2020 KIA TELLURIDE Complaints

My 2020 Kia telluride is Snow White Pearl. A few years ago the area above the windshield and below the sunroof started to chip off. When having recalls serviced I ask what Kia was going about the defective paint. I was told?”nothing”. I have research this issue several times online and it seems that the issue is prevalent in Snow White Pearl Kia vehicles. I was told by the service manager that the paint warranty was 3years and mine was expired. I was again at the Kia dealership today and when I got my trade in value they took off $2000 for the chipping paint and then had the nerve to tell me that it was covered under the corrosion warranty which is 60 month/ 100,000 miles. Although I only have 54000 miles on it, it is over the 60 months now. I am sure it was under the 60 months when I inquired about it, but the service manager neglected to inform me of this coverage. As I drive down the road I can see paint flakes flying off my car in the rear view mirror.

At approximately 94,000 miles, my 2020 Kia Telluride EX experienced a significant internal engine failure. The vehicle was properly maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommended service schedule, including regular oil changes. A professional inspection required engine teardown. During inspection, the piston for Cylinder 6 was removed. The oil control ring was found to be stuck and would not move, with excessive carbon buildup present on the piston rings and piston crown. The cylinder walls and piston side skirts showed excessive scoring. According to the inspection findings, excessive carbon buildup caused the piston oil control rings to become stuck, allowing oil to bypass and resulting in damage to the cylinder walls. The inspector determined that the required repair is full engine replacement. This failure was not caused by misuse, neglect, or lack of maintenance. The vehicle has been inoperable and in the repair shop since approximately August 2025. An internal engine failure of this nature occurring under normal operating conditions raises concerns regarding engine durability and potential manufacturing or design defects that may affect other vehicles with the same engine configuration. Multiple owners of 2020 Kia Telluride vehicles have independently reported similar symptoms of excessive oil consumption, internal engine failures, and the need for major engine repairs or replacements at comparable mileages, some documented in NHTSA complaint records and owner forums. I am submitting this complaint to document a potential engine defect and to support investigation into similar failures.

The check engine light is on and reading code P07104. The vehicle has been diagnosed and it was found the torque converter is slipping and the technician recommends replacing the transmission. The anti-freeze has been low over the past 30 days and must be leaking internally. I have had to add anti-freeze twice during that time.

The vehicle is experiencing excessive oil consumption between oil changes, requiring frequent oil top-offs well before the manufacturer’s recommended service interval. No external oil leaks were identified when the vehicle had approximately 91,000 miles. At approximately 118,000 miles, the issue was identified during normal operation and routine maintenance, at which time potential engine-related concerns were noted. Excessive oil consumption raises concern for internal engine wear and the risk of sudden engine failure while driving, which could create a safety hazard. The vehicle has been taken to an authorized Kia dealership and is currently undergoing diagnostic evaluation, including oil consumption testing. At this time, the cause has not been fully determined. No warning lights were present prior to discovering the low oil level.

For some time, I was noticing that my 2020 Kia Telluride was consuming excessive amounts of motor oil - at least one quart per 1000 miles. I have had my car serviced regularly by a certified reputable mechanic and scheduled oil changes and other required service every 5000 miles. At around 69,100 miles the check engine light appeared and I immediately took the car in for service. I was advised that the spark plugs and valves were heavily carbon fouled. The spark plugs needed changing and the valves needed cleaning. It was also necessary to replace the coils. Total repair bill was $2008.84. I was advised by my mechanic that excessive oil consumption is a problem with KIA automobiles and after researching the issue myself, found this to be the case. Some engine design issues, most likely with oil leaking past the pistons into the combustion chambers, causing fouling. I have learned that ultimately, the pistons and valves will become fouled again, the engine warning light will reappear and possibly, the engine will break down - hopefully, not in a distant place without knowledgable service. The new car warranty for my KIA was 100,000 miles but since I bought it used (I am the second owner) the warranty was reduced to 60,000 miles. I filed a complaint with KIA Motors and asked that they simply extend my warranty to 100,000 miles but since there is no pending recalls for this problem, my request was denied.

1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned? The windshield wiper system failed. The design of the cowl area (under the hood) allows snow and sleet to accumulate and become compacted. This creates a physical obstruction that prevents the wiper linkage from moving, leading to total wiper failure. • Availability: The system is available for inspection upon request. 2. How was safety put at risk? Safety was compromised due to a sudden loss of visibility during inclement weather. The inability to clear snow and sleet from the windshield while driving created a blind operating environment, significantly increasing the risk of a crash or striking an unseen hazard. 3. Has the problem been confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? No. The problem has not yet been reproduced or confirmed by a dealership or independent service center. 4. Has the vehicle been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance? No. The vehicle and its components have not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives at this time. 5. Were there any warning lamps or symptoms prior to the failure? No. There were no warning lamps, error messages, or symptoms prior to the failure. The wipers stopped functioning only once the snow had compacted sufficiently under the hood to block the mechanism.

Issue: Oil consumption/ low oil pressure indicator or check engine light did not go on. Was driving kids to school and on my way home I heard a loud rattling sound. Pulled over and had it towed. Shop said it didn't have oil, it was dry as a bone. We do regular oil changes every 5k miles and there are no oil leak spots on driveway or in garage. No oil light came on, no check engine light. Hoping this didn't damage my engine as I am at 110,000 miles.

The sunroof malfunctioned while I was attempting to open it, producing a loud pop and causing the glass to become misaligned while the vehicle was parked. There have been numerous reports of this same issue, including incidents in which the sunroof glass has shattered. This appears to be a known defect; however, Kia has refused to acknowledge responsibility or perform the necessary repairs. Kia has quoted the cost of repair at $5,800.

Oil filter housing assembly- Resulted in very low engine oil with no warning lights or engine lights potentially leading to engine damage. Yes the component was inspected and replaced by dealership. This was after getting the oil plan repaired for leaking oil as well

Snow White Pearl paint is peeling like a banana. Contacted Kia and are aware of the problem but offered nothing.