Owners describe a broad pattern of electrical system instability. Complete power losses while driving render the vehicle immobile with only brakes functioning — owners must restart to regain control, creating serious highway hazard. Instrument clusters go dark mid-drive, disabling cruise control and collision-avoidance systems. Radio reboot loops paired with sudden engine shutdown sensations at highway speeds have owners unsure whether the vehicle will respond.
Sensor systems malfunction frequently: forward collision warnings and blind spot alerts trigger with no vehicles present, especially in rain. Tire pressure sensors activate despite normal pressure. Backup camera fails during infotainment system failures, leaving drivers unable to see while reversing.
High-beam headlights fail on both sides with dashboard indicators falsely showing they are active—discovered around 40–60k miles, often after warranty expires. Replacement costs $2,500. Infotainment head units develop green-screen failures, blocking the backup camera at the same moment headlights are failing.
Brake system HECU faults cause complete loss of braking pressure with no warning. Engine seizures occur despite proper oil maintenance, producing no diagnostic codes. Power seat switches fail, sometimes only on one side despite recall coverage of the other. Door locks trap children inside with no apparent logic. Scattered reports involve oil burning at ~1 quart per 1,000 miles, transmission shifts without driver input, and fuel/temperature gauges displaying incorrect readings. Recall completion timelines exceed 60 days with parts unavailable, and dealerships have been documented performing recalls incorrectly.
Failure modes owners describe
Power seat switch malfunction — reverse motion failure
Power seat control switch internal misalignment prevents rear sliding. Recall addressed only passenger side despite driver-side symptoms matching the fault pattern. Owner required out-of-pocket repair after recall was deemed inapplicable to driver seat.
When: Less than 6 weeks after passenger-side recall repair (Nov 2024); separate incident on driver side
Symptoms owners cite: Driver seat will not slide backward despite other positional functions working; Safety risk: prevents tall drivers from achieving adequate legroom once shorter driver has moved seat forward
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership replaced driver-side power seat switch assembly at owner cost
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Kia service campaign / recall (passenger side only per VIN); Kia Customer Care confirmed no coverage for driver-side issue despite matching symptoms
Engine misfire, low oil, burning oil
Check engine light and oil-low warnings during normal service intervals. Dealership initially attributed to low oil, replaced spark plugs. Later confirmed engine burning oil at roughly 1 quart per 1000 miles. Black smoke observed from exhaust. Oil not leaking.
When: Multiple occurrences around oil change intervals; 4-year-old vehicle
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light and oil warning lights coming on near service intervals; Engine bucking, RPM surging high and low; Engine stall at traffic light; Black smoke from tailpipe; Low oil level despite no visible leaks
Codes mentioned: Check engine light (misfire referenced), Oil low warning
Repairs/costs cited: Spark plugs replaced first service; issue recurred. Dealership advised Kia acknowledges normal loss of ~1 quart per 1000 miles (owner disputes)
Complete electrical shutdown while driving
Vehicle loses all power mid-drive with no warning. Only brakes and ability to place in park function. Requires restart. Dealership unable to reproduce or identify cause over multiple visits; Kia tech line found no fault despite correct testing procedures.
When: First incident on purchase day (6/5/20); second incident 5/5/21 on rural road
Symptoms owners cite: Complete power loss while driving; only brakes operable; Vehicle must be placed in park to restart; No warning indicators before failure; Multiple occurrences in different driving conditions
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership unable to diagnose; battery replaced as precaution; no other repairs completed
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Kia tech line confirmed all testing procedures were correct; no further action recommended
Radio reboot loop and vehicle electrical shutdown correlation
Radio constantly reboots itself, accompanied by loud 'bang' sound and vehicle shutdown sensation (RPM surge, feels like engine cutting off and restarting while in motion). Dealership unable to reproduce issue. Check ESC message appears. Vehicle purchased with 54,000 miles; new to owner.
When: Highway drive at 70+ mph; repeated during 10-hour trip; continues after dealership visit (as of 6/10/23)
Symptoms owners cite: Radio continuously rebooting itself; Loud 'bang' sound during driving; Check ESC warning message; Vehicle shutdown sensation with RPM jump while in gear; Vehicle also shut off when placed in reverse at home; Issues emerged 2 months after purchase with <2500 miles
Codes mentioned: Check ESC
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership stated unable to repair without reproducing issue; attempted recall fixes only
Intermittent multiple electrical faults — sensors, braking, transmission, lane assist
Cascade of electrical malfunctions including false sensor warnings, power loss, transmission shifting errors, lane-keep assist pulling vehicle off road, and ultimately electrical fire. Dashboard haywire with all warning lights, electrical smell and smoke from engine bay.
When: October 2024 main incident; warning signs preceding it in prior weeks
Symptoms owners cite: Delayed throttle response at traffic lights; Tire pressure and crash sensor warnings when systems normal; Lane assist pulling vehicle off road or into oncoming traffic; Intermittent power loss while driving; Lights not working properly; high beams failed in September; Car entering parking brake when not activated; Transmission: car placed in reverse without driver input while attempting to accelerate from stop, causing collision with stump; Random lane-pull incidents with oncoming traffic at risk; Speedometer and fuel gauge fluctuations (24.7 to 38 mpg jumping); Dashboard switching between drive modes on its own; Electrical burning smell and smoke from hood; Transmission again failed to obey drive/park commands near end of incident; Vehicle would not start after smoke cleared
Repairs/costs cited: Battery replaced at owner cost (NAPA)
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Kia dealership advised no fix available for high beam recall issue (Sept visit)
Erratic window and wiper automation — electrical gremlins
Driver-side window rolls down automatically on startup and fails to close fully. Rear wiper blades engage automatically when shifting to reverse despite being off. Repeated cycling required to keep systems in intended state. Intermittent; sometimes lasts weeks, then resolves for months.
When: Starting a few months after September 2022 purchase; ongoing March 2024 and later
Symptoms owners cite: Driver window rolls down automatically on engine start; Window will not fully close even when button held; Rear wiper engages automatically when shifting to reverse; Intermittent nature: cycles between active malfunction and normal for weeks at a time
Check engine light, low battery warnings, hard start with clicking
Engine warning and low battery lights appearing during startup when engine is not running. Repeated clicking noise during attempts to start. Long crank time (5–20 minutes in cold weather) before engine catches. Dealership unable to identify fault at service visit.
When: March 2024 onwards; escalating over time; cold weather worsens symptom
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light and low battery warnings on display at startup; Warning that engine is running when it is not; Repeated clicking noise during start attempts; Long cranking time: 5–7 minutes typical, up to 20 minutes in cold; All warning and hazard notifications displaying on main screen; Driver window rolling down by itself during these events
Codes mentioned: Check engine light, Low battery
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle fully serviced 8/25 but issue not reproduced during that visit
Complete engine seizure — no diagnostic codes
Vehicle stalled mid-commute, switched to accessory mode, no warning signs. Dealership diagnostic revealed engine seized but produced no fault codes. Extended warranty (AGWS) denied coverage claiming failure to service. Owner had followed Kia-recommended synthetic oil schedule. Owner found multiple online reports of 2020 Telluride engine seizures under 75,000 miles.
When: March 2024; vehicle well-maintained with regular oil changes
Symptoms owners cite: Complete engine stall while driving to work; Vehicle entered accessory mode; No engine smoking observed; No fault codes generated during diagnostic
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership proposed engine teardown at $200/hour × ~8 hours per Kia guidance. Extended warranty denied claim citing alleged service neglect.
Starting difficulty, stall on acceleration, ESC warning
Vehicle difficult to start; check ESC warning message present. Vehicle hesitates on startup and stalls when attempting to accelerate from traffic lights. Owner notes multiple Telluride owners report similar issue with different proposed causes (battery, starter, IBU system).
When: Jump-start helped temporarily; issue recurred next day; <50,000 miles on vehicle
Symptoms owners cite: Car won't start; requires jump-start; Check ESC warning message; Hesitation on startup after jump-start; Vehicle stalls when accelerating from stop at traffic light; Vehicle cuts off and restarts
Codes mentioned: Check ESC
Infotainment screen — green screen failure obscuring backup camera
Center infotainment / head unit display turns green (sometimes hazy, sometimes solid), rendering backup camera inoperable when reversing. Defective head unit requires replacement. Dealership confirmed failure; Kia Customer Care denied warranty coverage (out of 36k-mile warranty) and refused even remanufactured unit despite safety issue. Multiple other owners report same problem.
When: Vehicle out of 36,000-mile warranty when reported
Symptoms owners cite: Center screen turns green intermittently or persistently; Backup camera non-functional when screen green; Safety risk: driver cannot see behind vehicle while reversing
Repairs/costs cited: Head unit replacement required; cost cited as $5,000+ for new unit
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Kia Customer Care denied coverage citing expiration of 36,000-mile warranty; refused remanufactured unit alternative
False collision and distance sensors — malfunction cascade
Forward collision warning and tire pressure warnings activate with no objects or low pressure present. Blind spot sensor warnings indicate objects at mirrors when none exist. All warning indicators begin flashing simultaneously. Backup camera fails. Dealership orders replacement camera without explanation.
When: Multiple instances across different narratives; some triggered or worsened by rain
Symptoms owners cite: Forward collision warning flashing with no obstruction ahead; Dinging alert sounds without cause; Tire pressure warning when pressure is normal; Blind spot warnings when no vehicles at mirrors; All warning indicators flashing simultaneously; Backup camera failure during these events; System resets somewhat when issue persists for days then stops
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership ordering backup camera replacement
High beam headlight system failure — both lamps dark
Both high beam headlamps inoperable despite dashboard indicator showing they are active. No warning of malfunction. Becomes apparent around 40–60k miles. Represents significant night-driving safety hazard. Cost to replace both headlight assemblies: $2,500. Multiple 2020 Telluride owners report identical issue. Vehicles often out of warranty when discovered.
When: Discovered 40–60k miles but may have failed silently earlier; not caught at service before warranty expiration
Symptoms owners cite: Both high beam headlamps inoperable; Dashboard indicator incorrectly shows high beams are working; No warning light or message before failure; Severely reduced visibility on rural/unlit roads at night; Safety risk: unable to see approaching hazards or animals at distance
Repairs/costs cited: Replacement cost $2,500 for both headlight assemblies. Issue not covered by warranty when discovered.
Brake system — HECU failure, loss of braking
Vehicle loses braking ability after 45 minutes in traffic. Brake pedal must be pushed to floor and vehicle continues to roll. Dealership identified HECU (Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit) fault. Engineering unable to resolve despite multiple test cycles. No warning lights prior to failure.
When: After 45 minutes of normal traffic driving
Symptoms owners cite: Complete brake failure: pedal to floor does not stop vehicle; Vehicle continues rolling despite maximum brake effort; No warning lights before failure
Codes mentioned: HECU fault
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership running tests with engineering; no resolution provided
Door locks trap child — unintended lock engagement
Vehicle doors lock automatically while owner is opening doors and child is entering, trapping child inside with keys and phone. Occurs at least twice; first with child. Doors not supposed to lock when keys are in vehicle.
When: At least two separate incidents; one with child trapped
Symptoms owners cite: All doors lock without driver command while doors are being opened; Lock occurs even with keys present inside vehicle; Child trapped inside unable to unlock doors manually
Repairs/costs cited: Police (911) called to extract child
Tow hitch recall — incorrect fuse not replaced
Recall for tow hitch fuse (NHTSA Campaign 22V626000) performed at dealership but incorrect fuse installed. Owner discovered and verified at secondary dealership. Proper fuse later replaced but harness still missing.
When: At used-vehicle handover; discovered post-purchase
Symptoms owners cite: Incorrect fuse installed per recall requirement
Repairs/costs cited: Fuse replaced at San Jose Kia; tow hitch harness still awaited
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Kia dealership completed recall but with wrong parts; critical safety defect remained unresolved
Electrical recall parts unavailability — delayed safety repair
Owner notified of two critical recalls (NHTSA 20V436000 Electrical/Forward Collision, 22V626000 Trailer Hitch) but parts unavailable for extended period. Check engine light illuminated; firm brake pedal without warning light. Manufacturer exceeded reasonable timeframe for parts supply.
When: Approximately 45,000 miles; parts distribution disconnect noted
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine warning light on; Firm brake pedal without warning illumination
Codes mentioned: Check engine
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall parts unavailable; exceeded reasonable timeframe for distribution
Instrument cluster blackout — entire dash goes dark mid-drive
Tachometer, speedometer, fuel gauge, engine temperature gauge, and digital speedometer all read zero while driving. Disables adaptive cruise and collision avoidance systems. Entertainment system continues working. Vehicle restart does not restore instruments; may require door lock cycling or battery disconnect. Affects entire cluster at once; all return together.
When: Intermittent; owner has video documentation of failure while vehicle in motion
Symptoms owners cite: All gauge cluster instruments drop to zero simultaneously; Digital speedometer also shows zero; Adaptive cruise control disabled; Collision avoidance system disabled; Entertainment system unaffected; Restart does not restore function; Occasional recovery via door lock cycling or battery disconnect; Failure pattern: entire cluster goes out and returns as a unit
Repairs/costs cited: Owner has video evidence of malfunction
Blind spot collision warning — false activation in rain
Blind spot collision warning system malfunctions whenever vehicle operates in rain. False alarms trigger repeatedly. Sensors dry and warning clears; check engine light also disappears. Dealership refuses to address without active check engine light. Vehicle is 3,000 miles old.
When: First 2 months of ownership; 5+ incidents in rain
Symptoms owners cite: Blind spot alarm sounds while driving in rain with no vehicle present; Repeated false alarms during wet conditions; Alarm clears when sensors dry
Codes mentioned: Check engine (disappears when sensors dry)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership refuses service citing lack of active check engine light; warrants problems not covered if vehicle not purchased from them
Fuel and temperature gauge errors — digital display inaccuracy
Digital fuel and temperature displays show incorrect readings. Owner adds $25 fuel; analog gauge moves but digital display does not update. Earlier, temperature gauge read 84°F when actual temperature was 103°F. Gauge later corrected itself. Other Telluride owners report same issues on forums.
When: Summer incident with temperature; recent fuel gauge incident; 2 weeks after electrical recall repair
Symptoms owners cite: Digital fuel readout fails to update after refueling (showed 75 mpg before fill, no change after); Analog fuel gauge moves correctly while digital does not; Temperature gauge shows severely incorrect reading (84°F vs 103°F actual); Gauge may correct itself hours later
Complete power loss with rear seat auto-retract — post-service malfunction
After service on 6/1/23, vehicle loses all power multiple times while driving. Complete shutdown: hazards, windows, all functions dead. Owner must manually lift hood and open positive battery terminal to restore power. Rear seats automatically move and fold during these events. Multiple witnesses to incidents. No response from Kia corporate or service department after report on 6/30.
When: Multiple occasions post-service (6/1/23); reported to Kia 6/30/23
Symptoms owners cite: Complete electrical system shutdown while driving; Hazard lights inoperative during shutdown; All vehicle functions dead; Rear seats auto-fold during power loss events; Manual intervention (opening battery terminal) required to restore power
Repairs/costs cited: Owner manually opening battery box to restore power
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No response from Kia corporate or dealership service since 6/30/23 report
Instrument cluster intermittent failure — gauges and warning lights
Instrument cluster periodically stops functioning entirely. Speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge fail; all warning lights flash on and off randomly. Display shows doors and hoods opening/closing without actual movement. Cruise control fails. Front and side crash warning systems malfunction and light up. Intermittent pattern: persists for days, then stops for part of a day or multiple days, then returns.
When: Intermittent pattern; recurs unpredictably
Symptoms owners cite: Speedometer and tachometer stop working; All warning lights flash on and off randomly; Display shows phantom door and hood operations; Cruise control inoperative during failures; Front/side crash warning lights illuminate and systems disable; Entire cluster affected at once; Intermittent pattern with unpredictable duration
Sunroof derailment — stuck open, off-track
Sunroof goes off its tracks during opening with no obstruction present. Glass becomes wedged; sunroof remains open and cannot close. Vehicle integrity compromised; exposure to elements, theft risk, injury risk. Second narrative describes wind deflector snapping, causing sunroof to lodge off-track. NHTSA bulletin exists on this defective part. Dealership refuses service citing warranty expiration despite known defect.
When: No warning or symptoms preceding failure
Symptoms owners cite: Sunroof goes off tracks during opening; No obstructions detected; Sunroof stuck permanently open; Glass exposed to weather; Vehicle interior exposed to rain, debris, temperature extremes
Repairs/costs cited: Replacement of sunroof assembly; cost $5,000. One narrative mentions wind deflector snap as cause.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership refuses warranty service citing expiration, despite NHTSA-documented defect in wind deflector
Starting failure on incline — clicking and ESP warning
Vehicle will not start when parked on incline. Clicking sound on startup attempts. 'Check ESP' error message appears. When jump-started, windows roll down about 1/8 inch and will not retract even after vehicle running. Also: heat blower stops and switches to cold air mid-drive.
When: When parked on incline
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle will not start on inclined parking; Clicking sound during start attempts; Check ESP error message displayed; Windows auto-lower and cannot be raised after jump-start; Heat switches to cold air while driving
Codes mentioned: Check ESP
Repairs/costs cited: Requires jump-start to function
Heated/cooled seat auto-activation — seat controls malfunction
Heated and air-conditioned seats activate on their own without user input. Owner can disable auto-off feature in settings, but system ignores setting and shuts off anyway. Passenger side mirror opens and closes randomly without command. Air conditioning makes loud decompression noise when vehicle is turned off (new symptom).
When: All problems started occurring simultaneously
Symptoms owners cite: Heated seats turn on by themselves; Cooled seats turn on by themselves; Auto-off setting ignored; seats shut off despite manual override attempt; Passenger mirror opens and closes randomly; Loud AC decompression noise when vehicle shut off
Engine shutdown during idle and low-speed driving — full electrical failure
Engine completely shuts down during idling, parking, and turning. Entire electrical system fails. Steering wheel locked (power steering disabled). Vehicle must be restarted; takes multiple attempts. Check engine light comes on and turns off before diagnostic can be completed. Pattern: car sometimes refuses to start for extended period when off.
When: For over a year; check engine light persists intermittently
Symptoms owners cite: Complete engine shutdown during idle; Engine shuts down during low-speed maneuvers and turns; Full electrical system failure when shutdown occurs; Power steering locks (steering wheel immobile); Multiple restart attempts required; Check engine light on/off intermittently; Light clears before diagnostic capture; Startup delays: car won't start for extended periods
Codes mentioned: Check engine (intermittent, clears before diagnosis)
Side view mirror motor — stuck position, manual adjustment required
Driver-side power folding mirror motor defective. Mirror gets stuck in extended or retracted position and will not move until manually repositioned. Creates left lane-change safety risk (blind spot). Multiple other owners report same issue. Parts availability unknown at dealership.
When: 30,000 miles; well-maintained vehicle
Symptoms owners cite: Mirror stuck in one position (extended or retracted); Motor will not respond to unlock/lock commands; Manual repositioning required to fix; Cannot achieve proper position for safe lane changes; Creates left-side blind spot hazard
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership needs clearance for repair; parts availability unknown
Driver-side power folding mirror — intermittent retraction failure
Driver-side power folding mirror malfunctions intermittently. Mirror gets stuck in one position and fails to retract when car is locked/unlocked. Manual repositioning required. No warning lights. Google search indicates this is a common issue among 2020 Telluride owners. Not yet inspected by manufacturer.
When: Not yet inspected or diagnosed by manufacturer
Symptoms owners cite: Mirror stuck in extended position; Fails to retract on lock/unlock command; Manual repositioning required; No warning indicator
Right high beam lamp inoperative — low beam only
Right-side high beam headlamp does not function when high beam is selected. Low beam light remains operational. High beam indicator toggles on dash but light does not illuminate. Left side high beam works correctly.
When: <UNKNOWN>
Symptoms owners cite: RH high beam inoperative when selected; RH low beam functional; LH high beam functional; High beam indicator active on dash despite no light output (right side)
High beam inoperative on one side — switch/lamp issue
One high beam does not activate despite switch showing it is working. Only low beams functional on that side. High beam switch toggles on/off but light does not respond.
When: <UNKNOWN>
Symptoms owners cite: High beam switch seems to work (indicator on dash); Lamp does not illuminate; Low beams functional on same side
Oil leak and seat belt/seat condition issues
Ongoing oil leak despite repeated attempts to repair. Owner frustrated with lack of resolution. Additionally, seat belts are poorly designed/function poorly; driver and passenger seats are ripped.
When: <UNKNOWN>
Symptoms owners cite: Persistent oil leak; Defective seat belts; Torn upholstery on driver and passenger seats
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple repair attempts unsuccessful
Folding mirrors stuck randomly — mirror mechanism failure
Outside folding mirrors randomly get stuck and unable to fold/retract. Coupled with erratic backup camera operation and sunroof jamming open.
When: Intermittent occurrence
Symptoms owners cite: Mirrors randomly stuck in extended or retracted position; Failure to respond to unlock/lock commands
Blind spot warning — false activation in rain
Collision warning system malfunctions after rain, triggering alert repeatedly. Issue persists as long as vehicle is in use after weather event.
When: After rainfall; vehicle has only 3,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Blind spot collision warning appears every time vehicle is used after rain; False alarm persists throughout drive
Engine oil ring defect — internal oil contamination risk
Class defect narrative alleging incorrectly manufactured piston oil rings designed and sold by Kia since 2015. Described as internal defect causing potential engine damage, failure, and fire risk. Owner alleges Kia failed to disclose defect despite active marketing of vehicle reliability and quality.
When: Defect alleged to exist in design since 2015; owner purchased January 2023
Symptoms owners cite: Alleged piston oil ring manufacturing defect (internal)
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued as of complaint date; Kia Customer Care provided no resolution
Recall completion delays — power seat and headlight repairs stalled
Recall service initiated August 2024 for power seat and headlight issues remains incomplete after 60+ days. Dealership refuses to address headlight recall if power seat repair is completed, stating customer must then pay out-of-pocket for headlight work. Customer unable to use vehicle for extended period. No parts received and no updated timeline provided by manufacturer.
When: 60+ days delay from August 2024 initiation
Symptoms owners cite: Headlight hazard continues (inability to see in dusk/low light); Deer collision incident due to headlight failure; Vehicle unusable for 60+ days; Parts not received; no expected delivery date
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership warning: fixing power seat recall will close ticket; headlight repair must be pursued separately at owner cost
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall initiated but parts unavailable; no communication on timeline; apparent policy linking multiple recalls to single ticket
Synthesized from 47 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer
allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.