2022 Kia Telluride

Subject: Safety Concern – Backup Camera Failure Causing Complete Safety System Malfunction (2022 Kia Telluride) I am reporting a safety concern regarding a 2022 Kia Telluride related to the rear backup camera assembly. The backup camera failed due to water infiltration through the camera seal, which entered the camera housing and caused an electrical short. When this occurred, the failure did not only disable the backup camera but caused the entire vehicle safety system to malfunction, disabling multiple safety features until the issue was repaired. When we brought the vehicle to the dealership, they stated that this was not the first Kia Telluride they had seen with the same issue. The quoted repair cost from the dealership was approximately $1,200. I ultimately replaced the camera myself, which restored the safety systems to normal operation. I have retained the failed camera assembly, which clearly shows the location where the seal failed and water entered the unit. Because the failure of this component disables multiple vehicle safety systems, I believe this may represent a broader safety concern if it is occurring in other vehicles. I am submitting this report so the issue can be reviewed for potential defects affecting other vehicles. Vehicle information and additional details can be provided if needed. Thank you. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

On January 28, 2026, I brought my vehicle to Kia of Fayetteville for brake pads, rotor replacement, and brake fluid service. I paid approximately $900 for these services and was provided a dealership loaner vehicle. Upon entering the loaner vehicle, I discovered a loaded firearm inside the vehicle as I was gathering my items. The firearm’s serial numbers appeared to be scratched off. Law enforcement was immediately notified. No apology, acknowledgment, or remedial action was taken by dealership management. During this incident, the service manager, Alex Prat, acted in an aggressive, disrespectful, and unprofessional manner. Shortly after retrieving my vehicle, my husband who was driving the vehicle experienced a complete loss of braking ability. The vehicle was towed to another authorized Kia dealership, Southern Pines Kia, where technicians documented that multiple brake system components were improperly installed and/or unsecured, including missing or improperly fastened hardware. The vehicle was deemed unsafe to operate.

Infotainment screen is blank most of the time. Backup camera works intermittently. Dealer confirmed head unit failure and stated software updates cannot be performed. Quoted approximately $7,500 for full replacement. Issue has been occurring for over two years, beginning while vehicle was still relatively new. Creates unsafe reversing conditions due to unreliable federally required backup camera display. Dealer classified as infotainment module failure. No recall issued despite widespread owner reports of similar failures.

Upon starting car, digital odometer cluster is blank. While the cluster is down, the gas tank cap is also unable to be opened. In researching on Google/kia forums, the fix has been to turn off the car, lock the doors and then unlock and restart the car. This is a 2022 and has happened approximately six times since purchase, the most recent time being today’s date again, the Kia forum suggested fix worked to remedy the problem today. Unable to “log these” with the dealership, unless it is brought in for service, but as the online remedy works, no service appointment is needed and therefore cannot on the spot replicate the issue as it randomly occurs. Unaware that these incidents could be logged on this site to establish potential patterns outside previous recalls for same issue.

I am reporting a safety issue with my vehicle’s electronic door locking system. Vehicle: 2022 Kia Telluride SX Prestige with Nightfall Edition Issue: The door locks randomly unlock on their own multiple times without any input. This behavior happens specifically when the child safety lock is enabled. While driving or after locking the vehicle, the locks will unexpectedly unlock, creating a serious safety and security concern. Safety Concern: This issue poses a risk to passengers, especially children, because doors may unlock unexpectedly while the vehicle is in motion. It also creates a security risk when the vehicle is parked, as the car cannot be reliably kept locked. Additional Notes: I have seen multiple similar complaints from other Telluride owners reporting the same behavior. This appears to be a recurring defect rather than an isolated incident. I am requesting that this issue be investigated for a potential defect and safety recall.

My 2022 Kia Telluride is experiencing several serious safety-related defects. The backup camera does not work, the second-row bucket seats fold up on their own while driving, and the electronic parking brake becomes stuck on and will not disengage. The transmission hesitates and shifts harshly, creating a risk during acceleration and lane changes. The engine is consuming oil between changes. The heating and air conditioning stop working when the vehicle is idling at stoplights, and electrical components including the front phone charger and heated passenger seat have failed. The exterior window trim is deteriorating. These issues are ongoing and have not been resolved by Kia. Several of these failures match known defect and recall categories. These create a significant crash and safety risk for my family. I am requesting investigation and manufacturer action.

The vehicle intermittently fails to shift gears and loses acceleration without warning, creating a serious safety hazard. The problem began in October 2024 when the check-engine light first appeared and has continued since. Despite multiple repair attempts by the Kia dealership—including replacement of the fuel pump, fuel pressure sensors, and ECU—the root cause remains undiagnosed, and the defect persists. When the vehicle was brought back in August 2025, the dealer’s latest recommendation on 9/30/25 was to replace the injector harnesses and front wire assembly, but they cannot guarantee this will resolve the issue.