Kia Telluride Problems: 4 Issues Every Owner Should Know
2020-2025 model years · Based on 1,297+ owner reports · Last updated March 2026
According to Au7o's analysis of 1,297+ owner reports, the 2020-2025 Kia Telluride has 4 documented known issues, with 3 rated critical by the Au7o research team. The most serious are Front Power Seat Motor Overheating / Fire Risk ($0-$0 repair), Tow Hitch Wiring Harness Module Fire Risk ($0-$0 repair) and Intermediate Shaft / Driveshaft Disengagement (Rollaway) ($0-$800 repair). The most commonly reported issue is Premature Windshield Cracking with 456 owner reports. Across all issues, repair costs range from $0 to $1,000. Full technical analysis and DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
All 4 Known Issues
The front power seat motor can overheat if the power seat slide knob becomes stuck, causing the motor to run continuously. This can result in a fire even while the vehicle is parked. NHTSA recall covers approximately 462,869 Tellurides from 2020-2024 model years. Kia dealers install a bracket for the power seat switch back covers and replace the seat slide knobs.
Common Symptoms
- Power seat moves on its own or does not respond
- Seat slide knob feels stuck or difficult to move
- Burning smell from under front seat
- Smoke from seat area
- Seat motor running continuously
How to Fix
Check VIN for recall at owners.kia.com. Dealer will install a bracket for the power seat switch back covers and replace the seat slide knobs free of charge. Until repaired, do not leave anything under the front seats that could obstruct the seat slide mechanism.
What Owners Are Using
Parts and tips from 356+ owners who fixed this issue
- NoteDo not leave objects under the front seats. Debris can jam the seat slide knob and cause the motor to overheat
Tellurides equipped with a Genuine Kia 4-pin tow hitch harness (factory or dealer-installed accessory) can experience an electrical short on the tow hitch harness module PCB due to debris and moisture accumulation. Chloride and tin contamination on the circuit board, combined with moisture intrusion over time, creates a resistive fault that can cause an engine compartment fire. NHTSA Recall 22V-626 covers approximately 36,000 vehicles. Kia advises parking outside until repair is completed.
Common Symptoms
- Burning smell near rear of vehicle
- Trailer lights malfunction intermittently
- Melted or discolored wiring near tow hitch module
- Smoke from rear cargo area
- Vehicle fire near tow hitch wiring
How to Fix
Check VIN for Recall 22V-626 immediately. Dealer will inspect and replace the tow hitch harness assembly, install a new fuse with different capacity, and add a wiring harness extension to prevent moisture intrusion into the tow hitch module. All repairs performed free of charge. Park outside and away from structures until repair is complete.
What Owners Are Using
Parts and tips from 287+ owners who fixed this issue
- NoteNHTSA issued a Park Outside advisory for this recall. Do not park in a garage until the recall repair is completed
- TipEven if you did not order the tow package, check whether a 4-pin harness was installed by the dealer as part of pre-delivery prep
The intermediate shaft and right front driveshaft may not be fully engaged, which can result in the vehicle rolling away while in PARK. The driveshaft can slip out of the intermediate shaft splines, disconnecting drive power from the transmission to the wheels. NHTSA recall covers 2020-2024 Tellurides. Dealers will update the electronic parking brake software and replace damaged intermediate shafts.
Common Symptoms
- Vehicle rolls when placed in PARK on an incline
- Clicking noise from front axle area
- Vibration or shudder during acceleration
- Drivetrain warning light
How to Fix
Check VIN for recall at owners.kia.com. Dealer will update the electronic parking brake (EPB) software so it engages automatically when driveshaft disengagement is detected, and replace any damaged intermediate shafts. Always use the parking brake on inclines as an extra precaution.
What Owners Are Using
Parts and tips from 198+ owners who fixed this issue
- NoteAlways engage the parking brake, especially on inclines. Do not rely solely on the PARK position until the recall software update is performed
Telluride owners report unusually high rates of windshield cracking from minor road debris that would not crack windshields on other vehicles. Over 46% of NHTSA visibility complaints for the Telluride relate to windshield cracking. Cracks typically originate from the lower passenger-side corner and spread toward the center. The issue may be related to the windshield glass thickness or tempering specification. No official recall, but NHTSA has received significant complaint volume.
Common Symptoms
- Crack appears from edge of windshield without obvious impact point
- Small chips rapidly spread into long cracks
- Cracking from lower corners spreading upward
- Multiple windshield replacements needed within ownership period
How to Fix
File NHTSA complaint at safercar.gov to support potential investigation. Replacement windshield ($400-800 depending on features). Comprehensive insurance typically covers windshield replacement with $0-100 deductible. Some owners report aftermarket windshields from Safelite are more durable than OEM replacements. Consider a windshield protection film like ClearPlex for prevention.
What Owners Are Using
Parts and tips from 456+ owners who fixed this issue
- TipFile an NHTSA complaint even for minor windshield cracks. Higher complaint volumes increase the chance of a formal investigation
- TipConsider ClearPlex or ExoShield windshield protection film ($300-500 installed) to prevent chips from spreading into cracks
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Kia Telluride problems?
According to Au7o's analysis of 1,297+ owner reports, the 2020-2025 Kia Telluride has 4 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Front Power Seat Motor Overheating / Fire Risk, Tow Hitch Wiring Harness Module Fire Risk, Intermediate Shaft / Driveshaft Disengagement (Rollaway). Of these, 3 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Kia Telluride reliable?
The 2020-2025 Kia Telluride has 4 known issues documented across 1,297+ owner reports. 3 issues are rated critical: Front Power Seat Motor Overheating / Fire Risk and Tow Hitch Wiring Harness Module Fire Risk and Intermediate Shaft / Driveshaft Disengagement (Rollaway). Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
How much does it cost to fix common Kia Telluride problems?
Repair costs for known Kia Telluride issues range from $0 to $1,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Front Power Seat Motor Overheating / Fire Risk, typically costs $0-$0 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
What year Kia Telluride is the most reliable?
Reliability varies across model years of the Kia Telluride. Based on owner reports, issues are most commonly reported in earlier model years. Au7o recommends checking the specific known issues for your target year before purchasing, and having a pre-purchase inspection performed by a qualified mechanic. Our known issues database covers the 2020-2025 Kia Telluride with 4 documented issues from 1,297+ owner reports.
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