2020 Kia Telluride
This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
- Complaints
- 769
- Recalls
- 7
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- Exterior lighting
Campaigns on file for 2020
Opened by NHTSA
24% of complaints
Complaints per year
2020: 769 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2020 | 769 |
| 2021 | 367 |
| 2022 | 324 |
| 2023 | 207 |
| 2024 | 216 |
| 2025 | 114 |
| 2027 | 25 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Exterior lighting
24% · 185 reportsMost commonly citing headlights and high/low beam dimmer switch.
Engine
19% · 149 reportsShow complaint excerpts
**1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request?** The engine failed catastrophically and caught fire while I was driving.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-29
This 2020 Telluride, like others, burns excessively through oil. I had to add 2.5 quarts recently and I had not hit 3,000 miles since my last oil change. I have to check the oil level constantly because of how fast it burns through it.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-10
Visibility/wiper
18% · 136 reportsPower train
9% · 70 reportsShow complaint excerpts
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Telluride. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V214000 (Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted.
NHTSA ODI report, 2024-07-02
Electrical system
8% · 59 reportsMost commonly citing alternator/generator/regulator.
Show complaint excerpts
Vehicle has 75,000 miles. The knuckle on the steering column and the rack and pinion became worn out causing the steering wheel to be loose and jump at high speeds. Mirrors would stop opening randomly.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-09
Also filed under Steering
Safety timeline
7 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2019-08-30Seat belts19V594000 Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2020 Telluride vehicles. The seat belt assemblies in the front passenger, second, and/or third row seats may not tightly secure a child restraint system in the event of a crash.
Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles and replace any incorrect seat belt assemblies. The repair will also include replacing the driver's seat belt which has a non-U.S. specified label, with a U.S. specification seat belt.
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2020Complaint volume 769 complaints filed for this model year.
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2020-09-10Electrical system, exterior lighting, forward collision avoidance20V436000 Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2020 Telluride vehicles equipped with Smart Cruise Control (SCC). When a trailer is connected to the vehicle, the trailer brake lights will not illuminate when the SCC applies the brakes.
Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will install an additional wire harness to the main fuse box to signal the trailer brake lights, free of charge. The recall began September 10, 2020. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542.
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2023-01-27Preliminary evaluationClosed 2024-04-17 Complete Loss of High Beams
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2023-04-12Trailer hitches22V626000 Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Telluride vehicles potentially equipped with a Genuine Kia 4-pin tow hitch harness installed as original equipment, or purchased as an accessory through a Kia dealership.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will install a new fuse and a wiring harness extension. Dealers will also inspect and replace the tow hitch harness assembly, as necessary.
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2024-05-15Power train24V214000 Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2020-2024 Telluride vehicles. The intermediate shaft and right front driveshaft may not be fully engaged, which can result in vehicle roll away while in PARK.
Remedy: Owners are advised to manually engage the emergency parking brake prior to exiting the vehicle until the recall remedy is performed.
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2024-07-30Seats24V407000 Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2020-2024 Telluride vehicles. The front power seat motor may overheat due to a stuck power seat slide knob, which can result in a fire while parked or driving.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will install a bracket for the power seat switch back covers and replace the seat slide knobs, free of charge.
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2024-08-09Exterior lighting24V148000 Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2020 Telluride vehicles. The high beam headlights may fail.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and repair or replace the high beam headlights, as necessary free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 9, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542.
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Date not on fileSeats26V430000 Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2020-2024 Telluride vehicles. The front power seat motor may overheat due to a stuck power seat slide knob or an improper recall 24V407 repair, which can result in a fire while parked or driving.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will install an electronic fuse assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 13, 2026.
Buy-smart checklist
2020 Kia Telluride — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Exterior lighting: 185 reports on file for this year.
- Engine: 149 reports on file for this year.
- Visibility/wiper: 136 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 26V430000 · Seats
- Recall 19V594000 · Seat belts
- Recall 20V436000 · Electrical system, exterior lighting, forward collision avoidance
- Recall 22V626000 · Trailer hitches
- Recall 24V214000 · Power train
- Recall 24V407000 · Seats
- Recall 24V148000 · Exterior lighting
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2020 Kia Telluride reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2020 Kia Telluride is rated "significantly worse".
- What are the most common problems with the 2020 Kia Telluride?
- The most-reported component is exterior lighting, accounting for 24% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2020 Kia Telluride have?
- 7 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.