Owners have filed 142 complaints
about the 2025 KIA Telluride with NHTSA between 2024 and 2026.
The largest single group is the engine & cooling.
Across this model's run it ranks 6 of 7 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 19
Against the median year of the KIA Telluride. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 47
9.2% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 100
100% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
18.3%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
650.0%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
18.3%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
433.3%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Nov 2024peak 24Aug 2026
Recalls on the 2025 KIA Telluride
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
26V105000
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2025 Telluride vehicles, equipped with power front seat(s). Due to a manufacturing error, the driver and passenger seat back frame assemblies may fail to properly restrain occupants in a crash.
Risk: A seat back frame that fails to properly restrain an occupant during a crash increases the risk of injury.
25V745000
TIRES:TEMPORARY/EMERGENCY SPARE TIRE
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2025 Telluride and 2026 Sorento vehicles. The vehicles are equipped with an incorrect spare tire which, when installed, can impair the anti-lock braking system (ABS) and the traction control system (TCS). As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
Risk: Anti-lock braking or traction control systems that do not function properly can increase the risk of a crash.
25V494000
STRUCTURE:EXTERIOR TRIM
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023-2025 Telluride vehicles. The door belt molding trim can delaminate and detach from the vehicle.
Risk: A detached trim piece can become a road hazard for other vehicles, increasing the risk of a crash.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 20260811,850 units in Canada
Seats And Restraints
Issue: On certain vehicles, the seatback recliners for the front seats may not have been manufactured properly. As a result, the seatback(s) could loosen and move in a crash. Note: This recall only affects certain vehicles equipped with power front seats. Safety Risk: A seatback that moves could increase the risk of injury in a crash. Corrective Action: Kia will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to inspect and, if necessary, replace the front seatback frame assemblies.
Recall 20254008,644 units in Canada
Structure
Issue: On certain vehicles, the exterior trim piece below the window on each door may not be properly attached. As a result, the face plate could loosen from the exterior trim pieces and separate from the vehicle. Safety Risk: Parts that detach from the vehicle could create a road hazard for others and increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: Kia will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to replace the exterior trim piece below the window on each door.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Smiths Grove, KYFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The vehicle had been throwing different Electrical Codes for several months around August through December 2025. The last code it through was an engine management system error. On December 22nd 2025 the car caught fire in the engine and exploded while parked in the driveway. Fire investigators are leaning towards in electrical issue in the engine. I currently have an additional 2025 Kia Telluride vehicle which is also starting to display some of the same electrical messages
NHTSA complaint #11748732 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Smiths Grove, KYFire
ENGINE
The vehicle had been throwing different Electrical Codes for several months around August through December 2025. The last code it through was an engine management system error. On December 22nd 2025 the car caught fire in the engine and exploded while parked in the driveway. Fire investigators are leaning towards in electrical issue in the engine. I currently have an additional 2025 Kia Telluride vehicle which is also starting to display some of the same electrical messages
NHTSA complaint #11748732 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ypsilanti, MICrashFire1 injured
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I was driving down the highway at approximately 70 mph, and a deer ran into the front driver's side corner of the car. The airbag fortunately didn’t deploy, but the hood flew up and covered the windshield, blocking my ability to see. I was somehow able to pull the vehicle over without being able to see. Within 30 seconds of pulling over—and while I was still in the driver's seat—I noticed flames coming out of the engine compartment. I screamed to my son to get out of the car, and within minutes the car was completely engulfed in flames. The car burned to the ground and is a total loss. I have no idea how this could have possibly happened. This shouldn't have happened from a deer. The vehicle was only 7 months old, was up to date on all required maintenance and recalls, and had approximately 11,000 miles on it. It was in perfect condition. We were able to escape, but for a moment I thought we might not be able to. We're lucky to be alive. I reported the issue to my insurance company and the manufacturer and have received no information on causation. A link to the video of the car burning is below: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11735759 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Renner, SDCrash2 injured
SEAT BELTS
On Sunday January 18th 2026, my daughter and I were involved in a multi-car accident in St Paul, MN on WB I-94. The weather was very cold and windy and it was snowing lightly. Traffic was moving slowly at about 40-45 miles per hour due the possible icy road conditions. A 2020 GMC Terrain, driven by a [XXX] male, was driving at excessive speeds and weaving in an out of traffic when he struck the back of a semi which in turn caused the vehicle in front of our vehicle to hit him and then we struck that vehicle traveling at approximately 40 to 45 miles per hour. There was no time to respond it happened so quickly. Neither my nor my daughters air bags deployed nor did either of your seatbelts lock. I was able to grasp the steering wheel and brace but my daughter flew forward and hit her head on the dash board. The vehicle was towed to Caliber Collision Center in Minnetonka, MN on 1/19/2026. The collision representative questioned the airbags not deploying as well as confirming that the seatbelts did NOT LOCK at the time of impact. We were very concerned as well. The Collision Center (Caliber Collision in Minnetonka, MN), stated that the pre-scan did NOT show any error messages relating to the airbags. We told them immediately that we were not comfortable with this information and that we wanted further investigation. We have also requested the 'Black Box' be pulled to provide information at the time of the accident. We filed a claim with KIA CUSTOMER CARE. They took my statement and said we would hear from someone within the next 5-7 business days. It has been a month and we have gotten NO WHERE WITH KIA. They claim they are looking into it yet the Collision Center has heard NOTHING from KIA. The damages total over $21,000 and the vehicle repairs have almost been completed. We have told them we are NOT comfortable picking up our vehicle with UNRESOLVED SAFETY CONCERNS. KIA CORPORATION HAS FAILED US AND WE WANT ANSWERS. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C.
NHTSA complaint #11720120 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Renner, SDCrash2 injured
AIR BAGS
On Sunday January 18th 2026, my daughter and I were involved in a multi-car accident in St Paul, MN on WB I-94. The weather was very cold and windy and it was snowing lightly. Traffic was moving slowly at about 40-45 miles per hour due the possible icy road conditions. A 2020 GMC Terrain, driven by a [XXX] male, was driving at excessive speeds and weaving in an out of traffic when he struck the back of a semi which in turn caused the vehicle in front of our vehicle to hit him and then we struck that vehicle traveling at approximately 40 to 45 miles per hour. There was no time to respond it happened so quickly. Neither my nor my daughters air bags deployed nor did either of your seatbelts lock. I was able to grasp the steering wheel and brace but my daughter flew forward and hit her head on the dash board. The vehicle was towed to Caliber Collision Center in Minnetonka, MN on 1/19/2026. The collision representative questioned the airbags not deploying as well as confirming that the seatbelts did NOT LOCK at the time of impact. We were very concerned as well. The Collision Center (Caliber Collision in Minnetonka, MN), stated that the pre-scan did NOT show any error messages relating to the airbags. We told them immediately that we were not comfortable with this information and that we wanted further investigation. We have also requested the 'Black Box' be pulled to provide information at the time of the accident. We filed a claim with KIA CUSTOMER CARE. They took my statement and said we would hear from someone within the next 5-7 business days. It has been a month and we have gotten NO WHERE WITH KIA. They claim they are looking into it yet the Collision Center has heard NOTHING from KIA. The damages total over $21,000 and the vehicle repairs have almost been completed. We have told them we are NOT comfortable picking up our vehicle with UNRESOLVED SAFETY CONCERNS. KIA CORPORATION HAS FAILED US AND WE WANT ANSWERS. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C.
NHTSA complaint #11720120 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 33,000 milesGrand Junction, COCrash1 injured
STEERING
The contact rented a 2025 Kia Telluride. The contact stated that there was damage to the rear bumper upon retrieval. While using lane assist, traveling around a curve at 55 MPH, the steering wheel was pushing and pulling, and failed to turn and continued going straight; the vehicle crossed the highway and crashed into a ditch. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact sustained injuries to his back and had bruises, but no medical assistance was provided. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot. The air bags deployed. There was no reported fire. A police report was filed. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The rental company was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not notified OF THE FAILURE. The failure mileage was approximately 33,000. The VIN was not available.
NHTSA complaint #11705157 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Des Moines, IA
ENGINE
Over the course of two days, the engine stalled when decelerating at intersections three different times. The engine died with warning lights on the dash and a message: “ Engine Off! Shift to P or N then start engine.” I had to completely stop, shift gears, and then restart the engine, then back to drive. This happened at or near intersections, creating a significant hazard for myself and others around. Dealer has not been able to identify or replicate the issue. I have safety concerns about driving the vehicle. The third time happened without auto hold or auto start/stop on.
NHTSA complaint #11758300 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Reelsville, IN
ENGINE
This started May 8th and is still going on. Engine randomly shuts down while driving. Vehicle alarms and message says Engine OFF Shift to P or N then start engine. No warning, happens about once a week. Very scary when in traffic and I cannot move because my engine randomly shuts down. The dealership has had it 3 different times totaling 6 weeks and 5 days and cannot duplicate it.
NHTSA complaint #11758317 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Glenview, IL
STEERING
2025 Kia Telluride, rental vehicle, 29,450 miles at failure. Driving XXX W toward the [XXX] exit with my wife and two children (ages [XXX] and [XXX]), the cluster lit with simultaneous failures: electric power steering, electronic parking brake, ABS, stability control disabled, tire pressure monitoring, forward collision-avoidance, lane keeping, master warning. I photographed it. Nothing about how the vehicle drove had changed. At highway speed traveling straight, steering effort felt normal. There was no progressive degradation and no warning I could feel. I noticed a slight difference changing lanes for the exit. On the ramp itself, a banked turn taken at speed, the wheel required extreme force to turn. The loss of assist was undetectable until significant steering input was actually required, which happened mid-maneuver on an interstate ramp. I am a large, physically strong adult and forced the wheel through the turn. I do not believe a smaller, older, or weaker driver could have completed it, and a crash at that interchange seems a likely outcome for many drivers. Stopping on an interstate shoulder with two young children seemed more dangerous than continuing two miles to the airport exit, so I continued, with ABS and stability control also inoperative. The vehicle developed harsh, jerky shifting and audible clunking. In the rental return lot the wheel would not turn far enough to complete a tight turn. I shifted to reverse; the vehicle did not move, then shut down completely and would not restart. With the vehicle dead the front doors opened, but the rear doors and liftgate would not, and the windows were inoperable. My children were confined inside roughly 10-15 minutes at 86F until an employee climbed in from the front and released the rear doors from inside. The inability to open rear doors or the liftgate from outside after a total power loss is a serious defect in its own right. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11757766 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Yukon, OK
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Was driving with my husband and granddaughter in the car and had just left the house. Horrible, loud explosive sound like a gunshot and glass sound and glanced to make sure all glass ok and our granddaughter was safe. Could see the glass flying behind us and a car swerving behind us to miss it. Pictures are attached showing the sunroof exploded outward. No glass hanging down, no central area point of impact. Sunroof glass is covered under Kia’s 5-year/60,000-mile New Vehicle Limited Warranty; if they deem it to be spontaneous explosion or shattering. Contacted KIA Corporate. Case # XXX Under advice of KIA corporate (Crystal), we took it too the dealership I bought it from this am , [XXX], and they were very rude and dismissive; argumentative. He said it would take about 4 days to even inspect it, that they were behind. And he could rent a car to me for $40 a day. This is a new car I have had for less than 6 months! So, we took it to Boomer Kia. (after calling and they were so nice, they said come right in) He said he took pics, submitted our pics and description of story to the KIA rep that came in this afternoon, and he just called and said they will not cover it under warranty. It is in the warranty but is up to their discretion. Everything I read said this happens and that is why people are suing Kia....because they do this and dont cover and because they refuse to a recall, even though they know either the glass or the setup is faulty. I think personally the construction allows for heat to get under the glass and that is why it explodes outward. Spontaneous shattering and exploding sunroofs have been proven to occur in the 2025 Kia Tellurides due to thermal and/or structural pressure. There are numerous lawsuits, currently. Photos all over the internet that look just like mine. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11757754 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Glenview, IL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
2025 Kia Telluride, rental vehicle, 29,450 miles at failure. Driving XXX W toward the [XXX] exit with my wife and two children (ages [XXX] and [XXX]), the cluster lit with simultaneous failures: electric power steering, electronic parking brake, ABS, stability control disabled, tire pressure monitoring, forward collision-avoidance, lane keeping, master warning. I photographed it. Nothing about how the vehicle drove had changed. At highway speed traveling straight, steering effort felt normal. There was no progressive degradation and no warning I could feel. I noticed a slight difference changing lanes for the exit. On the ramp itself, a banked turn taken at speed, the wheel required extreme force to turn. The loss of assist was undetectable until significant steering input was actually required, which happened mid-maneuver on an interstate ramp. I am a large, physically strong adult and forced the wheel through the turn. I do not believe a smaller, older, or weaker driver could have completed it, and a crash at that interchange seems a likely outcome for many drivers. Stopping on an interstate shoulder with two young children seemed more dangerous than continuing two miles to the airport exit, so I continued, with ABS and stability control also inoperative. The vehicle developed harsh, jerky shifting and audible clunking. In the rental return lot the wheel would not turn far enough to complete a tight turn. I shifted to reverse; the vehicle did not move, then shut down completely and would not restart. With the vehicle dead the front doors opened, but the rear doors and liftgate would not, and the windows were inoperable. My children were confined inside roughly 10-15 minutes at 86F until an employee climbed in from the front and released the rear doors from inside. The inability to open rear doors or the liftgate from outside after a total power loss is a serious defect in its own right. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11757766 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Glenview, IL
ENGINE
2025 Kia Telluride, rental vehicle, 29,450 miles at failure. Driving XXX W toward the [XXX] exit with my wife and two children (ages [XXX] and [XXX]), the cluster lit with simultaneous failures: electric power steering, electronic parking brake, ABS, stability control disabled, tire pressure monitoring, forward collision-avoidance, lane keeping, master warning. I photographed it. Nothing about how the vehicle drove had changed. At highway speed traveling straight, steering effort felt normal. There was no progressive degradation and no warning I could feel. I noticed a slight difference changing lanes for the exit. On the ramp itself, a banked turn taken at speed, the wheel required extreme force to turn. The loss of assist was undetectable until significant steering input was actually required, which happened mid-maneuver on an interstate ramp. I am a large, physically strong adult and forced the wheel through the turn. I do not believe a smaller, older, or weaker driver could have completed it, and a crash at that interchange seems a likely outcome for many drivers. Stopping on an interstate shoulder with two young children seemed more dangerous than continuing two miles to the airport exit, so I continued, with ABS and stability control also inoperative. The vehicle developed harsh, jerky shifting and audible clunking. In the rental return lot the wheel would not turn far enough to complete a tight turn. I shifted to reverse; the vehicle did not move, then shut down completely and would not restart. With the vehicle dead the front doors opened, but the rear doors and liftgate would not, and the windows were inoperable. My children were confined inside roughly 10-15 minutes at 86F until an employee climbed in from the front and released the rear doors from inside. The inability to open rear doors or the liftgate from outside after a total power loss is a serious defect in its own right. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11757766 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Highlands Ranch, CO
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
During less than 25 mph vehicle Emergency Alarm stating "Engine Off Shift to P or N Then Start Engine". This causes loss of acceleration capabilities in active traffic and forces the car to stop to clear alarm in active traffic. At no time is the engine off during the alarm and I believe this is a false alarm caused by electronics. Video of alarm in real time available upon request.
NHTSA complaint #11755769 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ogden, UT
ENGINE
While driving, car alerted “Engine Off! Shift to P or N, then start engine”. I had to immediately pull to the side of the road and follow instructions. Due to previous unresolved issues car has had I recorded the message car was giving.
NHTSA complaint #11755708 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ankeny, IA
ENGINE
On four different occasions the car starts flashing red saying to immediately put in park. We lose all control of the car, have to slowly coast to the side of the highway and turn the car off. When we turn it back on, drive again, it will happen shortly after. It has happened two different days about a month apart, two times each day. Our car has been at the dealership for two months and since they can’t duplicate it Kia consumer affairs says we have to go get the car and deal with it.
NHTSA complaint #11753874 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 7,000 milesCleveland, OH
STRUCTURE:BODY:BUMPERS:ACTIVE SHUTTERS/GRILL
The contact owns a 2025 Kia Telluride. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, road debris damaged the A/C condenser. The contact stated that the front grill setup failed to adequately protect the part from road debris. The dealer was contacted and determined that there was a hole in the A/C condenser. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and denied the warranty coverage due to the condenser being damaged by an external force. The manufacturer advised the contact to report the failure to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 7,000.
NHTSA complaint #11751629 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Alpharetta, GA
VISIBILITY/WIPER
The car randomly has inoperable wipers. Both in auto and non auto mode. Doesn’t happen every time but it has happened to my family on rainy days. The back wipers work fine. We took the car to the dealer and they said nothing was wrong, they blamed it on my cars window tint. Which makes no sense considering it’s not functioning in the non-auto position. After doing my own research it seems to be that multiple other owners have had similar issues, yet no recall has been issued.
NHTSA complaint #11751344 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Roberta, GA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
clear coat is coming off of 2025 white kia Telluride
NHTSA complaint #11751220 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ringoes, NJ
VISIBILITY/WIPER
After sitting in the driveway came out to a crack across half of the passenger side front side window. In the process of getting the window replaced. Crack originated from underneath the door trim. Window could shatter while driving if not noticed.
NHTSA complaint #11750073 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sanger, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Twice I was making a right hand turn through a green light and an alarm sounded and the dash displayed an ”Engine Off” message. I was able to pull over and restart the car. I took it to the dealership but they were not able to replicate the incident. They told me that they tightened a few connections and sent me on my way. About three weeks later, I was driving straight at about 45mph and it shut off again. Fortunately I was again able to safely pull over and restart the car. This time I recorded it. I will return it to the dealership ASAP. I am afraid this will happen again while I am on the freeway or in heavy traffic and I won’t be as lucky as I have been.
NHTSA complaint #11749781 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sanger, CA
ENGINE
Twice I was making a right hand turn through a green light and an alarm sounded and the dash displayed an ”Engine Off” message. I was able to pull over and restart the car. I took it to the dealership but they were not able to replicate the incident. They told me that they tightened a few connections and sent me on my way. About three weeks later, I was driving straight at about 45mph and it shut off again. Fortunately I was again able to safely pull over and restart the car. This time I recorded it. I will return it to the dealership ASAP. I am afraid this will happen again while I am on the freeway or in heavy traffic and I won’t be as lucky as I have been.
NHTSA complaint #11749781 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sanger, CA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Twice I was making a right hand turn through a green light and an alarm sounded and the dash displayed an ”Engine Off” message. I was able to pull over and restart the car. I took it to the dealership but they were not able to replicate the incident. They told me that they tightened a few connections and sent me on my way. About three weeks later, I was driving straight at about 45mph and it shut off again. Fortunately I was again able to safely pull over and restart the car. This time I recorded it. I will return it to the dealership ASAP. I am afraid this will happen again while I am on the freeway or in heavy traffic and I won’t be as lucky as I have been.
NHTSA complaint #11749781 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rochester, MI
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
All vehicle electronics shut down when ISG / ASG activates
NHTSA complaint #11749595 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bayport, NY
ENGINE
About 3 months after I bought a brand new 2025 Telluride the vehicle started to randomly accelerate rapidly without increasing the gas while driving and stall when idling at lights, stop signs, or slowing down and would not turn back on for several minutes. When it does start back it misfires causing a rumbling before the check engine light comes on. It would show code P006800 and P017100 saying “critical engine error”. Despite bringing it into the dealership multiple times we were told they couldn’t replicate the problem and sent home with no solutions just to wait for it to happen again. This became a extremely dangerous situation when recently at a red light on a busy highway in the rain my telluride stalled leaving me and my young children trapped inside unable to restart the car while other vehicles flew past narrowly missing us. I’m extremely concerned for the safely of my children if we continue to drive this car. We went back to the dealership just to be told that Kia may not honor our warranty despite this being a documented problem with the 2025 Kia Telluride.
NHTSA complaint #11749621 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Smiths Grove, KYFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The vehicle had been throwing different Electrical Codes for several months around August through December 2025. The last code it through was an engine management system error. On December 22nd 2025 the car caught fire in the engine and exploded while parked in the driveway. Fire investigators are leaning towards in electrical issue in the engine. I currently have an additional 2025 Kia Telluride vehicle which is also starting to display some of the same electrical messages
NHTSA complaint #11748732 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Smiths Grove, KYFire
ENGINE
The vehicle had been throwing different Electrical Codes for several months around August through December 2025. The last code it through was an engine management system error. On December 22nd 2025 the car caught fire in the engine and exploded while parked in the driveway. Fire investigators are leaning towards in electrical issue in the engine. I currently have an additional 2025 Kia Telluride vehicle which is also starting to display some of the same electrical messages
NHTSA complaint #11748732 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Scotch Plains, NJ
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
System/Component Malfunction & Availability: The vehicle's electronic safety and engine control systems malfunctioned while driving at speed. This issue has occurred twice under identical thermal conditions, with the first instance occurring on 5/19/26. The vehicle is fully intact and available for inspection upon request. Safety Risk: During the first incident, a false dashboard warning triggered, but the physical engine remained running. However, during the most recent incident on 7/2/26, the defect escalated and the engine physically stalled while driving on the road in high 90-degree ambient temperatures. The stall caused an immediate loss of power and a complete loss of power steering assist, making the vehicle incredibly difficult to control and creating an imminent risk of a crash for my family and surrounding drivers. Dealer Confirmation & Inspection: Following the first incident, the vehicle was brought to a certified Kia dealership and left in their custody for 10 days for diagnostic troubleshooting. The service center stated they could not pull a hard diagnostic trouble code (DTC) and could not replicate the failure on a standard test drive. No other entities (police, insurance) have inspected the vehicle yet. Corporate Kia was notified (Case #26160914) but refused to authorize a specialized repair plan because the dealer could not replicate the issue. Warning Symptoms & Messages: There were no mechanical or performance warning symptoms prior to either failure. Both times, the issue began instantly with an audible cabin alarm and a prominent dashboard display message stating: "Engine Off! Shift to P or N, then start engine." During the first incident, the physical engine remained running despite the message, allowing us to safely pull over and reset the vehicle by cycling the ignition. During the second incident, under the same extreme outside heat (high 90s), the engine completely cut out mechanically, creating a severe stalling hazard.
NHTSA complaint #11748411 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Scotch Plains, NJ
ENGINE
System/Component Malfunction & Availability: The vehicle's electronic safety and engine control systems malfunctioned while driving at speed. This issue has occurred twice under identical thermal conditions, with the first instance occurring on 5/19/26. The vehicle is fully intact and available for inspection upon request. Safety Risk: During the first incident, a false dashboard warning triggered, but the physical engine remained running. However, during the most recent incident on 7/2/26, the defect escalated and the engine physically stalled while driving on the road in high 90-degree ambient temperatures. The stall caused an immediate loss of power and a complete loss of power steering assist, making the vehicle incredibly difficult to control and creating an imminent risk of a crash for my family and surrounding drivers. Dealer Confirmation & Inspection: Following the first incident, the vehicle was brought to a certified Kia dealership and left in their custody for 10 days for diagnostic troubleshooting. The service center stated they could not pull a hard diagnostic trouble code (DTC) and could not replicate the failure on a standard test drive. No other entities (police, insurance) have inspected the vehicle yet. Corporate Kia was notified (Case #26160914) but refused to authorize a specialized repair plan because the dealer could not replicate the issue. Warning Symptoms & Messages: There were no mechanical or performance warning symptoms prior to either failure. Both times, the issue began instantly with an audible cabin alarm and a prominent dashboard display message stating: "Engine Off! Shift to P or N, then start engine." During the first incident, the physical engine remained running despite the message, allowing us to safely pull over and reset the vehicle by cycling the ignition. During the second incident, under the same extreme outside heat (high 90s), the engine completely cut out mechanically, creating a severe stalling hazard.
NHTSA complaint #11748411 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Longmont, CO
ENGINE
My 2025 Kia Telluride has experienced seven engine overheating events across three separate incidents, all under identical conditions: air conditioning on while climbing in altitude on Colorado mountain highways. Incident 1 (XXX: Driving from [XXX] to [XXX]. Engine temperature gauge reached H and the "Engine Overheated" warning displayed. Pulled over and allowed engine to cool. Vehicle taken to Kia dealership; diagnostics found no fault. Incident 2 (XXX): Driving to [XXX]. Vehicle overheated twice on the same trip. Dealership kept vehicle for multiple days; reported no issues found. Incident 3 (XXX): Driving to [XXX]. Vehicle overheated FOUR times during the trip, including in an area with no cellular reception. Occupants included an infant and a [XXX]. Had the engine failed completely, we would have been stranded with no ability to call for emergency assistance. The failure is consistent and reproducible in real-world conditions (sustained grade + AC load) but has not been reproduced by dealership diagnostics performed at the shop. No fault codes were reportedly stored. The pattern is consistent with a cooling system deficiency under high load (cooling fan circuit, condenser airflow, or thermostat), and similar complaints from other Telluride owners describe the same scenario with dealers unable to replicate. Safety concern: repeated loss of propulsion capability on steep mountain grades, risk of engine failure and stranding in remote areas without cell coverage, with young children aboard. Two dealer service visits have not resolved the defect. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11747890 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Henderson, NV
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My 2025 Kia Telluride is suddenly shutting off in traffic. It first happened 6/24/26 I was pulling away from a stop light when my vehicle shut off. I received a red dash as you would for collision warning and a message to shift into park or neutral to restart the vehicle, I tried to restart it started but without RPM's then would not restart my husband had to push the vehicle off of the roadway. I then tried to restart it again it started and shut off in less than 20 feet. I had it towed to the dealership after keeping it 1 week they say they can not recreate the problem. I picked up my vehicle yesterday and it again shut off before I made it 2 miles down the road, I had stopped at a stop light to make a left turn accelerated to make to my turn and the vehicle again shut off I coasted into a parking lot was able to restart it and drove it back to the dealership. The vehicle is currently with them. The vehicle had no warning lights prior to this happening everything was fine in fact when the vehicle shuts off the radio and Air Conditioner stay running like nothing happened. I have searched the internet and found many others having this issue with their dealerships also saying they can't recreate the problem.
NHTSA complaint #11747709 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sun Prairie, WI
ENGINE
In the past 2 days, my vehicle engine has shut off 11 times while driving. This is happening while I am moving so it is a huge safety issue for myself and other drivers. Over the course of 3 months, the vehicle has done this over 20 times. It happens when coasting, slowing down at a stop light and people in the other lane start moving, going through roundabouts, turning when there is oncoming traffic, and moving through congestion. The engine kills, lights flash and beeping starts. It says to put the engine in P or N and restart the engine. I have no power so I try to do this quickly or have the ability to pull over but most times that is not the case. This is a severe safety issue. The dealership says they cannot find anything wrong with the vehicle.
NHTSA complaint #11747596 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.