Kia Telluride Complaints (2020)

777 consumer complaints on file.

#11675217July 21, 2025
ENGINE
The engine; I took my vehicle to be serviced at the dealership on Feb 18,2025 due to it making a weird whining noise when accelerating and/or turning causing the check engine light to appear. I was told then that my vehicle had no oil in it due to a leak in the oil housing filter. I paid $1900 to have it repaired. Then on May 20th I had to take my vehicle back to the dealership to be serviced for the same issue but this time was told that the cylinder 3 fuel injector needed to be replaced. I then paid $1200 for it to be repaired. Here it is July 21st and the same issue has happened with the diagnostic code reading Cylinder 3 fuel injector and the vehicle will cut off at any time while driving. I took my vehicle back to the dealership and was told that my vehicle was 4.5 quarts low on oil and this was due to my vehicle burning oil and I need to replace the engine or trade the vehicle in. My vehicle has only 124,000 miles on it and should not be needing a new engine or repairs. I purchased this vehicle used with 106,000 miles on it and has had it for a year. I have researched the issue and found that 40plus others has had the same issue with the same vehicle. This issue needs to be looked into. I'm unable to upload my invoices as proof of defect. I can email them if you would like me too.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11674295July 17, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Telluride. The contact stated that while he was servicing the vehicle, the contact noticed that there was a hole in the rear upper part of the engine block. There was no warning light illuminated. The dealer was contacted. Additionally, the contact stated while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal burning oil odor coming from the engine. The vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer, where the contact was informed that the engine would need to be disassembled to determine the cause of the failure. Additionally, the dealer informed the contact that three oil changes needed to be performed, and the engine needed to be flushed and replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised the contact to follow the dealer's instructions. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 93,364.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11673399July 14, 2025
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Telluride. The contact stated while attempting to have a vehicle inspected, it was discovered that there was an open recall on the VIN. The VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V148000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING); however, the part to do the recall repair was not 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. Parts distribution disconnect.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11673462July 14, 2025
ENGINE
The engine failed catastrophically on a highway bridge putting four [XXX] boys in grave danger. They managed to get the vehicle to the other side of the bridge but it was not safe. Not a single warning light came on prior, and the engine temperatur gauge didn't show anything out of the ordinary. Oil levels were checked and topped off prior to the trip. Oil was changed 9 months prior. A local Kia dealer has confirmed total engine failure. Kia has denied the claim despite being under the warranty period because I cannot supply complete oil change records. Who keeps those? I only keep the most recent one which shows 9 months prior. A quick search shows the 2020 Kia Telluride engine is failing at an alarming rate and Kia corporate offices are practing the deny and delay strategy to dodge responsibility. I will now have to hire attorneys and pay $10,000 to replace their faulty engine. 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
#11671496July 7, 2025
ENGINE
Our Kia Telluride had engine failure and a leaking oil pan. There were no warning messages or lamps at all.We noticed a blue smoke coming from the engine upon acceleration and a knocking noise from engine. We took it to a local repair shop and they said the engine was shot. We needed a new engine and a new oil pan as well as an oil change.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11671716July 7, 2025
ENGINE
In May 2025, I brought my 2022 Kia Telluride to the dealership for an oil leak. They kept my vehicle for a week. Then in June, while driving with my [XXX] son, the engine completely stalled — a terrifying and dangerous situation. I returned the car to the dealership, and they tried to point out a bunch of unrelated issues. But once I got home, the car shut off again. I took it back and was finally told that the engine had blown — and that this kind of failure "happens all the time" with Tellurides, according to their own words. 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
#11671758July 7, 2025
STRUCTURE:BODY
Paint is peeling off in patches
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11671255July 4, 2025
POWER TRAIN
Car erratically shifts and provides more power to vehicle when it is not necessary. It often shakes in between shifting.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11671057July 3, 2025
ENGINE
Another Kia Telluride reporting the known defect in 2020 Kia Tellurides related to severe and excessive oil consumption that poses a potential safety risk and financial loss. I have recently experienced repeated and worsening oil loss between routine oil changes with no visible leaks or warning lights. The rate of consumption exceed 1 quart per 1,000 miles which Kia defines as “excessive” under Technical Service Bulletin ENG222 (Rev 5). This condition creates a risk of engine failure while driving, especially because there are no warning signs that the engine is about to seize. I am in the process of contacting my dealership but Kia of America declined to acknowledge this issue despite it being well documented and affecting a wide range of Kia engines. I believe this is a safety defect that warrants further investigation due to: 1) Sudden engine failure or stalling from low oil levels 2) Lack of adequate early warning indicators 3) Unreasonable financial exposure to consumers for a manufacturer-related defect 4) A pattern of complaints across similar models/engines. I urge the NHTSA to investigate this matter further and ensure Kia is held accountable for this widespread and dangerous issue.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11670820July 2, 2025
POWER TRAIN
The contact's spouse owns a 2020 Kia Telluride. The contact's spouse stated that while the vehicle was parked, the vehicle inadvertently rolled backwards and struck the contact’s aunt as she was exiting the vehicle. The contact’s aunt was taken to the Emergency Room by ambulance/helicopter, where she later succumbed to the injuries and was pronounced dead. The contact stated that the vehicle remained at the scene. In addition, before the incident, there was grinding coming from the gears. The contact was unsure what specific injuries were sustained. A police report was filed. The contact stated that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V214000 (Power Train); which the contact related to the failure. The contact had previously received the recall notification. The dealer was not contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 101,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
1
#11670657July 1, 2025
ENGINE
Had in deals hop several times was told it was on record I was there with the issue but no light on, light came on during travel on interstate and car lost all power Long block blew . Was extremely lucky I didn’t get ran over by the tractor trailers . Loaded car with kids included . Kia should be reasonable for everything and they are saying no .
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11670130June 30, 2025
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
This is a follow-up to Complaint #11666572 regarding my 2020 Kia Telluride (VIN: [XXX] ), with urgent concerns about ongoing safety violations and abusive conduct by Greenway Kia East and Kia America. On June 26, 2025, Kia America reversed its prior refusal and agreed to reimburse Uber, rental, and towing costs—but only after I filed multiple complaints. Earlier, they claimed to have no influence over the dealership, which had refused all reimbursement after I complained about Service Manager Gina. Worse, on June 27, the dealership responded via BBB telling me to contact Gina again—the very person I formally complained about for unprofessional and negligent conduct. This isn’t just mishandling; it is degrading, retaliatory, and dangerous. Key safety/legal concerns: • My vehicle was returned on May 31, 2025, with dangerously low coolant, just days after engine replacement—posing a critical safety risk. • The service manager dismissed my concerns until I insisted, then acted with open disrespect. • Repairs were withheld May 19–28 unless I paid $1,833.77, despite warranty coverage. Only after I came in person on May 28 did they reverse and offer free service. • I was charged $580.97 for a diagnostic test tied to a manufacturer defect that led to engine replacement—still not refunded. • The pattern of neglect, retaliation, and deception from both the dealer and Kia America endangers drivers and violates federal safety standards. This dealer has acted with impunity since May 19, 2025. Their behavior is abusive, unsafe, and incompatible with their licensing. I urge NHTSA to investigate whether Greenway Kia East should retain its dealership license. Their conduct undermines public safety and federal standards. A full follow-up and attachments were sent to [email protected] from [XXX] . Please contact me for documentation. 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
#11668522June 23, 2025
ENGINE
I am writing to formally file a complaint regarding a known defect in my 2020 Kia Telluride, which is experiencing severe and excessive oil consumption that poses a potential safety risk and financial burden. Vehicle Information: •Make/Model: 2020 Kia Telluride Since ownership, I have experienced repeated and worsening oil loss between routine oil changes — with no visible leaks or warning lights in most cases. The rate of consumption is approaching or exceeding 1 quart per 1,000 miles, which Kia itself defines as “excessive” under Technical Service Bulletin ENG222 (Rev 5). This condition not only creates a risk of engine failure while driving, but it also puts owners like myself at risk of uncovered repair bills in excess of $12,000. I have already contacted my dealership, Kia Corporate, and Fidelity Warranty Services, and was told coverage is uncertain — despite this being a well-documented issue affecting a wide range of Kia engines. I believe this is a safety defect that warrants further investigation due to: •Sudden engine failure or stalling from low oil levels •Lack of adequate early warning indicators •Unreasonable financial exposure to consumers for a manufacturer-related defect •A potential pattern of complaints across similar models/engines As a responsible vehicle owner, I respectfully urge the NHTSA to investigate this matter further and ensure Kia is held accountable for this widespread and dangerous issue. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11668050June 20, 2025
POWER TRAIN
The front axels are leaking and the transmission is lagging/jerking while accelerating.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11666969June 14, 2025
POWER TRAIN
The check engine and oil pressure light will start to flash when starting to brake. While this is happening the car starts to shake, stall, and you struggle to accelerate. This has happened multiple times and the last time was in the middle of an intersection. KIA dealership did not fix the issue the two times I took it to the shop. The third time in they did some test and said it was an oil consumption issue and the piston rings in the SUV have failed and the car needed a new engine. This car is a 2020 Telluride with 78,759 miles on it. This issued started well before the 78,759 miles. Oil consumption has been a major issue with other KIA models and they have not seemed to fix this issue with the telluride. I believe they have replaced engines at an extremely high rate and now they are denying engine replacement under their warranty and stating piston ring damage is not covered under the warranty due to high oil consumption. You guys have issued a recall on 2021-2023 Seltos and Soul models for piston ring failure and now they do not want to start replacing tellurides. There is a Facebook page out there labeled KIA telluride issues with oil consumption being a big issue in the comments. KIA stating they will not cover the engine replacement is not only wrong is it a safety issue. I truly believe they know this is a serious issue and have not done anything to correct it. This vehicle is still under warranty and I am still in contact with the dealership to fix this issue.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11666572June 12, 2025
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
On [XXX], my Kia Telluride received a warranty engine replacement at Greenway Kia East in Orlando, FL. Just two days later, on [XXX], the engine overheated while I was driving with my young child. The temperature warning light came on. I stopped immediately and opened the hood — there was no coolant in the system at all. This failure occurred immediately after a major engine replacement, suggesting that the dealer failed to fill or properly check the coolant system. I was left stranded near a daycare and had to call a third-party tow truck because Kia roadside assistance estimated a 90–120 minute wait. This put my child and me in serious danger. Despite the dealer’s clear negligence, I was sent an invoice for $1,833.77, blaming me for the damage. Upon retrieving the car on May 31, 2025, I personally checked under the hood — the coolant level was still below the MIN line. When I pointed this out, the service manager said, “We’re not required to top it off, but if that satisfies you, we’ll put some in.” This is extremely unsafe and irresponsible, especially after a critical repair like an engine replacement. Later, the dealership even claimed to Kia America that the engine was not replaced under warranty, contradicting their earlier confirmation. This kind of conflicting information, combined with unsafe practices and disregard for basic safety protocols, raises serious concerns about consumer safety and the dealership’s integrity. To make matters worse, Kia America closed my case ([XXX]) on June 10 without notifying me or giving me a chance to respond. I received only one dropped call from an unknown number, and no voicemail or follow-up communication. A formal complaint was mailed to Kia America on June 11, 2025, and I am currently waiting for their response. On June 12, 2025, I also filed a complaint with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). 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
#11665934June 9, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I went to open my sunroof and it opened as normal but when I went to shut it, it’s started to make some noises and got stuck tilted open. It will not budge. I can be available for inspection. It’s a huge safety risk because the sunroof is tilted open and anything can fly into the car and hit someone’s head/body. Especially if driving on the highway at high speeds- the damage could be catastrophic. If I’m driving and a storm appears and the rain/hail could get into the car and cause damage as well as distract the driver and potentially cause an accident with other drivers. I took my car into my local dealership and they told me that the entire sunroof system would need to be replaced- no repair available. There were no warning lights/ issues that alerted me to a future problem.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11664738June 3, 2025
VISIBILITY/WIPER, EXTERIOR LIGHTING
It took 8 months to repair the Recall #SC299B HALOGEN HEADLAMP-BOTH. Repair was done 04/03/2025, which appears to have not last long as high beam is low again and I am afraid to drive in early morning, dusk, or evening due to the timid, low bearing high beams. This is very unsettling as we have made three complaints due to negligence and lack of efficiency for recall repair, being in an accident due to not seeing a deer run across and we hit it, as well as, failed state inspection due to light issues (twice) that negatively impacted financial stability and job security as one driver has to have a clear safety inspection in order to work. Kia corporate has been contacted 6 times via email and called back to discuss ongoing issues, however, there does not appear to be any resolution and/or willingness to discuss ongoing issues with our car. It would be nice to discuss this matter and find a solution that alleviates hardship this recall (and apparent lack of fix as lights continue to be an issue) and Kia dealer/company has made. We would appreciate being bought out and/or provided reimbursements and buyout. Either way, we hope others do NOT face the ongoing stress and issues telluride has given us. It is not ideal or fair to continue being fearful of the safety and reliability of our car despite company’s “attempt” of fixing it.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11662963May 24, 2025
STRUCTURE:BODY, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The white paint on our telluride peeled and feel off for not apparent reason.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11662072May 20, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1) Front sunroof exploded suddenly on highway while driving at 67 mph. Nothing hit the sunroof and there was no prior crack. The sunroof was inspected by our insurance appraiser and I can provide photos of the incident. 2) There was the sound of a loud "boom" followed by shattering glass raining down over my head (driver) and that of my teenage son (passenger seat) causing us to duck inside the car while driving down the highway at 67 mph. We could have swerved into traffic or off the road causing an accident and bodily harm. Additionally, the shattered glass itself could cause bodily injury. In our instance, the sunroof visor was closed, capturing the shards of glass. 3) Yes. The problem was confirmed by an independent service center hired by our insurance company to replace the glass. 4) Yes. The vehicle was inspected by an appraiser from our insurance company. 5) No. There was no warning and no prior symptoms of the problem.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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