Kia Telluride Complaints

1,204 consumer complaints on file.

#11739546May 22, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
This is supplemental evidence for NHTSA Safety Complaint #11739200 UNIFIED SUPPLEMENTAL EVIDENCE PACKET SEE UPLOADED FILE
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11739200May 21, 2026
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The vehicle began showing serious safety related symptoms before the engine failed. These included engine knocking, repeated sensor failures, the speedometer and odometer blacking out while driving, the navigation screen going dark, and the entire instrument cluster malfunctioning. These issues caused loss of speed information, loss of vehicle status, and loss of navigation visibility, creating unsafe driving conditions. Despite these warning signs, the engine later failed suddenly at around 71,399 miles with no warning lights, no oil pressure alerts, and no overheating indicators. The sudden loss of power created a highway safety hazard due to loss of propulsion and reduced steering and braking assist. The manufacturer and dealership also provided conflicting and misleading information about warranty coverage, including a claim of “no warranty on engine,” which contradicts the official warranty coverage documents. This has delayed proper repair of a safety related defect.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11739016May 20, 2026
VISIBILITY/WIPER
Windshield chipped and cracked. Causes a safety issue due to temperamental glass and vision impairment. McKenneys garage has viewed the damage and confirms the damage. No. No.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11738653May 18, 2026
ENGINE
This has happened multiple times. When driving the engine shuts off and an error message appears to shift into neutral or park and restart the engine. Brought the car to liberty Kia in Ramsey NJ and they said found no errors in the computer and test drove and could not recreate. My odometer did not change from drop off to pick up so I can tell it was not test driven.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11738609May 18, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE
While operating my Kia vehicle, the vehicle experienced a sudden loss of braking capability and loss of acceleration/power while traveling downhill. Multiple warning lights reportedly illuminated during the event, including the battery light, oil light, and check engine light. The incident created a serious safety concern due to inability to properly control vehicle speed and operation. The vehicle was taken to an authorized Kia dealership for inspection. However, the dealership has refused to provide written confirmation that the vehicle is safe to drive and stated they would not assume liability regarding operation of the vehicle. The dealership further recommended towing the vehicle if I feel unsafe operating it. I am requesting investigation into the safety-related condition involving braking/drivability failure and related warning systems.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11738544May 18, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
May 9, 2026 Opened my Sunroof for first time this year. Would not open all the way. Jammed sideways. Couldn't get it shut. The arms in the track to move the window back and forth disinegrated. Slight water damage to right side headliner. Currently at glass company for repair. Need entire unit. $1,450 for a used one $5,000 for new. Are there any current recalls? 2021 Kia Telleride purchased new; Current mileage 38,000. Will attach copy of repair order when received.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11737856May 14, 2026
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
On at least 3 occasions in the past nine months, when the cruise control was ON, the adaptive cruise control feature suddenly applied the brakes on our 2025 Kia Telluride. The last incident happened in May when there was NO vehicle in front of or on either side of our vehicle. Another time the brakes were suddenly applied while attempting to pass a vehicle at about 70 mph. As soon as our vehicle entered the passing lane, the brakes suddenly slowed our vehicle down to 45-50 mph, almost causing a rear end collision with another vehicle approaching our vehicle in the passing lane at a high speed. This only happens when the vehicle is in the cruise control mode and we ARE NOT applying the brakes. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. The dealer was NOT able to reproduce the problem. We reported this to Kia Customer Care - Case #XXX on or about Feb. 21, 2026. Customer care orally responded to our report, denying any software or design problem. 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
#11737637May 13, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES, ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I was driving the vehicle and came to a stop sign. When I accelerated to turn and drive what was a steep windy downhill Road my car jerked some and the check engine light battery light and oil light came on the dash when I went to push the brakes they went all the way to the floor and the car did not stop. I continued to try the brakes and had to use the emergency break to pull up and down to stop and drive up on a hill to not crash into other vehicles I have my vehicle at Kia and they are claiming there is absolutely nothing wrong with the vehicle and I am to pick it up and leave the lot. They have not offered a loaner car or shown any concerns of my safety leaving the lot. I have asked for it to be in writing, but my car is safe to leave and they are not doing so this has caused major anxiety and PTSD to even begin to drive myself and my children are very shook up over this.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
2
Deaths:
0
#11737499May 13, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, STEERING, ENGINE
I am submitting this complaint regarding my 2021 Kia Telluride experiencing repeated and dangerous electronic system failures while driving. Kia of East Syracuse (NY) diagnosed the issue as related to the backup camera assembly and communication/network failures. While driving, the vehicle experienced loss of power steering assist, instrument cluster failure, speedometer malfunction, incorrect gear indication, backup camera activation while driving forward, blind spot warnings activating incorrectly, flashing/blank temperature display, and multiple driver assistance system failures. The speedometer displayed 0 mph while the vehicle was in motion and later displayed approximately 40 mph while stopped at a traffic light. The vehicle also became stuck in reverse while backing out of my driveway and would not shift properly, leaving the vehicle stopped in the roadway. Multiple safety systems malfunctioned simultaneously, including Blind Spot Collision Avoidance Assist, Lane Following Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Collision Avoidance Assist, Smart Cruise Control, Parking Distance Warning, and Forward Collision Warning systems. The dealership documented multiple fault codes and stated the dashboard lit up “like a Christmas tree” while the instrument cluster stopped functioning entirely. These failures create a serious safety risk because critical driving information and driver assistance systems become unreliable or inoperative while the vehicle is moving. The failures occur unexpectedly and without warning. Photos and video evidence have been retained, including video of the backup camera activating while driving forward and the speedometer malfunctioning while the vehicle was in motion. I am asking NHTSA investigate these failures as a potential safety defect involving the camera system, instrument cluster communication systems, and CAN network communication failures in the Kia Telluride.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11737292May 12, 2026
STRUCTURE:BODY
I have used the sunroof on my 2021 Kia Telluride probably less than ten times in the 5 years I've owned it. I started getting a leak in front of my rearview mirror so I searched for the drains by opening the sunroof and fond them. Cleaned them out as best I could. closed the sunroof but was still having a leak. The next time I opened it to look at it, it jammed and wouldn't open completely or close. With a little help, i was able to get it back on track and close but still had the leak. Took to the dealership for service and to have them look for a problem with the sunroof. They said it wasn't closing completely and the entire frame would need replacing at about $3400.00. This seems to be a common problem from what I'm seeing on Kia Forums. I was wondering if you are considering a recall on this issue?
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11736938May 11, 2026
STRUCTURE:BODY
Multiple door belt molding trims from two doors on my 2024 Kia Telluride detached from the vehicle, which is the subject of safety recall SC347 (NHTSA 25V494). The detached trim piece falls onto the roadway while driving, creating a road hazard for other vehicles and increasing the risk of a crash. The defect was confirmed by a Kia dealership, which documented the issue and acknowledged it falls under the active safety recall. I first brought the vehicle to the dealer on February 10, 2026 to have the recall repair performed. The dealer informed me the replacement parts are on backorder and didn’t provide or recommend a temporary rental. As of today, May 11, 2026 — over three months later — the repair has not been completed and no estimated completion date has been given. I have called back to ask the parts department at my service center for an ETA but they are only able to tell me that the replacement parts are still on back order. The failed component is the exterior door belt molding face plate, which is available for inspection at the dealership. Prior to full detachment, symptoms included the trim appearing visually loose and producing rattling and wind noise. My safety concern is that I am being forced to drive an unrepaired vehicle with a known safety defect because Kia has failed to supply adequate parts to complete this federally mandated recall repair in a timely manner.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11736782May 9, 2026
ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
On three different occasions this car’s engine shuts off on me sometimes at highway speeds. It is terrifying being in the left lane and losing all propulsion and power steering. I have to quickly put the car in park (in the middle of the highway) and then restart the car to go again. When it starts failing it keeps shutting off when we come to a stop in stop and go traffic. It’s like the auto shutoff option shuts off the car abut won’t turn it back on. I took it to DCH Kia of Temecula to get to the bottom of this issue. They are saying because there are no check engine lights and they cannot replicate the problem they can’t do anything and want to return the car to us. We fought that and they started a techline report for engineering to help troubleshooting. Kia customer care was involved, but I was told I had 48 hours to pick my car up as is. Driving this car on long trips is now terrifying for me and my family, if you look online, nationwide Kia tellurides are having this same issue I’ve seen from the 2020 models to 2026. I am not the only person having this issue with a Kia telluride. Something needs to be done NATION WIDE before loss of life happens. I would venture to use the fall of the “Saturn” car company as an example of knowing there’s an issue and not fixing it. I want a solution to this issue and I do not feel that “just trade it in” is an acceptable answer.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11736768May 9, 2026
AIR BAGS, SEAT BELTS
Airbag/seatbelt dashboard light on.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11736401May 7, 2026
VISIBILITY/WIPER
I bought this car in August 2025 and I have already gotten three cracks in the windshield. This seems very off compared to all the other cars I’ve owned, which most have had none or maybe one small crack from debris off the road. This could cause a problem cracking so easily that I’m afraid if it hits just right, I won’t be able to see at all while driving. It is available upon request. I have not taken it to the dealership to be “reproduced” no warning signs or signals in the car
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11735896May 5, 2026
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:INFOTAINMENT:VIDEO (TOUCH)SCREEN/MONITOR/UNIT
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Telluride. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the infotainment center displayed a blank screen. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The dealer was made aware of the failure. In addition, the contact was informed that the repair was not covered under recall or warranty. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 66,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11735864May 5, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
sunroof - broken wind deflector arms
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11735759May 5, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I was driving down the highway at approximately 70 mph, and a deer ran into the front driver's side corner of the car. The airbag fortunately didn’t deploy, but the hood flew up and covered the windshield, blocking my ability to see. I was somehow able to pull the vehicle over without being able to see. Within 30 seconds of pulling over—and while I was still in the driver's seat—I noticed flames coming out of the engine compartment. I screamed to my son to get out of the car, and within minutes the car was completely engulfed in flames. The car burned to the ground and is a total loss. I have no idea how this could have possibly happened. This shouldn't have happened from a deer. The vehicle was only 7 months old, was up to date on all required maintenance and recalls, and had approximately 11,000 miles on it. It was in perfect condition. We were able to escape, but for a moment I thought we might not be able to. We're lucky to be alive. I reported the issue to my insurance company and the manufacturer and have received no information on causation. A link to the video of the car burning is below: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11735747May 5, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Standard vehicle component- shattered window. I was driving on highway I 275 and heard a loud sound, when I investigated I realized that the window in the second row to the right simply just shattered, glass flying everywhere.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11735532May 4, 2026
ENGINE
A known Kia Telluride issue arose with the oil filter housing gasket. I came out to find a huge oil leak on my driveway. Not only was the oil really low but it's suspected that it also caused the antifreeze to become low. I had just had the oil change a couple weeks prior so not sure if the technician could have also tightened it too much torque when they tighten the filter cap, causing a crack. It's a known Kia Telluride issue. I was still under 60K warranty but passed the 5 year warranty mark by only 2 months. Since I'd bought my Kia just down the street and faithfully had it serviced there, they service manager tried to be nice and gave me $20 off the $220 bill and told me I should contact Kia since it was a known problem. But when I did they took my case seriously until they learned the dealership gave me $20 off and then proceeded to deny paying for anything. As mentioned, it's a very common issue with this make and model. If I hadn't noticed the oil spot on my driveway, I could have easily driven it until there was no oil (it was already super low) and then had the whole engine blow up. I'm just lucky I park outside and saw it. Now every time I call Kia and try to speak to a supervisor, I go straight to voicemail.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11735492May 4, 2026
SEAT BELTS
I have a 2023 Telluride awd. I only have 25000 miles on the vehicle since i dont drive much. I went on a trip with family and the first time a person sat in my drivers side, 2nd row seating, the seat belt wont retract.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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