NHTSA Owner Complaint Log
This page lists owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2020 Kia Telluride. Complaints are unverified consumer reports submitted to NHTSA and do not by themselves prove a defect or defect rate.
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Telluride. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V214000 (Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the vehicle rolled down from the driveway of his home while his son was in the backseat. The contact attempted to stop the vehicle and was knocked down by the door and the vehicle ran over the contact's foot. The vehicle was stopped by the contact when he engaged the brake pedal, but the vehicle crashed into his neighbor's vehicle. The crash was minor. The contact stated that no warning lights were illuminated. The contact was taken to the local hospital. The contact stated he suffered a contusion in his foot and was diagnosed with a crushed injury by the local hospital and he also stated his son was traumatized from the incident. A police report was not filed. The dealer was not contacted and the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure The failure mileage was approximately 68,213. Parts distribution disconnect.
2020 Kia Telluride Snow White Pearl paint chipping on top of windshield exposing primer. Known issue regarding Kia and white paint colors.
The back self-leveling shock absorbers have failed. Even the slightest bump has my back passengers in danger of hitting their heads. In reading various forums, this is a problem with the 2020 Tellurides with the tow package.
Shocks on vehicle wear prematurely. First set completely failed at 35K. Second set completely failed almost 30K later.
There is no incident but there has been an interim recall notice on my car since February. This is the recall number 24V148. I rent this car out as part of my business and this recall is blocking me from being able to rent it out since February (6 months). Please get this resolved.
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Telluride. The contact stated while driving at approximately 40 MPH, the contact attempted to activate the high beam headlights; however, the high-beam headlights failed to function. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the high beam headlights warning light illuminated but failed to function as intended. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V148000 (Exterior Lighting) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
I have a white Telluride purchased used in 2021 with 30,000 miles at the time of purchase. By 2022 paint started pealing above the windshield. It progressively is getting worse and worse. Kia dealership close by says there's nothing they can do it's not under warranty.
Tried to open sunroof and it tore itself apart and tore itself off of the tracks and now I can not close the sunroof
Very bumpy ride. Shocks had failed. The shock failure was part of another problem from the shock insulator and absorber. The vehicle became very dangerous and unstable to drive at high speeds (freeway). Shock failure and suspension potentially caused additional problems.
I have 2 problems. The first is that my rear seats lift and move. This has been a problem since I purchased the vehicle. However I'm just reporting the issue because my grandson was injured while in his booster seat. The seat had automatically deployed and moved forward by itself 2x causing my grandson to be smashed into the passenger seat and restrained tightly by the seat belt. The back of the sear folds forward and the entire seat moves forward. Both rear seats does this. I have had incidents where my grocery would fly forward while driving because the seat had deployed. My 2nd issue is that the sensor on the steering wheel has always have issues with detecting hands on the steering wheel. I get warnings while driving to place my hands on the steering wheel. Both hands are on the wheel. However is the only certain places on the steering wheel that detects your hands?
The sunroof did not closed and made a pop sound and after that it was mis aligned and failed to close, one arm was broken and the sunroof was hanging on the other one. Called the Kia Riverside dealership they said they dont have any tech for sunroof. Ended up taking to cerritos dealership and they said i have to leave it for 7 days without loaner just to inspect and it will cost 257 bucks for inspection only. Then I decided to take it to a local shop and they quoted me a total of 3740 bucks including 2800 for parts. I ended up using them to just force close the glass so that its not a safety issue anymore.
The side mirrors don’t fully retract, when the doors are locked or unlocked via the key fob nor depressing the lock/unlock button on the driver door. The side mirrors also stopped working as the driver walks near the vehicle with the key fob. This is a safety issue because when the side mirrors don’t fully release outwards, the driver cannot see vehicles approaching or passing.
Our vehicle is 4 years old and has been experiencing excessive oil consumption (a quart every ~600 miles) and extreme shaking at speeds between 20-50mph. After months of trying to diagnose the issue we have been quoted a total engine and transmission replacement. After calling dealerships across the East coast for second opinions, this is a common diagnosis for our vehicle year and model and even within our small local dealership they are seeing other 2019 and 2020 Kia models experiencing failed piston rings. Kia declined our request for corporate intervention to address the issue.
Sunroof original from KIA. Track has broken and it had no out of ordinary use. I can understand seals, but the track of the sunroof should exceed any other issue.
The Right Rear Strut Assembly is faulty. Warranty work has been done to vehicle in the past for the faulty strut. Brought Vehicle back into dealership and they brush it off saying it was my tire condition causing the noise. New Tires were purchased To no avail. The exact same noise continues inside the cabin of tapping noise. Dealership was able to reproduce the noise but they were not specific as to what was causing the noise on my service documentation.
The A/C system failed due to either corrosion or leaking at a fitting(Dealer has told us two different things). This is a 2020 car with a little over 100k miles, there is no reason for a failure due to corrosion or due to a leaking fitting. This is poor assembly, faulty factory parts, or faulty design. The Coolant used (1234yf) is flammable and could pose a safety hazard when it leaks. Photo attached that dealer provided for leak location.
The window on the driver side and co-pilot behind the driver side have gotten stuck. Last time I was at a car wash and the rear co-pilot window did not go up and the inside of my car got wet.
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
White Pearl paint flaking off front of car above windshield
On Tuesday, May 14th, the sunroof on my 2020 Kia Telluride broke and is now stuck in the open position. Despite forums indicating that this is a common issue with this vehicle, Kia refuses to cover the repair. This is the first time I've purchased a new vehicle and faced a major repair before paying it off. The sunroof problem is clearly an issue with Kia, yet they are not offering any assistance for this $3,500 repair on a car that is less than five years old with minimal sunroof use. I believe a recall is warranted, and customers should not have to bear the cost of this failure. It's disappointing that Kia is living up to a negative reputation that I thought they were trying to move away from. If I have to pay for this major repair, which is due to a flaw and not my usage, this will be my first and last Kia purchase.
On Friday [XXX], my vehicle began failing to brake after being in traffic for about 45 minutes. I had to punch the brake with my foot, hitting the floor, and it would continue to roll. It was towed to Courage Kia in Gastonia on [XXX]. On 5/14, they identified an issue with the HECU. Since then, they have been “running tests” with engineering to try to identify the issue. However, I’m seeing years of these complaints online and this can’t be the first time this has happened. I do not have any paperwork yet, because nothing has been done. There were no warning lights on in my car. It is currently available for inspection at Courage Kia in Gastonia. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? POWER TRAIN, OIL CONSUMPTION, CAMSHAFT POSITION , CIRCUIT SENSORS A X 4, HEADLAMPS HIGH BEAMS DO NOT FUNCTION.CHECK ENGINE LIGHT FAILS. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? I DONT FEEL SAFE DRIVING AFTER SUNSET IF I CANT SEE ROAD WHEN NEEDED MY HIGH BEAMS DID NOT FUNCTION I WAS TOLD IT WAS FIXED BUT THERE WERE NO PARTS. STILL AN ISSUE. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? YES about 4 times. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? NO BEFORE THE 4TH WEEK OF HAVING VEHICLE AFTER 3 WEEKS OF PURCHASE WITH NO OIL.I REPORTED IT TO Y SELLER WAS TOLD TO PAY TO FIX AT SERVICE BUT I DID NOT EXPECT TO BUY A FAULTY VEHICLE AFTER THE STRUGGLE WAS TO OBTAIN SUCH VEHICE FOR MY BUSINESS.
Snow White Pearl paint chipping off in chunks
I was driving, no warning lights came on, and the car just stopped. Had it towed to a local mechanic and was told the engine froze.
I have had mi car in multiple shops and been told they can’t repair my headlights. The bulb keeps blowing and now the headlight highbeam doesn’t work and my state inspection is coming up next month and the corporate office says there nothing they can do till the part is available. I need my car fixed for my safety and my family’s safety. I don’t know what else to do
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)
My 2020 Kia Telluride SX model won’t start, I get an error “Check ESC“. It will also have other warning ligts come on also. The failure from the start seemed like the bad battery and a (TOC TOC) sound was heard when trying to turn it on several times Had the checked the battery and replaced because it was bad, after a month days it began to have the problem again Jumpstarting the car worked but only temporarily. The next day, or within a few hours the same issue of not turning over.
Pearl white Telluride paint chipping off with no explanation. Several body shops state that this is a well known issue.
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Telluride. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle started jerking. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle displayed a message "Consider Taking a Break". The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the transmission and both front and rear axles, oil pan gasket, brakes, drive train, and engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 64,826.
Valve cover gasket leak, coolant hose leaks, passenger side axel boot slinging grease, parasitic draw
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Telluride. The contact stated while driving from a complete stop at 2-5 MPH, the vehicle stalled inadvertently, nearly causing a crash. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and continue driving. The contact stated that the low oil pressure warning light was later illuminated while driving, and the contact pulled to the side of the road. The contact stated that upon verifying the oil level, the contact became aware that there was no oil in the oil pan. The contact's husband added oil to the engine. The contact then drove to the residence. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the oil housing unit had failed and needed to be replaced; however, the part was not available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 86,000.
Excessive oil consumption
I took my vehicle to Safelite for a Windshield repair. As the Safelite technician removed the materials related to the repair process, paint was delaminated from the roof of the vehicle. The Safelite technician and manager "claim" that this is a known quality defect on many customer forums and that I should file a notice on the NHTSA.GOV website.
The car suspension is not working properly and the car has becoming very bouncy-even on highway. Not sure if it is too hard or too soft, but issues start when it is about 24,000 miles. Changing driving mode made no difference. Besides being uncomfortable, it is very distracting. to the driver.
Less than 40k miles and the rear suspension has completely gone out. The jolting at low speeds is significant. At higher speeds, the lack of suspension is dangerous. Never used for towing. Purchased with tow package and self leveling shocks. Began early this year and has not subsided.
While driving and attempting to brake, the brake pedal was COMPLETELY unresponsive. Slamming on brakes did nothing, and I could not stop the car. I just kept steering, with traffic all around me. About 15 seconds later the vehicle finally came to a rolling stop. It was EXTREMELY frightening and dangerous. The car had random lights that would flicker on and then off the dashboard when you started it, but then nothing. We had an appt at KIA to address, even though they weren't coming anymore. Roadside assistance took to the dealer, who confirmed that it was a wheel speed/brake sensor, and so car brake would not work. It was not a recall at the time though. We paid $1500+ to repair it all, and months later the real for that exact issue came out. Submitted the reimbursement form to KIA, and despite following up several times, it has been several months still not reimbursed.
The highbeams quit working Causing poor visibility
My 2020 Telly has a random vibration. When it appears it can be felt throughout the vehicle. Just as quickly as it appears it disappears. Mostly felt with acceleration/when changing gears (right after). Also there have been a handful of times I've attempted to go from a stopped position or pulling into traffic and the car just sits there. It does not rev or increase rpm's, it does nothing. Then after about 2 seconds it will just calmly go as if I had just pressed on the gas. This is very scary when it happens while pulling into traffic or attempting to cross over traffic... Because when it does start to go you are now 2 seconds behind where you should be and I was almost hit. Had a similar issue with my Tucson and Hyundai fixed it ASAP.. it was the transmission clutch. Also having an issue with my CV axle/joint/boot. It's leaking but it is not broken or cracked etc. It's just leaking and spitting greas/fluid all over the wheel etc. Trying to find a part for it that is not at the dealer is not easy but the dealer wants 400 just for the boot (not installed). This is ridiculous and price gouging. Check the Kia forum and you will see many people with these same complaints/concerns that need to be addressed BEFORE someone gets hurt. Having your vehicle not go while pulling into traffic is SERIOUS.. fix it Kia! I have 2 shops that have confirmed there's an issue, felt vibration, picture of leak, instead what's up with the transmission AWD but is believed to be driveshaft/transfer case related. 64,440 miles currently. Issues started at 62,261.. also I contacted crown Kia(st. Pete FL) regarding windshield replacement because I have a crack that is growing after repair. I have the letter (customer and dealer regarding cheap glass "Goodwill repair" and they knew nothing about it. I produced the letter and have heard nothing from them. Dealerships hate doing anything that won't bring a dollar. KIA FIX MY ABILITY TO SAFELY GO IN TRAFFIC PLEASE. SAVE LIVES PLEASE NOW THANK YOU
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Telluride. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V148000( EXTERIOR LIGHTING) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer 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
There have been several times over the last couple of months when my car brakes on its own. I have not had any "extra" features on such as cruise control or lane assist. I have been driving 70 mph on the highway, my car suddenly brakes, and then I am unable to accelerate. It is absolutely terrifying. We called our nearest Kia dealership after the second time and they told us to get a car wash and since it hasn't been consistently happening, they wouldn't be able to re-create it or fix it. We have been going out of our way to keep the front sensor, and it still happens. I worry that I will be driving on the highway (again) when this happens, and the semi truck behind me won't have time to adjust to my sudden, and unwanted, deceleration.
Windshield replacement 2 times in three years and about to have it replaced again six months after replacing it. It seems little thing that hit the windshield will crack it. I asked KIA if they had complaints about windshields problems and was told no. I getting expensive replacing it every six months or ever year. I believe it cheaply made and the won’t admit it.
The recall 24V148 regarding headlight High beam issue from Gebruary of thus year still has no remedy in order to fix the issue. It has been 6 months and the dealerships just say sorry we don't have any solution even though the recall associated with my car doesn't apply due to the headlamps being replaced with completely different ones already myself. Why is it being allowed that y kkntha later they still don't have a solution so this causes issues with my income because I can't rent my car out due to the open recall
The high beams of the vehicle are no longer operational. Changing the light bulb does not solve the problem. As per the dealer, the entire unit must be replaced. The failure occurred while driving in the night.
The hi-beam function in the headlights are inoperable. I recently purchased this vehicle and the service department at the dealership of purchase confirmed afterwards that the hi beam function does not work. I do not understand how this is not a safety recall on all 2020 Tellurides as there are many forums from individuals who have experienced the same issue. Simply replacing the faulty system kicks the bucket down the road. Unable to utilize the high beams in remote areas reduces safety.
Passenger front CV axle boot leaking grease causing damage estimated $1000. Seems to be a huge issue for a lot of Kia owners (as parts seem to be on back order now). No rough terrain driving. So if this is an issue driving on Minnesota roads, bad parts by Kia. I lived on a farm where you drove on uneven terrain all the time… never had a vehicle (Ford, Buick) never had this issue
Projector high beams not working. Tested the fuse and relay and both tested fine. Replaced headlights. No remedy other than replacing entire headlight assembly. This is a safety issue and should be recalled and repaired by dealer.
Roof of car exhibits significant peeling off the white paint in various areas.
Oil consumption is excessive causing the vehicle to stall out, exhaust smoke and loose power. Upon several recommendations from the service shop, money has been dumped into repairs that has not resolved the issue. Now, I am adding oil every other week with no oil leaks. I am afraid I will keep dumping unnecessary money into this issue; however, I am more concerned I may eventually stall out on the interstate, highway, or unsafe area.
Our sunroof which hasn’t been used much at all malfunctioned due to the tracking so they say and no it will not properly work or close all the way. This wasn’t covered under the extended warranty I purchased and we were under the 60k warranty when we reported the incident and then only over by 74 miles to which they wouldn’t cover the repair and said it would cost around $4,000.
The torque converter is malfunctioning to where I have been unable to use my vehicle for almost 2 months. It is available for inspection, but is currently at a repair shop pending inspection to get an estimate on costs to fix the issue (if it is something that can be fixed). My safety along with my family's safety were put at risk due to the inability for the vehicle to pick up speed while driving on major highways [XXX]. During this time the check engine light came on for the 1st time, the vehicle would not properly pick up speed, continuously makes a whining noise when vehicle is on whether it's being driven or not and it shakes at various speeds. A diagnostic was completed and the code listed was for the torque converter. Since that time (1st week of February), I have not been able to drive the vehicle. This is the only vehicle in my household. I am still having to make payments on it and cannot use it. KIA has had a recall in the past issued in June 2020 for a specific timeframe of vehicles produced between May 18, 2020 - May 20, 2020 for the "Automatic transmission/Torque Converter Assembly Replacement". With this recall, KIA only listed 19 VIN's to associate this major issue with. The recall also stated to complete this action prior to the sale of the vehicle to prevent customer complaints. My car was manufactured in June 2019 and I purchased it mid year 2020. If KIA has sold thousands of Tellurides since that time, how can only 19 be affected? I have attached a copy of the previous recall. Once I receive an estimate, I can also forward it. I also have copies of every/all maintenance completed since getting this vehicle to show everything has been completed on time & by a KIA dealership in my area (it doesn't let me upload this file). INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Data synced from NHTSA on May 4, 2026