general problems of the 2020 Kia Motor Telluride - part 1

155 problems related to exterior lighting have been reported for the 2020 Kia Motor Telluride. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2020 Kia Motor Telluride based on all problems reported for the 2020 Telluride.

1 Exterior Lighting problem

Failure Date: 12/25/2025

The contact owns a 2020 kia Telluride. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the high beam headlights failed to illuminate as intended, and the vehicle shuddered before losing automotive power. No warning light was illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that the warning lights failed to illuminate as designed when the engine oil level was low. The vehicle was taken to a local auto zone, where the relay and high beam headlights were replaced; however, the failure reoccurred. An appointment with the dealer was scheduled to inspect the vehicle. The vehicle was not yet repaired. Upon further investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA campaign: 24v148000 (exterior lighting); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unavailable.

2 Exterior Lighting problem

Failure Date: 06/23/2025

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.

3 Exterior Lighting problem

Failure Date: 04/04/2025

It took 8 months to repair the recall #sc299b halogen headlamp-both. Repair was done 04/03/2025, which appears to have not last long as high beam is low again and I am afraid to drive in early morning, dusk, or evening due to the timid, low bearing high beams. This is very unsettling as we have made three complaints due to negligence and lack of efficiency for recall repair, being in an accident due to not seeing a deer run across and we hit it, as well as, failed state inspection due to light issues (twice) that negatively impacted financial stability and job security as one driver has to have a clear safety inspection in order to work. Kia corporate has been contacted 6 times via email and called back to discuss ongoing issues, however, there does not appear to be any resolution and/or willingness to discuss ongoing issues with our car. It would be nice to discuss this matter and find a solution that alleviates hardship this recall (and apparent lack of fix as lights continue to be an issue) and kia dealer/company has made. We would appreciate being bought out and/or provided reimbursements and buyout. Either way, we hope others do not face the ongoing stress and issues Telluride has given us. It is not ideal or fair to continue being fearful of the safety and reliability of our car despite company’s “attempt” of fixing it.

4 Exterior Lighting problem

Failure Date: 01/06/2025

I brought veh to covina kia on 1-6-25 for recall (sc299b) of headlight high beams failure. George arroyo refused to take my veh in telling me my warranty had expired. I told him the safety recall had to be addressed. I insisted mileage doesn’t not void a safety recall. He finally took veh in. My veh has been at dealership for 16 days and has not been touched. It is obvious dealership doesn’t want to perform recall because there is no money to be made for the technician and service advisor. I am getting automated texts but no person calls back to inform me about the exaggerated delays. I have filed a complaint with Kia Motors and situation has not changed, my vehicle is still parked at the dealership.

5 Exterior Lighting problem

Failure Date: 12/11/2024

The contact owns a 2020 kia Telluride. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 24v148000 (exterior lighting); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated when the vehicle was taken to the dealer, the contact was informed that the parts to perform the recall repair were on back order. The contact stated that the parts had not been made available even after waiting for a month. 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.

6 Exterior Lighting problem

Failure Date: 10/18/2024

Continues to have issues with dealership to remedy/correct recalls. Have waited for 60+ days since recall remedy was initiated in August 2024 headlights continue to be a hazzard and due to this we had unfortunate incident of a deer running out and inability to see in the dusk of 6am due to lack of head lights. This has caused immense hardship regarding finances and maintaining a job as we are down one car and kia has not offered and:or received all parts for any repairs of the recall. Advised if we attempted to fix one recall (power seat) then our “ticket will be closed and you will need to pay out of pocket for the headlights”. However this is not consistent or within the regulations of recalls and good faith attempts. I have already contacted an attorney to pursue legal counsel. I feel kia will need to apologize and really earn trust from all consumers as Telluride has been an issue to this day, even newer models. Attached is allstate claim of the incident on 10/18/24 and attachments reflecting recall announcements via postal and several follow up appointments since remedy was offered, however no action nor diligence made to correct recalls or follow up as appropriately with us to keep us updated about parts etc. .

7 Exterior Lighting problem

Failure Date: 10/13/2024

The headlights perform poorly when fully functional, one is out and when I replaced the light it still is not working and now that one is out I am scared to drive at night for fear of hitting a child or pet in my complex. And I will not allow my son to drive because he may get seriously hurt as well. This issue needs to be resolved as to why the headlights just go out and are not fixable with a bulb replacement.

8 Exterior Lighting problem

Failure Date: 08/26/2024

The contact owns a 2020 kia Telluride. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 24v1480000 (exterior lighting) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet 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.

9 Exterior Lighting problem

Failure Date: 06/26/2024

The contact owns a 2020 kia Telluride. The contact stated while driving at approximately 40 mph, the contact attempted to activate the high beam headlights; however, the high-beam headlights failed to function. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the high beam headlights warning light illuminated but failed to function as intended. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 24v148000 (exterior lighting) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

10 Exterior Lighting problem

Failure Date: 05/04/2024

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? power train, oil consumption, camshaft position , circuit sensors a x 4, headlamps high beams do not function. Check engine light fails. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? I dont feel safe driving after sunset if I cant see road when needed my high beams did not function I was told it was fixed but there were no parts. Still an issue. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? yes about 4 times. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? no before the 4th week of having vehicle after 3 weeks of purchase with no oil. I reported it to y seller was told to pay to fix at service but I did not expect to buy a faulty vehicle after the struggle was to obtain such vehice for my business.

11 Exterior Lighting problem

Failure Date: 04/25/2024

I have had mi car in multiple shops and been told they can’t repair my headlights. The bulb keeps blowing and now the headlight highbeam doesn’t work and my state inspection is coming up next month and the corporate office says there nothing they can do till the part is available. I need my car fixed for my safety and my family’s safety. I don’t know what else to do.

12 Exterior Lighting problem

Failure Date: 03/05/2024

 the contact owns a 2020 kia Telluride. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 24v148000( exterior lighting) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer 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.

13 Exterior Lighting problem

Failure Date: 02/26/2024

The recall 24v148 regarding headlight high beam issue from gebruary of thus year still has no remedy in order to fix the issue. It has been 6 months and the dealerships just say sorry we don't have any solution even though the recall associated with my car doesn't apply due to the headlamps being replaced with completely different ones already myself. Why is it being allowed that y kkntha later they still don't have a solution so this causes issues with my income because I can't rent my car out due to the open recall.

14 Exterior Lighting problem

Failure Date: 02/19/2024

The high beams of the vehicle are no longer operational. Changing the light bulb does not solve the problem. As per the dealer, the entire unit must be replaced. The failure occurred while driving in the night.

15 Exterior Lighting problem

Failure Date: 02/16/2024

The hi-beam function in the headlights are inoperable. I recently purchased this vehicle and the service department at the dealership of purchase confirmed afterwards that the hi beam function does not work. I do not understand how this is not a safety recall on all 2020 Tellurides as there are many forums from individuals who have experienced the same issue. Simply replacing the faulty system kicks the bucket down the road. Unable to utilize the high beams in remote areas reduces safety.

16 Exterior Lighting problem

Failure Date: 02/01/2024

Projector high beams not working. Tested the fuse and relay and both tested fine. Replaced headlights. No remedy other than replacing entire headlight assembly. This is a safety issue and should be recalled and repaired by dealer.

17 Exterior Lighting problem

Failure Date: 01/11/2024

My high beam headlights are not working. There is no change whether the high beams are on or off.

18 Exterior Lighting problem

Failure Date: 01/03/2024

The high beams do not work. Neither one. Bulb replacement did not fix either.

19 Exterior Lighting problem

Failure Date: 01/02/2024

High beams no longer work on the front lights.

20 Exterior Lighting problem

Failure Date: 12/28/2023

Both high beam headlights failed. Turning on the high beam illuminates the blue indicator light on the dash, but no change occurs in exterior illumination. The dangers of high speed highway driving (70 mph) go way up. There is no backup in case the low beam also breaks. And the cost to repair is extremely expensive.

21 Exterior Lighting problem

Failure Date: 12/28/2023

Right high beam stopped working. Low beams work, no indicators, bulb has been changed. Jist stopped working.

22 Exterior Lighting problem

Failure Date: 12/28/2023

High beams quit working. I have replaced the relay, fuse, and bulbs. Low beams work but the high beam functionality is 100% lost. My trim utilizes the single bulb with electronic curtain to toggle between low and high beams. Seems to be a deeper issue within the headlight assembly.

23 Exterior Lighting problem

Failure Date: 12/20/2023

Bright head light stopped working without any cause.

24 Exterior Lighting problem

Failure Date: 12/18/2023

Brights stopped working. They do not turn on, even though you pull the lever, and the dash light comes on.

25 Exterior Lighting problem

Failure Date: 12/01/2023

Hi beams on the headlights both stopped working at the same time without warning. I understand this is a known problem with the 2020 Telluride so I am just logging this one in as another instance.

26 Exterior Lighting problem

Failure Date: 11/21/2023

We were on a back country road in the dark, tried to use our high beam lights, but they would not come on. The blue light illuminated as if they were turning on, but nothing happened. We had no warning lights or indication that the system had failed.

27 Exterior Lighting problem

Failure Date: 11/18/2023

High beam headlights stopped working without warning.

28 Exterior Lighting problem

Failure Date: 11/17/2023

I was driving during the night, tried to turn my high beams on and they did not work. This caused a severe driving hazard as we were driving winding roads filled with wild life and I had very limited visablilty. There was no warning indicators shown. Replaced both headlamps and the high beams still do not work.

29 Exterior Lighting problem

Failure Date: 11/17/2023

Headlights work fine, but the high beams don't. The light in the car shows them on, but they do not turn on outside the vehicle. I can't confirm how long they haven't worked since this was the vehicle my wife drove but very rarely at night. Now that I'm driving it in the dark in the mornings and evenings, I noticed it.

30 Exterior Lighting problem

Failure Date: 11/15/2023

Started to notice the high beams where not working. The dash light shows the high beams were on but the lights never changed. I purchased 2 new low/high beams bulbs. That did not fix the issue. My Telluride has over 60k miles on it. Doing teacher everyone who has a 2020 kia Telluride has this issue just after vehicle hits just over 60k miles. Never noticed before as we never drove at night time before November.

31 Exterior Lighting problem

Failure Date: 11/15/2023

Rh high beam light inoperable. Does not go high beam when selected. Lh ok. Lh drivers mirror does not extend or retract most times when locking or unlocking the car.

32 Exterior Lighting problem

Failure Date: 11/04/2023

The headlights on my vehicle do not provide adequate light. Also, the bright headlight option does not work. The blue indicator on the dash illuminates but neither of the headlights produce bright lights, only the standard lights.

33 Exterior Lighting problem

Failure Date: 11/04/2023

Hibeams completely stopped working without warning.

34 Exterior Lighting problem

Failure Date: 11/03/2023

While driving down a very dark road, I noticed my high beams did not work. High beams are an essential feature for safe nighttime driving, and when they're not working, it can be dangerous because non-functioning high beams can compromise your ability to see and react to potential dangers while also affecting the safety of other drivers, making it a significant safety concern. I made an appointment to have this issue diagnosed but my appointment date is not until Jan 2nd which also poses a safety risk.

35 Exterior Lighting problem

Failure Date: 11/01/2023

My high beams aren't working. All I have access to are my low beams.


Other Exterior Lighting related problems of the 2020 Kia Motor Telluride


Safety Ratings of Telluride Cars
Fuel Economy of Telluride Vehicles
Telluride Service Bulletins
Telluride Defect Investigations