Kia Telluride Complaints

2,086 consumer complaints on file.

#11727826March 29, 2026
SUSPENSION
I have 2021 Kia Telluride with 38000 miles on it. When I wash my car, I normally wash the roof and in order to do that I put one foot on 3 step ladder and one foot on the back tire. I always had a plenty space above the tire and under the fender and I could stand up on the tire while I was washing the roof. On my last wash after the harsh winter weather, I notice I can not place my foot on the tire anymore. I google the height from the bottom of the fender to the ground and I noticed is way down. I read on Google that is covered by KIA for 15 years or 180000 miles. I contacted the Riverhead Kia and they replaced the shocks. When I came out of the dealer I immediately noticed the height has not been improved. I informed the service advisor, he said that is not going to be like a new 2026 vehicle and it should be Ok. Two days later over the weekend I noticed Roaring sound and when I hit the bump it seems my chasing banging on the axle. I am planning to go back to dealer tomorrow.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11727759March 29, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I was driving down the highway at 73 MPH and the sunroof shattered sending glass into the interior of the car, onto me, and into my clothes. It sounded like a gunshot and was terrifying.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11727486March 27, 2026
SEATS
The contact owns a 2025 Kia Telluride. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V105000 (Seats); 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
#11727289March 26, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I am the original owner of a 2020 Kia Telluride. The white paint on the car is coming off in huge pieces all over the front. The primer is still attached to the metal. Huge chunks are coming off as we drive it. We have spoke to the dealership and Kia corporate as well and they do not care because it is out of the 3 year warranty. We had a paint shop inspect it and get an estimate for it to be fixed and they have told us this is a paint manufacturer defect clearly considering the primer is noticeably on the metal still. The vehicle has never been in any type of accident ever.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11727329March 26, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER, VISIBILITY/WIPER
After a long winter in northern ILLINOIS, we had a 70’ afternoon and I tried to open my sunroof and it stopped working. I heard a crunching sound and tried to reverse it and that may have made it worse. It had been working fine in the fall months September and October when I last used it. It did not cause a safety issue. No one was at risk. I’ve taken the car to the closest KIA dealer to me . Castle KIA in McHenry IL. The Kia dealer gave me an estimate on cost . There was no warning signs of it being broken until it actually happened.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11727142March 25, 2026
POWER TRAIN
My transmission failed at 95k miles and was available for inspection at a fee. My safety was at risk since my car was jerking on the highway and I had to quickly pull over while the car slowed down in a fast and high trafficked area. The problem has been an ongoing issue especially in 2020 models from social media and the dealership. The vehicle was inspected by the Kia dealership. The engine light did not come on until the car showed immediate signs of issues.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11727140March 25, 2026
POWER TRAIN
I purchased this vehicle new in September 2025. At approximately 3,903 miles, the vehicle exhibited a failure of the transmission system affecting its ability to remain stationary when placed in park. When the vehicle was placed in “Park” on an incline, the park mechanism failed to hold the vehicle, and the vehicle rolled despite being in park. This condition presents a clear risk of unintended vehicle movement. The issue was verified by the dealership during a test drive. Diagnostic inspection confirmed that the gear selector and transmission position indicators were functioning correctly; however, the vehicle continued to roll freely in park. The parking pawl was audibly engaging but failed to mechanically secure the vehicle. No diagnostic trouble codes were present, and no evidence of external damage, improper use, or installation issues was identified. The failure appears to be internal to the transmission system. This defect occurred at very low mileage and involves a core safety function intended to prevent unintended vehicle movement. Based on these facts, this issue is being reported as a potential safety-related defect. The dealer had the vehicle for over 30 days and installed a completely new transmission.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11726722March 24, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I have been waiting for KIA to repair this recall for over 4 weeks. The local dealership states that the part is on backorder and hasn't arrived yet.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11726551March 23, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The sunroof on my 2023 Kia Telluride spontaneously exploded. An authorized Kia dealership inspected the sunroof and determined that the sunroof exploded outward - which is consistent with a manufacturing defect that should be covered under the vehicles bumper-to-bumper warranty. However, Kia's Consumer Affairs Department is denying warranty coverage and forcing me to file an insurance claim or pay out of pocket.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11726278March 23, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Opens sunroof and part broke
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11726203March 22, 2026
ENGINE
I am a 2nd owner of a kia telluride and the engine failed without warning at less than 90,000 miles. No check engine light, no temp gauge, no low oil level light. No warning at all. Just failure of the "push rod bearing" ny Kia was regularly maintained and when I took it to the dealership, they told me it was down about 3.5qts of oil! Again no low oil light? It holds 7qts...9,000$ later out of my pocket after being denied a goodwill engine replacement from kia to put a new motor in. I have found many others on on-line forums who have experienced this. Please help
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11726198March 22, 2026
SEATS
We first heard about the recall and it was listed on NHTSA on 2/23/2026. Today is 2/22/2026, and we have not received any information from Kia. I attempted to call Kia numerous times. It lists that there is a safety malfunction with the front seats, which could be dangerous if the vehicle is involved in a collision. This is a safety issue, not a convenience issue, and needs to be addressed by Kia emergently. It has already been 2 months since the recall date, and there is ZERO information from Kia
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11726125March 22, 2026
STRUCTURE:BODY
Sunroof mechanism failure in May 2025. Had sunroof repaired and paid out of pocket at KIA dealership. The sunroof was off track therefore the roof was exposed to elements. March 2026 sunroof mechanism has broken again. Sunroof has not been operated since repair in May 2025 for fear of getting stuck open again.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11726106March 21, 2026
POWER TRAIN
Catastrophic rear differential failure at highway speed following recent warranty repair. Vehicle previously brought to Kia dealership for rear differential knocking noise. Warranty repair performed and vehicle returned. Within one week, original noise returned with additional whirling/ grinding sound.While traveling approximately 70 mph on the highway, vehicle experienced a sudden loud bang and immediate abrupt stop in traffic. At the time of failure, wife and two children were in the vehicle. Incident posed a severe and life-threatening safety risk.Visual inspection indicates complete rear differential mechanical failure, with fluid and component debris present underneath vehicle. Vehicle is currently unsafe to operate.Failure occurred immediately following manufacturer-authorized warranty repair.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11725589March 19, 2026
ENGINE
Driving on the highway when all the lights on the dashboard came on and heard a loud sound. Pulled over and noticed flames coming out. The front part of the car 911 was called. An incident report was made. The flames were out quickly. The car was towed and is at the dealership.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11725371March 18, 2026
VISIBILITY/WIPER, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
While driving on the highway under normal conditions (clear weather, no nearby vehicles within approximately 1,000 feet), I heard a sudden loud “bang,” immediately followed by a large crack forming across the windshield. There was no visible debris impact, and no external cause could be identified at the time. Based on similar reports involving this issue in other vehicles, this appears to be a potential structural or manufacturing defect rather than road damage. While using adaptive cruise control in clear weather and with no traffic present, the vehicle will randomly decelerate as if detecting a vehicle ahead when none exists. This results in sudden, unnecessary braking without warning or indication. The issue has occurred multiple times and creates a significant safety risk, particularly at highway speeds where unexpected deceleration could lead to a rear-end collision.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11725364March 18, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I am reporting multiple life-threatening safety defects with my 2025 Kia Telluride. The vehicle has experienced Sudden Unintended Acceleration, where it accelerates to excessive speeds without driver input. During these episodes, the braking system fails to respond, only allowing the vehicle to stop once its internal safety systems intervene. Additionally, the vehicle suffers from unpredictable stalling and power loss; the engine frequently shuts off upon parking—followed by the electrical system cycling back on without the motor—and the vehicle consistently struggles to start in the morning. These recurring mechanical and electrical failures pose an immediate danger to myself and others on the road.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11725276March 18, 2026
SEATS
The contact owns a 2025 Kia Telluride. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V105000 (Seats). The local dealer was contacted. The contact called another dealer, Gunter Kia (1900 S State Rd 7, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33317); and was informed that the part for the recall repair was on back-order. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11724998March 17, 2026
SEATS
I own a 2025 Kia Telluride SX X-Line with that is currently under safety recall (NHTSA #26V105, Kia Recall SC362A) involving both front seatbacks. The recall states that there is a safety issue, but there is no remedy available at this time. I contacted Kia Corporate regarding this issue and was assigned case number XXX. I spoke with two separate representatives and was told that there is nothing they can do, even if the case is escalated. During my second call, the representative disconnected the call while I was still asking questions about the safety risks of driving the vehicle with my family. This recall involves structural seat safety, which directly impacts occupant protection in the event of a crash. I regularly transport children in this vehicle and do not feel safe continuing to drive it without knowing the extent of the risk or having any interim solution. Kia has not provided clear information about whether the vehicle is safe to operate, nor have they offered alternative transportation while the remedy is unavailable. I am requesting that this issue be reviewed, including Kia’s handling of this recall and lack of support for affected customers. I am also requesting guidance on whether this vehicle is considered safe to drive under these conditions. 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
#11724560March 16, 2026
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Description of Defect: My 2020 Kia Telluride experienced catastrophic engine failure and excessive oil consumption, which is a known issue for this model year (to the point that I had to sell it just 1 year after I bought it). The vehicle consumes oil at an alarming rate without any dashboard warning lights, or low oil pressure indicators, leading to sudden loss of engine power and potential stalling while in motion. This failure occurred at 93,200 miles, well before the expected service life of the powertrain. Safety Risk: Sudden engine stalling or power loss while driving at highway speeds creates an immediate risk of rear-end collisions and leaves the driver without power steering or braking assistance. The lack of any 'Check Engine' or 'Low Oil' light prior to the mechanical crisis meant there was zero opportunity to safely maneuver off the road before the vehicle became disabled. Furthermore, excessive oil consumption in this engine type has been linked to potential fire risks under the hood. Failure/Incident Details: Despite following all manufacturer-recommended maintenance, the vehicle suffered a major [Engine/Transmission] failure. Kia America has acknowledged the failure but refuses to provide transparency or assistance, despite Technical Service Bulletins (TSB SA428 and TSB 089) existing for these exact powertrain issues. This represents a significant safety defect that puts my family and other drivers at risk.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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