KIA Complaints

At 30,000 miles, the dealership replaced the right rear shock absorber because I noticed it was clunking when an adult sat in the third row. I just had it serviced at 40,000 miles and I mentioned to the tech that there was a slight clunking sound when making a right-hand turn and accelerating from a stop. The dealership did not notice any issues so did not make any repairs. Now, at 41,500 miles, the clunking is much more noticeable when going over bumps and turning at low speeds.

The second row captain's chair seatbelt buckle stalks on the 2027 Kia Telluride are abnormally tall and rigid, with an angle causing the seatbelt webbing to kink and compress at a sharp angle around any forward-facing car seat base. This compromises the seatbelt's ability to lock and distribute crash forces correctly in the event of a collision. The third row seatbelts are too long to achieve the required less-than-one-inch installation tightness required for a safe car seat install. Three different forward-facing harnessed car seats were tested in all available seating positions with identical results. This is not a car seat compatibility issue — the problem is consistent across all tested seats and all positions. Children who have exceeded the federal 40 lb forward-facing LATCH limit are legally required to use seatbelt installation only. The vehicle's buckle stalk design makes a safe seatbelt install impossible in any seating position, leaving no safe option for transporting a forward-facing harnessed child in this vehicle. Photographic and video documentation of the compromised installs in every seating position is available upon request. No warning lamps or prior symptoms appeared — this is a design incompatibility discovered during car seat installation.

While I was driving my 2017 Kia Sorento, the R.P.M suddenly maxed out and then it rapidly went down to zero. My car lost power completely and stopped. There was a burning smell. Now it is dead. There is no clicking sound. Repair place tells me I need a new engine now.

While exiting the John C. Lodge Freeway in Detroit at approximately 40 MPH, the brake pedal became stuck halfway during braking and the vehicle did not stop properly on the first brake application. I had to remove my foot from the brake pedal and press it again before the brakes engaged and the vehicle stopped. This has occurred approximately seven times intermittently. The issue creates a serious safety hazard and risk of collision. In addition, the “D” gear indicator intermittently blinks while driving and the “P” indicator intermittently blinks while the vehicle is in Park. Vehicle was previously brought to dealership and issue was reported, but the condition continues intermittently.

Component/System Failed: Engine — excessive oil consumption and oil leaks leading to complete engine failure requiring full engine replacement. Vehicle is currently at my home and available for inspection upon request. Safety Risk: My vehicle became completely inoperable while in use as my primary family transportation. As a parent of three children this has left my family without safe reliable transportation. An inoperable vehicle also creates safety risks related to emergency situations where transportation is critical. Confirmed by Dealer: Yes. An authorized Kia dealership confirmed the engine defect and approved a full engine replacement. The repair has not yet been performed. Inspections: Vehicle has been inspected exclusively at an authorized Kia dealership where all service and maintenance has been performed. Warning Symptoms: This is the third time this vehicle has become inoperable due to what was previously identified as an oil issue but is now confirmed to be an engine defect. Prior to complete failure the vehicle exhibited ongoing oil leaks and excessive oil consumption over an extended period. AAA roadside assistance was contacted and identified possible starter and battery failure believed to be connected to the engine condition. Additional Note: I have identified NHTSA complaints from other 2020 Kia Telluride owners reporting identical engine oil consumption and failure issues suggesting a pattern defect.

My car was brand new with only 1442 miles. I was hit in the rear passenger side at a four way stop, this was not much force, however I was injured and my car was deemed a total loss. I fear this car ranks low in safety. Thankfully my daughter was not with me at the time.

I own a 2021 Kia Telluride with approximately 111,000 miles. I initially brought the vehicle to a Kia dealership for an oil consumption issue and engine noise. The dealership diagnosed and repaired a timing chain and tensioner issue, stating the vehicle was “working properly” upon return. After picking up the vehicle, I immediately began experiencing electrical warning lights, including the battery warning light and system alerts (blind spot and general warning indicators). I returned to the dealership, where they performed diagnostic testing and indicated a potential alternator issue, but stated it was in a “borderline” range and that the vehicle was safe to drive. Shortly after leaving the dealership, while driving with my family in the vehicle, the electrical system began to fail. Multiple warning lights illuminated, and the vehicle lost electrical function while in motion. The vehicle ultimately became completely inoperable and shut down in a parking lot, creating a serious safety concern. Prior to the dealership visit and repairs, the vehicle had no history of electrical issues, warning lights, or charging system problems. The dealership later acknowledged that the alternator issue was not present when the vehicle was initially brought in. I am submitting this complaint due to the sudden and complete electrical system failure while driving, which posed a significant safety risk. The progression from no prior symptoms to total failure immediately following dealership service and diagnosis raises concerns about vehicle reliability and potential safety defects related to the charging system.

I was driving my brand new 2025 Kia Telluride that was purchased from the dealership 3 weeks before the incident. The engine died while driving approximately 40 mph on a flat road. The engine died and then there was a loud beeping and a flashing alert on the dashboard in the circle where the righthand indicator camera view appears that said, “Engine Off-Shift to P or N then start engine.” This occurred at about 7:30 pm on May 19, 2026 with about 40% full tank of gas. The automatic engine auto-stop feature was on at the time. The car had been running for about 3 minutes before the engine died. The power steering was also affected. Once I pulled over and put the car in park the engine started again as normal and there were no alerts on the dash or when I checked the Kia app. I dropped the car at the dealership the following morning, they have had it for 6 days so far and let me know that their diagnostics and test drives did not reveal any issues or defects with the vehicle.

While in the middle of driving on the highway, the vehicle has powered off then back on. The vehicle “slips” when revving up.

The warnings on the car all failed and I was lead off the road while going on a roundabout. This has trigged my car to completely lose all control and even though I was attentive to my steering wheel I still didn’t stop the car from leading me to that curb and off road onto grass etc.