2025 model year · 456+ owner reports · Updated April 2026
According to Au7o's analysis of 456+ owner reports, the 2025 Kia Telluride has 4 documented known issues. No issues are rated critical, indicating generally reliable ownership. The most commonly reported issue is Premature Windshield Cracking with 456 owner reports. Across all issues, repair costs range from $0 to $1,500. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
On the 2020-2025 Kia Telluride 3.8L Lambda II V6, the 3.8L Lambda II V6 in the Telluride experiences fuel dilution of the engine oil when driven primarily on short trips (under 10 miles). Fuel washes past the piston rings during cold starts and does not fully evaporate because the oil never reaches full operating temperature. The diluted oil has reduced viscosity and lubrication properties, accelerating engine wear. The issue is more pronounced in cold climates. Oil analysis shows fuel contamination levels of 3-5% in severe cases.
Change oil more frequently if driving primarily short trips — every 3,000-4,000 miles instead of the 7,500-mile factory interval. Take the vehicle on a 20+ minute highway drive weekly to bring the oil to full operating temperature and boil off fuel contamination. Use a quality full-synthetic 5W-30 oil that resists fuel dilution better than conventional oil. Consider oil analysis testing (Blackstone Labs, $30) to monitor fuel dilution levels. If fuel dilution exceeds 5%, investigate injector spray patterns.
Parts and tips from 0+ owners who fixed this issue
On the 2020-2025 Kia Telluride, 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.
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.
Parts and tips from 456+ owners who fixed this issue
On the 2020-2025 Kia Telluride, tellurides develop paint bubbling and peeling at body panel seams, particularly the hood leading edge, roof rail joints, and rear liftgate seams. The issue is caused by insufficient e-coat coverage at spot-welded seams, allowing moisture to penetrate under the paint. The bubbling starts small but spreads if not addressed, eventually leading to visible rust. Dark-colored vehicles show the issue sooner. Kia has acknowledged the issue but has not issued a formal recall.
If under Kia's 5-year/60,000-mile paint warranty, have the dealer document and repair under warranty (they will sand, prime, and respray the affected panels). If out of warranty, sand the affected area to bare metal, treat any rust with a converter, apply primer, and respray. For preventive care, apply paint protection film (PPF) to the hood leading edge and high-risk seam areas. Ceramic coating helps but does not prevent the underlying adhesion issue.
Parts and tips from 0+ owners who fixed this issue
On the 2020-2025 Kia Telluride, the third-row seat fold-down mechanism in the Telluride jams, preventing the seats from folding flat or locking back into the upright position. The latch mechanism uses a cable-actuated release that stretches and binds over time. When the latch jams in the released position, the seat back flops freely and cannot be secured for passenger use. The issue is exacerbated by frequent folding/unfolding of the third row.
Lubricate the latch mechanism and release cable with white lithium grease or dry Teflon lubricant. If the cable has stretched, it needs to be adjusted or replaced. In some cases, the latch striker on the seat frame bends and needs to be realigned. Dealer repair involves replacing the seat latch assembly. Covered under the 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty.
Parts and tips from 0+ owners who fixed this issue
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.
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."
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.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2024 Telluride vehicles. The engine valve springs may break while driving, which can result in a loss of drive power and possibly create a hole in the engine block.
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT
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.
+ 8 more recalls. Check all on NHTSA.gov
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According to Au7o's analysis of 456+ owner reports, the 2025-2025 Kia Telluride has 4 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Oil Dilution from Short Trip Driving (3.8L V6), Premature Windshield Cracking, Paint Bubbling at Hood and Roof Seams. None are rated critical, but regular maintenance is recommended.
The 2025-2025 Kia Telluride has 4 known issues documented across 456+ owner reports. No issues are rated critical, suggesting generally good reliability. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
Repair costs for known Kia Telluride issues range from $0 to $1,500, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
The 3.8L Lambda II V6 in the Telluride experiences fuel dilution of the engine oil when driven primarily on short trips (under 10 miles). Fuel washes past the piston rings during cold starts and does not fully evaporate because the oil never reaches full operating temperature. Th… Repairs typically run $50-$500. Severity: medium.
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 passen… Repairs typically run $250-$1,000. Severity: low.
Tellurides develop paint bubbling and peeling at body panel seams, particularly the hood leading edge, roof rail joints, and rear liftgate seams. The issue is caused by insufficient e-coat coverage at spot-welded seams, allowing moisture to penetrate under the paint. The bubbling… Repairs typically run $0-$1,500. Severity: low.
The third-row seat fold-down mechanism in the Telluride jams, preventing the seats from folding flat or locking back into the upright position. The latch mechanism uses a cable-actuated release that stretches and binds over time. When the latch jams in the released position, the… Repairs typically run $50-$500. Severity: low.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.
