← New search

2020 Kia Telluride

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Telluride years

Owner complaints for the 2020 Kia Telluride are substantially higher than the model-year median of 215.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

194 reports with mileage · 564 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Exterior Lighting. Review the 183 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine. Review the 142 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Visibility/wiper. Review the 135 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

8 crash reports9 fire reports8 injury reports

What owners actually said

758 reports
Mileage unknown · Mar 7, 2024
Service BrakesUnknown Or Other

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…

Read full complaint

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.

NHTSA ODI #11575935

Mileage unknown · Mar 6, 2024
Exterior Lighting

The highbeams quit working Causing poor visibility

NHTSA ODI #11575876

Mileage unknown · Mar 5, 2024
Engine

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 wa…

Read full complaint

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)

NHTSA ODI #11575605

Mileage unknown · Mar 1, 2024
Structure

Body paint defect causing large sections of paint chipping off. This is a common enough issue amongst the owners community and Kia fails to acknowledge the latent defect and take action.

NHTSA ODI #11574828

Mileage unknown · Feb 29, 2024
Engine

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 …

Read full complaint

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

NHTSA ODI #11574738

Mileage unknown · Feb 26, 2024
Service BrakesSteeringSuspension

The 2020 KIA Telluride was purchased with the "tow package" which included "self-leveling" rear shocks. The self-leveling rear shocks failed early and has created a safety concern with braking/handling/steering in addition to comfort in ride. Concern with the shocks began around 60,000 miles (roughly Jan 2023), but there was …

Read full complaint

The 2020 KIA Telluride was purchased with the "tow package" which included "self-leveling" rear shocks. The self-leveling rear shocks failed early and has created a safety concern with braking/handling/steering in addition to comfort in ride. Concern with the shocks began around 60,000 miles (roughly Jan 2023), but there was no indication of shock failure or leakage. Our independent service center/mechanic told us the shocks looked fine and that typically shocks should never fail this early. We just assumed the ride was rough and even after replacing tires, the ride never improved. As it progressively worsened, the local certified KIA dealership has now inspected and verified that both rear shocks have failed (leaking and rusting) and that the ride is unbearable (the vehicle is over 77,000 miles now). I believe the vehicle is unsafe to drive in its current condition and though it is out of warranty for this repair, we are having the dealership replace both rear shocks. Over the course of the past 17,000 miles, braking, steering, and cornering have certainly been compromised due to this early shock failure, putting me and my family as well as other motorists at risk. There were not any warning lamps or other obvious signs of wear other than riding in the vehicle. The ride left most passengers feeling ill, with headaches from a very rough ride even on smoot concrete.

NHTSA ODI #11574073

Mileage unknown · Feb 25, 2024
Exterior Lighting

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.

NHTSA ODI #11573877

Mileage unknown · Feb 20, 2024
Power Train

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… ne…

Read full complaint

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

NHTSA ODI #11573040

Mileage unknown · Feb 20, 2024
Exterior Lighting

The high beams do not work. Neither one. Bulb replacement did not fix either.

NHTSA ODI #11572865

Mileage unknown · Feb 19, 2024
Exterior Lighting

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.

NHTSA ODI #11572830

Official recalls

7

26V430000 · Seats:front Assembly:power Adjust

Jul 2, 2026

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 or an improper recall 24V407 repair, which can result in a fire while parked or driving.

Consequence & remedy

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 an electronic fuse assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 13, 2026. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC374. This recall replaces NHTSA recall number 24V407. Vehicles already repaired under the previous recall will need to have the new remedy completed. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning July 17, 2026.

24V407000 · Seats:front Assembly:power Adjust

Jun 5, 2024

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 & remedy

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.

24V214000 · Power Train:driveline:driveshaft

Mar 20, 2024

Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2020-2024 Telluride vehicles. The intermediate shaft and right front driveshaft may not be fully engaged, which can result in vehicle roll away while in PARK.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A vehicle roll away increases the risk of a crash or injury.

Remedy: Owners are advised to manually engage the emergency parking brake prior to exiting the vehicle until the recall remedy is performed. Dealers will update the electronic parking brake software and replace any damaged intermediate shafts as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 15, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC303.

24V148000 · Exterior Lighting:headlights

Feb 26, 2024

Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2020 Telluride vehicles. The high beam headlights may fail.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Inoperable high beam headlights may reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and repair or replace the high beam headlights, as necessary free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 9, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC299.

22V626000 · Trailer Hitches

Aug 15, 2022

Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Telluride vehicles potentially equipped with a Genuine Kia 4-pin tow hitch harness installed as original equipment, or purchased as an accessory through a Kia dealership. Debris and moisture accumulation on the tow hitch harness module printed circuit board (PCB) may cause an electrical short, which can result in a fire.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A fire while parked or driving can increase 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 new fuse and a wiring harness extension. Dealers will also inspect and replace the tow hitch harness assembly, as necessary. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 12, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC247.

20V436000 · Electrical System:wiring; Exterior Lighting:brake Lights; Forward Collision Avoidance: Adaptive Cruise Control

Jul 28, 2020

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2020 Telluride vehicles equipped with Smart Cruise Control (SCC). When a trailer is connected to the vehicle, the trailer brake lights will not illuminate when the SCC applies the brakes. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Inoperative trailer brake lights can fail to warn other drivers that the vehicle is slowing, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will install an additional wire harness to the main fuse box to signal the trailer brake lights, free of charge. The recall began September 10, 2020. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC194.

Additional source detail variants (3)

Forward Collision Avoidance: Adaptive Cruise Control

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2020 Telluride vehicles equipped with Smart Cruise Control (SCC). When a trailer is connected to the vehicle, the trailer brake lights will not illuminate when the SCC applies the brakes. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

Consequence: Inoperative trailer brake lights can fail to warn other drivers that the vehicle is slowing, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will install an additional wire harness to the main fuse box to signal the trailer brake lights, free of charge. The recall began September 10, 2020. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC194.

Exterior Lighting:brake Lights

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2020 Telluride vehicles equipped with Smart Cruise Control (SCC). When a trailer is connected to the vehicle, the trailer brake lights will not illuminate when the SCC applies the brakes. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

Consequence: Inoperative trailer brake lights can fail to warn other drivers that the vehicle is slowing, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will install an additional wire harness to the main fuse box to signal the trailer brake lights, free of charge. The recall began September 10, 2020. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC194.

Electrical System:wiring

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2020 Telluride vehicles equipped with Smart Cruise Control (SCC). When a trailer is connected to the vehicle, the trailer brake lights will not illuminate when the SCC applies the brakes. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

Consequence: Inoperative trailer brake lights can fail to warn other drivers that the vehicle is slowing, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will install an additional wire harness to the main fuse box to signal the trailer brake lights, free of charge. The recall began September 10, 2020. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC194.

19V594000 · Seat Belts:front; Seat Belts:rear/other

Aug 13, 2019

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2020 Telluride vehicles. The seat belt assemblies in the front passenger, second, and/or third row seats may not tightly secure a child restraint system in the event of a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If a child seat is not properly secured, there is an increased risk of injury to the occupant in a crash.

Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles and replace any incorrect seat belt assemblies. The repair will also include replacing the driver's seat belt which has a non-U.S. specified label, with a U.S. specification seat belt. The repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began August 30, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC181.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Seat Belts:rear/other

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2020 Telluride vehicles. The seat belt assemblies in the front passenger, second, and/or third row seats may not tightly secure a child restraint system in the event of a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Consequence: If a child seat is not properly secured, there is an increased risk of injury to the occupant in a crash.

Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles and replace any incorrect seat belt assemblies. The repair will also include replacing the driver's seat belt which has a non-U.S. specified label, with a U.S. specification seat belt. The repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began August 30, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC181.

Seat Belts:front

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2020 Telluride vehicles. The seat belt assemblies in the front passenger, second, and/or third row seats may not tightly secure a child restraint system in the event of a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Consequence: If a child seat is not properly secured, there is an increased risk of injury to the occupant in a crash.

Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles and replace any incorrect seat belt assemblies. The repair will also include replacing the driver's seat belt which has a non-U.S. specified label, with a U.S. specification seat belt. The repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began August 30, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC181.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

1

PE23002 · Complete Loss Of High Beams

Opened Jan 27, 2023 · Closed Apr 17, 2024

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Exterior Lighting:headlights

On January 27, 2023, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE23002 to investigate allegations of loss of high beams with no warning and no re-engagement resulting in reduced visibility at night in the 2020 Kia Telluride. The investigation revealed that the halogen bi-function projector beam, used in vehicles built between January 2019 and November of 2019, is composed of one halogen bulb light source that provides light for both low beam and high beam. The heat generated by the halogen bulb will inflict damage to the gear mechanism and as a result the shutter’s electric motor will no longer be able to move the shutter to the open position to reveal the high beams. A loss of high beams, prevents the driver from having proper distance illumination, therefore increasing the risk of a crash. On February 24, 2024, Kia filed recall 24V-148 for certain MY 2020 Kia Tellurides. The recall remedy provides an inspection of the high beam shield gear mechanism and will either apply a clip to secure the shield gear to the shaft or replace the headlamp assembly with one that is resistant to heat damagefrom the halogen bulb. In view of the recall action being taken by Kia, ODI is closing this Preliminary Evaluation. The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances. To review the reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.