2020 KIA TELLURIDE Complaints

The engine failed catastrophically on a highway bridge putting four [XXX] boys in grave danger. They managed to get the vehicle to the other side of the bridge but it was not safe. Not a single warning light came on prior, and the engine temperatur gauge didn't show anything out of the ordinary. Oil levels were checked and topped off prior to the trip. Oil was changed 9 months prior. A local Kia dealer has confirmed total engine failure. Kia has denied the claim despite being under the warranty period because I cannot supply complete oil change records. Who keeps those? I only keep the most recent one which shows 9 months prior. A quick search shows the 2020 Kia Telluride engine is failing at an alarming rate and Kia corporate offices are practing the deny and delay strategy to dodge responsibility. I will now have to hire attorneys and pay $10,000 to replace their faulty engine. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

The contact owns a 2020 Kia Telluride. The contact stated while attempting to have a vehicle inspected, it was discovered that there was an open recall on the VIN. The VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V148000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING); however, the part to do the recall repair was not available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

In May 2025, I brought my 2022 Kia Telluride to the dealership for an oil leak. They kept my vehicle for a week. Then in June, while driving with my [XXX] son, the engine completely stalled — a terrifying and dangerous situation. I returned the car to the dealership, and they tried to point out a bunch of unrelated issues. But once I got home, the car shut off again. I took it back and was finally told that the engine had blown — and that this kind of failure "happens all the time" with Tellurides, according to their own words. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Our Kia Telluride had engine failure and a leaking oil pan. There were no warning messages or lamps at all.We noticed a blue smoke coming from the engine upon acceleration and a knocking noise from engine. We took it to a local repair shop and they said the engine was shot. We needed a new engine and a new oil pan as well as an oil change.

Car erratically shifts and provides more power to vehicle when it is not necessary. It often shakes in between shifting.

Another Kia Telluride reporting the known defect in 2020 Kia Tellurides related to severe and excessive oil consumption that poses a potential safety risk and financial loss. I have recently experienced repeated and worsening oil loss between routine oil changes with no visible leaks or warning lights. The rate of consumption exceed 1 quart per 1,000 miles which Kia defines as “excessive” under Technical Service Bulletin ENG222 (Rev 5). This condition creates a risk of engine failure while driving, especially because there are no warning signs that the engine is about to seize. I am in the process of contacting my dealership but Kia of America declined to acknowledge this issue despite it being well documented and affecting a wide range of Kia engines. I believe this is a safety defect that warrants further investigation due to: 1) Sudden engine failure or stalling from low oil levels 2) Lack of adequate early warning indicators 3) Unreasonable financial exposure to consumers for a manufacturer-related defect 4) A pattern of complaints across similar models/engines. I urge the NHTSA to investigate this matter further and ensure Kia is held accountable for this widespread and dangerous issue.

The contact's spouse owns a 2020 Kia Telluride. The contact's spouse stated that while the vehicle was parked, the vehicle inadvertently rolled backwards and struck the contact’s aunt as she was exiting the vehicle. The contact’s aunt was taken to the Emergency Room by ambulance/helicopter, where she later succumbed to the injuries and was pronounced dead. The contact stated that the vehicle remained at the scene. In addition, before the incident, there was grinding coming from the gears. The contact was unsure what specific injuries were sustained. A police report was filed. The contact stated that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V214000 (Power Train); which the contact related to the failure. The contact had previously received the recall notification. The dealer was not contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 101,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

Had in deals hop several times was told it was on record I was there with the issue but no light on, light came on during travel on interstate and car lost all power Long block blew . Was extremely lucky I didn’t get ran over by the tractor trailers . Loaded car with kids included . Kia should be reasonable for everything and they are saying no .

This is a follow-up to Complaint #11666572 regarding my 2020 Kia Telluride (VIN: [XXX] ), with urgent concerns about ongoing safety violations and abusive conduct by Greenway Kia East and Kia America. On June 26, 2025, Kia America reversed its prior refusal and agreed to reimburse Uber, rental, and towing costs—but only after I filed multiple complaints. Earlier, they claimed to have no influence over the dealership, which had refused all reimbursement after I complained about Service Manager Gina. Worse, on June 27, the dealership responded via BBB telling me to contact Gina again—the very person I formally complained about for unprofessional and negligent conduct. This isn’t just mishandling; it is degrading, retaliatory, and dangerous. Key safety/legal concerns: • My vehicle was returned on May 31, 2025, with dangerously low coolant, just days after engine replacement—posing a critical safety risk. • The service manager dismissed my concerns until I insisted, then acted with open disrespect. • Repairs were withheld May 19–28 unless I paid $1,833.77, despite warranty coverage. Only after I came in person on May 28 did they reverse and offer free service. • I was charged $580.97 for a diagnostic test tied to a manufacturer defect that led to engine replacement—still not refunded. • The pattern of neglect, retaliation, and deception from both the dealer and Kia America endangers drivers and violates federal safety standards. This dealer has acted with impunity since May 19, 2025. Their behavior is abusive, unsafe, and incompatible with their licensing. I urge NHTSA to investigate whether Greenway Kia East should retain its dealership license. Their conduct undermines public safety and federal standards. A full follow-up and attachments were sent to [email protected] from [XXX] . Please contact me for documentation. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

I am writing to formally file a complaint regarding a known defect in my 2020 Kia Telluride, which is experiencing severe and excessive oil consumption that poses a potential safety risk and financial burden. Vehicle Information: •Make/Model: 2020 Kia Telluride Since ownership, I have experienced repeated and worsening oil loss between routine oil changes — with no visible leaks or warning lights in most cases. The rate of consumption is approaching or exceeding 1 quart per 1,000 miles, which Kia itself defines as “excessive” under Technical Service Bulletin ENG222 (Rev 5). This condition not only creates a risk of engine failure while driving, but it also puts owners like myself at risk of uncovered repair bills in excess of $12,000. I have already contacted my dealership, Kia Corporate, and Fidelity Warranty Services, and was told coverage is uncertain — despite this being a well-documented issue affecting a wide range of Kia engines. I believe this is a safety defect that warrants further investigation due to: •Sudden engine failure or stalling from low oil levels •Lack of adequate early warning indicators •Unreasonable financial exposure to consumers for a manufacturer-related defect •A potential pattern of complaints across similar models/engines As a responsible vehicle owner, I respectfully urge the NHTSA to investigate this matter further and ensure Kia is held accountable for this widespread and dangerous issue. Thank you for your time and consideration.