Equipment Problems of Kia Motor Telluride - part 2

The paint on my white 2020 kia Telluride is peeling/delaminating from the hood and the area directly above the windshield (a-pillar/roof edge). Peeling began as small chips and has progressed to larger sections coming off down to bare primer/metal, with no impact or collision involved. This appears consistent with a known paint adhesion defect affecting pearl white kia Telluride and sorento vehicles across multiple model years, as documented in numerous other owner complaints and online forums. The peeling paint exposes bare metal to the elements, creating a risk of corrosion/rust that could compromise body panel integrity over time. It also significantly reduces visibility-adjacent surface integrity near the windshield area and creates sharp/jagged paint edges. This is not isolated wear-and-tear damage but a manufacturing/coating defect, as the primer layer is visibly intact and separating cleanly from the base coat. I am requesting NHTSA investigate this as a widespread manufacturing defect, as it appears kia has been aware of this issue but has not issued a recall or extended warranty coverage to affected owners outside the standard paint warranty period.

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This is not a safety issue, it is a xm radio that does not work because kia decided to put a glass antenna that is weak and every time a tree exists the signal drops. They are minimizing the issue as it only occurs in certain spot, but I can tell you that if a tree exists and you go by close enough the signal will drop. I loose my signal 9 times around my neighborhood which is less than 1/4 mile. If they would have told me you have a fancy car with many features, but the xm is unusable I would have bought a different car.

After receiving a kia?issued transmission control module (tcm) software update, my 2021 kia Telluride experienced a severe and dangerous transmission malfunction while descending a high mountain pass in colorado. When I attempted to downshift for engine braking, 3rd gear completely disengaged, causing the vehicle to accelerate uncontrollably downhill. None of the lower gears would engage or hold as they had prior to the software update. This forced me to slam on the brakes and ride them continuously down the mountain, creating a serious loss?of?control hazard and risk of brake failure. Downshifting is essential for safe descent on steep grades, and the vehicle’s inability to do so created an extremely dangerous situation. The issue was duplicated by the kia dealership technicians, and kia field engineers have confirmed awareness of the problem. Despite this, kia corporate refuses to authorize transmission replacement or reversal of the software update, leaving the vehicle in an unsafe condition. This is a critical safety defect involving gear disengagement, loss of engine braking, unintended acceleration, and brake?dependent descent control. The vehicle is unsafe to operate on mountain roads, and kia has declined to perform the necessary repairs.

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Engine rapidly burning oil. Had oil changed as manufacturer's recommendation, but after exceeding the 100,000 mile warranty and having been 7,000 miles since the last oil change the engine threw a rod and the car stopped while I was driving it. Was told by the kia dealer (fitzgerald kia in annapolis) that I needed a $10,000 engine replaced. I am currently working with a lawyer to address this concern.

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The sunroof failed and is stuck open. This creates a hazard as you cannot secure the vehicle, it is open to the elements, and you have highway noise. This is not a simple small motor fix it is $3000+ and a complete replacing of the track/cassette.

Cluster that shows speed/gas/safety notifications has went completely black and will not turn back on. It has now been in the shop for 2 weeks and they cannot figure out why this is happening. This is the second time the instrument cluster has went out on the 2024 kia Telluride.

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All wheel drive coupler is failing a third time. There is no safety warning. Difficulty accelerating especially when turning.

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While driving the lcd screens would go blank intermittently. Sometimes staying off for 30 secs or more. I could still hear sound and could control volume. This has happened on two different occasions while traveling to work. I have a 35 minute commute on interstate highways.

The satellite radio reception in my brand new kia Telluride x pro is terrible. It is constantly cutting out. This creates a significant distraction for the driver. Satellite radio reception problems are a well-documented and widely reported issue with the 2027 kia Telluride. ## the root cause: antenna design the core issue appears to be a fundamental design change in the 2027 Telluride. Unlike previous models, the 2027 redesign **eliminated the traditional roof-mounted shark fin antenna**, replacing it with an antenna integrated into the rear window. Multiple owners have flagged this as the source of poor and inconsistent siriusxm reception, calling the current signal reception method one that "just doesn't meet expectations". [facebook] [xxx] forums and owner groups: - owners of the **2027 hybrid sxp** report extremely inconsistent satellite reception after just four days of ownership, even on the same routes their previous 2024 Telluride handled without issue [reddit] [xxx] receptio [xxx] ) - * prestige** owners describe the sig [xxx] gnal dro [xxx] pecially common on **overcast days, under tree canopy, and near overpasses** — conditions where prior Tellurides [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

Component - rear passenger window spontaneously failed while traveling on an interstate. We suddenly heard a loud pop and then our rear passenger window shattered without warning. There was no vehicle immediately to the right of us us and nothing struck the window. We were put at risk with this sudden unexplained occurrence as we were driving on the highway at speed. Luckily, we didn't react erratically but could have. We had to pull off to the side of the road on a very busy interstate to figure out what happened. Additionally, we were fortunate that no one was in the back seat as that could have also resulted in injury if someone was sitting there. The manufacturer and dealerships have noted the incident and problem but have not claimed there is any issues. Although the dealership we had the repair done at has seen similar issues with sunroofs with this car type. In researching, we have seen that there are some class action investigations involving these types of window failure in 2020 - 2025 models (noted as rear windows and sunroofs in the investigations). We did have immediate repair of the window through a manufacturer dealership.

The sunroof wind deflector broke and as a result the sunroof was jammed open. In order to close the top I had to break the mechanism and now the sunroof, while mostly shut, still shifts free occasionally when driving.

The sunroof exploded. Nothing hit it, there was nothing wrong with it previously and it was not being used at the time it exploded. We were driving and it exploded with a loud boom.

My sunroof windscreen arm broke which in turn caused the glass to go off track. The windscreen arm is a known issue! but there is no recall. I shouldn't have to pay $7000 to fix a known problem!.

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.

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The moon roof has came off track.

I was driving the vehicle and came to a stop sign. When I accelerated to turn and drive what was a steep windy downhill road my car jerked some and the check engine light battery light and oil light came on the dash when I went to push the brakes they went all the way to the floor and the car did not stop. I continued to try the brakes and had to use the emergency break to pull up and down to stop and drive up on a hill to not crash into other vehicles I have my vehicle at kia and they are claiming there is absolutely nothing wrong with the vehicle and I am to pick it up and leave the lot. They have not offered a loaner car or shown any concerns of my safety leaving the lot. I have asked for it to be in writing, but my car is safe to leave and they are not doing so this has caused major anxiety and ptsd to even begin to drive myself and my children are very shook up over this.

May 9, 2026 opened my sunroof for first time this year. Would not open all the way. Jammed sideways. Couldn't get it shut. The arms in the track to move the window back and forth disinegrated. Slight water damage to right side headliner. Currently at glass company for repair. Need entire unit. $1,450 for a used one $5,000 for new. Are there any current recalls? 2021 kia telleride purchased new; current mileage 38,000. Will attach copy of repair order when received.

I rented a car from avis on [xxx] (a Friday) for a 24-hour rental. I rented it in manhattan, and the car (a kia Telluride) had a new york license plate [xxx] ). I drove to boston to pick up my daughter from college and then returned the car Saturday morning (xxx). The drive was fine. But when I returned the car, the attendant took the key and wrote on the window and windshield that the car had been recalled (I've uploaded photos). I complained to the rental staff that they rented me a car that had been recalled. The attendant said they apparently didn't know about the recall until I returned the car. I find that hard to believe. I checked NHTSA's website a day after I returned the car [xxx] ), and it said that the kia Telluride I rented had been recalled on February 23, 2026. The reason for the recall was because "the driver and passenger seat back frame assemblies may fail to properly restrain occupants in a crash". That's a terrifying thought. According to avis's recall policy [xxx] they're not supposed to rent the car and they are supposed to notify me about the recall. Avis did neither of these things. Luckily the trip was accident-free and my daughter and I are physically fine. But I think avis should be held accountable for allowing me to drive a rental car that may have had a higher likelihood of killing us in a crash. At the very least they didn't notify me in any way. They weren't even going to mention anything about the recall, and I had to ask about it after I saw what they wrote on the windows. I also submitted a review afterward (avis sent me a standard email asking about my experience), and I explained my frustration about them renting me a recalled car. Avis replied, but it was just a standard apology and they didn't say anything about the recall. All around a terrible experience. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

Standard vehicle component- shattered window. I was driving on highway I 275 and heard a loud sound, when I investigated I realized that the window in the second row to the right simply just shattered, glass flying everywhere.

I have hit right below my right knee on several occasions while getting in the driver's seat to drive the vehicle. The seat is all the way back. I now have 2 knots below my knee with pain.

I was driving down the highway no cars were near me in any direction and I was not near an overpass it sounded like a giant explosion. I heard glass moving around and realized something happened to my sunroof.

I was driving down the highway at approximately 70 mph, and a deer ran into the front driver's side corner of the car. The airbag fortunately didn’t deploy, but the hood flew up and covered the windshield, blocking my ability to see. I was somehow able to pull the vehicle over without being able to see. Within 30 seconds of pulling over—and while I was still in the driver's seat—I noticed flames coming out of the engine compartment. I screamed to my son to get out of the car, and within minutes the car was completely engulfed in flames. The car burned to the ground and is a total loss. I have no idea how this could have possibly happened. This shouldn't have happened from a deer. The vehicle was only 7 months old, was up to date on all required maintenance and recalls, and had approximately 11,000 miles on it. It was in perfect condition. We were able to escape, but for a moment I thought we might not be able to. We're lucky to be alive. I reported the issue to my insurance company and the manufacturer and have received no information on causation. A link to the video of the car burning is below: [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

Sunroof is stuck open after trying to retract it.

There is no incident that lead to this part breaking. My sunroof broke when it was opened. A part fell out of the assembly into the car. The sunroof will now not open fully or close fully. It's a hazard because I'm not sure if the glass is properly attached to my car and can fly off. I took this to a dealership the other day and was told this was common and not covered under warranty, costing owners thousands of dollars and days of repairs.

Standard opening of sunroof, the a part of the wind deflector snapped, without any abnormal incident or misuse. This caused the glass to be misaligned and other damage to the sunroof track. Estimated cost $6000. No warning and no prior damage for causation.

Not sure if this is electrical or engine related. . . . The vehicle has experienced multiple instances (6 times) of unexpected engine shutdown while driving, including a recent event while turning off a major roadway. During these incidents, the vehicle loses power and displays the message: “engine off – shift to p or n then start engine” this creates an immediate and dangerous situation, particularly when navigating traffic with passengers in the vehicle, including my grandchildren. Loss of engine power also impacts steering and braking assist, significantly increasing the risk of an accident. This condition intermittent and difficult to reproduce I am aware that many other owners have reported similar issues, which raises additional concern about a broader defect.

Sunroof - broken wind deflector arms.

I recently pressed the button to open the sunroof, and it only retracted a few inches before I heard a loud noise. The sunroof stopped, and simply would not go any further. Thankfully, the vehicle is garaged at home (I was stationary and heading out when this occurred), but with kia topping the list of most stolen vehicles, along with unpredictable weather, I'm sure you can understand why I was concerned about leaving my sunroof open!  after doing some research online, I found that this is a known problem with Tellurides. I took my car in as soon as possible for service to figure out what was wrong. Unfortunately, I was given an estimate of approximately $4,000 to repair. I purchased the car from fred anderson kia of raleigh, and took it to the same dealer for service and to report the issue. Video provided from service appointment: [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

Sunroof wouldn’t fully close when a rainstorm hit, causing driver panic attack. This appears to be a known issue under TSB bod-319.

I have 2 issues going on with my vehicle. The trim on the outside of my doors is coming off which I know was a recall for some Telluride vehicles about this old. Also ive been having some electrical issues/hot smell like something is burning if the heated seats get turned on.

Opened the sunroof. Used the automatic switch to close it. The sunroof jammed and would not close. It is popped up in the back. A piece on the left track broke off. The dealership wants over $6000 to repair the sunroof.

The sunroof mechanism in the vehicle jammed and broke out of the track. When my wife drove the vehicle in the interstate the sunroof began to vibrate and move around. She was afraid the glass was about to fly out and possibly hit a vehicle behind her. She had to reduce her speed excessively and my daughter had to hold on to the sunroof all the way home. The vehicle is well maintained with approx 50. 000 miles. The warranty is out and I am being told that kia will not cover the repairs. I am still trying to get customer affairs to approve a fully covered repair at no cost but it seems the are not being CO operative so far.

Opens sunroof and part broke.

Driving on the highway with no obstacles or vehicles in proximity, the sunroof spontaneously shattered. If we had the sunroof visor (slide cover) open to let in light, we would have been rained down on by thousands of glass shards while driving at highway speeds. Luckily for us, the cover acted as a barrier from the glass. This part of the sunroof is over both driver and passenger seats. The vehicle was driven to the dealership which was very close to the occurrence location and the dealership would not inspect vehicle but did do a work order stating that they would not cover exploding glass. Dealer stated that we needed to contact our insurance company but I have held off due to feeling like it would be a fraudulent claim of damage since it was not caused by an object striking our vehicle. We have documented 24 calls to case manager with kia and no action or returned calls to date. (04/07/2026). On a call with the kia 800 number, the customer representative acknowledged he had heard of numerous problems with the sunroofs exploding for no apparent reason. The vehicle had been parked inside our garage and not moved or driven since the incident waiting for someone to investigate or inspect our vehicle.

Friday, March 13, 2025, at approximately 11:50 am pst while driving on interstate 5 northbound, heard a loud explosion like a gunshot, with no vehicles in close proximity, then hearing the rush of wind, opened the interior sunroof cover, discovered the sunroof glass shattered.