NHTSA Owner Complaint Log
This page lists owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2023 Kia Telluride. Complaints are unverified consumer reports submitted to NHTSA and do not by themselves prove a defect or defect rate.
I was driving on the service road of the freeway, driving approximately 40 mph when my main screen started flashing warnings. I was only able to catch 2 before the screen shut off. One was saying front collision sensors not working and the other said side sensors not working then the screen where the radio was went black. Then my brake pedal locked up, the car lost all power steering. The car started to just roll and I was able to pull into a side parking lot and the car died. I was not able to start the vehicle and called roadside assistance and had my vehicle towed to the car dealership. This was during rush hour traffic with multiple vehicles in the road. I was terrified as my vehicle was slowly starting to stop moving and there were multiple cars surrounding me while I lost all brake function and power steering. At the time of this report, the service department at my dealership was closed and will call them in the morning. The tow truck left my vehicle there as it is inoperable. From the time I noticed the warnings on the screen to when my vehicle came to a complete stop was about 2 minutes.
I was at a complete stop, made a right hand turn, and as I was turning, the driver side door opened/became a jar and then my car alerted me that the door was open Yes, my safety was at risk because the door was open It beeped the lights were on in the cabin, and there was a notification on my dashboard
The contact owns a 2023 Kia Telluride. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the front windshield started to crack on the upper passenger’s side of the windshield. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 38,200.
The sunroof on my 2023 Kia Telluride spontaneously exploded. An authorized Kia dealership inspected the sunroof and determined that the sunroof exploded outward - which is consistent with a manufacturing defect that should be covered under the vehicles bumper-to-bumper warranty. However, Kia's Consumer Affairs Department is denying warranty coverage and forcing me to file an insurance claim or pay out of pocket.
My 2023 Kia Telluride SX Prestige X-Pro is experiencing multiple powertrain and safety defects beginning at approximately 48,000 miles. The vehicle is well maintained per the manufacturer schedule. ISSUE 1 - TRANSMISSION SHUDDER: The vehicle has a pronounced shudder and stuttering through the drivetrain during normal driving, especially under acceleration and load. This began at approximately 48,000 miles and has progressively worsened. Symptoms are consistent with torque converter clutch failure documented under Kia TSB 089 (DTC P0741) and Service Action SA490. ISSUE 2 - INTERMITTENT LIMP MODE (SAFETY HAZARD): On multiple occasions the vehicle enters limp mode without any warning while being driven on public roads. When this occurs the accelerator becomes unresponsive beyond approximately 30 mph. The vehicle cannot accelerate regardless of throttle input. The only way to restore normal operation is to pull over, shut the engine off, and restart. This creates an extremely dangerous condition on highways, during merging, and in heavy traffic. My wife is the primary driver and no longer feels safe operating the vehicle. ISSUE 3 - INSTRUMENT PANEL BLACKOUT: The instrument cluster intermittently goes completely dark while driving, leaving the driver with no access to speed, fuel level, warning indicators, or turn signals. This vehicle also has multiple open safety recalls including SC296 (engine valve springs/fire risk), SC303 (intermediate shaft/loss of drive), SC316 (power seat motor/fire risk), and SC347 (door trim delamination). A recent emissions recall was also received. Problems first reported at approximately 48,000 miles. Current mileage is 86,793. A case is being opened with Kia Consumer Assistance and warranty service has been requested at the purchasing dealer. The vehicle is within the 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.
I’m writing to report an ongoing issue with my vehicle’s windshield washer system. The washer fluid is not dispensing properly, and as a result, the windshield is not being cleared effectively while driving. This creates a safety concern, especially in poor weather conditions or when road debris accumulates on the windshield. The reduced visibility makes it difficult to drive safely and confidently. I have already taken the vehicle in for service regarding this issue. However, I was informed that nothing is wrong with the system and that it is performing the same as a new vehicle. Despite this, the washer fluid output still appears insufficient and continues to create visibility concerns while driving.
1. Instrument panel failure, can’t see speed, fuel, mileage. Blind spot warning does not work, lane assistance does not work. This issue was not solved by recall related to software update. 2. Unsafe to drive with no way to see speed, blind spot warning failure, can’t tell if blinker is on or how much gas is in car. 3. Dealer reproduced. It’s not a sporadic issue, the panel does not turn on 4. Yes Kia dealership inspected 5. No warning. Turned the car on and the panel no longer worked.
KIA/HYUNDAI INSPECTED AND FOUND CYLINDER 2 TO NOT FIRE ALONG WITH OIL LEAKING FROM LOWER 02 SENSOR. ENGINE BLOCK HAS HOLE, CYL 2 PISTON AND ROD ARE NO LONGER WITH/IN ENGINE. THIS OCCURED WHILE ACCELERATING ON THE FREEWAY ALL OF A SUDDEN VEHICLE STARTED SMOKING THEN LOST THE ABILITY TO ACCELERATE IT WAS VERY SCARY BEING STUCK ON THE FREEWAY WAS ALMOST HIT MULTIPLE TIMES.
Upon starting suv, the instrument panel / cluster did not display. There is now no way to know speed, safety warnings such as malfunctioning sensors or safety features . No odometer or any driving feedback of any kind. Have scheduled appointment with dealer tomorrow.
Drivers cluster screen (which include all gauges, odometer, temp gauge, gas gauge, critical safety features, etc.) has gone completely black with zero visibility to essential functions. Took to dealer. Dealer says screen is covered under warranty but is backordered from Kia. ETA for new screen is late May 2026.This happened on January 15, 2026 with no warning signs. Currently driving vehicle as it is my only means of transportation.
2023 Kia Telluride: black digital cluster screen will not turn on, affecting the ability to monitor vehicle status, odometer, speedometer, and safety features. We purchased this vehicle brand new in 2023. The vehicle has been in the Kia dealership service center (where it was purchased) from January 2026 to present. The dealership estimates it will be June 2026 before backordered parts can be replaced by a master mechanic. We have continued to make payments on a vehicle we are unable to use with no resolution in sight. The vehicle has also been serviced for 5 separate recalls since purchased new in 2023, and we just received our 6th recall notification for an additional issue.
Upon starting the vehicle, the gauge cluster screen was and remained completely blank. No indication as to an error, no visual indicator was available as to my speed or the vehicle's status, and no problem lights were visible. The vehicle appeared otherwise operable, and the media control screen was fully functional
The contact owns a 2023 Kia Telluride. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the instrument cluster went blank. The speedometer and fuel gauge failed to display as needed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V298000 (Electrical System); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.
The contact owns a 2023 Kia Telluride. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the instrument cluster display screen failed to activate and was inoperable. During the failure, the driver was unable to view several needed features, such as the speedometer and fuel gauge, and the blind spot monitoring system. The vehicle was cautiously driven to the dealer, who diagnosed that the instrument cluster screen was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 82,000.
The engine’s serpentine belt started to fail prematurely. In cold weather, the engine’s belt would scream for 1 to 5 minutes when warming up the engine (under no load and not moving). The belt had less than 40,000 miles on it (when Kia expects it to go 80,000 miles).
2023 Kia Telluride – Instrument cluster intermittently goes blank while operating the vehicle. This has happened multiple times over the last few years since we bought it brand new, even after the official recall repair (SC270). Dealer has told us to disconnect the battery as a temporary fix. This is my wife’s primary vehicle for transporting our children and it’s unsafe because she cannot see speed, warning lights or blinkers when the cluster fails. Today 11/24/25, I had to meet her to switch cars because she didn’t feel safe to drive it anymore when the cluster went out. On 11/17/25 it had gone out and I disconnected it, which showed to be a quick fix again. I would estimate the cluster goes out at least once a month. My research shows this is a common issue with this car and updates or the recall doesn’t fix it. As a law enforcement officer, I am held to high safety standards both on and off duty. A vehicle with a recurring and unrepairable safety defect like this is unacceptable, unsafe, and unfit for normal operation. This ongoing failure places our family and the public at risk.
2023 PEARL WHITE KIA TELLURIDE. WHILE WASHING MY CAR NOTICE CLEAR COAT COMING OFF FRONT OF CAR
I am writing to file a complaint regarding my 2023 Kia Telluride (VIN: [insert VIN here]) which has two active safety recalls: 1.SC303 / NHTSA 24V214 – Intermediate shaft/driveshaft may not be fully engaged, causing the vehicle to potentially roll away while in Park. The remedy is available but has not yet been scheduled for my vehicle. 2.SC347 / NHTSA 25V494 – Door belt molding trim may delaminate and detach. Remedy parts are not yet available, and there is currently no fix. Due to these recalls: •No dealerships will accept or buy my vehicle for trade-in or resale. •I am unable to sell the car, which has become a severe financial burden. •I am current on my loan but cannot continue payments indefinitely under these circumstances. I have contacted Kia Consumer Affairs (1-800-333-4542) but have not received a satisfactory resolution. I am requesting the Florida Attorney General’s office to intervene or assist in facilitating: •A buyback or payoff assistance from Kia, or •Other appropriate relief due to the vehicle being unsellable because of open safety recalls with no available remedy. I have attached documentation of the recalls and correspondence with Kia for reference. Please let me know if additional information is needed.
Drivers display panel not working, no vehicle information is available, it's a black screen. This is the 4th incident since new in 2023. Car can't be driven with nothing displayed.
Fuel gas says empty or low fuel when it’s not. This has happened 5 times in the past 2 years and is occurring more frequently lately. This is a known problem in the Kia forum. Dealer won’t fix without charging diagnostic fee and won’t solve because can’t duplicate the problem.
after receiving my car on Friday morning 10/31 from the dealership, I drove to work, where all my dashboard lights popped on, I lost power steering, and I lost my speedometer (which is what it was in the shop for that whole week). I tried to drive it back to Kia and it completely stopped working in the middle of the road, even though it was turned on, it wouldn’t drive or change gears. Leaving me stranded in the middle of a 50 mile per an hour road. I had to call the police to help me maneuver off the road.
The fuel gauge has erratic readings which frequently displays "low fuel" when in fact the fuel IS NOT LOW. The reverse is also true. The fuel gauge will occasionally indicate fuel is present in the vehicle when in fact THERE IS NONE resulting in running out of gas. This results in a dangerous seinero when driving in congested traffic areas since this can easily produce a traffic hazard and endanger occupants of this vehicle (and others). This is a known problem from multiple Kia Telluride owners.
The contact owns a 2023 Kia Telluride. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the driver's rear door belt molding trim detached. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The contact was informed that the parts were on back order. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V494000 (Structure). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was unknown.
I parked my 2023 Kia Telluride vehicle in driveway. Went into house for 15 minutes. When I came back out the front passenger side window had spontaneously cracked. No wind, no people, no shrubs or trees nearby. Window tint on the window is holding it together.Kia dealership refused to file a warrantly claim. Two years previously, I had the same thing happen to my windshield. While parked in my garage, it just spontaneously cracked.
Contact states large metal vehicle door trim came off while driving, unknown if accident was caused or other damage to surrounding vehicles. Further states, noticed when large rubber-like molding under door trim was flapping and thunking against door. Contact says water now intrudes into vehicle cabin and suspects constant water inside door affecting door electrical systems. Dealer notified by contact and no remedy provided for this "known issue". Contact is concerned about other trim pieces coming off and penetrating other vehicles at speed with "sharp and pointed edges", as well as electrical fire from water intrusion corrosion. Contact demands further investigation and action by vehicle safety regulators.
I am experiencing rear self leveling shock strut failure (thumping noise) again after having both sides previously replaced under warranty and now the dealership is refusing to replace them again. This has been an ongoing problem and I am in fear of these shocks completely failing and encountering control problems with the vehicle.
Glass sunroof exploded while driving.
Was driving on the freeway, with no cars in front of me when my sunroof exploded outward. There was no debris that hit my car, just a loud explosion. I was driving with my wife, 4 kids and mother, all of whom can attest to the lack of debris coming from the road.
I had two small chips in my windshield and was planning on getting them fixed but literallly writhing 3-4 days north turned into huge cracks and now I need a whole new windshield
The AWD couplers continue to fail. We are waiting for the dealer to get parts in so they can be replaced again. The tech stated KIA continues to install defective parts.
I own a 2023 Kia Telluride (VIN [XXX] ) and the digital instrument cluster intermittently goes blank, including the fuel gauge. This exactly matches Recall 23V298000 / SC270, but Kia is saying my VIN is not currently covered. This is a safety issue that blocks visibility of essential vehicle information. I am requesting NHTSA review to help expand the recall coverage. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
I own a 2023 Kia Telluride (VIN [XXX] ) and the digital instrument cluster intermittently goes blank, including the fuel gauge. This exactly matches Recall 23V298000 / SC270, but Kia is saying my VIN is not currently covered. This is a safety issue that blocks visibility of essential vehicle information. I am requesting NHTSA review to help expand the recall coverage. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The engines mounting bolts failed. Engine nearly fell out of the car according to the dealer mechanic.
After a recall on the emergency braking system was resolved, we’ve had frequent occurrences where the rear cross traffic alert system will report traffic that does not exist. The vehicle will then stop abruptly. Once this happens, the emergency brake doesn’t always completely disengage. This almost always happens in parking lots and can increase the likelihood of accidents. I’ve taken it to the dealership, but they’ve been able to replicate the issue.
Transmission blew resulting in not being able to switch gears. Was out of my car for 34 days. Got it inspected multiple times. Finally got a new Transmission but now gears "slip" when changing and seems like it'll break down again. Also, can not use the circulation button as it brings a strong vinegar smell into the car and can no longer use the heating/cooling seats as it does not work.
Windshield crack issues , had to change 2 windshield
1. Instrument Cluster did not turn on when I started the car. The infotainment system turned on, along with the engine and rest of the car, but the instrument cluster that shows the speed, fuel gauge, etc was black. When I used my turn signals, the sound to indicate they are on would start initially and then stop after 2-3 times. 2. I had no idea how fast I was going or was my fuel level was. I was also not sure if my turn signals were working. This is where the lane change assist camera is shown, so I could not see that either. This screen also reflects warnings, so I would be unaware if anything came up. 3. No - we made the first earliest appointment with the dealer in 5 days from today. 4. No. 5. No warning lamps or messages (these would also appear on this screen, so if a warning came up I would not be aware).
While parked windshield started cracking from front left corner every few hours I go out to check it and the crack has spread halfway across windshield
MY 2023 TELLURIDE HAS 50K MILES ON IT, AND WHILE MY WIFE WAS DRIVING MY DAUGHTER TO SCHOOL SHE NOTICED THAT THE AIR CONDITIONING WASNT WORKING. SO I LOOKED ONLINE AND SAW THAT IT MAY BE A COUPLE THINGS. MAJOR COMPLAINT WAS THAT KIA WAS NOT COVERING THERE WARRANTY FOR THERE CONDESOR THAT FAILS BECAUSE THEY CLAIM A ROCK HITS IT. SO I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP, AND THEY CONFIRMED MY NIGHTMARE, THAT IT WAS A ROCK AND THAT IT WOULD NOT BE COVERED UNDER THE 100K WARRANTY. IT IS MY FEELING THAT THIS IS A DEFECT IN THE MANUFACTURING OF THE VEHICLE IF YOU FIND MAY DIFFERENT TELLURIDES ONLINE, WITH VARIATION OF MILES ON THEM AND THEY ALL FAIL, AND THE COMPANY CHARGES ITS CUSTOMERS $1800 TO FIX IT. PLEASE HELP
While driving and/or starting the car, the power steering will go out, along with all safety lights/messages on dash, including check power steering, check forward collision sensor, check AWD, check blind spot sensor, check parking sensor, etc. Only sometimes will turning the car on and off reset the sensor. Other times the car will start and all lights will illuminate and the power steering will not work. Happens intermittently, including while driving. Dealer and mfr have been unable to fix the issue due to the randomness. Additionally they have been able to see the lights malfunction, but the first attempt at repair did not address the issue. Car continues to lose power steering intermittently. Car is inoperable without power steering given the weight.
The trim around the back driver side window fell off at some point. Safety was not put at risk. The product has not been inspected or confirmed and no warnings about the issue. I do know that other models have recalls for the same issue, but my car is not covered under that recall.
Recall of vehicle catching fire has not been taken care of even after contacting dealership.
Digital display is black on my 2023 Kia Telluride while vehicle is running and being driven. I am unable to see my speed or any other important safety details. This is the first time this has happened and I have not reported it yet to any dealer, independent service center, insurance representative, etc. There were no observable warning lamps messages or symptoms prior to this incident which occurred on 3/27/25 at 1741 hours.
While exiting the AZ Mesa 202 E Loop, the front driver rim snapped in the center and caused the tire to fly off.
The vehicle has now been towed three times, completely shut down while driving three times, with the latest incident being especially dangerous-the car shut off while in drive, the brakes failed, and the steering wheel locked. My [XXX] child was in the car with me, and we were nearly hit by a semi-truck. It was a terrifying experience that could have been fatal. Not to mention when I was able to get the vehicle to stop, the hazards wouldn't even turn on and continued to put us in danger. My Telluride has been at the dealership for 7 weeks, and the service department still has no clear answer as to why this is happening. Kia corporate has been unresponsive, not taking the situation seriously, and offering no resolution or accountability. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
My sunroof randomly exploded upward while driving down the highway. No rock or debris hit me. It sounded like a gunshot. I checked my surroundings and no other car pulled over or look like it was affected by any road debris. I have pictures of the sunroof being shattered upward.
Steering column makes a clicking sound when steering wheel is turned right or left.
Battery Drain. No lights left on, nothing plugged in. I suspect IBU Module or some other wiring tobe causing a parasitic draw. This has been a common issue and KIA needs to address it with a recall.
The contact owns a 2023 KIA Telluride. The contact stated the vehicle was experiencing heating system failures. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer on three occasions for heating and cooling failures. The dealer replaced an unknown sensor and the thermostat; however, the heat became inoperable. The contact stated that the heat was only operable while driving, and the vehicle would blow cool air while idling. The contact stated that the heat was barely warming up the vehicle while driving. The contact stated that the failure had caused the windows to be foggy, which reduced the road's visibility while driving. The vehicle was taken to a Kia Dealer, where an unknown sensor and the thermostat were replaced, but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 35,000.
The window trim on all four doors has come off. The rear ones were replaced under warranty repair and the front doors are not being repaired as the warranty has expired.
Data synced from NHTSA on May 4, 2026