Kia Telluride Complaints

2,086 consumer complaints on file.

#11767667September 29, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE, EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Everything with paint that everyone else with the pearl color is dealing with flaked all off .. electrical my seat caught on fire ... lighting headlights constantlyfail have changed multiple.. I can keep going on but there isnt enough time or room
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11767757September 29, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Plastic part of sunroof mechanism snapped, causing the whole sunroof to jam and not be able to close properly. Not only does this put interior damage of the car at risk, it puts a driver and passengers at risk in the case of inclement weather.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11767475September 28, 2026
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
when wear sunglasses during driving. it kept alert me to focus to face forward on road.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11767480September 28, 2026
VISIBILITY/WIPER
This side mirror folding bring to comfort to driver. but after parked vehicle and fold side mirror. after few times with fold and unfold sidemirror. afterthought, mirror keep moved downward. I've been changed sidemirror motor one time already and waiting for 2nd part to arrive at dealership now. this keep happening bring me stressful to few times reset mirror setting.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11766970September 25, 2026
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2025 Kia Telluride. The contact stated that while driving uphill at 55 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle lost power. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed; however, the diagnostic result was unknown. The contact stated that the failure had occurred on several occasions. The approximate failure mileage was 22,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11766982September 25, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES
While driving the vehicle on the highway, as I was exiting the off ramp, when applying the brake pedal it completely failed and went to the floor with no stopping. I rapidly began pumping the brake pedal and slowly the brakes began to work in time to stop at the bottom of the off ramp. The vehicle then displayed an error: “ I have a Kia 2024 telluride EX. as we were driving the brakes suddenly went out and recovered enough to stop. now when starting the car it comes up with an error “Downhill brake control disabled. control vehicle speed”. We contacted KIa warranty and had the vehicle towed to the dealer.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11767054September 25, 2026
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, POWER TRAIN
On the morning of September 25, 2026, while parking my 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid (approximately 6,000 miles), I lightly pressed the accelerator pedal and the vehicle suddenly surged forward with force that felt disproportionate to my pedal input, striking a wall in front of the vehicle. The front bumper and front fender were damaged; the vehicle is currently being repaired at a body shop under an insurance claim. No injuries occurred. Notably, my dashcam has no recorded footage covering the exact time of the incident. I am concerned this may have been a sudden unintended acceleration event and am reporting it so it can be evaluated for a potential safety defect. Approximately one week before this incident, my vehicle received two dealer software updates: campaign SA652 (ultra-wide band sensor software) and campaign SA658 (SBCM software logic improvement). I am including this timing information in case it is relevant to the evaluation.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11766606September 24, 2026
ENGINE
Unfortunately, beginning in June 2025, I experienced a serious engine problem. While driving, the vehicle began sputtering and stalled twice in traffic. I immediately brought it to the dealer, where I was told the engine had no oil, despite no prior warning of abnormal oil loss (no engine warning lights and no leaks). The service department added oil and initiated an Oil Consumption test. On October 4, 2025, the same problem occurred again. While driving, the Telluride began sputtering again, and the dealer again determined that the engine had no oil. I was charged for another oil change and instructed to complete another Oil Consumption test. During this process, the maintenance supervisor acknowledged that excessive oil consumption was a known and serious issue affecting Kia Tellurides and other models, and explained that engine replacement was the appropriate solution. I also observed another Telluride at the dealership undergoing the same type of engine repair. After completing the required testing, the dealer ultimately installed a rebuilt engine in my vehicle to address the excessive oil consumption problem with the original engine. I am now back in the same situation. On September 8, 2026, less than one year after the rebuilt engine was installed, my Telluride once again began sputtering while I was driving. I brought the vehicle to back to the dealer on on September 9, 2026. The service personnel again told me there was no oil in the vehicle, despite it being well within its recommended oil-change interval. More importantly, I was informed that the rebuilt engine currently installed in my vehicle is suspected of having the same excessive oil-consumption problem as the original engine. After following the instructions on yet another engine recheck and Oil Consumption test, I 've been told that the engine is burning oil at an exponential rate.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11766642September 24, 2026
ENGINE
My 2020 Kia Telluride experienced progressive and severe engine oil consumption that ultimately required a full engine replacement. Beginning well before the failure, the vehicle required frequent manual oil top-offs between scheduled changes, including on longer trips. No low-oil warning light, check-engine light, or oil-pressure warning ever illuminated to alert of critically low oil levels. In late March 2026 an independent service center replaced the engine oil filter housing and related gasket after an oil leak was observed; an axle damaged by oil spray was also replaced at that time. Shortly afterward the manufacturer issued a warranty extension covering oil-filter-housing gasket leaks on 2020–2025 Tellurides, extending coverage to 15 years/180,000 miles for that specific condition. Despite the housing/gasket repair, the excessive oil consumption continued. Several weeks later the vehicle lost power and broke down while being driven. It was towed to an authorized Kia dealership. Technicians inspected the vehicle, confirmed heavy oil consumption (noting the engine had been requiring large amounts of oil nearly weekly with no external ground leaks observed), and diagnosed catastrophic internal engine damage. They recommended complete engine replacement at a quoted cost exceeding $13,000. The dealership also inspected the oil-filter housing area under the recent warranty extension but determined the engine damage itself fell outside that limited coverage. The oil-consumption problem and resulting engine failure create a clear safety risk: sudden loss of power or stalling can occur without any dashboard warning, potentially while the vehicle is in motion on public roads. The failed engine and related components remain available for inspection. The condition has been confirmed by both an independent service center and an authorized Kia dealership. Similar oil-consumption and engine-damage reports have been widely noted among other owners of the same model.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11766281September 23, 2026
POWER TRAIN, SERVICE BRAKES
Upon Acceleration there was a screeching noise every time. Yesterday the car would not speed up and Rpms were so high. Engine began over heating and got a message to park car and leave running, car started smoking and almost got hit trying to pull out because the car wouldn't speed up with the pedal to the floor. Also Brakes grind hard stopping and make a cracking noise. Barely could make it to the dealership. They told me there was 27 new kia's in for the same problem yet no one recalled cars or warned people.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11766464September 23, 2026
ENGINE
The engine randomly turns off and I get a warning that says "Engine Off! Shift to P or N, then start engine" This happened recently as my mother in law was making a left hand turn on a busy intersection. If there were other cars coming she would've been hit. There are no prior warnings or indications that the car is having any issues. The car has been inspected by the dealership, which has been unable to reproduce the issue.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11766500September 23, 2026
STRUCTURE:BODY, ENGINE
I am the original owner of a 2020 Kia Telluride that was purchased new in December 2019 and currently has approximately 98,000 miles. The vehicle has been routinely serviced, including regular maintenance performed through authorized Kia dealerships. Recently, the vehicle developed a serious apparent engine problem. An independent repair facility inspected the engine oil and found it was very low and visible metallic particles/shavings in the oil. The oil also appeared abnormally burned. The repair facility found no evidence of an external oil leak and advised that the vehicle should not be driven because of the condition of the engine oil and presence of metal. I had the vehicle towed to an authorized Kia dealership rather than continue operating it. There were NO Engine or warning lights indicating low oil. The vehicle is currently awaiting diagnosis by Kia under the 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. I am concerned that the presence of metal in the engine oil indicates an internal engine component failure that could result in sudden engine seizure, loss of propulsion, or other engine failure while the vehicle is being operated in traffic. There was no crash, fire, or injury associated with my vehicle at the time the problem was discovered because I stopped operating it after being advised not to drive it. The vehicle also has significant premature paint delamination on the roof. Large areas of the original factory paint have separated/flaked away from the roof despite the vehicle being approximately six years old. This is not isolated rock chipping or normal cosmetic wear; it appears to be a widespread failure of paint adhesion. I am concerned about additional paint separating from the vehicle while traveling at highway speeds and potentially becoming airborne, as well as the long-term effect of exposed roof metal and corrosion. Kia has been notified of the paint condition but has declined to repair it.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11766191September 22, 2026
POWER TRAIN
I noticed while driving my gas model that when I pulled off from a complete stop it takes time to accelerate although the RPMS are raising. It feels like its struggling to accelerate. It is intermittent but its very noticeable. I have to press the gas pedal very slowly for it to eventually pick up. This is a little concerning regarding safety. I really would like the transmission checked as well as any turbocharged/throttle/sensors to ensure no limp mode issues
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11766244September 22, 2026
ENGINE
I had my vehicle checked for oil consumption for it failed the test. After Kia approved an engine swap an engine light came up with faulty O2 sensor. Not just one but both O2 sensors. Replaced both sensors but the problem persist. Kia changed the engine harness with the assumption that the technician damaged the harness while installing the engine. My vehicle has been at the dealership for four months and I honestly don’t know what to do.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11766262September 22, 2026
Chest Clip, Buckle, Harness
I purchased my CYBEX Callisto G 360 on April 26, 2025. The harness does not stay tight: after I pull the adjuster strap to tighten it and let go, I can pull on the shoulder straps and they loosen again without pressing the harness release button. I’m concerned the harness adjuster is not holding the restraint securely, so I have stopped using the seat. It's extremely dangerous for this component to be failing.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11766138September 22, 2026
POWER TRAIN
The AWD coupler is shuttering and making the vehicle shake on turns . It is a common issue with KiA awd systems which is why I don’t understand why it’s not a recall! It puts people’s life’s at risk because upon accelerating at an intersection the binding does not let the full acceleration of the vehicle to take place . I have not yet got it serviced because it’s a pricey job . I just bought the vehicle last month and the warranty expired at the beginning of this month ! How do I purchase a vehicle and expected to to pay for a repair that is known to KIA AWD SYSTEMS !!! My vehicle only has 40k miles on it and from horror stories I hear it goes out more then one time .
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11765954September 21, 2026
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
I purchased my 2021 Kia Telluride S new, with only 22 miles from the test drive. XXX (approx. 53,000 miles, vehicle age 18 months): The transmission failed while I was traveling approx. 75-80 mph on a major highway in [XXX]. Upon failure, the vehicle suddenly lurched as if the brakes had locked or the parking brake had been applied, nearly causing us to strike our heads on the dashboard and creating a hazardous situation for other traffic. After the failure, the vehicle would only operate in approx. first through third gears and reverse, and would not exceed 25 mph. We were forced to limp the vehicle off a busy six-lane highway. XXX: Due to parts delays, the vehicle was not returned until November 2022 after the transmission work. XXX (approx. four months later): The vehicle developed engine knock and excessive oil consumption. Advised this may have been related to oil degradation while the vehicle sat waiting for parts. Since then, I had to regularly check and add oil between oil changes. Despite low oil levels, no oil pressure warning light ever appeared. XXX (exact date unknown): While opening the sunroof at a stop, a loud crack occurred and pieces of the sunroof track, plastic and metal, fell onto me and my passenger. The glass is intact but became partially stuck open without the track to guide it. XXX: The engine knock worsened and became a squeal while driving approx. 60 mph. The vehicle lost power, requiring me to turn on hazards and coast off to avoid accident. Dealership mechanic advised that the engine had thrown a rod and blown the oil filter housing gasket. The vehicle is currently at the dealership and available for inspection. Kia has denied coverage despite the failure of a component linked to excessive oil loss and a recently extended 180,000-mile warranty, even after the engine threw a rod following a sudden loss of oil pressure. The failed transmission has likely already been disposed of. 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
#11765534September 19, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The radiator of our 2027 Kia Telluride was punctured by some unidentified road debris. The service rep at the Kia dealership where the vehicle was towed noted that this debris barely missed a $3000+ sensor device. While investigating the likelihood of this incident occurring on such a new vehicle, I found that Kia Telluride owners have been reporting similar incidents since at lease 2021. The problem is an extra wide grill that allows for such road debris to readily pass through the grill and strike whatever is behind the grill. There are third party solutions for this problem - installing screens behind the grill. I feel Kia needs to proactively address this problem through a recall, redesigning their grill, and offering to install the third party solution. We were left with a vehicle overheated on the side of an interstate after dark in a part of northern [XXX] where we were unsure of our safety, the reputation of the tow company, the reputation of the Kia dealership to which the vehicle was towed, and timeliness of repairing such an incident. We ended up having to pay insurance deductibles and rental car fees in addition to making a trip back to northern [XXX] to retrieve the repaired vehicle. The negligence on Kia's behalf of this well-known issue can easily result in a disabled vehicle for others, costing the vehicle owner's insurance claims, costly repairs and alternate travel expenses, or personal safety and injury concerns. I had a claim with Kia Customer Service (Case #XXX) but the case was inexplicably closed. I'm sharing the video the repair technician recorded during the analysis phase of our vehicle's repair ([XXX] Kia - [XXX]) - [XXX]. 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
#11765569September 19, 2026
VISIBILITY/WIPER
The sunroof on vehicle is not able to open/close correctly due to track/clips broken. Vehicle was purchased used January 2023. The sunroof has been used less than 5 times during this period. I spoke to a service advisor at the local dealership, Bulldog Kia of Athens , Ga. He confirmed that there is a continual issue with this and that He advises customers to NOT use the sunroof after 60,000 miles. With further research, Kia is aware of this issue and has yet to offer a solution. The cost to repair is $6000.00 for a new sunroof. There is a kit that could be used by dealers to repair.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11765332September 18, 2026
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Telluride. The contact stated that while driving 5 MPH, the vehicle unexpectedly stalled in the middle of an intersection. The vehicle was restarted; however, the low oil warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where an oil consumption test was performed. The dealer informed the contact that no failure was found. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred and, after inspecting the vehicle, the oil level was low despite a recent oil change. The contact stated that the vehicle was scheduled for another oil consumption test with the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure by telephone. The approximate failure mileage was 69,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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