Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
Limited mileage data: 24 of 322 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.
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.
Visibility/wiper. Review the 73 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Electrical System. Review the 69 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Engine. Review the 29 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
10 crash reports4 fire reports7 injury reports
What owners actually said
322 reports
Mileage unknown · Mar 5, 2025
Service Brakes
As part of the fix to address a recall related to a a drivetrain defect and potential rolling issues, Kia installed software that would automatically apply the emergency brake when the car was put into park and the door was opened, and/or turned off. The problem with this fix is that once the car is off, the driver can not disen…
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As part of the fix to address a recall related to a a drivetrain defect and potential rolling issues, Kia installed software that would automatically apply the emergency brake when the car was put into park and the door was opened, and/or turned off. The problem with this fix is that once the car is off, the driver can not disengage the parking brake, thus creating an issue related to towing or moving the vehicle out of the road after an accident. This also makes it impossible to perform a rear brake replacement as the parking brake cannot be released. This software update needs to be amended so the the driver can disengage the parking brake when needed.
NHTSA ODI #11646637
Mileage unknown · Mar 5, 2025
Power TrainSteering
I have an ongoing problem with this vehicle that KIA will not address. My alternator was replaced under warranty last April 30 and when I got it back, the CV boot was leaking grease all over the underside of the car. It took 6 weeks to get them to replace the cv boot (June 14). After that it continued to spray grease all over…
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I have an ongoing problem with this vehicle that KIA will not address. My alternator was replaced under warranty last April 30 and when I got it back, the CV boot was leaking grease all over the underside of the car. It took 6 weeks to get them to replace the cv boot (June 14). After that it continued to spray grease all over the underside of my car and there is an increasing amount of vibration going down the road. KIA said they didn't notice a problem when I took it back in August. I took my vehicle to an independent shop who said that at a minimum the front passenger cv axle needed replacement but that there is also a lot of play with the lower center motor mount. KIA did ended up replacing both cv axles when I took it back because at that point I had a significant wobble in the front end when I drive at speeds of 40-60mph. When I got my car back from cv axle replacement the problem was improved but there was still a vibration that has been increasingly worse. I returned my vehicle to KIA in January and they said they don't feel anything in the drive train but that now my tires have worn unevenly and need replacement. My tires were rotated every 6,000 miles and the vibration/wobble contributed to their uneven wear. I have replaced the tires and an alignment has been done, but it the symptoms are worse. Searching through social media and various sources show that the front passenger cv axles are a common issue for the Tellurides and a lot of people are experiencing similar problems. My suspension checks out. All of the obvious things have been ruled out and the required maintenance has been performed. I have had 3 occasions where there was a noise that sounded like something coming apart going down the road. I have concerns that this vehicle is unsafe to drive. I feel that KIA is not going to address this problem unless there is a recall requiring them to do it.
NHTSA ODI #11646482
Mileage unknown · Feb 25, 2025
Service BrakesCrash
22May2023: 2022 Kia Telluride had a complete brake failure while exiting an elementary school garage, leading to a collision with the closed gate. ABS warning lights came on and witnesses heard ABS sounds despite dry pavement and slow speed. Driver stopped car by throwing into park. CCTV captured the incident. Can send higher re…
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22May2023: 2022 Kia Telluride had a complete brake failure while exiting an elementary school garage, leading to a collision with the closed gate. ABS warning lights came on and witnesses heard ABS sounds despite dry pavement and slow speed. Driver stopped car by throwing into park. CCTV captured the incident. Can send higher res but your site won't allow large files. Inspections (22-24 May 2023): Multiple ABS and electronic stability control (ESC) errors were detected by local repair shops and a Kia dealer. Other Reports: Owner found other Facebook with similar ABS-related brake failure. They claimed they had contact with about 7 others with same issue - allegedly signed secrecy agreements with Kia to receive compensation/buy back. Dealer Inspection Blocked (30Nov2023): Kia scheduled another brake inspection at dealer, but a regional Kia executive intervened and canceled it last minute. No explanation given. Kia's Refusal (8Apr2024): Kia denied ABS issues could cause brake failure, despite evidence. 20May2024 Recall: Kia recalled a wheel sensor linked to ABS malfunctions but claimed it does not affect braking ability. Settlement Offer: Kia offered compensation but required a secrecy agreement and other terms not acceptable to owner. I have documentation for all.
NHTSA ODI #11644790
Mileage unknown · Feb 23, 2025
Engine
I cranked my vehicle and it sounded very loud. Almost a knocking sound. After I turned it off I checked the oil. There was no oil showing on the dip stick. I had no oil in my driveway or had no signs of oil burning at any time. I added 3 qts of oil and took it to a local Firestone auto and had the oil change. The mechanic said h…
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I cranked my vehicle and it sounded very loud. Almost a knocking sound. After I turned it off I checked the oil. There was no oil showing on the dip stick. I had no oil in my driveway or had no signs of oil burning at any time. I added 3 qts of oil and took it to a local Firestone auto and had the oil change. The mechanic said he saw no leaks. He mentioned to me that several people have had an issue similar to mine with this make and year model. He said he thought Kia would have issued a recall for this by now. I was basically told by a mechanic that this will keep happening unless Kia fixes the problem and replaces the engine. It's not a problem they can fix, it is a defect with the model of car itself
NHTSA ODI #11644430
36,000 miles · Jan 28, 2025
Power TrainCrash
The contact owns a 2022 Kia Telluride. The contact stated that after his wife had parked the vehicle and left the front driver's side door opened while there were two passengers in the rear seats. The contact stated that his wife unloaded the vehicle and walked towards the front door. The contact's mother-in-law and daughter who…
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The contact owns a 2022 Kia Telluride. The contact stated that after his wife had parked the vehicle and left the front driver's side door opened while there were two passengers in the rear seats. The contact stated that his wife unloaded the vehicle and walked towards the front door. The contact's mother-in-law and daughter who were in the residence noticed that the vehicle was rolling back and alerted the contact's wife, who turned around and ran after the vehicle. The vehicle crashed into the rear passenger's side of another parked unoccupied vehicle. The vehicle continued to roll back until it crashed into a palm tree. The contact stated that none of the passengers occupying the rear seats sustained injuries. The vehicle was driven back to the driveway. The contact stated that the front driver's side door which was opened at the time of the incident, became bent and damaged. Additionally, the rear of the vehicle was damaged. The contact stated that the incident was recorded by his front door camera. No police report was filed. The vehicle was then towed to an autobody repair shop to be repaired. The contact stated that the recall of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V214000(Power Train) was previously completed on the vehicle; however, the recall remedy failed to fix the failure. The dealer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was filed. The contact sent a recording of the incident to the manufacturer, but the manufacturer denied assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 36,000.
NHTSA ODI #11639037
Mileage unknown · Jan 20, 2025
StructureUnknown Or Other
Went to the carwash and the sunroof exploded
NHTSA ODI #11637084
Mileage unknown · Jan 14, 2025
Electrical SystemSeatsUnknown Or OtherFire
Recall repairs done at original dealership(bought new). Passenger seat components that were repaired started an electrical fire under the passenger seat while vehicle was driving. There was a horrible smell inside the car and coming thru the air vents so I turned the ac off and smoke started billowing from under the seat. Immed…
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Recall repairs done at original dealership(bought new). Passenger seat components that were repaired started an electrical fire under the passenger seat while vehicle was driving. There was a horrible smell inside the car and coming thru the air vents so I turned the ac off and smoke started billowing from under the seat. Immediately pulled over and removed children from car. Vehicle is available. Incident happened with 1 adult 3 kids in car driving. Dealership towed from side of road and kept in service for 54 days(rental provided) and returned with over 1600 new miles on it with no usage of the vehicle told to me and now the affected seat is not connected into the electrical system of the vehicle. Manufacturer did not choose to inspect. No warnings prior.
NHTSA ODI #11635856
Mileage unknown · Jan 9, 2025
Forward Collision AvoidanceService BrakesUnknown Or Other
While driving approximately 40mph down straight roadway without anything around, the vehicle has unexpectedly slammed on the brakes. This has happened four times to date (11/13/24 - 12/25/24). During two of the instance's lights flashed on the dashboard and indicated the front right corner sensor of vehicle. During the other two…
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While driving approximately 40mph down straight roadway without anything around, the vehicle has unexpectedly slammed on the brakes. This has happened four times to date (11/13/24 - 12/25/24). During two of the instance's lights flashed on the dashboard and indicated the front right corner sensor of vehicle. During the other two occurrences, lights flashed on the dashboard and indicated the sensor at the rear right corner of vehicle, even though the vehicle was again traveling forward at approx. 40mph. In each case the brakes were unexpectedly applied very hard for several seconds before returning to normal. There were no other vehicles around and no dirt or other obstructions to the sensors. Vehicle was brought into dealer for diagnostics and was told they could not duplicate the concern. I asked the dealership to contact Kia for support and they refused. I then contacted Kia directly asking for assistance in getting this resolved. They responded that they rely on diagnostics from the dealership and only if the dealership can duplicate the issue will anything be done. This is an extremely dangerous drivability issue of which the dealer agrees. But since they have not witnessed it firsthand, no further action is being taken to attempt to find and/or replace whatever part is malfunctioning. In searching the NHTSA website, I see several complaints where individuals have experienced strikingly similar complaints (NHTSA # 11538285, 11485486, 11457515, 11457281, 11589381) with this vehicle.
NHTSA ODI #11635067
Mileage unknown · Jan 8, 2025
Air BagsSeat BeltsCrashInjury
I was rear ended at a high rate of speed, causing me to fly down a 15 foot embankment, where I sideswiped a telephone pole. The latter causing damage to the passenger side front quarter panel. The airbag did not deploy after either impact, nor did the seatbelt stop me from hitting the steering wheel multiple times.
NHTSA ODI #11634875
Mileage unknown · Jan 8, 2025
VisibilityVisibility/wiper
My Wife was driving 37mph in town at 1:40pm on a 31* afternoon. When she hears an apparent "gunshot", it was not a gunshot. Her forward sunroof had exploded. She had the sunshade closed thankfully so she did not get hit with any glass. Her vehicle was not hit by anything. The glass looks like it was forced from the inside, blowi…
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My Wife was driving 37mph in town at 1:40pm on a 31* afternoon. When she hears an apparent "gunshot", it was not a gunshot. Her forward sunroof had exploded. She had the sunshade closed thankfully so she did not get hit with any glass. Her vehicle was not hit by anything. The glass looks like it was forced from the inside, blowing the glass outwards. We took her vehicle to our local dealership. They vacuumed up the glass shards, and then taped the remaining glass on both sides, and also covered the roof until repairs can be made. Dealership is filing for warranty, but awaiting approval.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 ↗
NHTSA investigations
0
No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.
2022 Kia Telluride Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year