Kia Telluride Complaints

1,204 consumer complaints on file.

#11749295July 9, 2026
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Telluride. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact noticed a trail of fluid leaking. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with a warped oil filter. The contact was informed that the warped oil filter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact later received a warranty extension notification detailing a similar failure description. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, a case was filed, and a reimbursement claim remained pending. The failure mileage was approximately 93,157.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11749226July 8, 2026
ENGINE
While driving my car randomly displays a warning that I need to shift to park or neutral immediately and turn off my engine. Sometimes my car will work afterwards, other times it will not and I’m stuck for 5-7 minutes. It happens in the middle of me driving with no warning signs. I’ve tried to ignore it and the whole car shuts off and the brakes lock up. It is very frightening. I brought it in the first time and they claimed it was my battery so they replaced it. It’s now happened 4 times and they have no idea how to fix it. My car has been at the dealership for 6 weeks now with no end in sight. They want to give me my car back but I keep pushing back. They were able to duplicate the issue one time but no error codes came up. It happened to the technician at a stop light so they’re claiming it’s probably only when stopped. Which is not true, so they don’t see the safety concern!!! I’m 8 months pregnant and do not feel safe driving a car that shuts off in the middle of me driving! I have also opened up a case with corporate. I have seen Reddit threads and so many complaints regarding this issue. Specifically on 2025 tellurides, although mine is 2023. I want out of this car because I genuinely fear for mine and my families safety in this car. I can’t believe this isn’t a bigger issue!!!!
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11749053July 8, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
AWD Coupler is bad make noise and shaking at low turn speeds only
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11748854July 7, 2026
ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Engine rapidly burning oil. Had oil changed as Manufacturer's recommendation, but after exceeding the 100,000 mile warranty and having been 7,000 miles since the last oil change the engine threw a rod and the car stopped while i was driving it. Was told by the Kia Dealer (Fitzgerald Kia in Annapolis) that I needed a $10,000 engine replaced. I am currently working with a lawyer to address this concern.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11748824July 7, 2026
Other/I am not sure
This car seat is missing any labels on the seat that have booster information. It is an all-in-one car seat and does have a booster mode. The manual does state the height, weight and age limit, but this is not noted anywhere on the stickers on the seat. This is a problem when the manual is not available.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11748732July 7, 2026
ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The vehicle had been throwing different Electrical Codes for several months around August through December 2025. The last code it through was an engine management system error. On December 22nd 2025 the car caught fire in the engine and exploded while parked in the driveway. Fire investigators are leaning towards in electrical issue in the engine. I currently have an additional 2025 Kia Telluride vehicle which is also starting to display some of the same electrical messages
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11748411July 6, 2026
ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
System/Component Malfunction & Availability: The vehicle's electronic safety and engine control systems malfunctioned while driving at speed. This issue has occurred twice under identical thermal conditions, with the first instance occurring on 5/19/26. The vehicle is fully intact and available for inspection upon request. Safety Risk: During the first incident, a false dashboard warning triggered, but the physical engine remained running. However, during the most recent incident on 7/2/26, the defect escalated and the engine physically stalled while driving on the road in high 90-degree ambient temperatures. The stall caused an immediate loss of power and a complete loss of power steering assist, making the vehicle incredibly difficult to control and creating an imminent risk of a crash for my family and surrounding drivers. Dealer Confirmation & Inspection: Following the first incident, the vehicle was brought to a certified Kia dealership and left in their custody for 10 days for diagnostic troubleshooting. The service center stated they could not pull a hard diagnostic trouble code (DTC) and could not replicate the failure on a standard test drive. No other entities (police, insurance) have inspected the vehicle yet. Corporate Kia was notified (Case #26160914) but refused to authorize a specialized repair plan because the dealer could not replicate the issue. Warning Symptoms & Messages: There were no mechanical or performance warning symptoms prior to either failure. Both times, the issue began instantly with an audible cabin alarm and a prominent dashboard display message stating: "Engine Off! Shift to P or N, then start engine." During the first incident, the physical engine remained running despite the message, allowing us to safely pull over and reset the vehicle by cycling the ignition. During the second incident, under the same extreme outside heat (high 90s), the engine completely cut out mechanically, creating a severe stalling hazard.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11748358July 5, 2026
ENGINE
Engine is consuming excessive amounts of oil between oil changes, causing valve train to produce a metallic clanking noises. Vehicle did not display any type of warning sign on dashboard. Safety concerns if Engine would seize or shut off while driving on freeway/highway becoming a hazard on the road for self and other motorist. Vehicle has been taken to dealership multiple times, dealerships first remedy was replacing the oil filter housing. Dealership claimed oil filter housing was cracked causing oil to leak. Dealership replaced under warranty. Next oil change Dealership advised me again that oil was low in the engine and recommended an oil change and to replace the EGR valve. Service advisor also said to bring the vehicle back after driving it 1000 miles so they can run an oil consumption test. Vehicle was brought back to dealership after the 1000 miles, oil consumption test confirmed engine was consuming more oil than manufacturer allowance and valve train noise did return.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11748092July 3, 2026
STRUCTURE:BODY, EXTERIOR LIGHTING, SEAT BELTS
My right headlight stopped working, even after replacing bulb several times. The exterior paint is chipping from different areas. The middle seat seatbelts middle and behind driver keep getting stuck, they will not retract. My vehicle is only 4 years old it started with the headlight issue within 2 years. Now the seatbelts and paint, this vehicle has been a pain.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11747991July 2, 2026
POWER TRAIN
The vehicle has 38000 miles now. At about 34000 miles I began to notice a slight rumble from the read end of the car when starting from a stop and making a turn. It has become more noticeable recently. It is only noticeble from a stop and below about 10 mph.After doing some searches online, I have learned that this is a common problem with the Telluride and is due to the AWD coupling. I have not yet scheduled a service appointment, but will do so today. One discussion forum suggested that a report be made to this site since there are no recalls on this part at this time.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11747890July 2, 2026
ENGINE
My 2025 Kia Telluride has experienced seven engine overheating events across three separate incidents, all under identical conditions: air conditioning on while climbing in altitude on Colorado mountain highways. Incident 1 (XXX: Driving from [XXX] to [XXX]. Engine temperature gauge reached H and the "Engine Overheated" warning displayed. Pulled over and allowed engine to cool. Vehicle taken to Kia dealership; diagnostics found no fault. Incident 2 (XXX): Driving to [XXX]. Vehicle overheated twice on the same trip. Dealership kept vehicle for multiple days; reported no issues found. Incident 3 (XXX): Driving to [XXX]. Vehicle overheated FOUR times during the trip, including in an area with no cellular reception. Occupants included an infant and a [XXX]. Had the engine failed completely, we would have been stranded with no ability to call for emergency assistance. The failure is consistent and reproducible in real-world conditions (sustained grade + AC load) but has not been reproduced by dealership diagnostics performed at the shop. No fault codes were reportedly stored. The pattern is consistent with a cooling system deficiency under high load (cooling fan circuit, condenser airflow, or thermostat), and similar complaints from other Telluride owners describe the same scenario with dealers unable to replicate. Safety concern: repeated loss of propulsion capability on steep mountain grades, risk of engine failure and stranding in remote areas without cell coverage, with young children aboard. Two dealer service visits have not resolved the defect. 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
#11747805July 1, 2026
AIR BAGS
My vehicle has an active Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) airbag dashboard warning light. A professional diagnostic scan has confirmed the active fault code: B143100 - "SIDE AIRBAG REAR DRIVER RESISTANCE CIRCUIT SHORT TO GROUND This exact physical failure matches the known manufacturing defect detailed in NHTSA Campaign 23V-035 (Kia Recall Code SC262). While my specific VIN does not currently show up as part of the official recall population, the vehicle is suffering from the identical manufacturing defect and active short, resulting in a disabled passenger safety system.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11747772July 1, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I am reporting a spontaneous sunroof glass failure involving my 2022 Kia Telluride. While driving at normal highway speed, I suddenly heard an extremely loud bang that sounded like an explosion or gunshot. I did not see or hear any object strike my vehicle before the incident. After safely pulling over, I discovered that the panoramic sunroof glass had shattered. The glass appeared to have blown upward and outward from the vehicle, and by the time I stopped, most of the glass was already gone. There was no prior damage, cracking, or warning that the sunroof was compromised. The failure occurred unexpectedly and created a significant safety hazard due to the loud noise, the potential for shattered glass to enter the passenger compartment. I had my 14 year old daughter with me. I man diagnosed with anxiety and ADHD and this had severely affected me because I was the driver and it occurred while operating the vehicle. Luckily, I had the shade closed, because that could’ve been really bad. At the time of the incident, the vehicle had approximately 91,000 miles. I am requesting that this incident be documented and evaluated as a potential safety defect, as I understand other Kia Telluride owners have reported similar spontaneous sunroof failures.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11747744July 1, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, PARKING BRAKE:ELECTRICAL
The contact owns a 2023 Kia Telluride. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the brake light illuminated and was flashing. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer for a repair on the wheel speed sensor and parking brakes. After retrieving the vehicle, the EPB warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the local dealer, but the dealer was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer on eight occasions for the parking switch, a software reset, and other unknown repairs. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure persisted, and the vehicle became inoperable. The contact stated that the brakes had seized. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, who was covering the cost of the repairs. The dealer informed the contact about signing a waiver. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 35,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11747709July 1, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My 2025 Kia Telluride is suddenly shutting off in traffic. It first happened 6/24/26 I was pulling away from a stop light when my vehicle shut off. I received a red dash as you would for collision warning and a message to shift into park or neutral to restart the vehicle, I tried to restart it started but without RPM's then would not restart my husband had to push the vehicle off of the roadway. I then tried to restart it again it started and shut off in less than 20 feet. I had it towed to the dealership after keeping it 1 week they say they can not recreate the problem. I picked up my vehicle yesterday and it again shut off before I made it 2 miles down the road, I had stopped at a stop light to make a left turn accelerated to make to my turn and the vehicle again shut off I coasted into a parking lot was able to restart it and drove it back to the dealership. The vehicle is currently with them. The vehicle had no warning lights prior to this happening everything was fine in fact when the vehicle shuts off the radio and Air Conditioner stay running like nothing happened. I have searched the internet and found many others having this issue with their dealerships also saying they can't recreate the problem.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11747596July 1, 2026
ENGINE
In the past 2 days, my vehicle engine has shut off 11 times while driving. This is happening while I am moving so it is a huge safety issue for myself and other drivers. Over the course of 3 months, the vehicle has done this over 20 times. It happens when coasting, slowing down at a stop light and people in the other lane start moving, going through roundabouts, turning when there is oncoming traffic, and moving through congestion. The engine kills, lights flash and beeping starts. It says to put the engine in P or N and restart the engine. I have no power so I try to do this quickly or have the ability to pull over but most times that is not the case. This is a severe safety issue. The dealership says they cannot find anything wrong with the vehicle.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11747568June 30, 2026
SEATS
I noticed the button to fold captain’s chair began working intermittently beginning of Jun, then the seat began to fold on my granddaughter then my daughter on 2 different occasions. I called dealership to get a diagnostic done but they couldn’t get me in until 29 Jun. After diagnostic I was told the seat actuator wasn’t working, though it wasn’t damaged, and would cost me over $2400 to replace! Kia corporation stated because I was over the 150k warranty, by 30 mi I’d just driven home from airport, they couldn’t help me.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11747081June 28, 2026
VISIBILITY/WIPER
The sunroof won’t close properly, it looks like wind deflector is broken
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11747032June 28, 2026
POWER TRAIN
While driving the vehicle, the automatic transmission stuck in 5th gear. The paddle shifters would not operate, shifting the vehicle into neutral or park had no effect. The vehicle was being operated on a busy highway with multiple intersections, which put all passengers and the vehicle itself in danger since accelerating in 5th gear was almost impossible. The vehicle had to be completely shut off and restarted to reset the transmission. This happened on several occasions. Additionally, the vehicle would stick in gear and lurch into a lower gear when accelerating from a complete stop. No warning lights or sounds occurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealership where it was purchased, and they were able to replicate the problem once. The vehicle problem was reported to KIA and they requested the dealer to replace the electric oil pump. The work was done and so far (3 days) the issue has not reoccurred.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11746988June 28, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
This is not a safety issue, it is a XM radio that does not work because KIA decided to put a glass antenna that is weak and every time a tree exists the signal drops. They are minimizing the issue as it only occurs in certain spot, but I can tell you that if a tree exists and you go by close enough the signal will drop. I loose my signal 9 times around my neighborhood which is less than 1/4 mile. If they would have told me you have a fancy car with many features, but the XM is unusable I would have bought a different car.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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