Upon starting the vehicle, the gauge cluster screen was and remained completely blank. No indication as to an error, no visual indicator was available as to my speed or the vehicle's status, and no problem lights were visible. The vehicle appeared otherwise operable, and the media control screen was fully functional
2023 Kia Telluride electrical problems
severe 36 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $850 · see electrical across all vehicles →
Complaints
36
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
2crashes
1fire
When does it fail?
Of the 36 electrical complaints filed for the 2023 Kia Telluride, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 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
Owners have filed 36 electrical 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.
Electrical accounts for 19% of all owner complaints filed against this vehicle, across 10 categories tracked.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: The 2023 Kia Telluride has widespread electrical problems: instrument clusters go black without warning, leaving drivers unable to see speed or fuel level; complete electrical shutdowns occur while driving; battery drains mysteriously; and safety systems cascade into failure mode with no clear cause. Dealers struggle to diagnose intermittent electrical faults and parts are severely backordered, leaving owners stranded for months. Multiple NHTSA recalls are already issued but not all vehicles are covered, and the tow harness remains unavailable despite fire hazard concerns from prior recall history.
The 2023 Telluride electrical system is plagued by multiple independent failure modes that Kia dealers cannot reliably diagnose or repair. The most common complaint is a complete instrument cluster blackout occurring at startup or while driving, with no warning. Owners lose all visibility into speedometer, fuel gauge, odometer, and safety systems—turn signal audio stops working, blind spot warnings vanish, and lane-keep cameras go dark. Dealerships acknowledge the cluster is defective and needs replacement, but the parts are backordered into mid-2026.
Beyond the cluster, owners report total electrical power loss while driving—engine shuts down mid-turn, power steering fails, and hazard lights won't work. A few owners describe the opposite problem: erratic acceleration after stopping in Snow Mode, where the gas pedal becomes unresponsive. Others see unintended forward acceleration that overrides the brake pedal, with the forward collision avoidance system failing to stop the vehicle.
Battery drain without obvious cause is another recurring complaint, preceded by ESC warning codes that dealers say they can't replicate. One owner's door trim separated mid-drive and let water into the cabin. The fuel gauge displays wrong levels, and the driver-attention system nags constantly with no off switch. The tow harness electrical connector is missing entirely on 2023 models despite advertising 5,000 lb towing capability—Kia had recalled this for fire hazard on 2022 models and still has no fix or availability date. Dealers often claim they cannot replicate intermittent electrical faults while the vehicle is present, then return it unrepaired.
Same Kia Telluride electrical reports on nearby years: 2020 · 2021 · 2022 · 2024
Failure modes owners describe
Instrument Cluster Display Failure
Driver instrument cluster screen goes completely black or blank with no power, rendering speedometer, fuel gauge, odometer, temperature gauge, and safety warning displays invisible. Some instances include flickering, flashing nonsense numbers, or a dark gray appearance before going completely black.
When: At startup or while driving; reported from 150 miles to 82,000 miles on the odometer. Some owners report recurring failures (3rd, 4th incident within months).
Symptoms owners cite: Completely black or blank instrument cluster screen; Loss of speedometer visibility; Loss of fuel gauge visibility; Loss of odometer and mileage display; Loss of temperature gauge; Loss of vehicle status information; Flickering or flashing nonsense numbers before going dark; Turn signal audio indicator fails or stops working intermittently; Blind spot monitoring system becomes invisible; Lane keep and departure warnings become invisible; Lane change assist camera display goes dark; Reverse sensor audio alert fails; Gear selector light does not illuminate; Safety warning messages cannot be seen; No visible error indication despite malfunction
Codes mentioned: P0xxx (multiple ECM/PCM codes referenced in overview, not explicitly listed), Front radar defect code (Narrative #3)
Repairs/costs cited: Kia dealership technicians have diagnosed instrument cluster screen as faulty and requiring replacement. Multiple owners report parts are backordered with ETAs ranging from May to June 2026. One owner reported service from January 2026 with no repair date in sight. Some dealers attempted software updates without resolution. Dealers often state they cannot replicate the issue while the vehicle is in their possession.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign Number 23V298000 (Electrical System) issued, but many vehicles do not appear in the recall coverage. Kia issued a software update (Narrative #22) that did not resolve the problem for all owners. Manufacturer has offered no assistance in some cases. One owner received notification of recall 23V298000 but stated parts were not yet available.
Complete Electrical Shutdown While Driving
Vehicle loses complete electrical power while driving, including engine power, steering power, dashboard displays, hazard lights, and all electrical systems. Engine Control System warning messages precede the failure. Vehicle can be restarted but power loss reoccurs.
When: Within first 2,600 miles of ownership; one incident at 8,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of complete vehicle power while driving; Engine Control System warning message displayed before shutdown; Battery warning light illuminated; Check Engine Light illuminated; All dashboard error messages display simultaneously on screen; Loss of power steering while turning; Hazard lights become inoperable; Vehicle stalls mid-maneuver (turning left, pulling over); Restart capability present but failure reoccurs shortly after
Codes mentioned: Engine Control System failure (referenced in Narrative #2), Electronics module malfunction (Narrative #2)
Repairs/costs cited: Kia Schaumburg service (Narrative #2) diagnosed electronics module as causing the issue and performed a reset, which was stated as corrected at that time, but second failure occurred 9 days later. No repair details provided for the recurring failures.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Kia Schaumburg performed electronics module reset. No manufacturer recall or TSB identified. Case was opened with manufacturer in Narrative #4 after additional failures including unintended acceleration.
ISG (Idle, Stop and Go) System Malfunction
Idle, Stop and Go system malfunctions causing vehicle to stall and fail to respond to accelerator input during normal driving maneuvers, particularly during left turns from a complete stop. Deactivating ISG via OFF button does not resolve the recurring failure.
When: At 8,000 miles; occurred on multiple occasions (3+ incidents reported).
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle stalls during left turn from complete stop; Accelerator pedal depressed but vehicle fails to respond; Speedometer with key warning light illuminated; 'Limit - 20 MPH' message displayed on instrument cluster; No initial warning light when failure occurs; Failure recurs despite turning off vehicle and restarting; Failure persists after ISG system is manually deactivated via OFF button
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer diagnosed ISG system malfunction. Owner advised to press ISG OFF button to deactivate the system; however, this workaround did not prevent subsequent failures. Vehicle was not repaired.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Second dealer (Kings Kia, Cincinnati, OH) speculated without evidence that cruise control was set to 20 MPH or that the vehicle had been hacked through Kia Connect to limit speed. No actual repair or manufacturer response documented. Manufacturer was not notified.
Multiple Safety System Warning Cascade
All major safety warning systems simultaneously display check/failure messages and become inoperative, with loss of vehicle speed display and turn signal audio. This affects forward collision avoidance, rear cross traffic, blind spot, AWD, lane following, lane change assist, lane safety, speed limit, high beam assist, inattentive driving warning, door system, and liftgate system.
When: While driving at 30 MPH and later at 70 MPH; also reported in multiple separate incidents.
Symptoms owners cite: Warning chime sounds; Check Forward Safety System message displayed; Check Rear Cross Traffic Safety System message displayed; Check Blind Spot Safety System message displayed; Check AWD/4WD message displayed; Check Smart Cruise Control System message displayed; Check Lane Following Assist System message displayed; Check Lane Change Assist Function message displayed; Check Lane Safety System message displayed; Check Speed Limit System message displayed; Check High Beam Assist System message displayed; Check Inattentive Driving Warning System message displayed; Check Door System message displayed; Check Truck Liftgate System message displayed; Check Tire Pressure Monitoring System message displayed; Check Smart Cruise Control System message displayed; Check Forward Side Safety System message displayed; Loss of MPH (speed) display; Loss of turn signal audio capability; Loss of camera feeds; Loss of forward collision avoidance functionality; Vehicle may shut off during the warning cascade
Codes mentioned: Front radar defect (Narrative #3)
Repairs/costs cited: Code reader identified defect with front radar in one instance (Narrative #3). Multiple repair attempts unsuccessful. One dealership (Auto Express Kia, Waterford, PA) was unable to diagnose the failure and vehicle remained unrepaired.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer was notified by at least one owner (Narrative #3). No TSB or recall identified. Dealer speculated that pests might have entered the vehicle and advised cleaning (unsubstantiated).
Snow Mode Acceleration Failure
Vehicle loses acceleration capability after coming to a stop while in Snow Mode. Vehicle will roll using idle power but RPMs do not increase when accelerator is pressed. Driver must switch to ECO mode to regain normal acceleration. No warning lights or check engine codes are generated.
When: While driving in snow conditions; failure is repeatable almost every time the vehicle operates in Snow Mode over a few miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of acceleration after stopping in Snow Mode; Vehicle rolls using idle power only; RPM does not increase when accelerator is pressed; Problem resolves when switched to ECO mode; No check engine light illuminated; No diagnostic codes generated; Occurs repeatedly and unpredictably during Snow Mode use; Can occur without warning while making left turns across traffic
Repairs/costs cited: Kia dealership stated they cannot replicate the issue without snow on the ground and without a check engine light present. Dealership advised Snow Mode is only for vehicles stuck in snow, implying the issue is due to misuse rather than defect.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Kia dealership notified but refused to diagnose or repair, citing inability to replicate.
Battery Drain / Parasitic Draw
Vehicle battery drains completely while parked with no lights left on and nothing plugged in. Owner suspects IBU module or parasitic wiring draw. Problem causes ESC warning code display before battery death.
When: Intermittent; problem occurred at least twice on a new 2023 vehicle.
Symptoms owners cite: Battery goes dead while vehicle is parked; No lights left on; Nothing plugged into power outlets; ESC warning code displayed before battery death; Instrument cluster shows electrical issues on display; Problem is intermittent and cannot be replicated by dealers
Codes mentioned: ESC code (Electronic Stability Control)
Repairs/costs cited: Owner showed dealership service a video of the instrument cluster displaying the ESC code and electrical issues. Dealership could not duplicate the problem and returned vehicle with no resolution.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership stated they cannot address the issue without being able to duplicate it. Owner notes that online searches reveal many complaints about this exact problem with no fix available.
Unintended Acceleration and Forward Collision Avoidance System Failure
Vehicle lunges forward with unintended acceleration when brake pedal is depressed at low speed (4 MPH). Forward collision avoidance system fails to activate to prevent the collision. Vehicle crashes into median. Also reported as intermittent refusal to accelerate (opposite symptom) for 10-20 seconds after depressing accelerator, then sudden acceleration that causes the vehicle to jump.
When: At 11 miles and at 4 MPH while pulling into parking space; also reported 3 separate occasions within 2 months.
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle lunges forward despite brake pedal being depressed; Unintended acceleration at low speed (4 MPH); Brake pedal has no effect on vehicle motion; Forward collision avoidance system fails to activate; Vehicle crashes into obstacle (median); Front passenger side tire blows out from collision; Front view camera fault message displayed; Intermittent refusal to accelerate for 10-20 seconds after pressing pedal; Sudden acceleration causing vehicle to jump and make loud noise; Dangerous when pulling into traffic due to unpredictable response
Codes mentioned: Front view camera fault
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle towed to Steve Schmitt Kia (Florissant, MO); remained undiagnosed and unrepaired at the time of complaint. Owner later received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number 23V298000 (Electrical System), but parts were not yet available.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign Number 23V298000 (Electrical System) issued and manufacturer case opened, but repair parts were unavailable.
Tow Wiring Harness Missing or Unavailable
2023 Telluride has factory trailer hitch but no electrical connector for trailer lights or brakes. Kia advertises 5,000 lb towing capacity and towing systems in marketing materials, owner's manual, and window sticker, but wiring harness is not available and will never be made available. Prior recall of 2022 model year (and stop sale order) for tow harness fires was not disclosed to 2023 buyers.
When: At time of purchase in November 2022.
Symptoms owners cite: Trailer hitch is present but no electrical connector available; No way to operate trailer lights; No way to operate trailer brakes; Towing capability advertised but not functional; Kia marketing materials show Telluride towing horse and boat trailers; Owner's manual describes in detail how tow system operates; Window sticker lists towing ability; Prior recall and stop sale order not disclosed to 2023 buyers
Repairs/costs cited: No repair available. Kia will not respond to owner letters or attorney correspondence.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Kia has dishonestly continued to misrepresent 2023 tow capability despite prior safety recall and stop sale order in 2022 model year. NHTSA recall in August 2022 for tow harness fires. Kia is shipping 2023 Tellurides without the tow hitch and harness with no availability date announced.
Tow Hitch Harness Fire Hazard
Tow hitch harness module allows humidity and dirt to enter, creating fire hazard. Kia recalled 2022 models and issued stop sale order, but provided no solution by December when recall was initiated in August. Kia continued shipping 2023 Tellurides without tow hitch and harness, providing no date for availability of revised solution.
When: Issue identified August 2022 for 2022 model year; unresolved as of December 2022.
Symptoms owners cite: Humidity and dirt intrusion into tow harness module; Fire hazard from moisture and contamination
Repairs/costs cited: No solution available. Kia dealership and corporate stated no solution exists and cannot provide date for when one will be available.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA recall initiated August 2022 for 2022 model year tow harness fires. Stop sale order issued. As of December 2022, Kia has provided no solution and is shipping 2023 models without the tow hitch and harness. Kia not taking the safety issue seriously and offering no solutions to dealers or customers.
Door Trim Separation and Water Intrusion
Large metal vehicle door trim separates and comes off while driving. Rubber-like molding under door trim flaps and makes thunking noise against door. Water intrudes into vehicle cabin as a result. Dealer has not provided remedy and treats it as a known issue.
When: While driving (timing not specified).
Symptoms owners cite: Large metal door trim separates from vehicle; Rubber-like molding under door trim flaps and thunks against door; Water intrusion into vehicle cabin; Ongoing water damage to interior door; Potential water intrusion corrosion leading to electrical fire; Door electrical systems potentially affected by water intrusion
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer notified; no remedy provided. Treated as 'known issue' by dealer.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response identified.
Erratic Fuel Gauge Readings
Fuel gauge displays inaccurate readings, frequently showing 'low fuel' warning when tank contains fuel, and the reverse condition where gauge indicates fuel present when tank is empty. Can cause driver to run out of gas unexpectedly, creating traffic hazards.
When: Intermittent; problem known among multiple Telluride owners.
Symptoms owners cite: Fuel gauge displays 'low fuel' when tank is not low; Fuel gauge indicates fuel present when tank is actually empty; Erratic fuel level readings; Possible running out of gas in congested traffic; Creates dangerous scenario in traffic and endangers vehicle occupants and others
Repairs/costs cited: No repair details provided in narratives.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response identified. Described as a known problem among multiple Kia Telluride owners.
Driver Attention Warning System Oversensitivity
Driver Attention Warning (DAW) system, specifically the 'Take a Break' alert, is overly sensitive and triggers too frequently without option to disable. Alert includes both dashboard message and 5 or more audible dings. Sensitivity has increased over time and cannot be recalibrated or reset unlike previous model years.
When: Ongoing since vehicle purchase.
Symptoms owners cite: 'Take a Break' message displays on dashboard; 5 or more audible dings sound when alert triggers; Alert occurs too frequently regardless of driver; Sensitivity has increased over time; Alert cannot be disabled; Alert cannot be recalibrated; Alert cannot be reset; Creates distraction instead of enhancing safety; Removes driver attention when acknowledging excessive warnings
Repairs/costs cited: No option to disable, recalibrate, or reset the alert.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No known way to modify this alert in 2023 model; functionality not available as in previous models.
Synthesized from 36 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 6 most recent
The contact owns a 2023 Kia Telluride. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the instrument cluster went blank. The speedometer and fuel gauge failed to display as needed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V298000 (Electrical System); however, the VIN was not included in…
The contact owns a 2023 Kia Telluride. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the instrument cluster display screen failed to activate and was inoperable. During the failure, the driver was unable to view several needed features, such as the speedometer and fuel gauge, and the blind spot monitoring system. The vehicle was cautiously driven to the dealer, who diagnosed that the…
The KIA Telluride Tow Hitch Harness Module has been responsible for getting humidity and dirt inside and starting a fires. So, KIA has recalled this issue BACK IN AUGUST, 2022 and told everyone not to park the vehicle inside or near any buildings and expected a solution this October. However, it's December and I have contacted my Dealer as well as KIA corporation and KIA is telling everyone…
There is something wrong with the electrical system that drains the battery. I keep getting. An ESC code, and then the battery goes dead. The car has been at the dealership for the past three days and they are unable to duplicate the problem. I showed them a video I took of the instrument cluster which shows the code and electrical issues. The Kia dealership says they cannot do anything about the…
Drivers display panel not working, no vehicle information is available, it's a black screen. This is the 4th incident since new in 2023. Car can't be driven with nothing displayed.
Had electrical trouble with your 2023 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 electrical problem on the 2023 Kia Telluride?
It's a meaningful issue. 36 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $850.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Based on the 36 complaints filed, electrical issues most often appear around 32,250 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 $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.
Are there any recalls related to electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical 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/2023/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.