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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 10, 2022
Service Brakes, HydraulicCrash

While operating the vehicle and braking, the dashboard warnings lights began flashing. The brake pedal went to the floor and did not brake the vehicle. No amount of pumping of the brakes helped. At about 3-5 MPH I struck the stopped vehicle in front of me at an intersection. Later that day the same thing happened, and this t…

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While operating the vehicle and braking, the dashboard warnings lights began flashing. The brake pedal went to the floor and did not brake the vehicle. No amount of pumping of the brakes helped. At about 3-5 MPH I struck the stopped vehicle in front of me at an intersection. Later that day the same thing happened, and this time I pulled the emergency brake lever and held it. The warning alarm sounded but the brakes never slowed or stopped the vehicle. I drove the vehicle safely to a repair shop and it was then towed to a Kia dealership. Where it is available for inspection. The error codes on the ECM indicate that the right rear ABS Speed Sensor has lost communication. I do not know if the component has been inspected by KIA. When the failure occurs the BCW light goes on, the ABS light goes on, the Master warning light goes on, the Electronic Stability Light goes on, and the AUTO HOLD lights amber. The dealership has reviewed the codes on the ECM which follows: ABS/ESC(+EPB) 2 Codes 1.C121102: Wheel Speed Sensor Rear-RH Invalid/no Signal 2.C121002: Wheel Speed Sensor Rear-RH Range / Performance / Intermittent Integrated Body Control Unit- BCM 1 Code 1.B121200: Front Center Right Sensor Fault Integrated Body Control Unit- SMK 1 Code 1.B121200: Front Center Right Sensor Fault Integrated Body Control Unit- TPMS 1 Code 1.B121200: Front Center Right Sensor Fault PSM (Power Seat Module) 1 Code 1.B163700: System Not Initialized BCW (Blind-Spot Collision Warning) 2 Codes 1.C169381: ESC Signal Error 2.C167581: Signal WHEEL FL or WHEEL FR or WHEEL RL or WHEEL RR not Valid MFC (Multi Function Camera) 1 Code 1.C186286: Invalid Signal of SCC SCC (Smart Cruise Control) 3 Codes 1.C121181: Wheel Speed Sensor Rear-RH Invalid/no Signal 2.C136081: ESP Irreversible Error 3.C174181: ESC-not available VSM (Check ESC) 4WD Control 1 Code 1.P183000: Clutch Torque Tolerance Lower Limit.

NHTSA ODI #11456236

Mileage unknown · Mar 8, 2022
Exterior Lighting

Low beam headlights cause oncoming traffic to swerve and to flash bright lights, as if they are being blinded by low beams in this car. Car has no load or extra weight, and yet this happens dozens of times per week with oncoming cars flashing their lights as I am approaching. Dealership refused to look at this concern, sayin…

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Low beam headlights cause oncoming traffic to swerve and to flash bright lights, as if they are being blinded by low beams in this car. Car has no load or extra weight, and yet this happens dozens of times per week with oncoming cars flashing their lights as I am approaching. Dealership refused to look at this concern, saying that if I did not purchase a new $15,000 engine, then my factory warranty would not be honored. The car is running fine. Other mechanic shops not affiliated with Kia say the headlights are perfectly adjusted to factory specs and there has been no shift or movement. One offered to bend metal to lower the beam, but he said this was not factory specs and so I declined. While refusing to address this issue, the Kia dealer that sold me this car also refused to repair the recalled trailer brake light harness, which is violation of federal law. The Kia owner's online portal is also non-responsive. I tried to address this there, where they assigned Case # 14685919. I am concerned about endangering other drivers with this, but Kia will not address this customer's concerns. Perhaps attorneys who query NHTSA database will force a solution before someone is harmed by this.

NHTSA ODI #11455774

Mileage unknown · Mar 7, 2022
Visibility/wiper

Windshield was repaired September 2020 after a rock chip spread immediately after impact. The recall covered the expense of that replacement. However, the new windshield has the same defect and another rock chip spread immediately and was quite large on impact March 2022. I was driving in a parking lot when it happened, so not a…

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Windshield was repaired September 2020 after a rock chip spread immediately after impact. The recall covered the expense of that replacement. However, the new windshield has the same defect and another rock chip spread immediately and was quite large on impact March 2022. I was driving in a parking lot when it happened, so not a high enough speed to have the rock have much velocity to it. Kia needs to fix the issue when they have a recall, not replace it with the same issue.

NHTSA ODI #11455583

Mileage unknown · Feb 19, 2022
Engine

Transmission would engage into neutral and anytime. Engine would RPM would inceease, 5-7000rpm without pressing the accelerator. When engine was at high RPM transmission would then engage into gear causing a violent lurching. Transmissionseems to be locked into 5th gear. Transmission would also slip/disengage while trying to…

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Transmission would engage into neutral and anytime. Engine would RPM would inceease, 5-7000rpm without pressing the accelerator. When engine was at high RPM transmission would then engage into gear causing a violent lurching. Transmissionseems to be locked into 5th gear. Transmission would also slip/disengage while trying to accelerate.

NHTSA ODI #11453034

Mileage unknown · Feb 19, 2022
Visibility

I have replaced the windshield twice. A small pebble hit it in both incidents. It went from an invisible nick to cracks over 1 foot in length after driving no more than 5 miles to my destination. The cracks continued to grow to about 2 feet in length overnight. Kia sent me a letter which I did not realize until a few months …

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I have replaced the windshield twice. A small pebble hit it in both incidents. It went from an invisible nick to cracks over 1 foot in length after driving no more than 5 miles to my destination. The cracks continued to grow to about 2 feet in length overnight. Kia sent me a letter which I did not realize until a few months after the first replacement acknowledging there was an issue and was gracious enough to reimburse me for the first one. I assumed they also fixed the manufacturing process of the windshields as well but ended up with the same issue with the first replacement. I find this to be a safety issue outside of the inconvenience and the second one I did not get reimbursed for. The structural integrity of the windshield is immediately compromised. You are not given a chance to get off the road before something worst could occur like the windshield fully shattering. The other concern is the windshield does not appear to be structurally sound enough to take on the other safety features it is to provide like holding the airbag in place when it is deployed or helping to prevent the roof from caving in during a rollover. I hope you do not wait to force a recall after someone is seriously injured or a death occurs as a result.

NHTSA ODI #11452933

Mileage unknown · Feb 17, 2022
Air Bags

The contact owns a 2020 Kia Telluride. The contact stated that previously the vehicle was involved in a crash and the air bags were removed from the vehicle. The local dealer was contacted and the contact was referred to the body shop for the repair. The contact was informed that the replacement air bags were not available. The …

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The contact owns a 2020 Kia Telluride. The contact stated that previously the vehicle was involved in a crash and the air bags were removed from the vehicle. The local dealer was contacted and the contact was referred to the body shop for the repair. The contact was informed that the replacement air bags were not available. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact had not experienced a failure. No further information was available.

NHTSA ODI #11452399

Mileage unknown · Feb 14, 2022
Power Train

I reported a suspected defect on my vehicle 1/26/22. With 44,000 miles, the car began stalling and having difficulty accelerating from a stop at busy intersections. Germain Kia Dealership on Georgesville Rd in Columbus, OH where I purchased the vehicle new has refused to adequately investigate this issue, and has refused to m…

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I reported a suspected defect on my vehicle 1/26/22. With 44,000 miles, the car began stalling and having difficulty accelerating from a stop at busy intersections. Germain Kia Dealership on Georgesville Rd in Columbus, OH where I purchased the vehicle new has refused to adequately investigate this issue, and has refused to make any repair for the open recall on this vehicle involving taillights and the trailer hitch. Dealership stated it would only make repairs if I bought a $15,000 new engine from them, and they stated that Kia would not honor my manufacturer's warranty, nor would Kia honor my extended warranty sold to me for $2,000 at time of purchase. Dealership was acting as an agent of Kia when taking this action. I filed a complaint to Kia headquarters, but this scheme to defraud was endorsed by Kia through a lack of action. I was assigned case number 14636950 by Kia, but the automaker took no action. My recall item was not repaired, and the suspected defect that involves stalling on my two-year old engine was not addressed at all. My records show 5 oil changes since buying this car, but Kia's Columbus, OH dealership says only oil changes done by their own dealership count. None of my oil changes done by other ASE certified repair facilities will be recognized. Dealership says Kia will not honor any warranty due to lack of maintenance. I can prove vehicle was maintained properly. When I escalated this matter to the dealership sales manager, service manager, and general manager, they took no action. I was denied repair on the recall item, as dealership and Kia tried to trick me into buying a new engine, they breached my warranty and my extended warranty, and they did not investigate the new potential defect involving power train. Please do not allow Kia and its dealers to defraud other customers and keep unsafe cars on the road in this fashion.

NHTSA ODI #11451980

Mileage unknown · Feb 8, 2022
Exterior Lighting

The high beams are no longer operable.

NHTSA ODI #11451064

Mileage unknown · Feb 4, 2022
Unknown Or Other

I’ve owned over 10 vehicles and had glass chipped from rocks or hail and understand that happens. My Kia Telluride simply with no vehicles around on a paved road driving 55 miles an hour just cracked like it had been hit by a bullet and then proceeded to spread over 6” from the time the crack happen until I got it into my garage…

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I’ve owned over 10 vehicles and had glass chipped from rocks or hail and understand that happens. My Kia Telluride simply with no vehicles around on a paved road driving 55 miles an hour just cracked like it had been hit by a bullet and then proceeded to spread over 6” from the time the crack happen until I got it into my garage 5 miles down the road. The weather outside was 56 degrees according to vehicle and no rain or abnormal driving conditions. I have seen in numerous forums this is a common problem with the 2020 Kia Telluride. This should be a recall issue.

NHTSA ODI #11450333

Mileage unknown · Jan 22, 2022
Exterior Lighting

Both headlight high beams went out at the same time. I no longer have working high beams and from the internet research this is a known problem with no recall issued.

NHTSA ODI #11448489

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.