NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Engine complaints
29 reportsClear category filterMileage unknown · Aug 19, 2026
Engine
I am reporting a safety concern involving my 2022 Kia Telluride EX with approximately 95,000 miles. The vehicle has experienced intermittent rough running, significant loss of engine power, stalling, and recurring check-engine warnings. During one incident, the vehicle started, sputtered, and shut off. The engine oil level was f…
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I am reporting a safety concern involving my 2022 Kia Telluride EX with approximately 95,000 miles. The vehicle has experienced intermittent rough running, significant loss of engine power, stalling, and recurring check-engine warnings. During one incident, the vehicle started, sputtered, and shut off. The engine oil level was found to be extremely low despite the vehicle having received an oil change approximately 2,000 miles earlier. After adding approximately one quart of oil, the vehicle was able to start and remain running. The check-engine light subsequently illuminated and Kia Connect reported diagnostic code P000A00. The warning light has intermittently turned off, but the fault remained stored in the vehicle's computer and was later confirmed by a Kia dealership. I brought the vehicle to an authorized Kia dealership because of the oil loss and drivability concerns. The dealership documented that no external oil leak was found and stated that the engine was likely consuming excessive oil. An oil-consumption test was initiated. According to the dealership's subsequent documentation, after approximately 1,000 miles the engine was more than two quarts low on oil. During this process, the vehicle continued to experience drivability concerns including rough running/stalling and poor engine power. I am concerned that the vehicle may stall or experience significant loss of motive power while being driven in traffic. I routinely use this vehicle for commuting and transporting my family. Kia ultimately declined warranty coverage based on insufficient maintenance documentation. I am not submitting this complaint to dispute the warranty decision. I am reporting the underlying safety concern because the vehicle has experienced stalling/loss of power together with substantial engine-oil consumption, and the underlying mechanical cause has not been clearly resolved.
NHTSA ODI #11757927
Mileage unknown · Jul 11, 2026
Engine
I am the original owner of a 2022 Kia Telluride. Since approximately late September/early October 2025, the vehicle has experienced an intermittent engine stalling condition while stopped and idling. I first reported the issue to my Kia dealership on October 8, 2025, when the vehicle had approximately 59,761 miles. At that time,…
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I am the original owner of a 2022 Kia Telluride. Since approximately late September/early October 2025, the vehicle has experienced an intermittent engine stalling condition while stopped and idling. I first reported the issue to my Kia dealership on October 8, 2025, when the vehicle had approximately 59,761 miles. At that time, I advised the dealership the engine had already stalled twice within two weeks. I also sent a photo of the warning lights and suggested they allow the vehicle to idle to recreate the condition. The dealership stated they could not duplicate the problem and returned the vehicle without repairs. The same issue continued over the following months. The check engine light appeared multiple times, including in February and April 2026. My Kia Access app repeatedly reported diagnostic code P21A100 (Cylinder 6 Air/Fuel Ratio Imbalance). The dealership advised they could not repair the vehicle because they could not duplicate the concern. During one visit they repaired two engine oil leaks but stated those were unrelated. On July 8, 2026, the defect escalated. While driving through downtown Cincinnati, the engine stalled at three separate traffic lights. When the engine shut off, the battery, oil, check engine, and seatbelt warning lights illuminated. I had to shift into Park, turn the vehicle completely off, and restart it before it would drive again. This created a significant safety hazard in active traffic. The dealership’s current diagnosis is contaminated fuel, but I am reporting this because the same intermittent stalling condition has been documented with the dealership since October 2025 and has never been resolved. An engine that unexpectedly shuts off in traffic presents a serious safety risk to the driver, passengers, and surrounding motorists.
NHTSA ODI #11749731
Mileage unknown · Jul 7, 2026
EngineUnknown Or Other
Engine rapidly burning oil. Had oil changed as Manufacturer's recommendation, but after exceeding the 100,000 mile warranty and having been 7,000 miles since the last oil change the engine threw a rod and the car stopped while i was driving it. Was told by the Kia Dealer (Fitzgerald Kia in Annapolis) that I needed a $10,000 engi…
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Engine rapidly burning oil. Had oil changed as Manufacturer's recommendation, but after exceeding the 100,000 mile warranty and having been 7,000 miles since the last oil change the engine threw a rod and the car stopped while i was driving it. Was told by the Kia Dealer (Fitzgerald Kia in Annapolis) that I needed a $10,000 engine replaced. I am currently working with a lawyer to address this concern.
NHTSA ODI #11748854
Mileage unknown · May 22, 2026
Electrical SystemEnginePower Train
This is supplemental evidence for NHTSA Safety Complaint #11739200 UNIFIED SUPPLEMENTAL EVIDENCE PACKET SEE UPLOADED FILE
NHTSA ODI #11739546
Mileage unknown · May 21, 2026
Electrical SystemEnginePower Train
The vehicle began showing serious safety related symptoms before the engine failed. These included engine knocking, repeated sensor failures, the speedometer and odometer blacking out while driving, the navigation screen going dark, and the entire instrument cluster malfunctioning. These issues caused loss of speed information,…
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The vehicle began showing serious safety related symptoms before the engine failed. These included engine knocking, repeated sensor failures, the speedometer and odometer blacking out while driving, the navigation screen going dark, and the entire instrument cluster malfunctioning. These issues caused loss of speed information, loss of vehicle status, and loss of navigation visibility, creating unsafe driving conditions. Despite these warning signs, the engine later failed suddenly at around 71,399 miles with no warning lights, no oil pressure alerts, and no overheating indicators. The sudden loss of power created a highway safety hazard due to loss of propulsion and reduced steering and braking assist. The manufacturer and dealership also provided conflicting and misleading information about warranty coverage, including a claim of “no warranty on engine,” which contradicts the official warranty coverage documents. This has delayed proper repair of a safety related defect.
NHTSA ODI #11739200
Mileage unknown · May 18, 2026
Electrical SystemEngineService Brakes
While operating my Kia vehicle, the vehicle experienced a sudden loss of braking capability and loss of acceleration/power while traveling downhill. Multiple warning lights reportedly illuminated during the event, including the battery light, oil light, and check engine light. The incident created a serious safety concern due to…
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While operating my Kia vehicle, the vehicle experienced a sudden loss of braking capability and loss of acceleration/power while traveling downhill. Multiple warning lights reportedly illuminated during the event, including the battery light, oil light, and check engine light. The incident created a serious safety concern due to inability to properly control vehicle speed and operation. The vehicle was taken to an authorized Kia dealership for inspection. However, the dealership has refused to provide written confirmation that the vehicle is safe to drive and stated they would not assume liability regarding operation of the vehicle. The dealership further recommended towing the vehicle if I feel unsafe operating it. I am requesting investigation into the safety-related condition involving braking/drivability failure and related warning systems.
NHTSA ODI #11738609
Mileage unknown · May 13, 2026
EngineService BrakesUnknown Or OtherInjury
I was driving the vehicle and came to a stop sign. When I accelerated to turn and drive what was a steep windy downhill Road my car jerked some and the check engine light battery light and oil light came on the dash when I went to push the brakes they went all the way to the floor and the car did not stop. I continued to try the…
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I was driving the vehicle and came to a stop sign. When I accelerated to turn and drive what was a steep windy downhill Road my car jerked some and the check engine light battery light and oil light came on the dash when I went to push the brakes they went all the way to the floor and the car did not stop. I continued to try the brakes and had to use the emergency break to pull up and down to stop and drive up on a hill to not crash into other vehicles I have my vehicle at Kia and they are claiming there is absolutely nothing wrong with the vehicle and I am to pick it up and leave the lot. They have not offered a loaner car or shown any concerns of my safety leaving the lot. I have asked for it to be in writing, but my car is safe to leave and they are not doing so this has caused major anxiety and PTSD to even begin to drive myself and my children are very shook up over this.
NHTSA ODI #11737637
Mileage unknown · May 9, 2026
Electrical SystemEngineFuel/propulsion System
On three different occasions this car’s engine shuts off on me sometimes at highway speeds. It is terrifying being in the left lane and losing all propulsion and power steering. I have to quickly put the car in park (in the middle of the highway) and then restart the car to go again. When it starts failing it keeps shutting off …
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On three different occasions this car’s engine shuts off on me sometimes at highway speeds. It is terrifying being in the left lane and losing all propulsion and power steering. I have to quickly put the car in park (in the middle of the highway) and then restart the car to go again. When it starts failing it keeps shutting off when we come to a stop in stop and go traffic. It’s like the auto shutoff option shuts off the car abut won’t turn it back on. I took it to DCH Kia of Temecula to get to the bottom of this issue. They are saying because there are no check engine lights and they cannot replicate the problem they can’t do anything and want to return the car to us. We fought that and they started a techline report for engineering to help troubleshooting. Kia customer care was involved, but I was told I had 48 hours to pick my car up as is. Driving this car on long trips is now terrifying for me and my family, if you look online, nationwide Kia tellurides are having this same issue I’ve seen from the 2020 models to 2026. I am not the only person having this issue with a Kia telluride. Something needs to be done NATION WIDE before loss of life happens. I would venture to use the fall of the “Saturn” car company as an example of knowing there’s an issue and not fixing it. I want a solution to this issue and I do not feel that “just trade it in” is an acceptable answer.
NHTSA ODI #11736782
Mileage unknown · Jan 19, 2026
EngineFire
Was driving heard a noise and then lost power to gas peddle and bunch of smoke and then flames coming from front of car got out and there were flames coming from hood eventually flames died down and was just smoking police &fire department were called. Piston blew through engine block these engine have a known oil consumption is…
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Was driving heard a noise and then lost power to gas peddle and bunch of smoke and then flames coming from front of car got out and there were flames coming from hood eventually flames died down and was just smoking police &fire department were called. Piston blew through engine block these engine have a known oil consumption issue and I have kept up with oil .
NHTSA ODI #11711813
Mileage unknown · Jan 6, 2026
EnginePower Train
The oil filter housing cracked on the car, causing all the oil to leak out. In researching this, I have found that this is a common problem with the Kia Telluride and Kia Sorrento. The problem is that the oil filter housing is made of cheap plastic and not durable material such as aluminum or steel. This allows the oil filter ho…
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The oil filter housing cracked on the car, causing all the oil to leak out. In researching this, I have found that this is a common problem with the Kia Telluride and Kia Sorrento. The problem is that the oil filter housing is made of cheap plastic and not durable material such as aluminum or steel. This allows the oil filter housing to easily crack under stress. In speaking with the dealership, this is not an uncommon problem. I feel that this should be covered under the Powertrain warranty or through a recall. A quick Google search will show that the problem is widespread in the Sorrento and Telluride models. This repair cost me a total of $425. If I had not replaced or repaired oil filter housing, the engine would have locked up as all the oil at escaped onto the pavement.
NHTSA ODI #11709092
Official recalls
7Jul 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.
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.
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.
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.
Jul 19, 2022
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2022 Sorento and Telluride vehicles. The vehicles may be equipped with an incorrect spare tire which, when installed, can impair the anti-lock braking system (ABS) and the traction control system (TCS). As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Impaired anti-lock braking or traction control systems can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the spare tire, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 27, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC244.
May 17, 2022
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2022 Telluride vehicles. Excess adhesive in a circuit board within the instrument cluster may cause the instrument cluster display screen to be blank. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 101, "Control and Displays."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A blank instrument cluster display screen will not show critical information, such as the odometer, which can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the instrument cluster assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 15, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC237.
Jul 28, 2021
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2022 Telluride vehicles. The LCD display screen may remain blank after startup. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 101, "Control and Displays."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A blank LCD display may be missing information, such as the digital speedometer, gear selection indicator, and odometer, which may increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the instrument cluster's software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 3, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC215.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗