TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: DATC HEATER OPERATION LOGIC IMPROVEMENT - This bulletin provides information to upgrade the air condition (AIRCON) software logic on certain 2020-2023MY Telluride (ON) vehicles equipped with Dual Air Temperature Control (DATC), produced from January 9, 2019 through June 6, 2023. The affected vehicles may exhibit temporarily reduced heater performance in cold climates, especially during prolonged idle operation or coasting.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2020 Kia Telluride visibility problems
moderate Owners of the 2020 Kia Telluride have filed 135 NHTSA complaints about the visibility, typically surfacing around 6,000 miles at roughly $350 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See visibility across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
135
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$350
| Model year | visibility complaints |
|---|---|
| 2020 Telluride (this page) | 135 |
| 2021 Telluride | 74 |
| 2022 Telluride | 84 |
| 2023 Telluride | 27 |
| 2024 Telluride | 25 |
1injury
When does it fail?
Of the 135 visibility complaints filed for the 2020 Kia Telluride, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Of the 6 model years of Kia Telluride we track for visibility problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 135.
Owners have filed 135 visibility complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering visibility 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.
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: SUNROOF WIND DEFLECTOR ARMS AND MECHANISM PARTS REPLACEMENT - This bulletin provides information to perform a partial replacement of the sunroof wind deflector and mechanism arms on some 2019-2022MY Telluride (ON) vehicles produced from February 15, 2019 through January 19, 2022. The affected vehicles may experience the sunroof open/close operation inoperative and/or the sunroof wind deflector function inoperative.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: REAR HVAC CONTROL HEAD MEMORY UPGRADE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides the procedure to perform a wire harness upgrade on some 2020MY Telluride (ON) vehicles, produced from January 8, 2019 through June 4, 2019, which may experience a condition where the rear HVAC control head does not retain its previous settings and/or may reset to A/C on after the vehicle is turned off for a prolonged period of time.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗PITSTOP: WINDOW LOGIC: INITIALIZATION PROCEDURE - This Pitstop provides information regarding the door window logic on some 2020MY~ Telluride (ON) vehicles, by design to improve wind noise, the window glass may lower 5 - 10 cm below the top door frame weather strip when the window is being closed. This is normal operation. However, if the door window does not remain in the closed position when utilizing Auto-Up feature, then a re-initialization may be needed.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: REAR WASHER NOZZLE IMPROVEMENT - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. This bulletin provides the procedure to install an in-line washer fluid check valve on some 2020MY Telluride (ON) vehicles produced from February 6, 2019 through October 28, 2019, in order to improve a condition where the rear glass washer nozzle may leak after use.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2020 Kia Telluride has a widespread windshield defect. Owners describe small rock or pebble strikes creating tiny chips that, within minutes to hours, explode into full-windshield cracks spreading across the glass in starburst or spider patterns. Cracks continue growing even when the vehicle sits parked. Some windshields crack spontaneously with no visible impact at all—owners find cracks overnight or after briefly parking the car.
Replacements are expensive ($750–$1,540 through dealers) and subject to 4–8 week backlogs; one owner waited for an international shipment. Kia issued a November 2019 letter offering one goodwill replacement, but coverage is inconsistent—some dealers honor it, others refuse and direct owners to insurance. Several owners had to replace the windshield twice in under 14 months, with the replacement glass developing the same defect. Owners worry the glass is too thin or structurally unsound to handle impacts or support airbag/roof-crush safety features.
Sunroofs present separate hazards: one owner reported spontaneous shattering at highway speed with no prior warning. Others experienced sunroofs jamming open, going off-track, or breaking internal cables after minimal use. One dealer quoted $3,740 for sunroof repair.
A few complaints mention wiper failure during snow when cowl ice blocks linkage movement, and one driver reported washer fluid not reaching the windshield at highway speeds despite a nozzle replacement.
Same Kia Telluride visibility reports on nearby years: 2021 · 2022 · 2023
Failure modes owners describe
Windshield cracking from minor impact
Front windshield develops radiating cracks from small rock/pebble impacts or spontaneously without visible impact. Minor chips escalate into full windshield fractures across multiple feet of glass, often within hours or days of initial strike. Owners report the glass appears structurally weak compared to other vehicles they've owned.
When: At delivery or within first few months of ownership; impacts occur at highway speeds (30–70 mph) or while parked
Symptoms owners cite: Small rock or pebble strikes windshield, creating dime- to quarter-sized chip; Crack radiates rapidly (within minutes to hours) across windshield in starburst or spider-web pattern; Cracks continue to grow over hours and days, even when vehicle is parked; Some windshields crack spontaneously while parked with no visible impact; Hairline fractures branch from patched areas; Reduced visibility due to crack spread
Repairs/costs cited: Windshield replacement required; OEM replacements from KIA cost $750–$1,540. Long lead times (4–8 weeks, some international orders). Non-OEM replacement risks warranty voidance per some dealers. Multiple owners required replacement twice within 14 months on same vehicle.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: KIA issued a November 2019 letter (referenced in multiple complaints) acknowledging windshield cracking issue and offering goodwill one-time replacements for early 2020 model owners. However, KIA later denied coverage for repeat failures and vehicles outside the initial letter's scope. Some dealers covered replacements under goodwill, others refused and directed owners to insurance.
Sunroof spontaneous shattering
Front sunroof glass completely shatters without warning or impact while vehicle is in motion. Glass fragments scatter, some falling outside the vehicle, creating safety hazard for following vehicles. Sunshade was closed when shattering occurred.
When: While driving on freeway; one case at 61,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Loud explosion sound from sunroof area; Complete glass shattering, leaving only fragments at perimeter; No debris strike, no vehicle ahead, no bridge or overhead obstruction; Glass shards falling onto roadway and hitting following vehicles
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer required KIA corporate approval before replacement; specific repair costs not stated. TSB referenced: NHTSA ID 10239743 (Visibility, Structure).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Corporate approval required; no immediate resolution provided. One case referenced TSB 10239743.
Sunroof failure to close and misalignment
Sunroof becomes inoperable, goes off-track, jams in bind position, or makes cracking/crushing sounds. Broken cables prevent closure. Sunshade cannot be secured, creating safety concern that glass may shatter.
When: After minimal use (2–3 times); one case at 45,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Sunroof makes weird cracking or crushing noises when attempting to open/close; Sunroof becomes jammed open or off-track; One or both support arms fail or break; Glass hangs unsecured on remaining arm; Sunshade cannot close properly
Repairs/costs cited: One dealer quoted $3,740 for repair (including $2,800 parts). Another dealer charged $257 just for inspection. Aftermarket shop forced glass closed as temporary safety measure. Cables require replacement.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified in at least one case but no response received. Dealers lack certified sunroof technicians in some locations.
Windshield wiper failure due to cowl design
Wiper linkage becomes stuck or immobilized due to snow and sleet accumulation and compaction in the cowl area beneath the hood. Physical obstruction prevents wiper movement, causing total wiper failure during inclement weather.
When: During or after snow/sleet storm
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden loss of wiper function during snow or sleet conditions; No warning lamps or prior symptoms; Loss of visibility during inclement weather
Repairs/costs cited: Not yet diagnosed or confirmed by dealer or independent shop; owner has not yet pursued repair.
Windshield washer spray misalignment
Driver-side windshield washer spray does not reach the driver's field of view. Fluid pools at lower wiper blade and lower left corner instead of spraying across upper windshield at highway speeds.
When: Present under highway and road speeds
Symptoms owners cite: Washer fluid pools instead of spraying at driver view; Excessive fluid required to clean windshield; Nozzle spray tip replacement did not resolve issue
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer replaced wiper spray tip; issue persists.
Spontaneous windshield cracking while parked
Front windshield develops cracks while vehicle is parked in driveway, garage, or carport with no external impact, debris strike, or temperature extremes. Cracks appear overnight or within hours of last inspection.
When: While parked; one case at 2,500 miles; one at 14 months ownership; various intervals
Symptoms owners cite: Crack appears overnight with no visible impact point or chip; No external debris strike observed; Crack may be long (6–7 inches) or develop from tiny mark; In some cases, only a pencil-tip-sized scratch visible at origin point; Occurs regardless of temperature extremes (some in mild 65–75°F weather, some in 38°F cold with defroster running)
Repairs/costs cited: Windshield replacement required. One glass installer theorized impact occurred during assembly or hard door closure, causing flex that initiated crack.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: KIA acknowledged issue in November 2019 letter but later denied coverage for vehicles outside the letter's scope or after first replacement. Some owners reported KIA reimbursed first replacement after months of delay.
Synthesized from 135 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
My wife was driving and said that all of a sudden a crack appeared that came from the passenger side almost all the way into he field of view. After inspection, I do find a very small (smaller than a pin head) chip. She never recalls hearing something hit the vehicle.
Windshield keep getting chipped unnecessarily, I repaired it 3 times already and its being chipped 4th time. Called Kia and they told me to bring the car in to dealership for inspection and none of the dealership has any openings till 3 weeks later, and when i tell them to book appointment the call is dropped , all others are not picking up calls. called Kia Cerritos CA , Riverside CA.
While driving on the interstate at 60mph a very small pebble hit my windshield on the top rhs and put a dime sized hole in the windshield coming to a point on the inside making a complete opening. It is now starting to crack like a spiderweb. Safelite has refused to touch it and the dealership has stated it will take several weeks to get a replacement and the cost is upwards of $750.00+. This…
Had visibility 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 visibility problem on the 2020 Kia Telluride?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 135 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $350 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the visibility typically fail?
Across the 79 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most visibility failures cluster between 3,500 and 12,000 miles, with the median around 6,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 3,500; a quarter make it past 12,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $350 for visibility 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 visibility?
No active recalls currently cover visibility 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.