging loose. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer for repairs, and the dealer refused to repair the vehicle. The contact was informed that the vehicle had an aftermarket windshield, which caused the glue to melt. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, while closing the front driver’s side door, the door molding trim had delaminated and detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 18,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11693342October 14, 2025
STRUCTURE:BODY, POWER TRAIN, SUSPENSION
This vehicle only has 31,000 miles on it and I've already had one door trim molding replaced. (now the rest of the trim doesn't match so that's great for aesthetics) The interior door panel replaced because it was loose. This car developed a "thumping" noise around 25K miles when turning at low speeds. Took it to the dealer, told them it is probably the AWD coupler, and they said the self-leveling rear shocks were leaking. So those got replaced. Thumping was still there. I mentioned to the dealer that it is probably still the AWD coupler. Dealer decides to replace the rear differential because they found metal shavings in the diff fluid. Sound is still there but now not as loud. Car is currently back at the dealer for diagnostics to remedy the situation. I don't understand how a car with only 30k miles on it should be having these kinds of major issues. Kia seems to know about these issues because they do not argue about replacing anything. The car looks great, and the size is great. But I cannot imagine the nightmares I'm going to have for the next 30K. Or how bad the nightmare will be once I am out of factory warranty.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11692584October 10, 2025
STRUCTURE
The contact owns a 2024 Kia Telluride. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V494000 (STRUCTURE); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. 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
#11689622September 25, 2025
STRUCTURE:BODY
Window trim metal fell apart and plastic molding dislodge without reason, only for 2 years old car.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11689426September 24, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My sun roof exploded
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11689425September 24, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My sun roof exploded
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11688853September 22, 2025
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
The contact owns a 2024 Kia Telluride. The contact stated that while attempting to open and close the door, there was an abnormal popping sound coming from the rear driver’s side door. No warning light was illuminated. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was diagnosed with a stripped bolt. The dealer was unable to replace the bolt and referred the contact to an Auto Body Shop for assistance. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and opened a case. The approximate failure mileage was 25,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11688777September 21, 2025
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
On several occasions in city traffic the vehicle notified the drive to "check surround area for safety." This warning is normally associated with a potential for impending collision. In at least one case, the vehicle was stationary at stoplight. In one case, the vehicle was moving slowly (< 10 mph) and was either starting or stopping at a stoplight. The vehicle automatically braked with the same warning as above for no apparent danger visible to the driver. Additionally, while driving at highway speed, the vehicle's adaptive cruise control (ACC) was unable to identify that it was approaching vehicle until it was < 2 car lengths from that vehicle. The automated systems had no trouble identifying vehicles in adjacent lanes (as evidenced by the electronic display). The ACC appeared better able to identify cars in front if they changed into the vehicle's lane from an adjacent lane. In other words, the ACC could more easily track an identified vehicle changing lanes into this vehicle's lane from an adjacent lane rather than identifying a vehicle in the same lane that this vehicle was approaching.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11688162September 18, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Air conditioner quit working and dealership said a small rock or bug hit the AC condenser and caused the freon to leak out. After researching this seems to be a very common issue with the Kia Tellurides and there should be a recall issued for the design flaw. Vehicle only has 5,200 miles on it.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11687466September 15, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, SEAT BELTS
I am writing to bring to your attention several safety issues with my vehicle that have not been addressed despite my previous attempts to have them resolved. The first issue concerns the brake system on my vehicle, specifically the brake failure that I have been experiencing. The brakes on my vehicle are not functioning properly, and as a result, I have had multiple instances of brake failure which have put not only my safety but the safety of others at risk. Despite bringing this issue to the attention of your team, the necessary repairs have not been carried out, and the problem persists. This is extremely concerning as the continued malfunction of the brakes poses a significant threat to the safety of both myself and other road users. I urge you to take immediate action to rectify this issue and ensure that the brakes on my vehicle are functioning correctly. Furthermore, I would also like to highlight another safety issue with the seatbelt system in my vehicle. There have been instances where the seatbelt, the third row seat and passenger seat, fails to latch properly sometimes. I have personally experienced difficulties with the latching mechanism and have had to pay for the third-row seatbelt to be fixed as well. Given the critical role that seatbelts play in ensuring the safety of passengers in a vehicle, it is imperative that this issue is addressed promptly to prevent any potential accidents or injuries. I request that the seatbelt system in my vehicle be thoroughly inspected and repaired to ensure that it is functioning correctly and reliably. I trust that you will take the necessary steps to address these safety concerns promptly and effectively. Failure to do so not only compromises my safety but also places the lives of others at risk. I appreciate your prompt attention to these
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11687025September 13, 2025
STRUCTURE:BODY
While driving on a surface street the sunroof glass shattered all on its own. The glass was in the closed position. No rock or debris was located in the sunshade portion. No one else was around us on the road when it happened. There are numerous complaints about this happening within other forums. The dealer claimed the warranty will not cover broken glass and I was told to file an insurance claim. The estimate to repair the sunroof assembly is $8260.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11686106September 9, 2025
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
We were departing [XXX]in Barnstable, Mass on [XXX]. As he entered the main road from the parking lot, my husband thought the driver on his left on the main road had a stop sign so he pulled out onto the street. The other driver did not have a stop sign and my husband hit him. We were going under 10mph so the air bags did not deploy. The “forward collision warning” did not activate nor did the “emergency braking system” function yet the plastic front end of our car was totally smashed and the side of the other car had just a large scratch and a flat tire. We had the car shipped back to Denver where we live and Emich Kia declared it a “total” because they said the frame might be bent. I have contacted Kia Corporation and their CEO repeatedly to point out that their car malfunctioned and did not stop when it was supposed to stop. They do not care and did state that the car had only sustained damage to “crushable material”. Since the damage was to crushable material and the air bags did not deploy, it is obvious that it was a slow speed crash and the emergency braking system and the warning system should have functioned. This 2024 Kia was our second 2024. The first new one we purchased stuttered violently and the check engine light illuminated each time we drove down from the Colorado mountains. Once again, Kia took no responsibility for this issue for over a year so our local dealer finally bought back that lemon and sold us the one that malfunctioned in the crash. Two faulty Kia Tellurides in one year points to serious problems with this car and the Kia corporation because they will not acknowledge problems nor attempt to solve them in a timely manner. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11684846September 3, 2025
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
Navigation system shows the directional cursor moving sideways or upside down. This causes the vehicle to constantly alert loudly and with large red DO NOT ENTER Signs on my dash and heads up display. The system audibly alerts over and over for the driver to turn around “Wrong way detected check driving direction immediately!” This has been going on since I drove off the lot. The Kia service agent have me waiting for a navigation update that has never come or have not given me a date when to expect this fix. I am confident that the repair will not fix this problem.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

← Back to Kia Telluride