140 of the 927 complaints about the 2020 KIA Telluride are about the other systems — 15% of everything reported for this model year. Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before 4,000 miles.
140
Complaints
1
Crashes
3
Fires
1
Injuries
Filed with NHTSA, in their own words.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I went to open my sunroof and I see a piece sticking up. My sunroof then wouldnt close. I get home and find out its the wind deflector. I tried to close the sunroof and now my sunroof if stuck open. One of the tracks is now misaligned and I can't close my sunroof.
NHTSA complaint #11758832 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The sun roof came completely off the tracks and won’t close. The car is no longer weather proof and is at risk of the glass flying off at high speeds. Problem has not been reproduced or confirmed. Has not been inspected by the manufacturer or others. No warnings prior to the failure.
NHTSA complaint #11751921 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My 2020 Kia Telluride that has Snow White Pearl paint that is coming off in chunks. There are lots of records of 2017-2023 Kia's that have the Snow White Paint peeling off. The paint is coming off the roof and hood area. The exposed metal can quickly develop penetrating rust. This weakens the metal's ability to withstand impacts increasing the risk of failure during a crash. Also the flaking clear coat and paint, creates highly reflective surfaces distracting other drivers. Also the paint peeling in large sheets can detach and potentially strike following vehicles and causing road hazards or accidents. The dealership has taken pictures and acknowledged the issue but fails to correct it due to "high mileage" and me not having a paint warranty. The problem started about 7 months ago
NHTSA complaint #11746327 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The paint on my white 2020 Kia Telluride is peeling/delaminating from the hood and the area directly above the windshield (A-pillar/roof edge). Peeling began as small chips and has progressed to larger sections coming off down to bare primer/metal, with no impact or collision involved. This appears consistent with a known paint adhesion defect affecting Pearl White Kia Telluride and Sorento vehicles across multiple model years, as documented in numerous other owner complaints and online forums. The peeling paint exposes bare metal to the elements, creating a risk of corrosion/rust that could compromise body panel integrity over time. It also significantly reduces visibility-adjacent surface integrity near the windshield area and creates sharp/jagged paint edges. This is not isolated wear-and-tear damage but a manufacturing/coating defect, as the primer layer is visibly intact and separating cleanly from the base coat. I am requesting NHTSA investigate this as a widespread manufacturing defect, as it appears Kia has been aware of this issue but has not issued a recall or extended warranty coverage to affected owners outside the standard paint warranty period.
NHTSA complaint #11745353 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My sunroof windscreen arm broke which in turn caused the glass to go off track. The windscreen arm is a known issue! But there is no recall. I SHOULDN'T HAVE TO PAY $7000 to fix a known problem!
NHTSA complaint #11741888 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The sunroof wind deflector broke and as a result the sunroof was jammed open. In order to close the top I had to break the mechanism and now the sunroof, while mostly shut, still shifts free occasionally when driving.
NHTSA complaint #11740122 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Kia radio goes out randomly, will cut off and fails to turn on when the vehicle turns on. It will make a loud noise like an old car being scratched and then it turns off. The radio will freeze up and it affects my digital speed control. I have reported multiple times to my dealership with no help. It has been happening since I purchased the vehicle in 2023.
NHTSA complaint #11736810 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Transmition- I started bringing it into the dealer around 80,000 miles because it was slipping and bucking (gears). Allegedly, they could provide warrenty coverage but could duplicate the problem. It is doing it more frequently and hesitates (drastically) which can cause an accident from behind. Yes, it was reproduced but as I stated, I was told, "They couldn't do 'anything about it'". It has been inspected multiple times at Kia prior to 100K warrenty At one point, my check engine light kept coming on, then it just went off. There seems to be some major faulty component with this make, model and year. I have read many very similiar complaints, online and there seems to be chronilogical issues/problems that arise at certain miles. Everything I have read, it the exact same situation I have been having which is just geting worse by the day. However, I was blatently informed by Kia, "They would not replace the transmition unless it went." I think that is totally ridiculous, you wait until it goes and can cause an accident before you will fix/replace the part. I also read and heard from multiple mechanics that it could be the "failed torque converter" which was never mentioned from the dealer. I have also had issues with the CV axle and oil plastic housing.
NHTSA complaint #11735736 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I was driving down the highway no cars were near me in any direction and I was not near an overpass it sounded like a giant explosion. I heard glass moving around and realized something happened to my sunroof.
NHTSA complaint #11735035 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Sunroof is stuck open after trying to retract it
NHTSA complaint #11734382 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The sunroof mechanism in the vehicle jammed and broke out of the track. When my wife drove the vehicle in the interstate the sunroof began to vibrate and move around. She was afraid the glass was about to fly out and possibly hit a vehicle behind her. She had to reduce her speed excessively and my daughter had to hold on to the sunroof all the way home. The vehicle is well maintained with approx 50.000 miles. The warranty is out and I am being told that KIA will not cover the repairs. I am still trying to get customer affairs to approve a fully covered repair at no cost but it seems the are not being co operative so far.
NHTSA complaint #11729295 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Opened the sunroof. Used the automatic switch to close it. The sunroof jammed and would not close. It is popped up in the back. A piece on the left track broke off. The dealership wants over $6000 to repair the sunroof.
NHTSA complaint #11728915 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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.
NHTSA complaint #11727289 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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.
NHTSA complaint #11723787 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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!
NHTSA complaint #11723555 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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.
NHTSA complaint #11717105 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Paint is peeling off my pearl white Kia telluride
NHTSA complaint #11713437 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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.
NHTSA complaint #11712237 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Snow White Pearl paint is peeling like a banana. Contacted Kia and are aware of the problem but offered nothing.
NHTSA complaint #11711244 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The sunroof will not close. The closing mechanism broke.
NHTSA complaint #11707835 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Several oil housing changes. I’m not the first owner, the oil housing has been changed once already and I’m going to have to do it a second time, the car is only 5 years old. I’ve only owned the vehicle 2 years. The dealership did no diligence to check it, I went to the dealership for years and due to negligence with my oil changes and recalls I stopped going, now I’m having to pay out of pocket for issues they’ve caused. I thought I messed up my car and had a part dragging at the bottom, when I took it in to the dealership they said it was previously not bolted down properly. I had a recall, I was told 3 times my lights were connected and I was “good to go” each time I got in and the car said my lights were not connected. After this I never came back! Not sure if it’s the dealership issue or on the car for my oil housing leak.
NHTSA complaint #11703416 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The 2020 Kia Telluride has an issue with the metal window trim pieces. It was purchased as a Certified Pre-Owned vehicle and we have had to have the trim piece replaced at least three times by the Kia Dealer. The piece keep becoming loose and falling off. Some of the pieces on my vehicle have jus fallen off. At interstate speeds of 70 MPH it would be very dangerous. Fortunately, no incident has happened that has hurt anyone, yet. The 2023-2025 models have been recalled for this exact same issue, and it needs to happen for ALL Kia Telluride models including the 2020-2023 models. It is dangerous and Ken Ganley Kia of New Port Richey is no longer assisting with any sort of warranty or repair unless I do the work. I am having to reach out to Kia and open a case number every time and the dealership is no longer being helpful. This is our primary vehicle used for getting children to school, leisure travel, and daily commuting. Attached are three different incidents of the exact same issue happening. 8/24/2025, 8/11/2025, and 11/21/2025. The dealership also repair some when we initially purchased the vehicle. All work orders can be provided via Ken Ganley Kia of New Port Richey.
NHTSA complaint #11700938 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My son was driving home from work and the vehicle shut off. He got it to come back on and it stopped while he was at a red light and a by standard yelled for him to get out of the vehicle as it caught fire underneath the car from unknown reasons.
NHTSA complaint #11700208 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Failed windshield Available for inspection Unexpectedly Cracked across full length of windshield Blocking view of road causes glare There is a 2020 model class action suit and many complaints
NHTSA complaint #11697830 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Oil Pan and gasket leak Oil Control Valve Harness leak The car leaked 5 quarts of oil without any engine or low oil light being illuminated to communicate this engine problem. The dealership identified the above components failed and caused the oil to leak and lead to potential engine damage
NHTSA complaint #11696909 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The paint on our white Kia started to peel on the roof and then the hood down to metal. The paint has continued to bubble and peel especially after long drives
NHTSA complaint #11696655 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Sunroof wind deflector broke causing the track for sunroof to be off and sunroof won't close. This is a safety concern for the stability of the sunroof and apparently it is a common problem. Yes the problem was confirmed by the dealer.
NHTSA complaint #11695940 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My sunroof will not close all the way. I have read different threads and it seems I am not the only person with this make and model having the issue.
NHTSA complaint #11694770 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Subject: Ongoing Issue with Excessive Oil Consumption – 2020 Kia S V6 To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to formally express my concern and frustration regarding a recurring issue with my 2020 Kia S V6 related to excessive oil consumption. Despite multiple visits to the dealership and attempted repairs, the issue remains unresolved and continues to affect the safety and reliability of my vehicle. Vehicle Information: Year: 2020 Make: Kia Model: S V6 VIN: [XXX] Current Mileage: Approximately 85,808 miles Timeline of Events: September 6, 2024 – Oil change completed at Kia dealership in Easton. No prior issues reported at this time. [XXX] – After about a week of shaking and stuttering during acceleration, the vehicle shut off completely at a stoplight. Upon checking, the oil level was found to be empty. I added 6–7 quarts of oil. No oil warning light appeared on the dashboard at any time. January 14, 2025 – Brought the vehicle to the Easton Kia dealership. Diagnosed with a broken and leaking oil filter housing, which was replaced. Another oil change was completed. [XXX] – After the engine light came on, I checked the oil at 77,021 miles and found it to be low again. I added 1 quart of oil. The engine light was later determined to be due to a loose gas cap. Once again, no oil warning light appeared. [XXX] – At 78,000 miles, I checked the oil, as advised by Kia, to monitor consumption. The oil level was completely empty. I added another 6–7 quarts of oil. No warning light appeared on the dashboard. [XXX] -- Kia for oil change and consumption test at 82,177 miles. Consumption was read after 1,000 miles and I was advised it was good. I was told to come back at 86,075 miles as per Kia recommendation. [XXX] -- A few hundred miles before the deadline, at approx 85,790 miles I checked oil before a trip, it was empty. Again, no warning light came on the dashboard to warn me of low/no oil. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11693449 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Oil consumption, consuming too much oil , need it recalled please it’s too much already
NHTSA complaint #11693005 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.