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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 · Jul 25, 2025
Electrical SystemUnknown Or Other

Folding outside mirrors get stuck randomly, Back up Camera functions erratically, and worst of all, the Sun Roof jammed open.

NHTSA ODI #11676192

Mileage unknown · Jul 21, 2025
Engine

The engine; I took my vehicle to be serviced at the dealership on Feb 18,2025 due to it making a weird whining noise when accelerating and/or turning causing the check engine light to appear. I was told then that my vehicle had no oil in it due to a leak in the oil housing filter. I paid $1900 to have it repaired. Then on May 20…

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The engine; I took my vehicle to be serviced at the dealership on Feb 18,2025 due to it making a weird whining noise when accelerating and/or turning causing the check engine light to appear. I was told then that my vehicle had no oil in it due to a leak in the oil housing filter. I paid $1900 to have it repaired. Then on May 20th I had to take my vehicle back to the dealership to be serviced for the same issue but this time was told that the cylinder 3 fuel injector needed to be replaced. I then paid $1200 for it to be repaired. Here it is July 21st and the same issue has happened with the diagnostic code reading Cylinder 3 fuel injector and the vehicle will cut off at any time while driving. I took my vehicle back to the dealership and was told that my vehicle was 4.5 quarts low on oil and this was due to my vehicle burning oil and I need to replace the engine or trade the vehicle in. My vehicle has only 124,000 miles on it and should not be needing a new engine or repairs. I purchased this vehicle used with 106,000 miles on it and has had it for a year. I have researched the issue and found that 40plus others has had the same issue with the same vehicle. This issue needs to be looked into. I'm unable to upload my invoices as proof of defect. I can email them if you would like me too.

NHTSA ODI #11675217

93,364 miles · Jul 17, 2025
Engine And Engine Cooling

The contact owns a 2020 Kia Telluride. The contact stated that while he was servicing the vehicle, the contact noticed that there was a hole in the rear upper part of the engine block. There was no warning light illuminated. The dealer was contacted. Additionally, the contact stated while driving at various speeds, there was an…

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The contact owns a 2020 Kia Telluride. The contact stated that while he was servicing the vehicle, the contact noticed that there was a hole in the rear upper part of the engine block. There was no warning light illuminated. The dealer was contacted. Additionally, the contact stated while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal burning oil odor coming from the engine. The vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer, where the contact was informed that the engine would need to be disassembled to determine the cause of the failure. Additionally, the dealer informed the contact that three oil changes needed to be performed, and the engine needed to be flushed and replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised the contact to follow the dealer's instructions. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 93,364.

NHTSA ODI #11674295

Mileage unknown · Jul 14, 2025
Engine

The engine failed catastrophically on a highway bridge putting four [XXX] boys in grave danger. They managed to get the vehicle to the other side of the bridge but it was not safe. Not a single warning light came on prior, and the engine temperatur gauge didn't show anything out of the ordinary. Oil levels were checked and to…

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The engine failed catastrophically on a highway bridge putting four [XXX] boys in grave danger. They managed to get the vehicle to the other side of the bridge but it was not safe. Not a single warning light came on prior, and the engine temperatur gauge didn't show anything out of the ordinary. Oil levels were checked and topped off prior to the trip. Oil was changed 9 months prior. A local Kia dealer has confirmed total engine failure. Kia has denied the claim despite being under the warranty period because I cannot supply complete oil change records. Who keeps those? I only keep the most recent one which shows 9 months prior. A quick search shows the 2020 Kia Telluride engine is failing at an alarming rate and Kia corporate offices are practing the deny and delay strategy to dodge responsibility. I will now have to hire attorneys and pay $10,000 to replace their faulty engine. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI #11673462

Mileage unknown · Jul 14, 2025
Exterior Lighting

The contact owns a 2020 Kia Telluride. The contact stated while attempting to have a vehicle inspected, it was discovered that there was an open recall on the VIN. The VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V148000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING); however, the part to do the recall repair was not available. The local dealer was contac…

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The contact owns a 2020 Kia Telluride. The contact stated while attempting to have a vehicle inspected, it was discovered that there was an open recall on the VIN. The VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V148000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING); however, the part to do the recall repair was not available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ODI #11673399

Mileage unknown · Jul 7, 2025
Structure

Paint is peeling off in patches

NHTSA ODI #11671758

Mileage unknown · Jul 7, 2025
Engine

In May 2025, I brought my 2022 Kia Telluride to the dealership for an oil leak. They kept my vehicle for a week. Then in June, while driving with my [XXX] son, the engine completely stalled — a terrifying and dangerous situation. I returned the car to the dealership, and they tried to point out a bunch of unrelated issues. But…

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In May 2025, I brought my 2022 Kia Telluride to the dealership for an oil leak. They kept my vehicle for a week. Then in June, while driving with my [XXX] son, the engine completely stalled — a terrifying and dangerous situation. I returned the car to the dealership, and they tried to point out a bunch of unrelated issues. But once I got home, the car shut off again. I took it back and was finally told that the engine had blown — and that this kind of failure "happens all the time" with Tellurides, according to their own words. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI #11671716

Mileage unknown · Jul 7, 2025
Engine

Our Kia Telluride had engine failure and a leaking oil pan. There were no warning messages or lamps at all.We noticed a blue smoke coming from the engine upon acceleration and a knocking noise from engine. We took it to a local repair shop and they said the engine was shot. We needed a new engine and a new oil pan as well as an…

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Our Kia Telluride had engine failure and a leaking oil pan. There were no warning messages or lamps at all.We noticed a blue smoke coming from the engine upon acceleration and a knocking noise from engine. We took it to a local repair shop and they said the engine was shot. We needed a new engine and a new oil pan as well as an oil change.

NHTSA ODI #11671496

Mileage unknown · Jul 4, 2025
Power Train

Car erratically shifts and provides more power to vehicle when it is not necessary. It often shakes in between shifting.

NHTSA ODI #11671255

Mileage unknown · Jul 3, 2025
Engine

Another Kia Telluride reporting the known defect in 2020 Kia Tellurides related to severe and excessive oil consumption that poses a potential safety risk and financial loss. I have recently experienced repeated and worsening oil loss between routine oil changes with no visible leaks or warning lights. The rate of consumption ex…

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Another Kia Telluride reporting the known defect in 2020 Kia Tellurides related to severe and excessive oil consumption that poses a potential safety risk and financial loss. I have recently experienced repeated and worsening oil loss between routine oil changes with no visible leaks or warning lights. The rate of consumption exceed 1 quart per 1,000 miles which Kia defines as “excessive” under Technical Service Bulletin ENG222 (Rev 5). This condition creates a risk of engine failure while driving, especially because there are no warning signs that the engine is about to seize. I am in the process of contacting my dealership but Kia of America declined to acknowledge this issue despite it being well documented and affecting a wide range of Kia engines. I believe this is a safety defect that warrants further investigation due to: 1) Sudden engine failure or stalling from low oil levels 2) Lack of adequate early warning indicators 3) Unreasonable financial exposure to consumers for a manufacturer-related defect 4) A pattern of complaints across similar models/engines. I urge the NHTSA to investigate this matter further and ensure Kia is held accountable for this widespread and dangerous issue.

NHTSA ODI #11671057

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.