There are 26 owner-reported suspension complaints for the 2020 Kia Telluridein NHTSA's database. These are unverified consumer reports and may not reflect confirmed defects.
Rear shocks failed prematurely
Car has been brought to KIA for transmission issues multiple times and the associate tells me to just tighten the gas cap to get the light to go off. The car is not shifting properly and will "jump" or "lunge" forward while driving. I have noticed that the RPM's will jump and bounce around, seemingly down shifting, then shift again, and then down shift again, which causes jerking motion. The reason I initially took the vehicle in was for a "shake" or "wobble" when accelerating up a hill (semi steep incline) or at freeway speeds (55-70MPH). In these instances, the vehicle will have a hard time shifting and temporarily lose momentum causing concerns for me and other drivers on the road. The transmission light will go on and I call KIA to be told to tighten the gas cap. I recently brought it in for the third time and they diagnosed something different. I have mentioned the transmission each time, but they have focused on other items and not the transmission. I have had the shocks replaced, the tires replaced, alignment performed, and the problem still persist. However, the dealership will not look at the transmission and says that it is the other items, but the issue still remains after fixing the other items. The shock failure caused other items to wear out and the dealer should be on the hook for those items. I have brought the vehicle in dating to last year for the transmission issue with no help from the dealership. Please take action so that we don't lose our lives or put others at risk for injury.
My rear struts are leaking and Kia is refusing to repair them. I know that Kia recalled self-leveling struts for my make, model and year, but I'm told that my version doesn't have those struts. Even though I'm at ~85,000 miles now and it's out of warranty, I believe my struts failed much earlier and it didn't become noticeable until now. Moreover, in searching the internet, many other owners of Kia Tellurides are facing this issue. I would like Kia to be investigated for failures related to rear struts for the 2020 Kia Telluride to see if this is a parts defect.
After 30K miles the self-leveling rear suspension had become very hard causing the vehicle to jolt and not absorb bumps which causes a distraction to the driver causing an unsafe condition.
Vehicle began having issues around 60,000 miles. Stutters and slips between 2nd and 3rd gear. When on an incline the issue is much more prevalent. On a steep incline, the vehicle is like lurching it is so prevalent and it feels as though the vehicle is going to give up. Around 45 mph, the vehicle begins vibrating; as speeds increase, the shaking (left to right) becomes increasingly violent. At times, it feels as though the vehicle is going to shake off the road. The issues I primarily when accelerating, and when the gas pedal is released, the shaking slows almost to a stop. Tires, balance, and alignment checked multiple times over the course of the issue and tires are changed seasonally. Took to dealership multiple times to be told there was no issue with the vehicle and it was operating properly. Just over 100k miles, back at the dealership and there is suddenly an issue found. Was told at dealership that passenger side front axle inner race is damaged and needs replaced. Took vehicle to local mechanic since dealership had jerked us around so much over the issues, not repairing, keeping car for extended amounts of time without a loaner vehicle, etc. Local mechanic did a lot of research. This is a common complaint of the Telluride and Kia is aware but is not doing anything about it. Mechanics recreated issue immedately said rear driveshaft had movement it shouldn't and replaced. They also serviced the transfer case and transmission. There is a TSB issued on this, but research suggests that it is not resolving the problems and kia dealerships are not acknowledging the issue until out of warranty and TSB doesn't cover the repairs even though it is faulty manufacturing.
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.
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.
Valve cover gasket leak, coolant hose leaks, passenger side axel boot slinging grease, parasitic draw
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.
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
Self Leveling Shocks on rear are defective. They are firm to the point that the SUV is highly unstable. It overly reacts to bumps and holes in the road. Occupants in rear seats are bounced around! Vehicle becomes unstable and if the driver is not careful could lose control and wreck!!0
REAR SUSPENSION HAS FAILED OR IS FAILING, CAUSING UNSAFE DRIVING CONDITIONS AND RISK OF LOSS OF CONTROL. THE VEHICLES RIDES SHAKES AND BOUNCES ON NORMAL STREET CONDITIONS. AFTER REPAIR OF FACTORY RECALL FOR TRAILER HITCH, VEHICLE REAR SUSPENSION FAILED AND IS UNSAFE FOR CHILDREN ESPECIALLY IN REAR OF VEHICLE IN NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS>
Rear self leveling suspension has gotten stiff and creates a severely rough and uncomfortable ride, especially when in the middle or third row. It can be jolting. I had the TSB 113 repair completed and ride is moderately better, but still very stiff. TSB 113 eliminated the clunking in the rear end but the ride is so stiff it creates discomfort for the occupants.
Rear shocks failed causing vehicle to have considerable bouncing making it harder to control.
Right rear self leveling shock has "failed" at 55K miles. My mechanic said it was broken and leaking. Not covered under warranty. This car has a tow package therefore the self leveling shocks and have to replace both rear. Kia customer service said they are unaware of any issues, however 1/2022 issued Technical Safety Bulletin #113 Rear Shock Absorber Assembly Noise. It's not the whole shock they will replace but there is obviously a problem if they have a bulletin.
The Rear Self Leveling shock absorbers are making a clunking noise and appear to have failed. Very stiff suspension which causes handling problems. Kia dealers are unresponsive in fixing this issue.
The rear self adjusting shocks do not work - the smallest bump jolts anyone in the car, even at the slowest speeds (10 mph), NOTHING works to keep bumps from feeling like there are no shocks at all or they are frozen (and I am accustomed a Jeep Wrangler's rough ride). My son has an LVAD implanted in his chest, attached to his heart that keeps his heart pumping, and every ride to the doctor is like the car is trying to yank the LVAD off his heart, causing him great pain. I can't stop the car from hurting him!! The dealer replaced the cap on the shock but it did NOTHING to help. I have another appointment, they admitted there were problems with the shocks, and my car isn't even included in the TSB!!! They fit me in for an appointment in October but said they had received word the manufacturer might be going to try something else. The problem first started being really noticeable at the beginning of 2023.
My Telluride mileage just passed 30K. The rear suspension seems like no shock-absorbing capability since the car is so bumpy. The front suspension looks fine though. I went to a service center, but they told me they couldn't find any symptoms. I was shocked when I heard about that because I could see an apparent difference even with pushing it with my hand! Strangely, there's no squicking noise. And they told me no oil leakage. But, it's bumpy. I'll try to visit the service center for the recall and ask them to check the suspension together with me. The rear suspension has the optional self-leveling shock that has a noise concern. I may need to replace them with a normal suspension.
Showing 1–20 of 26 complaints
Complaints are unverified consumer reports submitted to NHTSA. A high complaint count may reflect vehicle popularity, not defect severity. Data sourced from NHTSA public records.
Data synced from NHTSA on Apr 26, 2026