NHTSA lists 7 safety recalls and 777 owner complaints for the 2020 Kia Telluride. Most complaints involve exterior lighting (185) and engine (153). The EPA rates it 21–23 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.
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.
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.
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.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“LED running light of driver's side headlamp assembly inoperable On 10/14/24 BOTH headlamp assemblies were under recall warranty and replaced at Sons Kia in McDonough GA. On 10/8/25 I returned to Sons Kia for service and to have the LED checked on the driver's side as it was no longer operable, less than a year after replacement. I was advised there was no warranty on the LED running light but only the halogen bulb. They priced this headlamp assembly replacement cost at $1169. I believe Kia should accept responsibility of the failure of the new assembly that they sent a recall for and replace this one assembly at no charge to the customer. Kia Customer Service stated this was under warranty but denied by dealership service manager”
“hi- I bought a used Kia Telluride (2020) and after 2 months it stalled out and after 2 different mechanics and a Kia dealership telling me it was fixed- it was not. The car basically had no oil left with zero light or warning. after doing some research, there are tons of people complaining of the same issue. the engine is essentially ruined and needs to be replaced and Kia is not addressing this as an issue. my care has stalled out 3 times with my children in it at dangerous intersections. Kia is not taking responsibility of this- having to check oil every 3 days is not normal but Kia thinks it is I guess. The blue smoke coming from my exhaust is a serious problem. A local news station just reported on this of a woman needing an engine replacement and Kia not covering it, but after the news got to them they now are. We need this issue addressed as it is NOT SAFE and Kia needs to put a recall on this immediately- like 5 years ago this should have been addressed! I am not stuck with a car I still owe money on and have to figure out how to pay for a new engine!? KIA needs to do something- this is a safety issue! see article below! [XXX]”
“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…”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Telluride FWD Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.8 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 20 | 26 | 23 | $2,800 | 395 |
| Telluride AWD Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.8 L · All-Wheel Drive | 19 | 24 | 21 | $3,050 | 426 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
7 safety recalls as of Nov 3, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 777 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are exterior lighting (185), engine (153), visibility/wiper (136). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2020 Kia Telluride at 21–23 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2020 Kia Telluride 5 out of 5 stars overall.