2020 Kia Telluride

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)

The motor was empty of oil after driving 2400 miles since the last oil change. The oil was changed on [XXX] at 102,220 miles. When the check engine light came on, I checked the oil and there was none on the dipstick on [XXX] at 104,884 miles. I had an oil consumption test run at the Kia dealership in Hickory, NC they stated I was only 1 quart low at 1,000 miles. This test was completed in September 2023. The dealership stated since I passed the first round of the oil consumption test that there was no issue with my Telluride. When the car is running, one can smell the oil burning from the exhaust. The dealership in Hickory refused to further investigate the issue. When I returned to the dealership on [XXX], they stated they would not do another oil consumption test because my 100,000 mile warranty was over. I told them I have an extended warranty and they told me most extended warranties do not cover oil consumption. In September, this dealership also failed to replace the housing for the oil filter properly, causing the oil to leak out tremendously after changing the oil. I had to take it to a different mechanic to figure out why there was an excessive leak. There is an oil consumption issue with my Telluride and the dealership in Hickory, NC is refusing to aid me in identifying the issue. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

2020 KIA TELLURIDE 41,000 miles: Engine overheated and ceased while on the freeway. Head Gasket blew, coolant hose had a hole the size of my fist on one side and the other clean split, along with cylinder 3 and 5 misfiring. I lost power and was able to go 25 mph on the freeway and lots of white smoke coming from the hood of the car. Semi trucks were slamming on their brakes to avoid hitting me as it was a dark foggy evening. The engine failure on the freeway could have easily caused multi vehicle collisions involving semi trucks resulting in casualties and loss of life. After 2 months in the shop the dealership has approved a new engine, however they don't know when they can get it in and no time frame when I will have my vehicle back. There was no warning and dealership confirmed there would not have been a warning until after the engine failed. I have maintained all maintenance schedules. There is a Facebook group with many similar stories of engine failures

With 40k miles on the car driving on the freeway the coolant hose burst without any warning, it didn’t come off, it was weak and split. This caused head gasket damage and cylinder 3 and 5 to misfire with coolant getting in the cylinders. It was dark and foggy out and the car was over heating due to the failures. I lost power and could only go 25mph on the freeway. Semi trucks were honking flashing their lights, passing me and one slammed on the brakes to avoid hitting me due to how dark it was. Even though I was driving with my hazards on. I pulled over as soon as I could, but had a panic attack during the ordeal planning out the best way to die. Sounds dramatic but with all the smoke coming from the car I thought it could blow or get hit by a semi. Looking at online groups there are issues with the Telluride engines that are creating dangerous situations. It’s a matter of time before this problem causes a serious injury or death. I know others that have made complaints to Kia and NHSTA. When is this problem going to be taken care of?? My car has been at the dealership since Dec 19 2023. I am waiting to here back from Kia if they will cover the engine under warranty. The dealership said they had another Telluride with engine failure in Oct 2023 that Kia did not cover under warranty. The dealership has confirmed all these statements. There was no warning that there were any weak spots in the hose. No leaks or warning lights until it left me stranded on a dark foggy night on the freeway. Since Kiefer Kia in Eugene, OR still has my car I have not received any paperwork yet

When starting the vehicle to warm up (in colder temps) it made a squealing noise and slowly faded. Returned to drive the vehicle and there was a puddle of oil underneath. Upon inspection, it appeared that the leak was coming from between the (plastic) oil filter housing and the engine (it's connected to. This causes a concern as it could cause my engine to seize while driving (especially on freeways). Causing a collision risk and destroying the cars engine at the same time. When researching I found that this is a common (cold temp) issue among Telluride's. I attempted to call Kia service at least four times with no answer/no call back. On my fifth call attempt I was routed to the parts department and found that the part is and has been on backorder for some months now. Was told that there are over 3000 on back order to the states, all accounted for. I researched the issue and found various Kia Telluride forums stating the same cold weather temp issue. This is obviously not an isolated case with no one (O'Reilly, Auto Zone, Advanced Auto & the dealership) having the part in stock and over 3,000 other cases awaiting their back-ordered part. Previous to this, I attempted to get an oil change at a local lube shop and was advised that they could not do an oil change on my vehicle because there was an issue with the oil drain plug and the oil pan seal circulating with the local live shops. They would be unable to do my oil change unless I sign a waiver stating they're not liable for anything that occurs after the oil change occurred. I am attempting to make an appointment now, however with all the parts on backorder (for months now) the only thing I can do is to not drive my vehicle until their is a stockpile of parts available to alleviate this malfunction. This issue has not been investigated by insurance or authorities as I'm uncertain that this falls within their wheelhouse. Recently my check engine light came on, I had the code checked it was the thermostat.

This vehicle only has 77,000 miles and it is burning oil like crazy. I have already had a Hyundai engine replaced on a Sonata and it was showing the same signs as this Telluride. When the Hyundai engine blew we were on the freeway and it just slowed down to a crawl as cars where flying past. Clearly if the same thing happens again it is yet another safety issue that could be avoided.

Motor was completely empty of oil 2000 miles before oil change was due. There were no warning lights. The engine continues to have oil consumption issues, requiring 2-4 quarts per week to be added. The Kia dealership in Hickory NC ran an oil consumption test and said there was nothing wrong with the vehicle and refused further investigation into the issue. They also failed to replace the housing for the oil filter properly, causing the oil to leak out. One can smell the oil burning from the exhaust when the car is running.