What 733 owners told NHTSA about the 2020 Kia Telluride

The power sunroof and its sliding track/rail assembly failed. While operating the sunroof using its normal electric open/close function during highway driving, the sunroof glass/panel traveled to full open and the track mechanism broke at that point, preventing normal closure. The vehicle and damaged sunroof/track assembly are available for inspection upon request. The failure occurred while the vehicle was in motion on the road, creating a distraction and an unexpected open aperture in the roof at highway speed. An uncontrolled/stuck-open sunroof exposes the cabin to wind, debris, weather, and noise, and could distract the driver attempting to address the malfunction while driving. There is also risk of glass or track hardware detaching from the vehicle. A Kia dealership inspected the vehicle and confirmed the track is broken and quoted approximately $5,000+ to replace the sunroof assembly, citing no applicable warranty coverage. No warning lamps or messages appeared prior to the fail I have found other consumer complaints/forum reports describing similar sudden sunroof track failures on this make/model during normal operation, suggesting this may be a widespread component defect rather than an isolated incident or wear item. Despite this, the manufacturer has not issued a recall or extended warranty coverage for this failure mode, leaving owners to pay approximately $5,000 out of pocket for a repair caused by what appears to be a manufacturing or design defect rather than misuse.

NHTSA ODI 11748612

After reading multiple forums, I've learned there's a known issue with the 2020 Tellurides burning excessive oil. We had noticed this before, but this time was worse. My wife drove the car to pick up my nephew from the airport without any problems, such as warning lights or engine noise. However, our kids later took the car to go to the store, and on the way, all of the warning lights lit up on the display, and the car shut off on the highway. When I checked the car, I found the oil level was completely gone from the dipstick, so I added about 2.5 quarts of oil. I reported this to the Kia dealership and customer service. The vehicle had just slightly exceeded the 100,000-mile warranty (109,805 miles). The service interval was set for 3400 miles, with 725 miles and 90 days remaining. The engine was dry because of the excessive oil consumption known to Kia. The diagnostic from the dealership indicated an oil pump failure, but they did not have information about the oil addition since it wasn't relayed to them by the phone staff. There were no warning lights or engine noise indicating a low oil level before the incident. Apparently, Kia repeatedly dismisses this known issue and blames the owners. The interval of 3400 miles with 725 miles remaining far exceeds the manufacturer's recommended 6000-7000 miles for regular oil changes.

NHTSA ODI 11748233

The contact owns a 2020 Kia Telluride. The contact stated that four door belt molding trim pieces had become loose and unsecured, but the front driver’s side door belt molding trim piece had become unsecured and detached from the vehicle. Additionally, the contact stated that while touching the unsecured molding, the arm became bruised and scratched. No medical treatment was required. The cause of the failures was not yet determined. The local dealer was contacted, but no assistance was offered. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V494000 (STRUCTURE). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 30,000.

NHTSA ODI 11747891

Sunroof issue with the air dam that lifts up when the sunroof opens breaks off and throws the the sunroof off track so your stuck with it open or it breaks the track or glass

NHTSA ODI 11747748

The contact owns a 2020 Kia Telluride. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60-65 MPH on the highway, the vehicle suddenly shut off and the battery warning light was flickering and the vehicle lost power. The contact was able to coast the vehicle into a parking lot off the highway where the vehicle remained. The contact replaced the battery; however, approximately one hour later while driving 50-55 MPH on the highway, the vehicle lost power and shut off. The vehicle was coasted onto the shoulder of the roadway. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where the vehicle was diagnosed with alternator failure. The alternator was replaced. The contact was notified of a possible transmission failure; however, there was no fault codes retrieved. The vehicle was later taken to a dealer to be diagnosed. The dealer informed the contact that the head gasket was damaged, and the spark plugs needed to be replaced. Additionally, the contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

NHTSA ODI 11747463

Oil burns too fast causing oil changes to be required by every 3000 miles

NHTSA ODI 11746940

I am filing this complaint regarding my 2020 Kia Telluride because of excessive oil consumption that Kia has refused to address. My vehicle currently has approximately 138,000 miles and consumes about one quart of engine oil every 500 miles. This level of oil consumption is excessive and creates an ongoing risk of engine damage if the oil level is not constantly monitored and replenished. After researching this issue, I discovered that many Kia owners have reported similar excessive oil consumption problems. Despite the large number of complaints, Kia has not issued a recall or provided assistance for owners whose vehicles experience this problem after the factory warranty expires. I sought assistance from my local Kia dealership. At one point, the service manager attempted to advocate for me and other customers by bringing these concerns to Kia corporate. I later learned that he was no longer employed there. They have completed oil consumption tests and agreed my car is consuming a significant amount of oil. They conducted a “band aid” fix that did not help. The last appointment when we brought it in, all they did was check oil levels again. Since then, my concerns have largely been ignored, and I have been offered no meaningful assistance. While I understand my vehicle is outside the warranty period, a vehicle should not consume one quart of oil every 500 miles under normal operation. This appears to be a widespread issue rather than normal wear and tear. I respectfully request that this complaint be investigated and added to the record of similar complaints involving Kia vehicles. I also ask that Kia be encouraged to provide assistance to affected owners whose vehicles suffer from excessive oil consumption caused by what appears to be a common defect. Thank you for your time and consideration.

NHTSA ODI 11746829

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 ODI 11746327

My vehicle’s white exterior paint and clear coat are delaminating and peeling off in pieces while driving. Loose paint pieces fly off the vehicle, creating a potential road hazard for other drivers. The defect affects the hood, the front, and the area above the windshield. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. The paint delamination has been visually confirmed and is worsening over time. I have contacted Kia customer service multiple times by phone and email requesting repair or resolution. Kia has not responded or offered any remedy. The defect has not been inspected by the dealer as Kia declined to address it. No warning lamps or messages are applicable to this defect. The peeling first became noticeable approximately June 1st, 2026 and has progressively worsened since.

NHTSA ODI 11746035

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The factory paint on my 2020 white Kia Telluride has failed. The paint is peeling and flaking from the hood and the roof of the vehicle. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request, and I have photographs documenting the paint failure. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The peeling paint exposes the underlying metal to the elements, which may lead to corrosion and deterioration of the vehicle over time. Pieces of peeling paint may also detach while the vehicle is being driven, creating a potential hazard for other motorists. In addition, the loss of the factory paint significantly reduces the value of the vehicle and raises concerns about the quality and durability of the manufacturer's finish. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? At this time, the problem has not been confirmed by a Kia dealer or an independent service center. However, I have found numerous reports from other owners of white Kia Tellurides experiencing similar paint peeling issues, suggesting this may be a widespread manufacturing defect. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others? Not at this time. Were there any warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? There were no warning lights, messages, or other vehicle symptoms before the paint began peeling. The issue developed gradually as the factory paint began separating from the hood and roof under normal use.

NHTSA ODI 11745343

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 ODI 11745353

The contact owns a 2020 Kia Telluride. The contact stated that while driving with the AWD activated in the rain, the vehicle ran off the road. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact spoke to the seller, who confirmed a previous failure with the AWD coupler. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Another local dealer, Kia Service - Southlake Kia (4191 E Lincoln Hwy, Merrillville, IN 46410); was contacted but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer stated that there was no warranty coverage on the vehicle for the failure. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 84,000.

NHTSA ODI 11744967

SC299 (high‑beam headlight failure) is actually a safety defect tied to visibility and part of a recall which my telluride falls just outside of

NHTSA ODI 11744971

The wind deflector and track assembly on the sunroof of our 2020 Kia Telluride (56K miles) broke when trying to open the sunroof and Kia Corporate is unwilling to cover the cost of the repairs ($4,000). Because the track assembly cracked, the dealer had to break another part just to get the sunroof glass to sit flush, and it is only being held down with Gorilla tape. This happened in the drive way at our home and thankfully not on the highway at high speeds. We already had to pay $350 for Kia just to break a part of the sunroof so that it sits flush and they are quoting $3800+ for the remaining repair.

NHTSA ODI 11745064

I have a 2020 Kia telluride. On 6/14/2026 I opened my sun roof and was unable to close it. I called my local dealership and was advised that they were unable to look at my car for at least 2 weeks. I am currently having it repaired by a licensed auto shop which will cost me $3800.00

NHTSA ODI 11744694

The contact owns a 2020 Kia Telluride. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. No warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that while driving at slower speeds, the vehicle lost automotive power. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed with oil consumption and a misfire in cylinder #3. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. Upon further inspection, the contact stated that as per the Kia App, the vehicle was diagnosed with error codes: P030300 and P030500. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.

NHTSA ODI 11744675

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 ODI 11743898

A continuation from my last post. I brought my car back to the dealer.The worker came out to inspect my car and he lifted the hood and he said I had a loose negative battery cable and that I had the wrong battery in my car. He said that might be the cause of the flickering lights.My car was at the dealership for three days before I was called to come pickup my car.He stated they found another service update that my car needed P0471 and that cleared my check engine light and the battery he said once again I have the wrong battery in my car and they were only able to tighten the negative cable so much.I explained to him that it was the correct battery because I went to Walmart where the battery was purchased and they auto manger printed out that paperwork that shows it is the correct battery for that car.Then he had me sign for my car and I left.While driving home my battery light stared flickering again.So I called him and said I thought you were able to tighten the negative cable to the battery. He then said they did the best they can do because it is the wrong battery.After he got off the phone all my lights on my dashboard lit up.My car seemed possessed.My steering locked up and brakes were not working.Scared and crying i called him back and was telling him what was happening to my car.He said once again it was due to battery. Crying I said I'm scared what do I do?He advised me to put my car in netural and try to pull off to the side.I explained to him that I was on the freeway in 5pm traffic my hazards, signals and brakes aren't working.I then asked him what do I do once I can stop the car.Do I bring it back to the dealership? He said the only thing they can do if i bring it back is to have me buy a new battery.At this point the car completely turned off.I was able to roll off the freeway then my car stopped completely violently as if someone slammed the the brakes.Now they want me to buy a new alternator and transmission.Car had no issue before taking it in.

NHTSA ODI 11743764

Not due to recalls. My entire car was malfunctioning over the backup camera. Every system was being displayed on my dashboard as all lights were on. Turning signals and four ways would not work, my steering became tight and hard to turn.

NHTSA ODI 11743142

My 2020 Kia Telluride with the 3.8L V6 engine is experiencing excessive oil consumption between scheduled oil changes. The vehicle consumes a significant amount of engine oil without any visible external leaks. The oil level drops substantially between oil change intervals, requiring frequent monitoring and oil additions to prevent the engine from running low on oil. This condition creates a safety risk because the vehicle can operate with dangerously low oil levels without providing sufficient warning to the driver, increasing the risk of engine damage, engine failure, loss of power while driving, or a vehicle breakdown in traffic. A sudden loss of engine power could increase the risk of a crash. The condition has been observed repeatedly and is ongoing. No external oil leaks have been identified. The vehicle has been maintained according to manufacturer recommendations. The excessive oil consumption appears to be internal to the engine. The issue has been reported to and discussed with a Kia dealer. The problem is consistent and reproducible between oil changes. Prior to discovering the oil loss, there were no obvious symptoms other than the oil level decreasing significantly between service intervals. The issue was identified through routine oil level checks. I am concerned that this condition may affect a large number of vehicles equipped with the same engine and could result in engine failure or loss of power while driving.

NHTSA ODI 11742960

The vehicle was taken in several times for a vibration, binding coming from the rear. It has been ongoing back to the original owner. It is the all wheel drive coupler. This is a known issue with TSBs out on it. Kia has been contacted and seems unwilling to help, replace. Online thousands of these things have failed some even twice. In icy or slippery conditions this can cause loss of control due to binding.

NHTSA ODI 11742769

Vehicle experienced catastrophic engine failure while traveling approximately 70 mph on a highway. I heard a loud popping noise and immediately lost power. The vehicle would no longer accelerate normally and I was forced to pull over. White smoke was visible from the engine compartment, and a large amount of engine oil leaked from the vehicle. This failure created a safety risk because it occurred at highway speed, resulting in sudden loss of power while traveling with surrounding traffic. The vehicle required towing and could not be driven from the scene. Prior to the failure, the vehicle had exhibited symptoms beginning around May 11, 2026. A check engine light illuminated and an independent mechanic diagnosed a cylinder 3 misfire and replaced the ignition coil. Following that repair, the check engine light returned. Additional symptoms included stalling at idle, knocking noises from the engine, and intermittent oil pressure warning lights. The vehicle was subsequently inspected by an independent mechanic who diagnosed a thrown connecting rod with damage to the engine block, including a hole in the engine near the transmission area. The mechanic advised that the engine requires replacement. The damaged engine is currently available for inspection. The vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer. No injuries or crash occurred, but the sudden engine failure and loss of power at highway speed created a significant safety concern.

NHTSA ODI 11742832

While driving on the [XXX] in [XXX] on XXX a connecting rod punctured the engine block of no fault of my own Kia has stated it was a manufacturing defect. This caused a vehicle fire under the vehicle and I had to get my family out of the vehicle 4 children and wife from the vehicle children ages ranging from age [XXX]. This completely has destroyed my confidence in the safety of this vehicle. I do not want to put my children back in this vehicle due to the traumatic experience of the fire. The car only had 60k miles on it and I just bought it as a second owner from Staten Island Kia back in October 31st of 2025 with just a little over 55k miles on the car. The Staten Island Kia dealership has replaced the engine but confirmed that they have not done any other safety checks of hoses or wiring or anything else that may have been damaged by the fire. Kia Corporate has given us a loaner vehicle until they review our case. Case number is XXX. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11742534

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 ODI 11741888

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 ODI 11740122