Kia Telluride problems
The Kia Telluride is a mid-size crossover SUV with three-row seating manufactured and marketed by Kia since 2019. Positioned above the smaller Sorento, the Telluride was previewed as a concept car in 2016, with the production model debuting in the spring of 2019 as a 2020 model. It shares components and specifications with its sister model, the Hyundai Palisade, including its engine, transmission, and wheelbase. Named after the town of Telluride, Colorado, the Telluride is the largest vehicle Kia has manufactured in the United States.
Overview
The production version of the Telluride was launched at the 2019 North American International Auto Show in January. Previously, the Telluride was displayed as a customized version inspired by fashion designer Brandon Maxwell's Texas-inspired collection, at New York Fashion Week in September 2018. The overall design is similar to the 2016 concept except for the front end which was completely redesigned.
The Telluride is the first Kia designed specifically for the US market, with the design work handled at the Kia Design Center in Irvine, California. The production version Telluride is powered by a 3.8-liter Lambda II V6 Atkinson cycle gasoline engine rated at 291 hp (295 PS; 217 kW) and 355 N⋅m (36.2 kg⋅m; 262 lb⋅ft), paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and either front-wheel drive or all-wheel-drive.
The Telluride features four drive modes – Smart, Eco, Sport and Comfort. Snow and AWD Lock modes are also available for specific driving conditions, and the on-demand electro-hydraulic AWD system with multi-plate clutch plate constantly redistributes power to both axles. In Eco and Smart modes, power is completely routed to the front wheels, whereas Sport mode splits the power down to 65 percent front, 35 percent rear.
The standard towing rate for this SUV is rated at 5,000 pounds (2,300 kg), and it also features the optional self-levelling rear suspension where the ride height is automatically calibrated depending on vehicle load to optimise control and stability.
The Telluride is not marketed in South Korea as it is only produced in the United States, whereas its Hyundai counterpart, the Korean-built Palisade is marketed there instead. Exports from the West Point, Georgia plant to the Middle East started in February 2019. Kia limited exports of the Telluride to around 3,000 units annually.
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Kia Telluride model years
Common Kia Telluride problems
The Kia Telluride, a midsize crossover SUV, has gained popularity since its release in 2020, earning awards such as the 2020 World Car of the Year, 2020 North American Utility Vehicle of the Year, and 2020 MotorTrend SUV of the Year. However, despite its accolades, the Kia Telluride has faced several common problems that have disappointed many customers seeking a reliable, safe, and affordable SUV.
One of the most common complaints among Kia Telluride owners is defective windshields. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 98 out of 166 complaints about the 2020 Telluride relate to visibility and windshield issues.
Another area of concern for Kia Telluride owners is transmission problems. The NHTSA has received multiple complaints regarding transmission issues, including sputtering, jumping, and difficulty shifting gears.
Engine problems are also a significant concern for Kia Telluride owners. Some of the most commonly reported engine issues include engine ticking noises, cold start engine squealing, engine failing to start, and overheating.
In summary, the Kia Telluride has faced several common problems that have disappointed many customers. These issues include defective windshields, transmission problems, collision warning system failures, heating and cooling system malfunctions, and engine problems. While Kia has not issued recalls for all of these issues, the company has offered free replacement windshields to some owners and has addressed certain problems through recalls and software updates. It is crucial for Kia Telluride owners to stay informed about these issues, address any problems promptly, and maintain regular vehicle maintenance to ensure their safety and satisfaction with their vehicle.
Does Kia Telluride have any issues?
Kia recalls more than 427,000 Telluride SUVs due to defect affecting parking safety. NEW YORK (AP) — Kia is recalling more than 427,000 of its Telluride SUVs due to a defect that may cause the cars to roll away while they're parked.
Is Kia Telluride really reliable?
According to topspeed.com, the Kia Telluride is a reliable option. Although it's only been out for a few years, it's proved itself in that time. According to motorbiscuit.com, the car scores 85⁄100 in dependability. It's a quality choice if you care about the reliability of your vehicle.
What is the engine problem with the Kia Telluride 2024?
Defective Kia Engine Valve Springs a Fire Risk
The automaker warns drivers that the springs could break when they are driving their SUV. If that happens, the driver could experience a loss of drive power and there is the potential it could cause a hole in the engine block.
What is the life expectancy of a Telluride?
According to vehiclehistory.com, a standard Kia Telluride will last around 200,000 miles with proper maintenance and care.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Kia Telluride years
We have researched Kia problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Kia Telluride cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Kia Telluride model years:
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Kia Telluride model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Kia Telluride years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Kia Telluride car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Kia Telluride , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Visibility/wiper problems
- Unknown or other problems
- Exterior lighting problems
- Electrical system problems
- Power train problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Kia Telluride vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by Telluride model years
A total of 23 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by Telluride model years
There were a total of 6 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by Telluride model years
There were a total of 24 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
The NHTSA has received 1107 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Kia Telluride . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Kia Telluride vehicles.
Latest 25 complaints
Kia Telluride 2022
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-21
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-25
- VIN: 5XYP3DHC5NG
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE
- Summary: Sunroof is stuck in an open position unable to be closed. Upon attempting to open the sunroof, the deflector snapped off the assembly and the sunroof track broke. Took car to dealership (Raceway Kia, 4044 US-9, Freehold, NJ 07728) for service. Dealership indicated the sunroof is beyond repair and requires installation of an entirely brand new sunroof assembly at a cost of $5730 because it occurred outside the warranty (warranty expired at 60,000 miles and the car had 70,463 miles when sunroof broke). They were unable to manually close the sunroof as a temporary solution. Therefore, the sunroof remains open due to the broken track and is covered with plastic to avoid the elements. There were no prior symptoms indicating that the sunroof would break in this way. In fact, in three years of ownership, the sunroof was rarely used and only opened a handful of times before breaking. At this time of this writing, the sunroof is available for inspection while I look for more economical means of repair versus the dealership's plan to replace the entire assembly.
Kia Telluride 2022
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-13
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-22
- VIN: 5XYP5DHC3NG
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE
- Summary: The sunroof broke while being opened which required immediate repair since it was propped open. The only fix according to the dealer was to replace the entire unit which cost more than $5k with parts and labor
Kia Telluride 2024
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-04
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-21
- VIN: 5XYP64GC7RG
- Components: VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Summary: Windshield cracked.
Kia Telluride 2020
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-18
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-18
- VIN: 5XYP3DHC3LG
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: Engine is burning oil deal ship says noting is wrong with the car so then where is the oil going if it does not have any leaks at all
Kia Telluride 2020
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-13
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-18
- VIN: 5XYP24HCXLG
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: The headlights perform poorly when fully functional, one is out and when I replaced the light it still is not working and now that one is out I am scared to drive at night for fear of hitting a child or pet in my complex. And i will not allow my son to drive because he may get seriously hurt as well. This issue needs to be resolved as to why the headlights just go out and are not fixable with a bulb replacement.
Kia Telluride 2020
- Date Of Incident: 2024-05-16
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-17
- VIN: 5XYP64HC6LG
- Components: VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Summary: One morning when I went to get into my car I noticed a large crack approximately 12in in length across my windshield. There had been no noticeable chips in the windshield prior and there was no sign of being hit of any kind. I took the car to be looked at by a family member in glass and he said the issue is a manufacturing issue and the glass is thin and unsafe. The dealer said they won’t replace because it isn’t in the date range involved in the class action lawsuit. Since this I have had several more chips and the crack now runs all the way across the glass and extends up and down
Kia Telluride 2021
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-04
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-17
- VIN: 5XYP54HC3MG
- Components: VISIBILITY,STRUCTURE
- Summary: Sunroof/moonroof will no longer close. It is stuck in the open position and this will cause water to enter the cabin if it rains. The vehicle was examined by the dealer and they confirmed that a component is fault and will need to be replaced. No warning lamps or additional symptoms were noticed prior to the sunroof malfunctioning. The vehicle only has 44,100 miles.
Kia Telluride 2021
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-14
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-15
- VIN: 5XYP34HC2MG
- Components: STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: Was opening the sunroof and heard a popping sound. Wind deflector arm broke and now the sunroof will not close all the way leaving the risk of interior of car getting wet and creating mold since I live in an already humid climate.
Kia Telluride 2024
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-11
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-13
- VIN: 5XYP6DGC0RG
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: Sunroof shattered while driving. Nothing struck the glass, we were not around any other vehicles, etc. it just exploded. The slide was closed, so no glass fell in vehicle.
Kia Telluride 2020
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-01
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-13
- VIN: 5XYP34HC1LG
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: Paint peeling from 2020 Kia Telluride. It seems to be a known issue with many Kia Telluride owners experiencing the same paint defects. This is a serious quality issue, I've had many vehicles for 10+ years and never experienced the issues I'm having with this car. The car has under 50000 miles and for it to be peeling like this seems to be a manufacture defect. Kia has refused to fix the issue as they claim its not under warranty.
Kia Telluride 2020
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-12
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-12
- VIN: 5XYP6DHC3LG
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: The sunroof snapped when opening appears the wind deflector had broken in the corners
Kia Telluride 2021
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-11
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-11
- VIN: 5XYP34HC0MG
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: I have it so the doors do not automatically unlock when I arrive somewhere. When I arrive at a destination and put the car in park, the people in the backseat cannot pull the handle to get out. If the child safety lock (which is a button on the door handle with the window and lock buttons) is ON, the back windows and the door latches do NOT work. If the child safety lock is OFF, the windows work but the door still cannot be opened using the latch. This seems like a safety issue to me, since most people will reach for the latch in an emergency, but they can't get out. I have to push the unlock button form the driver door. If it is pushed on the front passenger door, it will not unlock the back doors.
Kia Telluride 2020
- Date Of Incident: 2024-04-18
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-08
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 5XYP64HC4LG
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
- Summary: We contacted Kia US after taking the Kia Telluride to a Kia service station for an oil change.The service tech told us that they were not going to do an oil change because,”the Telluride was a ticking time bomb.” This was said in front of the Kia service Mgr.We were very nervous driving the vehicle because no one explained what that meant.Shortly after the service appointment, the Telluride’s engine caught on fire.We call Kia US that same day to open up a case.We explained all the issues we had with the Telluride (windshield issues, headlight issues, main display screen issues, luggage rack issues, sunroof, drive shaft, wiper fluid filter issues), to include the engine. After paying an attorney to provide all documents that Kia US requested from us, including every oil change receipt for the Telluride, Kia US only offered to only pay for the parts for the driveshaft/engine fire issues. To make matters worse, the Kia service department said that the 100+ parts needed to repair the engine, were on back order. Our Telluride’s engine caught fire in April and Kia US has done nothing for us, even though the issues are under 2 recalls. This is unacceptable for a manufacturer to ignore recalls, especially when it comes to the safety of people, families and children. We contacted Kia US for 6 months with no help from them. We sent registered/certified letters to Kia US executives, legal Dept, Kia Finance and the last communication from Kia US was that they are not doing anything for us- no repairs for the recalls, even though we mentioned the recalls associated with our Vin/Telluride. They are completely disregarding the entire situation. Since then, we have had to find another option for transportation since we have been without the Telluride for 6 months. Kia US needs to take back the Telluride and either provide us with a safe/working vehicle or reimburse us for what we have spent on the Telluride. Thank you for your assistance. Sincerely, [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Kia Telluride 2020
- Date Of Incident: 2024-05-15
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-06
- VIN: 5XYP54HC1LG
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: White Pearl paint flaking off front of car above windshield
Kia Telluride 2020
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-05
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-05
- VIN: 5XYP5DHC6LG
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: Paint peeling off car
Latest 5 recalls Kia Telluride
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 23 recalls for different components of the Kia Telluride.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Kia Telluride 2021
- Report Received Date: 2024-06-05
- Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
- Park Out Side: 1
- Park Out Side: 1
- Components: SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:POWER ADJUST
- Summary: Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2020-2024 Telluride vehicles. The front power seat motor may overheat due to a stuck power seat slide knob, which can result in a fire while parked or driving.
- Consequence: A fire increases the risk of injury.
- Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will install a bracket for the power seat switch back covers and replace the seat slide knobs, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 30, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC316.
- Model: Kia Telluride 2023
- Report Received Date: 2024-06-05
- Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
- Park Out Side: 1
- Park Out Side: 1
- Components: SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:POWER ADJUST
- Summary: Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2020-2024 Telluride vehicles. The front power seat motor may overheat due to a stuck power seat slide knob, which can result in a fire while parked or driving.
- Consequence: A fire increases the risk of injury.
- Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will install a bracket for the power seat switch back covers and replace the seat slide knobs, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 30, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC316.
- Model: Kia Telluride 2022
- Report Received Date: 2024-06-05
- Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
- Park Out Side: 1
- Park Out Side: 1
- Components: SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:POWER ADJUST
- Summary: Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2020-2024 Telluride vehicles. The front power seat motor may overheat due to a stuck power seat slide knob, which can result in a fire while parked or driving.
- Consequence: A fire increases the risk of injury.
- Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will install a bracket for the power seat switch back covers and replace the seat slide knobs, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 30, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC316.
- Model: Kia Telluride 2020
- Report Received Date: 2024-06-05
- Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
- Park Out Side: 1
- Park Out Side: 1
- Components: SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:POWER ADJUST
- Summary: Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2020-2024 Telluride vehicles. The front power seat motor may overheat due to a stuck power seat slide knob, which can result in a fire while parked or driving.
- Consequence: A fire increases the risk of injury.
- Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will install a bracket for the power seat switch back covers and replace the seat slide knobs, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 30, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC316.
- Model: Kia Telluride 2024
- Report Received Date: 2024-06-05
- Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
- Park Out Side: 1
- Park Out Side: 1
- Components: SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:POWER ADJUST
- Summary: Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2020-2024 Telluride vehicles. The front power seat motor may overheat due to a stuck power seat slide knob, which can result in a fire while parked or driving.
- Consequence: A fire increases the risk of injury.
- Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will install a bracket for the power seat switch back covers and replace the seat slide knobs, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 30, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC316.
Latest negative Kia Telluride car reviews
Latest positive Kia Telluride car reviews
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Vehicle year: 2020
I'm thrilled to hear that you're enjoying your new Telluride SX AWD with the prestige package! It's great to know that you considered a range of options before making your decision, and that the Telluride stood out in terms of legroom, technology, comfort, and affordability. It's also fantastic to hear that the fit and finish are excellent, and that the warranty is extensive. It sounds like the Telluride is really living up to your expectations, and I'm so glad to hear that it's been able to compete with more expensive brands like Mercedes and Infinity. Congratulations on your new purchase!
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Vehicle year: 2020
We've been leasing our Telluride for a few months now and have put about 7k miles on it. I have to say, it's a really nice SUV and drives great. We took it from Chicago to Florida in the summer with our kids and it was one of the best drives we've had, thanks to the adaptive cruise control, lane assist, and great gas mileage. Our previous truck was a GMC Yukon XL, but we don't miss it at all. We decided to lease because the dealership was trying to mark up the price on the only one they had when we tried to buy it. My advice is to do your research before going into the dealer. Check out the Kia website and make sure you know the deals. Kia has lease deals with set monthly payments and down payments, so you know what you should be paying. The dealer was trying to push a $450 payment plus money down for the lease, but I asked them to pull up the Kia website and look at the lease deals for the same model they had. They tried to tell me they couldn't lease it for that price, but I asked them to call Kia corporate to discuss why. They ended up backtracking and we made the lease for $329 and $3500 down, just as the website stated. This is our second Kia in the garage and we enjoy both of them. Shop around for a dealer you can work with or contact Kia Corporate to assist. Don't let the dealerships rip you off, and it's a shame that all manufacturers allow them to do that. Kia has come a long way with their vehicles, and they have a great warranty that we haven't had to use yet. Try them out for yourself and you won't be disappointed!
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Vehicle year: 2024
I have a SX X-Line and I absolutely love it! The interior is stunning and the ride is incredibly smooth. It's also packed with practical features like a surround view camera, heated & cooled seats, blind spot camera, and an AWD switch. With 8.4 inches of ground clearance, you get a fantastic view from the driver's seat and can confidently navigate through heavy rain or snow. I considered the VW Atlas and Honda Pilot, but I'm so glad I didn't compromise. In person, the SX X-Line looks even better than online and it consistently rates higher than its competitors.
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Vehicle year: 2021
This is a great SUV that met all our requirements. Unfortunately, we had to pass on it as the dealer was asking for $5K over the MSRP. Thank you for the offer!
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Vehicle year: 2021
The Telluride is an excellent value for money and is currently one of the best cars in the market. The SX Prestige model, which is priced at around $50K, offers second-row ventilated seats that are not even available in an $80,000 Cadillac Escalade. The infotainment system is user-friendly and glitch-free, and the car comes with a HUD and analog A/C controls. The interior is luxurious and well-designed, with leather and soft-touch materials used throughout. The car also has excellent connectivity options, including two USB ports in the back seats, a 120v outlet in the back, USB outlets for the third row, and 12 volts scattered around the cabin. Although the wireless charging is not very efficient, it is still a useful feature. The naturally aspirated V-6 engine provides ample power without any turbo lag. While the car may not offer the most exciting driving experience due to its soft steering and lack of connection to the road, it still provides a smooth and comfortable ride. Overall, I highly recommend the Telluride as it offers excellent value for money and is a great SUV for families.
Are you having problems with your Kia Telluride?
Alexie Sipes 2025-04-19
Vehicle year: 2021
Hi there! I hope you're doing well. I wanted to share my experience with the 2021 Telluride. I've noticed that the windshield is quite delicate and can crack easily from even small impacts. Unfortunately, my windshield cracked twice, but thankfully Kia was able to replace it for me. On another note, I've also noticed some peeling paint on the front grill of my white pearl Telluride. I'm planning on having it repainted soon. If you have a Telluride, it might be worth checking your paint as well. I hope this information is helpful to you. Have a great day!
Unique Emard 2025-04-15
Vehicle year: 2023
I purchased the 2023 Telluride in April, but unfortunately, I have been experiencing some issues with the back gate opening on its own while driving. Despite the dealer's best efforts, they have not been able to identify the root cause of the problem, even after attempting to fix it four times. We have also reached out to Kia corporate for assistance, but unfortunately, they have not been very helpful. Although we have been disappointed with the customer support we have received, we are hopeful that we will be able to resolve this issue soon. In the meantime, we are considering our options and looking into other cars. We will keep you updated on our progress. Update: We have been informed that Kia will not issue a Lemon Law, despite the fact that the dealer has had the car for more than 30 days and attempted to fix it more than four times. We believe that this is a safety hazard and have decided to involve a lawyer to help us resolve this issue.
Ruben Crona 2025-04-14
Vehicle year: 2024
In many ways, this seems to be a wonderful car. The only main drawback is the receipts, which are made out of a synthetic plastic-like material and can be quite hard to handle. Although they are advertised as having a leather trim, the only leather part of the sheet covering is a strip that is approximately 2 feet long.
Presley Balistreri 2025-04-13
Vehicle year: 2024
I'm disappointed to report that my instrument cluster went blank (blinking blank) with under 7000 miles on my 2023. However, the dealer has been helpful in addressing the issue. It's frustrating to have to pay over MSRP and lose my vehicle for an unknown amount of time just to get my instrument gauges working again. I will follow up with an update on my experience.
Mose Frami 2025-04-07
Vehicle year: 2021
My Telluride has less than 1,600 miles and I brought it in for a check engine light and some shaking. Despite the dealership's efforts, the issue persists and they are currently working with Kia to find a solution. While this is an unusual situation, I am confident that the dealership and Kia will work together to resolve the issue. I encourage others to trust in the quality of the Telluride and not let this isolated incident discourage them from considering it as a great option.