Kia Telluride Complaints

2,086 consumer complaints on file.

#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
#11758772August 22, 2026
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
The factory-installed driver/passenger side LED headlight assembly suffered a sudden, total internal electrical failure while driving at night, causing an immediate loss of forward visibility and creating a severe crash hazard. This is a known, systemic manufacturing defect affecting premium trims (SX/SX-Prestige) of the 2020 Kia Telluride. The housing seals degrade prematurely, allowing condensation to become trapped inside the unit. This moisture corrodes the internal circuit boards and shorts out the electrical modules, completely disabling the high beams, low beams, and running lights. Because these LED units are entirely sealed, they cannot be serviced or repaired by changing a bulb; the entire expensive structural component must be replaced. Kia is fully aware of 2020 Telluride headlight failures and issued Safety Recall SC299 (NHTSA Campaign 24V148000) to address them. However, Kia arbitrarily limited that safety recall to lower trims utilizing halogen assemblies. Premium trims utilizing LED assemblies are experiencing the exact same catastrophic loss of nighttime illumination due to internal electrical failures, yet owners are being forced to pay out-of-pocket to fix an inherent safety defect. The NHTSA needs to mandate that Kia expand Campaign SC299 to include all 2020 Telluride trim levels equipped with LED headlight assemblies before this widespread visibility failure causes a fatal nighttime collision.
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
#11757571August 17, 2026
ENGINE
I purchased this 2021 Kia Telluride new and have had it routinely serviced and maintained by authorized Kia dealerships. At approximately 60,000–80,000 miles, the engine began consuming excessive oil. I reported the condition to the Kia dealer at approximately 80,000 miles, while the vehicle was still within Kia's 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. The dealer initially recommended a tune-up, but the oil consumption continued. During a later visit, the dealer identified an issue involving the OEM oil-filter housing and replaced the affected component. Despite this repair and continued maintenance, oil consumption progressively worsened. The vehicle now has approximately 160,000 miles and requires approximately one pint of oil every 2–3 weeks. The current diagnosis indicates potential internal engine damage, including cylinder-wall scoring that may allow oil to bypass the piston rings and burn in the combustion chambers. I have been advised the engine may require replacement at an estimated cost of approximately $13,000. My primary concern is that this condition began and was reported to Kia while the vehicle was still under the powertrain warranty, but the repairs did not correct it. Continued excessive oil consumption and internal engine damage create a safety concern because they could result in low oil pressure, engine seizure, stalling, or sudden loss of propulsion while driving. The vehicle is available for inspection, and its maintenance history, prior complaints, dealer repairs, and current condition are documented through Kia dealership service records.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11757468August 17, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The cluster screen on my 2024 Telluride is BLACK when I turned it on today. No issues prior and turning the car off and on does not help. I cannot see my fuel gauge, speed, winshield wiper speed, tire air levels, what gear I am in nothing. I contacted dealer and they have heard of no issues and cannot get me in for repairs until at least two weeks. I feel this is very unsafe since I am not sure of my speed or my fuel level! There was no warning whatsoever, just a black screen.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11757006August 14, 2026
SUSPENSION
My 2021 Kia Telluride has suffered two consecutive component failures of the rear suspension's self-leveling shock absorbers. This component is the exact subject of Kia's August 15, 2024 Extended Warranty Program (WTY040), which acknowledges a widespread engineering defect causing premature rear shock failures. The factory-installed original shock failed previously. The official Kia genuine replacement part (redesigned by Kia to permanently address the original defect) has now failed prematurely under the exact same mechanical conditions. The failed replacement component bears a manufacturing date stamp of 11/2023. Kia America Corporate is utilizing an administrative loophole regarding the component's manufacturing date code to deny safety coverage, actively refusing to honor or remedy the failure of their own redesigned replacement part. The local Kia dealership service manager inspected the vehicle and formally endorsed 100% replacement coverage due to this premature safety failure, but Kia Corporate has completely stalled the repair (I have had a formal 100% goodwill coverage request submitted since 7/21/26 without resolution), leaving a known vehicle stability defect unaddressed on a public roadway.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11756813August 13, 2026
SEAT BELTS
An incorrect vehicle sensor installed in the driver seat assembly can cause locking and sensor miscommunications, triggering false alarms or failure-to-retract warnings.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11756864August 13, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Sunroof broke when trying to open it. Now it’s in the open, venting, position unable to close. Dealership can’t look at it for a week so I’m risking water damage. Vehicle only has 31,000 miles on it and is just past the 5 yr warranty of course
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11756567August 12, 2026
SEATS, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle experienced a failure to start. The contact charged the remote battery pack, and a technician jump-started the vehicle at the residence. While attempting to schedule an appointment with the dealer, the contact was informed that the recall repair could not be completed. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that parts were anticipated to be available by the end of August 2026. The failure mileage was approximately 34,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11756506August 12, 2026
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
Was low on oil and check oil light don't go on have to put oil very 2 week because it get low and I don't have no oil leak at all I found out because the motor start shaking and making noise tow it home and mechanical came to check it out and didn't have oil he say I was lurking I was not in the highway because it could lock the mortar and cause a accident
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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