2020 Kia Telluride Problems

744 owner complaints filed with the United States safety regulator · top issue: Exterior Lighting · verdict AVOID 22/100

Source NHTSA public complaint and recall record · methodology

What breaks, by owner reports

Exterior Lighting182
Unknown Or Other139
Engine136
Visibility/Wiper135
Power Train70
Electrical System57

In the owners’ words

“instrument cluster began failing intermittently (tachometer first, then other gauges), and the dealer determined the entire cluster had to be replaced at a cost of about $3,000. The vehicle had 78,000 miles, so it was outside Kia's 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty.”NHTSA complaint, 2020 Kia Telluride owner
“Vehicle experiences intermittent brake failure at normal and low speeds. No indicator lights are present, no warnings are given.”NHTSA complaint, 2020 Kia Telluride owner
“I attempted to open the moonroof on our 2020 Kia Telluride. When it opened, it was cockeyed and off track. I pushed the button to close it, and I heard a plastic piece break and the moonroof remained stuck open. I took this car to Kia of Olympia, Kia of St. Cloud and Horne Kia, all confirmed that the plastic parts that broke are related to to their issued TCB#BOD319. This is well known and frequent issue on 2020-2022”NHTSA complaint, 2020 Kia Telluride owner

Recall campaigns

ReportedComponentSummary
13/08/2019Seat Belts:Rear/Other SAFETYKia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2020 Telluride vehicles. The seat belt assemblies in the front passenger, second, and/or third row seats may not tightly secure a child restraint system in the event of a cr
28/07/2020Electrical System:Wiring SAFETYKia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2020 Telluride vehicles equipped with Smart Cruise Control (SCC). When a trailer is connected to the vehicle, the trailer brake lights will not illuminate when the SCC appli
15/08/2022Trailer HitchesKia 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 dealer
26/02/2024Exterior Lighting:HeadlightsKia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2020 Telluride vehicles. The high beam headlights may fail.
20/03/2024Power Train:Driveline:DriveshaftKia 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.
05/06/2024Seats:Front Assembly:Power AdjustKia 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.
02/07/2026Seats:Front Assembly:Power AdjustKia 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 whil

Questions owners ask

Is the 2020 Kia Telluride reliable?

On the federal record it scores 22/100: 744 owner complaints (124 per year on the road) and 7 recall campaigns, 2 touching safety-critical systems.

What is the most common problem with the 2020 Kia Telluride?

The most-reported component in NHTSA complaints is Exterior Lighting, with 182 of 719 categorised reports.

Share this verdict

The 2020 Kia Telluride scored 22/100 on the federal record.

Full 2020 data pagecosts, verdict, every numberAll Telluride yearswhich year to avoid Most complained-about carsthe national ranking