PITSTOP: AWD SYSTEM CONCERN DUE TO TIRE CIRCUMFERENCE - This Pitstop provides information regarding potential concerns with the All-Wheel-Drive (AWD) system due to tire sizes of differing circumference. Some customers may complain of a chatter sensation felt in the drivetrain of the vehicle and/or the failure of drivetrain component(s). A difference in tire size (width, aspect ratio, construction, rim diameter etc.) may be the cause.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2020 Kia Telluride steering problems
severe Owners of the 2020 Kia Telluride have filed 10 NHTSA complaints about the steering at roughly $700 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See steering across all vehicles →
Complaints
10
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
| Model year | steering complaints |
|---|---|
| 2020 Telluride (this page) | 10 |
| 2021 Telluride | 5 |
| 2022 Telluride | 5 |
| 2023 Telluride | 10 |
1injury
What stands out
Among the 5 model years of Kia Telluride in our records for steering problems, this one ranks #2 by owner-complaint volume.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering steering on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
PITSTOP: TELLURIDE ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS - This Pitstop provides information regarding alignment specifications for 2020MY Telluride (ON) vehicles. In the event a wheel alignment is needed, ensure your alignment equipment has the correct specifications programmed into the PC database.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TSB: SERVICE ACTION: INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT UNIVERSAL JOINT INSPECTION (SA383) - This bulletin provides information regarding the inspection of the intermediate steering shaft lower universal joint on certain 2020MY Telluride (ON) vehicles, produced between 1/9/2019 and 4/23/2019, for proper installation. Before conducting the procedure, verify that the vehicle is included in the list of affected VINs. Do not conduct inspections on vehicles not on the affected VIN list. This Service Action is in response to a decoupling incident in one vehicle during a regular inspection procedure. There have been no incidents in the field. To determine if the potential for decoupling or other steering
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had steering trouble with your 2020 Kia Telluride?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the steering problem on the 2020 Kia Telluride?
It's a meaningful issue. 10 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $700.
At what mileage does the steering typically fail?
Based on the 10 complaints filed, steering issues most often appear around 7,976 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $700 for steering repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to steering?
No active recalls currently cover steering issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2020/Kia/Telluride.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.