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 test drove my top 3 choices, which included the Traverse and the Atlas, before deciding on the Kia. After thoroughly researching and checking out all 3, I knew the Kia was the best fit for me. My wife was surprised when I showed her the new SUV, but her reaction was still positive. The Kia is an eye-catcher with a sturdy luxury look on the outside and a plush, comfy, and rich-looking interior full of tech. The drive was what really sold me on it. It's significantly quieter and less 'busy' than the Atlas, and the transmission is much smoother. The middle bench is wider than the 3rd row, which is a benefit for our family of 8. We've already taken it on a 1,200 mile trip and the clamshell and tow hitch bike rack turned it into a bonafide family mover vacation unit. As someone who has owned a lot of vehicles throughout the years, I can confidently say that the Telluride is my favorite. In the next 2 years, I plan to grab one for myself as well. The only thing to note is that the EX and SX are different trims.Perhaps you could consider making the same options available? I would have been happy to spend more for the SX options, such as NAPA leather, memory seat settings, panoramic sunroof, and fog lights, while still retaining the bench seat. I don't care about 20
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Vehicle year: 2023
Interior apex and seating is ample for your family, especially for those who are very tall. I'm glad to hear that you love the exterior style and find the drive and ride comfortable.
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Vehicle year: 2022
I love everything about the Telluride. The only thing that could be improved is the comfort of the seats.
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Vehicle year: 2023
The car is advertised as being able to tow 5500 lbs., but unfortunately, there is no hitch or a place to wire in trailer lights. Kia has been having issues with fires in trailer wiring of other models, and they currently have no fixes available for hitches/wiring for 2023 Tellurides. If you plan to use it to tow, it's best to stay away. If you don't believe it, you can do your web search. Other than the lack of towing capability, the car appears to be great, at least after the first couple of months of ownership.
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Vehicle year: 2022
The Telluride is an amazing SUV! The ride is so smooth and Kia has paid attention to every detail on the interior. The sleek looks and new logo are just fantastic. It has all the features you could want, from lane change alert to heated/cooled seats in the back. Plus, there's plenty of leg room, even in the 3rd row.
Are you having problems with your Kia Telluride?
Isaiah Quitzon 2025-11-29
Vehicle year: 2023
My transmission was fixed and Kia was great. They listened to my concerns and my dealership was also great. The Telluride is now fixed and is as great as my other Kia's have been. Although it took approximately two months to get it back, I am satisfied with the outcome. I have been a loyal Kia customer and have never had any issues until my 2023 Telluride SX Prestige X-Line. Despite the transmission issue at less than 300 miles, I am confident in the quality of Kia's vehicles. Although I am paying for the repair and it will take some time, I trust that Kia will deliver a high-quality product. While I did experience some frustration with Kia's customer service, I am confident that they will continue to improve their service. Overall, I remain a satisfied Kia customer and look forward to continuing my relationship with the brand.
Brice Nienow 2025-11-28
Vehicle year: 2023
If you're in the market for a reliable vehicle to run errands, take the kids to school, or enjoy a day at the beach, the 2023-2024 Tellurides are fantastic options. However, if you require a trailer hitch for any reason, it may be best to consider another vehicle. Despite advertising their top-of-the-line X-Pro as suitable for towing and displaying a tow hitch, Kia does not offer an OEM hitch for this model. I have been in contact with Kia corporate for several months regarding the availability of an OEM hitch and wire harness, but unfortunately, they have not provided a solution or an estimated time of availability. Their latest response suggested installing a third-party product, but the warranty coverage for such products is unclear. Given my experience with Kia, I would expect them to deny any warranty claims related to towing or the hitch once installed. Additionally, third-party hitches may hang below the bumper or require cutting of the facia trim, which can compromise ground clearance. The warranty document referenced in their reply states that they will not cover damage or corrosion due to accidents, negligence, improper repairs or adjustments, misuse, alterations, or collision. The phrase 'damage due to improper alterations' is particularly relevant here, as a third-party wire harness could be considered an improper alteration. In light of these concerns, I have decided that this will be my first and last Kia product. Thank you for considering this information before making your purchase.
Mavis O'Connell 2025-11-24
Vehicle year: 2024
We purchased this vehicle for well over $50K. Unfortunately, during our first visit to the TOUCHLESS car wash that we have been using for years, a piece of trim fell off when the blowers were drying it. Despite our disappointment, we reached out to Kia for assistance with the repair. However, we were informed that the damage was not covered by our warranty. We were confused and disappointed, but we understand that sometimes things don't go as planned. Although we had some challenges with the repair process, we appreciate the opportunity to work with Kia and hope to have a better experience in the future. While we initially chose the Telluride because of its positive reviews and lower price point, we have learned that quality and service are just as important as cost. In the future, we may consider other options such as Toyota or Honda, or even a luxury vehicle. Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Westley Hauck 2025-11-23
Vehicle year: 2024
My 2024 Telluride with less than 20,000 miles has been to service for major issues multiple times. The displays black out, there is intermittent loss of power, the gas gauge does not work and just shows dashes even on a full tank. Additionally, 3 out of 5 times it will not start and has to be jump started. Despite the dealership's inability to repair it, I am confident that these issues will be resolved soon.
Johnny Davis 2025-11-17
Vehicle year: 2023
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.