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moderate 57 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $850 · see electrical across all vehicles →
Of the 6 model years of Kia Telluride we track for electrical problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 57.
All 2 active electrical recalls on this vehicle land at critical or severe — none classified moderate.
A blank LCD display may be missing information, such as the digital speedometer, gear selection indicator, and odometer, which may increase the risk of a crash.
A blank instrument cluster display screen will not show critical information, such as the odometer, which can increase the risk of a crash.
Buyer takeaway: The 2022 Kia Telluride has a well-documented pattern of electrical failures, most notably a recurring instrument cluster blackout that can eliminate visibility of speed, fuel level, and safety alerts while driving. Additionally, numerous owners report backup camera, infotainment system, door lock, and sunroof failures, with some repair costs exceeding $8,000 and manufacturer recalls that don't cover all affected vehicles.
Electrical malfunctions dominate complaints on the 2022 Telluride. The instrument cluster display—showing digital speedometer, odometer, fuel gauge, and gear selection—goes black intermittently or persistently without warning, sometimes from day one of ownership. Some owners describe the display blanking out repeatedly during a single drive; others report it failing daily for months or years. When the cluster is down, safety warnings and ADAS information vanish. Dealers frequently cannot reproduce the failure and decline repairs, even though Kia issued three separate recall campaigns (21V577000, 22V344000, 23V298000) for this exact problem—though VIN coverage is patchy, leaving many owners with identical symptoms uncovered.
The backup camera also fails regularly: it blacks out, pixelates, or stays on during forward driving, and in one case, water infiltration into the camera seal triggered an electrical short that disabled multiple safety systems. Infotainment head units go dark and become unresponsive; replacement costs reach $7,500–$8,000. Door locks unlock spontaneously when the child safety lock is engaged, with one owner documenting failures daily for over two years despite multiple service visits. Sunroofs break or stick open, requiring $5,700+ replacements outside warranty. One owner reports an electrical fire under the passenger seat after a recall repair. Rodents chew through wiper fluid hoses and knock sensor wiring—a problem the dealership acknowledges seeing constantly. Other complaints cite Lane Keep Assist steering the vehicle unexpectedly, turn signal indicators failing to light, tailgates closing on occupants, and brake components installed improperly by dealerships.
Same Kia Telluride electrical reports on nearby years: 2020 · 2021 · 2023 · 2024
The LCD display in the instrument cluster goes blank or black, eliminating visibility of digital speedometer, odometer, gear selection, fuel gauge, tire pressure, and ADAS information. Some owners report intermittent failures occurring at startup or during driving; others describe persistent blackouts. A few complaints cite compass errors or false directional warnings (e.g., displaying north when traveling south) during display malfunction.
When: As early as day 1 to 100 miles for some owners; others experience it intermittently over the first few months to years. One owner reported 9 occurrences in 8 weeks; another noted it happening approximately 50% of time vehicle is turned on.
Symptoms owners cite: LCD display goes completely black or blank; Digital speedometer not visible; Odometer not visible; Fuel gauge shows 'empty' or is unreadable; Gear selection indicator not visible; Tire pressure warnings not visible; ADAS and safety alert information not displayed; Compass displays incorrect direction; Vehicle navigation system provides false warnings (e.g., 'wrong way' warnings); Screen shows 'System Check' then goes black; Blinking or flickering display before blackout; Restart (turning vehicle off and on, or opening/closing doors) temporarily restores display
Codes mentioned: NHTSA Campaign 21V577000, NHTSA Campaign 22V344000, NHTSA Campaign 23V298000
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers attempted firmware/software flashing with mixed results; some owners report it did not resolve the issue. Dealer diagnostics often show 'no issue found' when failure cannot be reproduced. Some narratives mention instrument cluster replacement was necessary. One owner had instrument cluster replaced multiple times with persistent failures. Kia indicated 'no applicable repair' for some complainants whose VINs were not included in recall campaigns.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recalls issued under campaigns 21V577000, 22V344000, and 23V298000, but VIN coverage is limited; many owners reported their vehicles are not included despite experiencing identical symptoms. Kia stated 'no applicable repair or recall' for some vehicles. One owner reported manufacturer indicated 'no applicable repair.' Dealerships stated unable to repair without reproducing failure. Some forums referenced software updates per recall, others cited cluster replacement.
Backup camera becomes inoperative, displays distorted colors, exhibits pixelation, blanks out, or stays on during normal driving. One owner reported water infiltration through the camera seal caused electrical short that disabled multiple vehicle safety systems, not just the camera. Another experienced intermittent operation and infotainment delays. One complaint noted camera displaying 'No camera signal received' sporadically.
When: One narrative indicates failure began while vehicle was new (0 miles reported); others describe it occurring over the first two years of ownership.
Symptoms owners cite: Backup camera does not display on infotainment screen; Camera display shows random colors or pixelation; Screen dark spots or blacking out; Camera stays on during forward driving (distraction); Camera signal shows 'No camera signal received'; Water infiltration into camera housing (one case); Complete electrical short caused by water in camera (one case); Multiple vehicle safety systems disabled when camera failed (one case)
Codes mentioned: NHTSA Campaign 21V577000
Repairs/costs cited: One owner reported dealership quoted ~$1,200 for repair; owner self-repaired by replacing camera assembly. Another owner reported dealer quoted ~$7,500 to $8,000 for full infotainment system replacement (infotainment module failure diagnosis). Camera seal failure evident in one case where owner retained failed assembly showing water ingress point.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One narrative mentions dealership stated this was not the first Telluride they had seen with the same issue. Recall 21V577000 was cited; one owner reported recall was mentioned at dealer but failure persisted post-repair. Most complaints indicate Kia refused to cover as a safety issue or was charging high out-of-pocket costs.
Electronic door locks unlock on their own or cycle repeatedly, often triggered when child safety lock is enabled. One complaint specifically reports locks cycling to unlock for up to 90 seconds with 'child safety lock failure' error message displayed. When child safety lock fails, rear doors can be opened from inside or outside despite safety lock being activated. Multiple owners report this as a recurring defect affecting Telluride and Hyundai Palisade models.
When: Failures occur intermittently and repeatedly over extended ownership periods. One owner reports error occurring daily for over two years; another describes issue persisting for more than two years with at least six service visits.
Symptoms owners cite: Rear door locks unlock spontaneously without input; Locks cycle to unlock for up to 90 seconds; Problem occurs specifically when child safety lock is enabled; 'Child safety lock failure' error message displays on dashboard; Rear doors can be opened from inside or outside despite child safety lock engaged; Locks unlock during driving, creating passenger safety risk; Locks unlock when vehicle is parked, creating security risk; Error repeats daily or multiple times per week
Repairs/costs cited: Dealerships unable or unwilling to repair without witnessing failure; one owner documented it with video of multiple occurrences but dealer could not resolve. Issue traced (per owner research) to faulty rear door lock actuators.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer recalls or TSBs mentioned in narratives. One owner states dealership will not resolve error unless they witness it occurring, despite video evidence from owner. No apparent recall issued despite owner research indicating the problem is widespread among Telluride and Palisade owners.
Infotainment screen (head unit) goes black, becomes unresponsive, or displays distorted content. In one case, failure also disabled the backup camera display and prevented software updates. One complaint notes infotainment module failure diagnosed but no recall issued despite widespread owner reports. Dealer quoted ~$7,500 to replace full unit; another quoted ~$8,000.
When: One narrative indicates failure began while vehicle was new; another describes issue occurring over more than two years of ownership.
Symptoms owners cite: Infotainment screen goes completely black; Screen remains blank most of the time; Screen unresponsive to input; Backup camera display through infotainment fails; Software updates cannot be performed; Intermittent display glitches and delays; Apple CarPlay stops working
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer diagnosed head unit/infotainment module failure. Software updates attempted but did not resolve. Full replacement quoted at $7,500 to $8,000. One narrative indicates technician confirmed it was a simple fix was ruled out after inspection.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recalls issued despite complaints indicating widespread failures. Kia refusing to cover as a safety issue per owner reports. Dealer stated no additional assistance would be provided after manufacturer opened a case.
Sunroof assembly breaks, becomes stuck in open position, or cannot be closed. In one case, deflector snapped off and track broke during attempted opening. Another case notes sunroof completely broken. One complaint mentions sunroof was rarely used before failure, with no prior warning symptoms.
When: Failures occurred outside manufacturer warranty (one owner reported warranty expired at 60,000 miles; vehicle had 70,463 miles when sunroof broke). Another narrative does not specify mileage.
Symptoms owners cite: Sunroof stuck in open position; Sunroof unable to be closed; Sunroof deflector snaps off assembly; Sunroof track breaks during operation; Manual closure not possible; No prior warning symptoms before failure
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership (Raceway Kia) stated sunroof beyond repair; quoted $5,730 for complete new assembly installation (one case). Another quoted over $5,000 for repair (second case). Sunroof currently covered with plastic at one vehicle pending alternative repair exploration.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recalls or manufacturer response noted in narratives. Dealership declined warranty coverage citing failure occurred outside warranty period.
Rodents have chewed through windshield wiper fluid hoses and knock sensor wiring, causing wiper fluid system failure and engine fault codes. Owner reports this is a widespread issue affecting thousands of vehicles and that dealership (Kia North Austin) acknowledges this is a frequent problem they encounter daily across many vehicles.
When: First incident reported approximately one year before complaint; second incident approximately two months later. Owner had not experienced this with a Ford Explorer parked in the same location for 10 years.
Symptoms owners cite: Windshield wiper fluid not working; Engine light (check engine) illuminated; Rodent chewing visible on wiper fluid hoses; Rodent chewing visible on knock sensor wiring
Repairs/costs cited: Wiper fluid hose required replacement (not covered by warranty). Knock sensor wiring replacement estimated at ~$900 (not covered by warranty). Owner reports dealership (Kia North Austin) told owner that rodents chewing through wiring on these vehicles is a known, frequent issue they service daily.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall or manufacturer remediation mentioned. Warranty explicitly does not cover rodent damage despite it being acknowledged by dealership as a widespread pattern.
Lane Keep Assist feature malfunctions during use, causing unintended steering inputs. In one case, vehicle attempted to access an exit independently while Lane Keep Assist was active in Cruise Control mode. In another, the system jerked the steering wheel out of the driver's grip, causing vehicle to drift to extreme left.
When: Failure occurred at approximately 10,500 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle inadvertently attempts to access nearest exit without driver input; Steering wheel jerked abruptly while Lane Keep Assist active; Vehicle drifts to extreme left despite driver attempting to maintain lane; Driver must apply excessive force to regain control
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer failed to accurately diagnose issue. Dealer advised driver to disengage cruise control feature while driving (workaround rather than repair).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer was made aware of failure. No indication of recall or service campaign.
Blinker arrow lights on the dashboard stop working intermittently, failing to illuminate when turn signal is activated. Owner notes this creates safety risk because driver may not realize turn signal is on, potentially leading other drivers to make incorrect assumptions about vehicle direction.
When: Problem began after instrument cluster blank issue and dealership service for that issue. Occurred twice within one week.
Symptoms owners cite: Blinker arrow lights on dashboard do not illuminate; Turn signal can be on without driver awareness; Lights fail intermittently
Repairs/costs cited: No repair noted; owner called dealership to report but outcome not stated.
Passenger seat components that had been repaired under recall caught fire while vehicle was in motion. Owner was driving with 1 adult and 3 children. There was a horrible smell and smoke billowed from under the seat. Owner pulled over and evacuated children from vehicle. Dealership retained vehicle for 54 days with rental provided; vehicle was returned with over 1,600 miles on it (owner disputes this mileage usage) and the affected seat disconnected from electrical system.
When: Failure occurred after recall repair was performed at original dealership.
Symptoms owners cite: Electrical fire under passenger seat during driving; Horrible smell from vehicle interior and air vents; Smoke billowing from under passenger seat; No prior warning before fire
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership towed vehicle and retained it for 54 days. Upon return, affected seat was no longer connected to vehicle electrical system. Vehicle returned with over 1,600 new miles (owner claims no usage by dealership).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer did not choose to inspect the vehicle after fire incident.
Tailgate safety sensor failed, causing tailgate (liftgate) to close inadvertently onto the contact, resulting in serious injury. Contact received a head concussion and injuries to neck and spine, requiring emergency room visit and ongoing pain management treatment.
When: Failure occurred at approximately 20,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Tailgate closes inadvertently without warning; Safety sensor does not prevent closure
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer was made aware of failure. No indication of recall or remedial action.
After dealership performed brake pad, rotor replacement, and brake fluid service, vehicle experienced complete loss of braking ability. When taken to another authorized Kia dealership for towing, technicians documented that multiple brake system components were improperly installed and/or unsecured, including missing or improperly fastened hardware. Vehicle was deemed unsafe to operate.
When: Failure discovered shortly after dealership service (January 28, 2026, per complaint date).
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of braking ability; Multiple brake system components improperly installed; Missing or improperly fastened brake hardware
Repairs/costs cited: Service performed at Kia of Fayetteville for approximately $900. Vehicle towed to Southern Pines Kia for inspection after braking failure. Technicians documented installation defects.
Middle rear passenger seat (bucket seat) folds up independently during driving or when no passenger is seated, creating a safety concern. One complaint reports seat folding with or without passenger seated.
When: Occurs intermittently during driving.
Symptoms owners cite: Middle rear seat folds up on its own; Folding occurs while driving; Folding occurs with or without passenger seated
Electronic parking brake becomes stuck in engaged position and cannot be disengaged. One owner reports this as an ongoing issue that has not been resolved by Kia.
Symptoms owners cite: Parking brake becomes stuck 'on'; Brake cannot be disengaged; Persistent malfunction
Transmission hesitates and shifts harshly, creating risk during acceleration and lane changes. Owner describes this as an ongoing issue.
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission hesitation during acceleration; Harsh shifting; Unsafe acceleration and lane change behavior
Engine is consuming oil between scheduled oil changes at a rate higher than expected, requiring frequent top-offs. One owner describes this as an ongoing issue not yet resolved by Kia.
Symptoms owners cite: Excessive oil consumption between service intervals
Heating and air conditioning system stops working when vehicle is idling at stoplights. One owner reports this as an ongoing issue.
When: Occurs during idle at traffic lights.
Symptoms owners cite: HVAC system stops functioning when vehicle is idling; System failure at stoplights specifically
Front phone charger power outlet fails. Heated passenger seat also fails. One owner reports these as ongoing issues.
Symptoms owners cite: Front phone charger does not work; Heated passenger seat fails
Exterior window moldings and trim deteriorate, fade, and discolor. One complaint notes this began appearing with less than 60,000 miles. Another lists it as an ongoing issue alongside other defects.
When: Occurs within first 60,000 miles in one case.
Symptoms owners cite: Window moldings fade and discolor; Exterior trim deteriorates; Loss of finish integrity on trim
Axle boots require replacement with fewer than 60,000 miles on the odometer, well before normal service life expectancy.
When: Failure noted before 60,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Axle boots deteriorate and require replacement
Seatbelts disengage without triggering visual or audible warnings on the front seats. Owner expresses concern that this may also occur with rear seats, which is problematic for young children in car seats.
When: Observed while waiting at traffic signal.
Symptoms owners cite: Seatbelts disengage without warning; No visual warning lights display; No audible warning sounds
Synthesized from 57 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
Screens remain black on start up. Unable to read USB
ESC check failure.
On 12/09/22, the center lcd instrument cluster went blank 2 different times while my wife was driving. Vehicle has 2200 miles on it. Kia issued a recall in May 2022 for this exact issue but only covered roughly 2700 vehicles. This vehicle does not have an active recall and was produced after the issue was supposedly fixed at the kia factory. Obvious safety issue and clearly affects more than the…
My 2022 Kia Telluride is experiencing several serious safety-related defects. The backup camera does not work, the second-row bucket seats fold up on their own while driving, and the electronic parking brake becomes stuck on and will not disengage. The transmission hesitates and shifts harshly, creating a risk during acceleration and lane changes. The engine is consuming oil between changes. The…
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 57 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $850 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
Based on the 57 complaints filed, electrical issues most often appear around 28,740 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.
Independent shops typically charge around $850 for electrical 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.
Yes — 2 active recall(s) cover electrical issues on this vehicle. Recall fixes are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status. Use the VIN decoder at the top of the page to check if your specific vehicle is affected.