70 of the
2,598 complaints filed about the KIA Telluride
are about the suspension —
3% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2020.
My 2021 Kia Telluride has suffered two consecutive component failures of the rear suspension's self-leveling shock absorbers. This component is the exact subject of Kia's August 15, 2024 Extended Warranty Program (WTY040), which acknowledges a widespread engineering defect causing premature rear shock failures. The factory-installed original shock failed previously. The official Kia genuine replacement part (redesigned by Kia to permanently address the original defect) has now failed prematurely under the exact same mechanical conditions. The failed replacement component bears a manufacturing date stamp of 11/2023. Kia America Corporate is utilizing an administrative loophole regarding the component's manufacturing date code to deny safety coverage, actively refusing to honor or remedy the failure of their own redesigned replacement part. The local Kia dealership service manager inspected the vehicle and formally endorsed 100% replacement coverage due to this premature safety failure, but Kia Corporate has completely stalled the repair (I have had a formal 100% goodwill coverage request submitted since 7/21/26 without resolution), leaving a known vehicle stability defect unaddressed on a public roadway.
NHTSA complaint #11757006 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I wish to amend my previous report dated 6/22/2026. #11745783. IT is is cv boot on the right side. I had a dealer do the repair. It is not under warranty, If you follow the Kia Telluride complaint page son FB, others have had the same issue. It cost $777.61 to repair. It should not need to be repaired at 72k miles. That is a third of the expected life expectancy. Thank you for considering this safety matter.
NHTSA complaint #11746935 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The CV axel is bad and needs replaced. I am only at 72,000 miles. If I had not gotten an oil change and the technician saw it, it could have broken while driving this coming weekend for 14 hours. Independent service center is replacing. No warning. This could have caused a serious accident.
NHTSA complaint #11745783 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Telluride. The contact stated that the passenger’s side drive shaft boot was leaking. The steering and mileage were affected by the failure. While making a turn, the steering wheel was readjusting. The accelerator pedal was depressed; after the pedal was released, the pedal jerked. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who confirmed there were no open recalls associated with the VIN. The brakes were reprogrammed. The vehicle was diagnosed, and it was determined that the front boot was leaking, and the axle and tires needed to be replaced, and an alignment performed. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to another local dealer, Kia Mentor (9090 Mentor Ave., Mentor, OH 44060); who provided the same diagnosis. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed there was no warranty coverage on the vehicle. The BBB was contacted and the Attorney General. The approximate failure mileage was 81,000.
NHTSA complaint #11744846 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rattling noise experienced going over small bumps. Dealer confirmed rear shocks were leaking/rusted and needed replacement. Was charged almost an additional $1450 since I am out of warranty period. Car only has 44,275 miles after 6.5 years of owning.
NHTSA complaint #11743898 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
While braking in slow traffic at about 11-15 mph, the vehicle hit a pothole/road irregularity and the ABS appeared to activate. The brake pedal vibrated, but the steering wheel also began shaking rapidly left and right. Braking effectiveness was greatly reduced. Even with firm brake pressure, the vehicle did not slow as expected and continued toward stopped traffic ahead. The brake pedal pushed back against my foot. I tried to steer around the vehicle in front of me, but the steering wheel vibration interfered with my steering input and made the vehicle difficult to control. A rear-end collision was avoided only after I shifted the transmission into Park, which brought the vehicle to a stop. All driver assistance systems were off, including adaptive cruise, lane keeping, highway driving assist, and steering assist. This occurred during normal low-speed braking, not aggressive or high-speed driving. I have had similar but less severe ABS behavior before when braking over potholes, bridge joints, or rough pavement, with excessive ABS activation and reduced braking performance. Dashcam footage is available showing the pothole/road irregularity, vehicle speed, steering/hand vibration, my avoidance attempt, and the near-collision. This appears to involve unexpected ABS activation, reduced braking effectiveness, and steering interference during routine low-speed braking, creating a serious safety hazard.
NHTSA complaint #11743821 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ever since purchasing this 2023 Kia telluride I have felt a skipping or thumping feeling when making a turn from a stop sign or a light, at a slower speed, then accelerating.. I have read many many forums stating this happens in A LOT of these models of vehicles. It is called a failing AWD coupler! I have mentioned it to the dealer but they could not replicate at the shop so I moved on. Now issue after issue is arising with this vehicle.
NHTSA complaint #11740387 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
At 30,000 miles, the dealership replaced the right rear shock absorber because I noticed it was clunking when an adult sat in the third row. I just had it serviced at 40,000 miles and I mentioned to the tech that there was a slight clunking sound when making a right-hand turn and accelerating from a stop. The dealership did not notice any issues so did not make any repairs. Now, at 41,500 miles, the clunking is much more noticeable when going over bumps and turning at low speeds.
NHTSA complaint #11740058 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Took my 2020 kia telluride for emission software update after being notified by the the dealership. Two days later my check engine light keeps coming on and off. I called the dealership and the said to bring it in only if the light is on. The next day my engine light once again keeps going on and off but now also my battery light keeps flickering on and off as well. My car is also slow to idle and when going slow speed my steering will shake. Also when I first start my car in the morning by RPM needle goes up and down as well as my a/c blow strong and then low matching rpm needle. My car seems to pull on hills it feels as there is not enough power to make it up the hill and my car also shakes. My car was running perfectly fine before I took my car to the dealership for this emission software update.
NHTSA complaint #11737430 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I have 2021 Kia Telluride with 38000 miles on it. When I wash my car, I normally wash the roof and in order to do that I put one foot on 3 step ladder and one foot on the back tire. I always had a plenty space above the tire and under the fender and I could stand up on the tire while I was washing the roof. On my last wash after the harsh winter weather, I notice I can not place my foot on the tire anymore. I google the height from the bottom of the fender to the ground and I noticed is way down. I read on Google that is covered by KIA for 15 years or 180000 miles. I contacted the Riverhead Kia and they replaced the shocks. When I came out of the dealer I immediately noticed the height has not been improved. I informed the service advisor, he said that is not going to be like a new 2026 vehicle and it should be Ok. Two days later over the weekend I noticed Roaring sound and when I hit the bump it seems my chasing banging on the axle. I am planning to go back to dealer tomorrow.
NHTSA complaint #11727826 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rear shocks unstable. When on rough roads or small imperfections in the road it’s hard to control vehicle and items/people get abruptly jostled. The dealership has been notified but says it’s not a recall and will look at it but can only take pictures and send it off to main office. No warning of this failure.
NHTSA complaint #11704186 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
This vehicle only has 31,000 miles on it and I've already had one door trim molding replaced. (now the rest of the trim doesn't match so that's great for aesthetics) The interior door panel replaced because it was loose. This car developed a "thumping" noise around 25K miles when turning at low speeds. Took it to the dealer, told them it is probably the AWD coupler, and they said the self-leveling rear shocks were leaking. So those got replaced. Thumping was still there. I mentioned to the dealer that it is probably still the AWD coupler. Dealer decides to replace the rear differential because they found metal shavings in the diff fluid. Sound is still there but now not as loud. Car is currently back at the dealer for diagnostics to remedy the situation. I don't understand how a car with only 30k miles on it should be having these kinds of major issues. Kia seems to know about these issues because they do not argue about replacing anything. The car looks great, and the size is great. But I cannot imagine the nightmares I'm going to have for the next 30K. Or how bad the nightmare will be once I am out of factory warranty.
NHTSA complaint #11693342 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The rear frame of my 2021 Kia Telluride has a broken weld. This is a structural failure that compromises the safety and integrity of the vehicle. The Kia dealership mechanic who inspected it confirmed the weld was defective and also stated they have heard other Tellurides with the same issue. A broken frame weld poses a serious risk to vehicle occupants in the event of a crash and may affect handling, towing, and long-term durability. This appears to be a recurring defect and should be investigated as a potential safety hazard. After several trips to the dealership, for the loud metal to metal type bang, they have replaced struts, rear stab links and shock absorbers. On 9/17/2025 the mechanic was given a list of items to inspect and the dealership informed me that one of the items on the list was to check the frame welds. I was informed that they found the broken weld and have forward pictures to KIA engineers. I was informed that the car is safe to drive and they will get back to me within a couple weeks. They offered me a loaner car but it would be a KIA Soul which is too small for my wife that has bad knees to get in and out of. I do not have pictures of the problem and the dealership didn't want to copy me.
NHTSA complaint #11688054 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I am experiencing rear self leveling shock strut failure (thumping noise) again after having both sides previously replaced under warranty and now the dealership is refusing to replace them again. This has been an ongoing problem and I am in fear of these shocks completely failing and encountering control problems with the vehicle.
NHTSA complaint #11683874 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rear shock failure for the second time. This time in under 9 months. Front crash detection constantly goes off in cold snowy weather or rain. engine issue is frequent popping sound in exhaust and causing dirty oxygen sensors
NHTSA complaint #11681146 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.