Problems · NHTSA complaints
2020 Kia Telluride problems
Owners filed 777 complaints about the 2020 Kia Telluride with NHTSA between Mar 2019 and Oct 2026. The most-cited component is exterior lighting (185).
Complaints
777
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
8
Reported by owners
Fires
9
Reported by owners
Injuries
11
People reported injured
Deaths
1
Reported to NHTSA
Complaints by component
One complaint can cite several components
- Exterior lighting185
- Engine153
- Visibility/wiper136
- Power train70
- Electrical system61
- Structure56
- Suspension33
- Fuel/propulsion system18
- Visibility17
- Seats13
- Service brakes13
- Vehicle speed control13
- Steering10
- Forward collision avoidance9
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 3, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
When complaints were filed
Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
73
71
52
50
151
122
126
132
View as table
| Model year | Complaints filed per calendar year |
|---|---|
| 2019 | 73 |
| 2020 | 71 |
| 2021 | 52 |
| 2022 | 50 |
| 2023 | 151 |
| 2024 | 122 |
| 2025 | 126 |
| 2026 | 132 |
Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.
Top problems in owners’ words
Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
Exterior lighting
185 reports2 crashes1 related recall
“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”
Engine
153 reports5 fires
“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]”
Visibility/wiper
136 reports1 crash
“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…”
Power train
70 reports1 crash1 fire1 related recall
“The contact owns a 2020 Kia Telluride. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60-65 MPH on the highway, the vehicle suddenly shut off and the battery warning light was flickering and the vehicle lost power. The contact was able to coast the vehicle into a parking lot off the highway where the vehicle remained. The contact replaced the battery; however, approximately one hour later while driving 50-55 MPH on the highway, the vehicle lost power and shut off. The vehicle was coasted onto the shoulder of the roadway. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where the vehicle was diagnosed with alternator failure. The alternator was replaced. The contact was notified of a possible transmission failure; however, there was no fault codes retrieved. The vehicle was later taken to a dealer to be diagnosed. The dealer informed the contact that the head gasket was damaged, and the spark plugs needed to be replaced. Additionally, the contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.”
Electrical system
61 reports1 crash3 fires1 related recall
“The contact owns a 2020 Kia Telluride. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the air bag warning light illuminated. The dealer was contacted by phone and made aware of the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with an electrical bleeding between the wiring harness. The contact was informed that the wiring harness needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the failure was an expensive out-of-pocket repair. The manufacturer was contacted by phone and made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 119,000.”
Structure
56 reports
“This afternoon i noticed that my 2020 Kia Telluride paint has and continues to peel in large chunks in my driveway. All was good this morning and then all of the sudden large pieces of paint started to break away. Near the windshield hood area.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 3, 2026
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.