2020 KIA TELLURIDE Recalls, Complaints & Safety

The contact owns a 2020 Kia Telluride. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the high beam headlights failed to illuminate as intended, and the vehicle shuddered before losing automotive power. No warning light was illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that the warning lights failed to illuminate as designed when the engine oil level was low. The vehicle was taken to a local Auto Zone, where the relay and high beam headlights were replaced; however, the failure reoccurred. An appointment with the dealer was scheduled to inspect the vehicle. The vehicle was not yet repaired. Upon further investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign: 24V148000 (Exterior Lighting); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unavailable.

I am the original owner of a 2020 Kia Telluride. The white paint on the car is coming off in huge pieces all over the front. The primer is still attached to the metal. Huge chunks are coming off as we drive it. We have spoke to the dealership and Kia corporate as well and they do not care because it is out of the 3 year warranty. We had a paint shop inspect it and get an estimate for it to be fixed and they have told us this is a paint manufacturer defect clearly considering the primer is noticeably on the metal still. The vehicle has never been in any type of accident ever.

My transmission failed at 95k miles and was available for inspection at a fee. My safety was at risk since my car was jerking on the highway and I had to quickly pull over while the car slowed down in a fast and high trafficked area. The problem has been an ongoing issue especially in 2020 models from social media and the dealership. The vehicle was inspected by the Kia dealership. The engine light did not come on until the car showed immediate signs of issues.

the paint, it is flaking and rusting underneath. yes it is avail for inspection the paint flakes off in sheets while driving down the road it has been seen by the local dealership i first started noticing it when i was washing the vehicle.

I have been having issues with excessive oil consumption . No warning signs or notifications . Also had an issue with my car stopping in the middle of the road which could have been related to the above problem per my mechanic.

Description of Defect: My 2020 Kia Telluride experienced catastrophic engine failure and excessive oil consumption, which is a known issue for this model year (to the point that I had to sell it just 1 year after I bought it). The vehicle consumes oil at an alarming rate without any dashboard warning lights, or low oil pressure indicators, leading to sudden loss of engine power and potential stalling while in motion. This failure occurred at 93,200 miles, well before the expected service life of the powertrain. Safety Risk: Sudden engine stalling or power loss while driving at highway speeds creates an immediate risk of rear-end collisions and leaves the driver without power steering or braking assistance. The lack of any 'Check Engine' or 'Low Oil' light prior to the mechanical crisis meant there was zero opportunity to safely maneuver off the road before the vehicle became disabled. Furthermore, excessive oil consumption in this engine type has been linked to potential fire risks under the hood. Failure/Incident Details: Despite following all manufacturer-recommended maintenance, the vehicle suffered a major [Engine/Transmission] failure. Kia America has acknowledged the failure but refuses to provide transparency or assistance, despite Technical Service Bulletins (TSB SA428 and TSB 089) existing for these exact powertrain issues. This represents a significant safety defect that puts my family and other drivers at risk.

Peal white paint peeling off in large patches started above the windshield, not the hood.

Vehicle began shifting really hard and the rpm meter started going way up and down really fast. The check engine light also came on. It caused difficulties with control of the vehicle. Vehicle was parked and taken to a mechanic so said the issue was the torque converter and that it needs a new transmission.

The engine is stalling, knocking and the check engine light will occasionally come on. You can smell carbon monoxide and hot oil. We are having to add a quart of oil weekly.

My 2020 Kia Telluride EX experienced a sudden engine shutoff / loss of motive power while driving in traffic. The vehicle stopped in the roadway, would not immediately restart, and restarted later after sitting. This was not normal stop/start operation, the car shut down. No low-oil warning appeared before the event. I am also aware of multiple similar owner reports online describing high oil consumption, stalling, and lack of warning in 2020 Tellurides, but this complaint is based on my own direct experience and concern. It was scary and life threatening!

the car burns through oil at an absurd rate- no warning and then shakes when coming to a stop, then completely stalls and shuts off at stop lights and stop signs. I was stuck in an intersection with my two kids in the car. the car stinks of gasoline and does not seem right. Kia dealership claimed to have fixed the oil issue for over $350 and yet I still have to get frequent oil changes and top offs. NOT safe! I have read countless tings about this happening to Tellurides- especially 2020 and 2021s... my engine is probably ruined and Kia is doing nothing!

2020 KIA Telluride failed oil consumption test. Available for inspection upon request. A vehicle running on no oil will cause an engine to seize putting myself and others at risk. Confirmed problem by KIA. I have documentation of 3 oil consumption tests performed on my 2020 KIA Telluride at the dealership. Inspected at dealership by service department. No warning light to indicate low oil or to check engine. Stuttering and stalling of vehicle at stops caused me to bring in the car to KIA.

Paint failure and delamination on a 2021 Kia Telluride with Snow White Pearl (SWP) paint. The paint on the roof above the windshield and the hood has begun peeling in sheets, exposing the underlying layer. The vehicle has not been in any accidents and has never been repainted. The paint failure appears to be a manufacturing defect involving the adhesion of the factory paint. The issue began around year 4–5 of ownership at approximately 60,000 miles. The affected areas continue to expand as the paint separates from the vehicle surface. The vehicle is available for inspection. A dealership inspection appointment has been scheduled. This appears consistent with other reported cases of paint delamination on Kia vehicles with Snow White Pearl paint.

Engine has a Pcv valve issue that causes oil to leak from seals and burnt through the pistons causing loss of oil, engine damage and possible engine failure while driving. This could cause vehicle to lock up and possible cause an accident especially at freeway speeds. There is no low oil indicator or check engine light that comes on to let driver know that the oil is low

The satin window trim at the bottom the passenger and driver windows have come loose due to poor adhesive. The heat softened the glue over time and metal satin trim fell off in the middle of the expressway and the other 3 bottom trims have gotten loose due to the bad / wrong glue used to adhere them. The new model have this recall, but this issue is happening also to the 2020 SX trim. The issue is the trim is metal and it gets hot in the sun and the heat softens the glue which then over time the metal starts to separate from the plastic trim housing and fall off while driving which a can cause an accident / injury.

Engine oil is disappearing in my 2020 Kia Telluride. This has been occurring for an extended period of time ( Since 2020) Early on, I was not driving frequently and did not immediately recognize the severity of the issue. However, about a year ago, when my work required significantly more driving, I began noticing that a large amount of oil was missing between checks, at times approximately half of the engine’s oil capacity. I initially suspected the plastic oil filter housing, which can crack or leak if it is over torqued during oil changes. To address that potential issue, I purchased an aluminum oil filter housing and had it installed. While that repair resolved one concern, it did not stop the ongoing oil loss. At times, when I check the dipstick, there is little to no oil registering, indicating the engine is operating on residual oil. When I remove the oil filler cap, smoke is visible coming from the opening. There are no signs of external leakage, no oil on the ground, and no oil leaking under the engine. This strongly suggests the engine is consuming oil internally. This is a serious safety concern. If the oil level drops unexpectedly while driving, the engine can suffer sudden damage, lose power, stall, or fail without warning. Because I regularly travel for work between Florida and Georgia, including highway driving, I now carry bottles of oil in the vehicle and feel compelled to monitor and top off oil frequently out of concern that the engine could fail or stall while driving, potentially leading to a crash, injury, or loss of life. Based on my research, I understand I am not the only Kia Telluride owner experiencing this type of abnormal oil consumption or unexplained oil loss.

EXCESS OIL CONSUMPTION

Oil consumption is excessive causing the vehicle to stall out, exhaust smoke and loose power. Upon several recommendations from the service shop, money has been dumped into repairs that has not resolved the issue. Now, I am adding oil every other week with no oil leaks. I am afraid I will keep dumping unnecessary money into this issue; however, I am more concerned I may eventually stall out on the interstate, highway, or unsafe area.

Car is burning over 2 quarts of oil every 1000 miles with no leaks, stalls at stop signs and lights. Engine needs to be recalled. No warning lights.

Cars burns over a quart of oil every 1000 miles. No oil light comes on on ever.

I am the original owner of a 2020 Kia Telluride with 48,409 miles. My wife purchased it new. It has never been sold or transferred. It is fully covered under Kia's 10-year/100,000-mile Powertrain Warranty. What component failed and is it available for inspection? The engine is consuming excessive oil due to failed internal components—likely the piston rings. This has fouled the spark plugs and caused active misfires on cylinders 1,3,4,5. Codes: P0300, P0301, P0303, P0304, P0305. Kia acknowledges this defect in TSB ENG222, which defines consumption over 1 quart per 1,000 miles as abnormal. The failed components remain in the vehicle and are available for inspection. Has the problem been confirmed by a dealer? Yes. [Dealer Name] confirmed the misfire codes and excessive oil consumption. Despite being original owners with an active warranty, they refused to cover the repair. The advisor said they "only cover internal engine parts"—which is exactly what is broken. We were sent home with a flashing check engine light. Has it been inspected by manufacturer or others? No. Only the dealership. Kia Corporate has not inspected it. How was safety put at risk? A solid check engine light means active misfire and risk of sudden engine stall or seizure. Other Telluride owners report complete power loss on highways and intersections—no acceleration, no power steering, no power brakes. My wife and children drive this car. I fear for their safety every time they start the engine. Were there warning symptoms? Yes. Two weeks before the check engine light appeared, I noticed a slight shudder during acceleration that gradually worsened. The light came on solid, then began flashing within days. No oil light appeared. No other warnings. Kia advertised a 10-year/100,000-mile warranty. At 48,409 miles, they denied coverage for a known, documented defect. That is not a warranty. Not true. I request an investigation into the 2020 Telluride 3.8L engine. Thank you

At approximately 94,000 miles, my 2020 Kia Telluride EX experienced a significant internal engine failure. The vehicle was properly maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommended service schedule, including regular oil changes. A professional inspection required engine teardown. During inspection, the piston for Cylinder 6 was removed. The oil control ring was found to be stuck and would not move, with excessive carbon buildup present on the piston rings and piston crown. The cylinder walls and piston side skirts showed excessive scoring. According to the inspection findings, excessive carbon buildup caused the piston oil control rings to become stuck, allowing oil to bypass and resulting in damage to the cylinder walls. The inspector determined that the required repair is full engine replacement. This failure was not caused by misuse, neglect, or lack of maintenance. The vehicle has been inoperable and in the repair shop since approximately August 2025. An internal engine failure of this nature occurring under normal operating conditions raises concerns regarding engine durability and potential manufacturing or design defects that may affect other vehicles with the same engine configuration. Multiple owners of 2020 Kia Telluride vehicles have independently reported similar symptoms of excessive oil consumption, internal engine failures, and the need for major engine repairs or replacements at comparable mileages, some documented in NHTSA complaint records and owner forums. I am submitting this complaint to document a potential engine defect and to support investigation into similar failures.

My 2020 Kia telluride is Snow White Pearl. A few years ago the area above the windshield and below the sunroof started to chip off. When having recalls serviced I ask what Kia was going about the defective paint. I was told?”nothing”. I have research this issue several times online and it seems that the issue is prevalent in Snow White Pearl Kia vehicles. I was told by the service manager that the paint warranty was 3years and mine was expired. I was again at the Kia dealership today and when I got my trade in value they took off $2000 for the chipping paint and then had the nerve to tell me that it was covered under the corrosion warranty which is 60 month/ 100,000 miles. Although I only have 54000 miles on it, it is over the 60 months now. I am sure it was under the 60 months when I inquired about it, but the service manager neglected to inform me of this coverage. As I drive down the road I can see paint flakes flying off my car in the rear view mirror.

The check engine light is on and reading code P07104. The vehicle has been diagnosed and it was found the torque converter is slipping and the technician recommends replacing the transmission. The anti-freeze has been low over the past 30 days and must be leaking internally. I have had to add anti-freeze twice during that time.

Vehicle fire causing a total loss to vehicle and home

Fire

Vehicle fire causing a total loss to vehicle and home

Fire

The vehicle is experiencing excessive oil consumption between oil changes, requiring frequent oil top-offs well before the manufacturer’s recommended service interval. No external oil leaks were identified when the vehicle had approximately 91,000 miles. At approximately 118,000 miles, the issue was identified during normal operation and routine maintenance, at which time potential engine-related concerns were noted. Excessive oil consumption raises concern for internal engine wear and the risk of sudden engine failure while driving, which could create a safety hazard. The vehicle has been taken to an authorized Kia dealership and is currently undergoing diagnostic evaluation, including oil consumption testing. At this time, the cause has not been fully determined. No warning lights were present prior to discovering the low oil level.

For some time, I was noticing that my 2020 Kia Telluride was consuming excessive amounts of motor oil - at least one quart per 1000 miles. I have had my car serviced regularly by a certified reputable mechanic and scheduled oil changes and other required service every 5000 miles. At around 69,100 miles the check engine light appeared and I immediately took the car in for service. I was advised that the spark plugs and valves were heavily carbon fouled. The spark plugs needed changing and the valves needed cleaning. It was also necessary to replace the coils. Total repair bill was $2008.84. I was advised by my mechanic that excessive oil consumption is a problem with KIA automobiles and after researching the issue myself, found this to be the case. Some engine design issues, most likely with oil leaking past the pistons into the combustion chambers, causing fouling. I have learned that ultimately, the pistons and valves will become fouled again, the engine warning light will reappear and possibly, the engine will break down - hopefully, not in a distant place without knowledgable service. The new car warranty for my KIA was 100,000 miles but since I bought it used (I am the second owner) the warranty was reduced to 60,000 miles. I filed a complaint with KIA Motors and asked that they simply extend my warranty to 100,000 miles but since there is no pending recalls for this problem, my request was denied.

Paint is peeling off my pearl white Kia telluride

1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned? The windshield wiper system failed. The design of the cowl area (under the hood) allows snow and sleet to accumulate and become compacted. This creates a physical obstruction that prevents the wiper linkage from moving, leading to total wiper failure. • Availability: The system is available for inspection upon request. 2. How was safety put at risk? Safety was compromised due to a sudden loss of visibility during inclement weather. The inability to clear snow and sleet from the windshield while driving created a blind operating environment, significantly increasing the risk of a crash or striking an unseen hazard. 3. Has the problem been confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? No. The problem has not yet been reproduced or confirmed by a dealership or independent service center. 4. Has the vehicle been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance? No. The vehicle and its components have not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives at this time. 5. Were there any warning lamps or symptoms prior to the failure? No. There were no warning lamps, error messages, or symptoms prior to the failure. The wipers stopped functioning only once the snow had compacted sufficiently under the hood to block the mechanism.

Issue: Oil consumption/ low oil pressure indicator or check engine light did not go on. Was driving kids to school and on my way home I heard a loud rattling sound. Pulled over and had it towed. Shop said it didn't have oil, it was dry as a bone. We do regular oil changes every 5k miles and there are no oil leak spots on driveway or in garage. No oil light came on, no check engine light. Hoping this didn't damage my engine as I am at 110,000 miles.

The sunroof malfunctioned while I was attempting to open it, producing a loud pop and causing the glass to become misaligned while the vehicle was parked. There have been numerous reports of this same issue, including incidents in which the sunroof glass has shattered. This appears to be a known defect; however, Kia has refused to acknowledge responsibility or perform the necessary repairs. Kia has quoted the cost of repair at $5,800.

Oil filter housing assembly- Resulted in very low engine oil with no warning lights or engine lights potentially leading to engine damage. Yes the component was inspected and replaced by dealership. This was after getting the oil plan repaired for leaking oil as well

Snow White Pearl paint is peeling like a banana. Contacted Kia and are aware of the problem but offered nothing.

Kia equips their 2020 Tellurides with a plastic oil filter housing unit. Over time, the heat from metal and pressure causes the plastic component to crack, become warped and this leads to oil leaks.

We have had multiple issues with this car. First the pearl white peeling off on hood and above the windshield. Second CV3 axles boots leaking on our vehicle and multiple others at the Kia dealership. Third burnin oil even with good maintenance records. 3rd sunroof won’t open or close now for no reason at all. 4th back seat now attempts to fold at random times. Even with our kids in the seat. 5th oil housing leak. 6th CEL comes on and off randomly causing it to run rough. 7th screen is now to have issues of not working right. We’ve had to pay out of pocket for multiple things. Including the paint. We’ve spoken to service department and common issue they don’t see why it’s not a recall by now. Dealership is no help. Beware

P0741 Error Codes - Torque Converter issue around 100k miles. Shuttering at low rpm between 2nd and 3rd gears. This is a known issue for owners of the 2020 model year. TCM software update and transmission oil change did not fix.

My vehicle was consuming what I thought was a good bit of oil, I had an oils consumption test done, at 1000 miles it was 1 qt low, they said that is normal. So I drove away, another 1000 miles later my engine blew while I was driving, blowing metal everywhere! Left me sitting on the side of the road and Kia is saying it is not a known issue!! No lights car on indicating low oil or engine light.

My 2020 Kia Telluride has been serviced repeatedly for what has been described as an oil pan leak. My car has stalled out on multiple occasions and at one point wouldn't go above 60 on the highway. This is a know issue with 2020 Kia Tellurides, but the repair solutions are not solving the problem. My car stalled again and is idling rough and will now be serviced again for the same problem.