2020 Kia Telluride

767 complaints on file, page 1 of 39.

1. Filed Oct 1, 2026Failure Jun 12, 2025Burlington, NCEngine, Suspension, Unknown or other

   Purchased vehicle 8/31/2021 - 32k miles 10/18/21 - first mention of oil consumption (opened case with Kia) 2023,2025,2026. 3 more cases filed and DENIED with Kia customer care. Filed BBB claim, filed BBB anutoline claim, also hired lemon lawyer. Kia offered $6k to go away (I declined). *July 18,2026 Kia finally diagnosis and recommends engine replacement. Bore scope was used to discover scoring on cylinders from significant oil consumption. Vehicle is now smoking at take off (112k miles), current open case with Kia customer care again. Requesting buyback or settlement for the 3rd time in 5 years. Still paying $600 a month Safety concern: on a trip out of state vehicle dash lit up every icon and went dead in the middle of a packed 4 lane highway , started with power steering, no lights, no horn , couldn't roll window down.(video avail) Vehicle towed to dealership. Had replaced battery 2 times already. This has happened twice and my family was in the vehicle once on the large highway, very scary no one knew we were broke down bc we had no way to show it. People blowing and zooming by mad. Low oil light doesn't exist on this vehicle, I've been bone dry with no indication EVER. I now ride around with a 5 quart jug of oil and funnel in the back of my car since 72,000 miles. This should be illegal. Rear suspension: 4 times the rear suspension has been replaced (7 times in the shop to be fixed one time over 30 days) and has never been fixed , now making the same knocking noise it's always made. The car is a lemon and Kia knows it and will not stand behind their product. I DO NOT FEEL SAFE IN THIS VEHICLE, kia has been notified numerous times in every avenue and every way I could communicate, they say "we will call you with an update when we have one" that call NEVER happens.

   NHTSA complaint 11768414
2. Filed Oct 1, 2026Failure Sep 27, 2026Phoenix, AZVisibility/wiper

   1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The panoramic sunroof glass spontaneously failed while the vehicle was being driven on the interstate at approximately 70 mph. A very loud bang, comparable to the sound of a gunshot, was heard from the roof area. After safely pulling over, we observed that the sunroof glass was bowed upward/outward and had a large crack extending from the driver’s side toward the passenger’s side and toward the front of the vehicle. The glass remained intact within the sunroof frame but was visibly damaged. The vehicle and sunroof assembly are available for inspection upon request. The damaged sunroof glass should also be retained and made available for inspection, if possible. 2. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The failure occurred unexpectedly while traveling at approximately 70 mph on an interstate. The sudden, extremely loud bang startled us and created an immediate safety concern while the vehicle was traveling at highway speed. The sunroof glass also bowed significantly upward and developed a large crack. An unexpected failure of overhead glass while traveling at highway speed presents a potential safety hazard to the occupants. We were also concerned about the possibility of glass breaking further or pieces of glass becoming detached and creating a hazard for the occupants or other motorists. 3. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? At this time, the failure has not been reproduced or independently confirmed by a Kia dealer or independent service center. The damaged sunroof is available for inspection. 4. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? To date, the vehicle and sunroof failure have not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives. A claim has been submitted to insurance company.

   NHTSA complaint 11768348
3. Filed Oct 1, 2026Failure Oct 1, 2026Canton, MIEngine

   On September 24th, 2026, while traveling with my family in my 2020, KIA, Telluride, the vehicle began experiencing an unusual engine vibration approximately 200 miles into our trip. About five miles later, I exited the freeway and stopped to inspect it. Once stopped, the engine began knocking loudly. I checked the engine oil and coolant levels; both appeared normal, and the temperature gauge was at its usual reading. After waiting about five minutes, I restarted the vehicle, but the knocking became worse with each start. I stopped running the engine and had the vehicle towed to a Kia service center. The vehicle had approximately 99,350 miles. The shop has described the engine problem as a “catastrophic failure.” The cause and specific failed components are cannot be identified in this kind of failure. This sudden failure during freeway travel with my family created a serious safety concern and I am sure this needs to notified so that it doesn't happen to anyone who own's the same car. There are particles of metal shavings found in Oil filter which concludes engine failure with no explanation. Only option I am given is get the engine swap which is ~70% of the total cost of the car. Kia support just says since the car is out of warranty they cannot do anything about it. This is a serious durability issue. I totally understand that the car warranty was reduced for the 2nd owner, but first user could also get this problem on the freeway and can be dangerous for everyone driving in the car as i am still under 100,000miles. I am trying to spread awareness, Kia already acknowledges that consuming 1qtz of oil every 1000 miles is normal, which means the engine has a issue that Hyundai/Kia needs to fix before more family starts facing this with even worse situation than ours. Please look into this so that they can acknowledge fix the problem and opens a recall for fixing it.

   NHTSA complaint 11768310
4. Filed Sep 30, 2026Failure Aug 17, 2026Mays Landing, NJEngine

   Vehicle is burning a significant amount of oil leading to it becoming dry. I am seeing a lot of people complaining about this issue but there has not been a recall sent out.

   NHTSA complaint 11768097
5. Filed Sep 29, 2026Failure Sep 20, 2026Cypress, TXUnknown or other

   Plastic part of sunroof mechanism snapped, causing the whole sunroof to jam and not be able to close properly. Not only does this put interior damage of the car at risk, it puts a driver and passengers at risk in the case of inclement weather.

   NHTSA complaint 11767757
6. Filed Sep 29, 2026Failure Feb 8, 2026Freeland, MIElectrical system, Engine, Exterior lighting

   Everything with paint that everyone else with the pearl color is dealing with flaked all off .. electrical my seat caught on fire ... lighting headlights constantlyfail have changed multiple.. I can keep going on but there isnt enough time or room

   NHTSA complaint 11767667
7. Filed Sep 24, 2026Failure Jun 1, 2026Chesterland, OHEngine

   My 2020 Kia Telluride experienced progressive and severe engine oil consumption that ultimately required a full engine replacement. Beginning well before the failure, the vehicle required frequent manual oil top-offs between scheduled changes, including on longer trips. No low-oil warning light, check-engine light, or oil-pressure warning ever illuminated to alert of critically low oil levels. In late March 2026 an independent service center replaced the engine oil filter housing and related gasket after an oil leak was observed; an axle damaged by oil spray was also replaced at that time. Shortly afterward the manufacturer issued a warranty extension covering oil-filter-housing gasket leaks on 2020–2025 Tellurides, extending coverage to 15 years/180,000 miles for that specific condition. Despite the housing/gasket repair, the excessive oil consumption continued. Several weeks later the vehicle lost power and broke down while being driven. It was towed to an authorized Kia dealership. Technicians inspected the vehicle, confirmed heavy oil consumption (noting the engine had been requiring large amounts of oil nearly weekly with no external ground leaks observed), and diagnosed catastrophic internal engine damage. They recommended complete engine replacement at a quoted cost exceeding $13,000. The dealership also inspected the oil-filter housing area under the recent warranty extension but determined the engine damage itself fell outside that limited coverage. The oil-consumption problem and resulting engine failure create a clear safety risk: sudden loss of power or stalling can occur without any dashboard warning, potentially while the vehicle is in motion on public roads. The failed engine and related components remain available for inspection. The condition has been confirmed by both an independent service center and an authorized Kia dealership. Similar oil-consumption and engine-damage reports have been widely noted among other owners of the same model.

   NHTSA complaint 11766642
8. Filed Sep 23, 2026Failure Sep 22, 2026Anderson, CAEngine, Body

   I am the original owner of a 2020 Kia Telluride that was purchased new in December 2019 and currently has approximately 98,000 miles. The vehicle has been routinely serviced, including regular maintenance performed through authorized Kia dealerships. Recently, the vehicle developed a serious apparent engine problem. An independent repair facility inspected the engine oil and found it was very low and visible metallic particles/shavings in the oil. The oil also appeared abnormally burned. The repair facility found no evidence of an external oil leak and advised that the vehicle should not be driven because of the condition of the engine oil and presence of metal. I had the vehicle towed to an authorized Kia dealership rather than continue operating it. There were NO Engine or warning lights indicating low oil. The vehicle is currently awaiting diagnosis by Kia under the 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. I am concerned that the presence of metal in the engine oil indicates an internal engine component failure that could result in sudden engine seizure, loss of propulsion, or other engine failure while the vehicle is being operated in traffic. There was no crash, fire, or injury associated with my vehicle at the time the problem was discovered because I stopped operating it after being advised not to drive it. The vehicle also has significant premature paint delamination on the roof. Large areas of the original factory paint have separated/flaked away from the roof despite the vehicle being approximately six years old. This is not isolated rock chipping or normal cosmetic wear; it appears to be a widespread failure of paint adhesion. I am concerned about additional paint separating from the vehicle while traveling at highway speeds and potentially becoming airborne, as well as the long-term effect of exposed roof metal and corrosion. Kia has been notified of the paint condition but has declined to repair it.

   NHTSA complaint 11766500
9. Filed Sep 18, 2026Failure May 16, 202669,000 milesLinwood, NJEngine

   The contact owns a 2020 Kia Telluride. The contact stated that while driving 5 MPH, the vehicle unexpectedly stalled in the middle of an intersection. The vehicle was restarted; however, the low oil warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where an oil consumption test was performed. The dealer informed the contact that no failure was found. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred and, after inspecting the vehicle, the oil level was low despite a recent oil change. The contact stated that the vehicle was scheduled for another oil consumption test with the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure by telephone. The approximate failure mileage was 69,000.

   NHTSA complaint 11765332
10. Filed Sep 15, 2026Failure Mar 8, 2025Elkton, VABody

    In March of 2025 I noticed that my Kia Telluride had a quarter size piece of paint missing in the middle of the roof near my windshield. As the past year has progressed paint delamination has occurred across the roof of my vehicle with other delamination spots being noticed in other areas of the body. My vehicle is a 2020 with 66,000 miles and is a white pearlescent coat. The delamination is exposing the body of my vehicle to the elements, causing rust and deterioration at a rapid speed. With a simple hand washing, the paint peeled off of my roof in a large area. This should not be occurring with a vehicle that has been well taken care of and should have many years of life left. Kia should be held responsible for the delamination that is occurring widely with the white pearlescent paint color.

    NHTSA complaint 11764510
11. Filed Sep 15, 2026Failure Aug 29, 2026Newton, IAEngine

    Loss of oil that is going out the heads and exhaust. This causes loss of power. Oil light doesn’t come on. This happened twice. Once in March and we took it to the dealership to have it fixed. Unfortunately, the issue wasn’t fixed and it happened again in August.

    NHTSA complaint 11764415
12. Filed Sep 12, 2026Failure Sep 11, 2026Elizabeth City, NCSeats

    I own a 2020 Kia Telluride with a Canadian VIN permanently registered in [XXX] (military) and live in [XXX]. The vehicle has an active fire risk recall. Kia America and my local dealership in [XXX] are refusing to perform the federally mandated safety recall including a significant fire hazard if not repaired. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

    NHTSA complaint 11763809
13. Filed Sep 12, 2026Failure Sep 6, 2026Drexel Hill, PAEngine

    I have a Kia Telluride 2020 EX AWD automatic. I bought it used about 2.5 years ago. It’s been having some ongoing issues with oil consumption, which from what I have learned is pretty common in this car. Since I learned that I’ve been increasing the frequency of oil changes and topping off oil in between. It burns oil at an absurd rate, and gives no warning when oil is low. On the most recent change, ~a month ago, the mechanic recommended changing it after 3,000 miles. Yesterday the car completely shut down while driving on the highway, no warning or anything, just a noise, smoke and then the car died in a matter of seconds. I nearly got in an accident trying to drift to the side of the road with no power or anything. No control of the car. Ended up stuck in traffic going 70+ mph with a toddler. After it was towed, our mechanic found there was no oil left and we had two holes in the engine casing. He explained it looks like when the oil ran out completely, some part broke off in the engine and shot through the housing. So it’s looking like we need a new engine. We had NOT driven it 3000 miles since the last oil change just a month ago, and we have even topped off the oil since that change, most recently a week ago. This means the car burned through about 9 quarts of oil in <3000 miles. Multiple mechanics have told us this is a known issue with the car, and there is nothing to do to prevent it. When we called the dealership to inquire about getting a new engine, they told us we would need to do an oil consumption test. Obviously this is impossible on a car that does not drive and has two holes in the engine. So we are stuck paying out of pocket. Kia is well aware of this issue and is doing nothing.

    NHTSA complaint 11763802
14. Filed Sep 11, 2026Failure Apr 14, 2026109,000 milesHattiesburg, MSEngine

    The contact owns a 2020 Kia Telluride. The contact stated that while driving approximately 15 MPH, the vehicle hesitated to maintain automotive power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was previously repaired at a local dealer for an unknown recall associated with an engine oil leak. The vehicle was towed back to the same local dealer where it was diagnosed and an engine flush was suggested, and the contact was informed that six fuel injectors needed to be replaced as a possible repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The approximate failure mileage was 109,000.

    NHTSA complaint 11763566
15. Filed Sep 10, 2026Failure Dec 9, 2025Fort George G Meade, MDBody, Unknown or other

    On December 9, 2025, the factory exterior paint on my 2020 Kia Telluride (Snow White Pearl) began experiencing massive, sudden delamination, shearing completely off the roof down to the factory primer layer in a sheet larger than a hand towel. The peeling is continuing to spread due to wind exposure while driving. Furthermore, the paint failure has compromised the protective coating, causing specs of rust to actively break through the paint throughout the trunk and exterior body panels. This indicates a severe manufacturing defect in factory paint adhesion and corrosion protection, posing a direct threat to the vehicle's structural integrity and body longevity. Kia America has refused warranty assistance due to vehicle age/mileage limits, despite this being a widespread manufacturing failure.

    NHTSA complaint 11763418
16. Filed Sep 10, 2026Failure Aug 25, 2026Kirkland, WAElectrical system

    My sunroof stopped being able to close all the way. I took it to the dealership and to fix it, it will cost over $7,00 dollars. It will open but won’t close all the way.

    NHTSA complaint 11763373
17. Filed Sep 9, 2026Failure Aug 1, 2026Middletown, OHUnknown or other

    Large chunks of paint peeling from hood and top of car. Yes, available for inspection. Safety concerns for visibility issues for driver and other drivers if paint impairs visibility. Yes, visited a collision repair shop, stated they see this being an issue a lot with Kia Tellurides, especially the snow white as they didn’t put primer on vehicle first. Yes, was inspected by insurance representative. No warnings, started about a month ago and has gotten gradually worse.

    NHTSA complaint 11763121
18. Filed Sep 8, 2026Failure Sep 2, 2026Balsam, NCUnknown or other

    The sun roof warning light on dash suddenly came on and when I tried to open it up it broke and would no longer close. Finally got front toclise but back won't. Paeamount Kua of Asheville wants $7000 to fix even though I have extended warranty.

    NHTSA complaint 11762934
19. Filed Sep 6, 2026Failure Aug 7, 2026Ogden, UTEngine, Fuel/propulsion system

    My engine failed from burning oil, even though the car has been maintained its whole life, 14 documented oil changes, roughly every 5,000 miles. • Jiffy-lube shop found the crankcase completely bone dry, only 4,344 miles after the last oil change. No reading on the dipstick. They added 6 quarts. Engine was knocking before and after. • No oil warning light ever came on, and no low-oil warning, just a check engine light and the knocking. • Towed same day to an independent shop. They found code P0524 (engine oil pressure too low) and say the internal noise is probably a rod bearing. Engine needs to be replaced. • The car goes into limp mode while driving. On the highway it dropped from 60 mph to 20 mph in live traffic with no warning. I couldn't safely get to an exit. • That's about 1.4 quarts per 1,000 miles, Kia's own bulletin ENG222 calls 1 quart per 1,000 excessive. • The car is not drivable, hasn't been repaired. This happened around 3 months after purchasing it second hand. Lots of other 2020 Telluride owners are reporting the same oil consumption problem.

    NHTSA complaint 11762488
20. Filed Aug 28, 2026Failure Aug 19, 2026Oxford, ALEngine

    The car has stalled numerous times on the roadway while driving. The issue has been identified as an oil consumption issue. There was no low pressure warning light or other warning indicating that there is an oil pressure issue or any other early warning of an engine stall. The dealer has indicated that a complete engine replacement is required to correct the problem. Based upon research, there has been a significant amount of complaints pertaining to this issue. This same oil consumption and engine stall issue was part of a Class Action settlement by KIA, however this particular KIA model was not covered in the litigation.

    NHTSA complaint 11760354