2020 KIA TELLURIDE Engine Problems

Vehicle burns oil, current mileage at 169k. User manual indicates 7500-10000 miles between changes, I am original owner. Dealership service set for 5k intervals since purchase and done on time. At 99k noticed noises from engine, light rattling but couldn't replicate and couldn't pinpoint at dealership service. At 112k noticed burning oil and rattling noises when accelerating from stop. Changed to 3k oil change intervals, began using premium fuel. 1quart of oil at 0-1000 miles from oil change (had a consumption test at dealership and confirmed "normal" at 112k), sub sequential mileage burns more than 1quart between 1k intervals, can easily burn through 4-5quarts between 3k oil changes. Oil smells slightly like gasoline closer to oil change time. Outside mechanic confirmed rattling as detonation. Concerns of oil not "burning" but mixing with fuel either through oil vapors getting through PCV valve and diluting fuel octane causing rattling. Knock sensor suppresses...

The engine; I took my vehicle to be serviced at the dealership on Feb 18,2025 due to it making a weird whining noise when accelerating and/or turning causing the check engine light to appear. I was told then that my vehicle had no oil in it due to a leak in the oil housing filter. I paid $1900 to have it repaired. Then on May 20th I had to take my vehicle back to the dealership to be serviced for the same issue but this time was told that the cylinder 3 fuel injector needed to be replaced. I then paid $1200 for it to be repaired. Here it is July 21st and the same issue has happened with the diagnostic code reading Cylinder 3 fuel injector and the vehicle will cut off at any time while driving. I took my vehicle back to the dealership and was told that...

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...

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.

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)

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...

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,...

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...

On [XXX], my Kia Telluride received a warranty engine replacement at Greenway Kia East in Orlando, FL. Just two days later, on [XXX], the engine overheated while I was driving with my young child. The temperature warning light came on. I stopped immediately and opened the hood — there was no coolant in the system at all. This failure occurred immediately after a major engine replacement, suggesting that the dealer failed to fill or properly check the coolant system. I was left stranded near a daycare and had to call a third-party tow truck because Kia roadside assistance estimated a 90–120 minute wait. This put my child and me in serious danger. Despite the dealer’s clear negligence, I was sent an invoice for $1,833.77, blaming me for the damage. Upon retrieving the car on May 31, 2025, I personally checked under the hood — the coolant level was still below...

I have a 2020 Kia Telluride that I bought brand new from Kia. I have performed regular maintenance on the vehicle and performed the repairs required by any recalls. When my vehicle surpassed 75k miles, the vehicle started having issues with excessive oil consumption. I had my vehicle serviced at 75k miles with the oil changed. When my vehicle was passed 79k miles, the vehicle started stalling, piston misfiring, and engine started vibrating. I took it into the dealer, and they performed diagnostic tests. The determined pistons were working fine but my oil level was very low. This was around 4k miles after my oil change. Kia requires oil changes every 7500 miles. I had the dealer change the oil. Once again, when my vehicle was approaching 4500 miles, the vehicle started to vibrate, piston was not filing properly. I checked my oil level, and it showed very minimal oil...

Vehicle went on accessory mode while driving on the freeway. No codes were read at dealership and now they're claiming its a seized engine. They will not help me out and are claiming my extended warranty will not cover the cost due to the lack of maintenance on the vehicle. Mind you, I did my oil changes as expected using the recommended synthetic oil. Why hasn't there been a recall on this vehicle yet for the danger this creates as this is my family vehicle where I drive my newborn to and from his daycare and appointments. We are very lucky we were able to pull the vehicle to safety and to the shoulder of the freeway before an accident occurred.

My 2020 Kia Telluride completely stalled on me on my way to work. The vehicle was not smoking and it seemed like it went on accessory mode. I had the vehicle towed to Kia Dealership in Perris to get it checked out and was told by Olivia that no codes were read when doing a diagnostic and that my engine seized. I had purchased an extended warranty through AGWS. AGWS reached out to me to request the vehicle service records which I emailed over as Subject: [XXX] to [XXX] Today March 21, 2024 we receive a call from Olivia stating that my warranty will not cover the cost as they're claiming that we failed to service the car. Our vehicle was services as advised and stated using the appropriate Synthetic oil. I was informed that they would be breaking down my engine to see where it went wrong as there...

The car is a 2020 Kia Telluride. It was purchased in August 2023 at the time it was leaking oil took it back to the dealer and they replaced the housing put in a new filter and said all was good .For a year. it constantly needed oil took it back to the dealer, said that everything was fine. I would be driving and the car would stop. The oil lamp would come on and I would have to drive and put more oil in it every week. I was putting a quart of oil into the vehicle just about weekly because it seemed to be leaking oil and just a dying out. just a few days ago after putting a quart of oil in I’m driving my vehicle and all of a sudden Smoke comes out of the back a little bit out of the hood. It just stopped...

On [XXX] , my wife heard a rattling noise while driving. I verified the rattling noise on [XXX]. On [XXX], I researched online and there are a lot of 2020 Telluride owners that experienced the same issue. They mentioned they had no oil in their cars. I checked the oil that morning and confirmed my wife's car had no oil. I reviewed the manual and checked the oil again according to the instructions in the manual. The car still registered no oil in the dip stick. The car did not report any warning lights. There was no engine light or oil pressure light that came on at any point in time to indicate there was no oil in the engine. Per the instructions in the manual, I drove the vehicle carefully to the auto part store. I purchased and added 6 quarts of synthetic blend 5W 30 oil. After that,...

Our vehicle is 4 years old and has been experiencing excessive oil consumption (a quart every ~600 miles) and extreme shaking at speeds between 20-50mph. After months of trying to diagnose the issue we have been quoted a total engine and transmission replacement. After calling dealerships across the East coast for second opinions, this is a common diagnosis for our vehicle year and model and even within our small local dealership they are seeing other 2019 and 2020 Kia models experiencing failed piston rings. Kia declined our request for corporate intervention to address the issue.

My vehicle is using excessive amounts of oil. Every time I drive it, I can smell burnt oil. I took the vehicle to the dealership on 1/24/25 where they found a leak in the oil filter housing. This was repaired (same day) and the oil was topped off per the service report. After smelling the oil smell again, I checked my oil on 1/31/25 and found that the oil was marked between the min and max line on the dipstick. I have reported this to KIA and waiting to hear back. I am reading hundreds of 2020+ Telluride owners complaining of the same issue. I have had no indicator lights.

Telluride is burning a quart of oil a week… very dangerous

The truck was purchased in 2021, with no known issues. In early 2024, it was observed that the truck would struggle to accelerate and started making weird noises like it was about to stop working. The truck received its normal oil changes and no issues were identified by the dealership. In mid-2024, around June, the truck continued to act up after having the oil change completed. The truck was taken to a second mechanic who noticed that the truck was missing a lot of oil after completion of a recent oil change. I paid for another oil change and by September 2024, the truck was now leaking oil. My family's safety was jeopardized because there were no warning lights for me to check the oil or anything else. It was taken to a kia dealership who replaced the timing cannister in October 2024. By December 2024, same issues again. An...

While traveling at highway speeds between 65-75MPH the vehicle with violently shake while shifting and then lunge forward. However, during the shaking the vehicle is hard to control and feels like it is going to just shut off. This scenario primarily happens on flat roads at the above mentioned speed. However, we have noticed an issue with the vehicle while turning corners and accelerating, as well as, when going up hills or steep highway sections. The vehicle has a V6 but seems to struggle shifting when trying to accelerate even to 40-50MPH. In some instances the vehicle has labored up a hill and seemingly doesn't want to downshift and pick go faster. It seems that this issue has triggered a TSB from Kia, but the issue has potential for elevated risks for other drivers on the road. If the vehicle is unable to maintain freeway speeds or climbing speed, then...

Upon braking the vehicle would run rough and the engine would shut off completely. This was first noticed when my wife was turning into our driveway and turning across traffic. She was heading westbound and slowed down to take a left(northbound) into our driveway. Upon braking the engine started to run rough & as she accelerated to turn into the drive, the engine shut off completely. This left her stranded turned perpendicular to oncoming traffic. The oncoming traffic narrowly avoided an accident and left my wife shaken from the incident. I brought it into the dealer where after multiple days of investigating found the vehicle was 4.9l of oil low. There was no indication of low oil in the engine; no indicator light or sounding of low oil, prior to complete engine shut down. The dealership stated when the vehicle shut off, the low oil light would then turn on....

Oil pressure light failed to engage even though engine started to tick.. resuling in Valves not lubricating effectively. It took until next day for Engine to hesitate. When the Auto start feature engaged( the battery light also showed) This left me at the Lights on green, and i had to put vehicle in park to start the vehicle again. The main issue here is that the low oil sensor isnt coming on fast enough for how low the oil is ( 4 quarts low)

The engine is burning oil at a rate of a 1 quart and a half every 1000 miles if this engine locks up with my wife and kid driving this could cause an accident Kia is not standing behide this and it needs to be replaced please look into this

This 2020 Kia telluride has paint peeling in between the windshield and sun roof. I have seen tons of post of this happening to people. Kia should be held responsible for this.

Oil filter housing started leaking and had to be replaced. Although the part is part of the engine, it is not included in Kia's powertrain warranty. This is unacceptable/unreasonable and should last longer than a couple years from new. This part should be recalled and I should be reimbursed for it's replacement.

For the past year at least I've had check engine light come on and turn off before being able to get in for a diagnostic. Along with the entire engine shutting down while idling, parking, turning. Whole electrical system failure. Can't move the steering wheel. Have to restart the car and it takes a few tries. Sometimes the car will be off and will not start back up for a while.

Engine is burning oil deal ship says noting is wrong with the car so then where is the oil going if it does not have any leaks at all

We contacted Kia US after taking the Kia Telluride to a Kia service station for an oil change.The service tech told us that they were not going to do an oil change because,”the Telluride was a ticking time bomb.” This was said in front of the Kia service Mgr.We were very nervous driving the vehicle because no one explained what that meant.Shortly after the service appointment, the Telluride’s engine caught on fire.We call Kia US that same day to open up a case.We explained all the issues we had with the Telluride (windshield issues, headlight issues, main display screen issues, luggage rack issues, sunroof, drive shaft, wiper fluid filter issues), to include the engine. After paying an attorney to provide all documents that Kia US requested from us, including every oil change receipt for the Telluride, Kia US only offered to only pay for the parts for the driveshaft/engine fire...

The contact owns a 2020 Kia Telluride. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was restarted; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 95,335.

We purchased a new 2020 Kia telluride in late 2019. We purchased this vehicle because of its 100,000 mile warranty. We went the extra step and added the best extended warranty possible so we were covered for many miles and years. I have always done my own oil changes as I am a journeyman fitter and understand the mechanics of a vehicle. I kept every receipt from every oil and oil filter purchase for the last 5 years as well as a detailed log book. Around 75,000 miles we started noticing major oil consumption. Approximately 1 quart every months and then up to about a quart every 2 weeks. We also notice a huge loss in engine power and take off. My wife said she was having trouble pulling out onto hills and was very dangerous at intersections, because of the lack of power. We then took the Kia telluride...

Vehicle started on fire and burned up while parked. Fire came from the engine compartment. Unknown from exact location in engine compartment.

The contact owns a 2020 Kia Telluride. The contact stated while driving at slow speeds, the contact had driven over the tire tread from a tractor trailer. Due to the failure, several warning lights appeared on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the vehicle was serviced; however, the warning lights appeared back on the instrument panel soon after return of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic where it remained for over two weeks. The contact reached out to the mechanic and was informed that an abnormal knocking sound was coming from the engine. The mechanic then towed the vehicle to a dealer where a diagnostic test was performed. The contact was later informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 78,000.

In November of 2023 my our Kia Telluride began giving us issues. It would act as though it wanted to die/shut off while idling at stops or even during acceleration. We took it to a local mechanic that we always go to. They told us the car was 4 quarts low on oil, even though it had only been about 3,000 miles since the last oil change. Since it was under warranty called the dealer to get an appointment. They told us it would be several weeks, however, it finally did die on my wife while driving on the interstate to work one morning. She immediately called the dealer, who agreed to look at the car that week. Thus began the 5 months of back and forth to the dealer for continuous "testing". Finally, at the beginning of April 2024 we got the ok from Kia to move on the...

Engine is burning oil now has a rod knock. It’s been sitting at the dealership for two weeks, so haven’t heard anything back

*Unknown high engine oil consumption which can cause the motor to lock up (because owners aren't aware that this is a known issue with the Kia Telluride *Since Kia has not disclosed this engine issue, the can can stall while driving. *I had a Kia service person state this is a known issues. I was told Kia has yet to do a recall on the Telluride like they've done on two other Kia vehicles with the same issue. I've also had private mechanic stating the same. He ever reported since Jan 2024, he's had 4 Kia motors lock up while people were driving. He also reports the other customers have been told that nothing will be done until the motor locks up *My vehicle is currently at the dealer *No warnings. But hind sight, I am reading this is a major issue with owners

The contact owns a 2020 Kia Telluride. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle started jerking. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle displayed a message "Consider Taking a Break". The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the transmission and both front and rear axles, oil pan gasket, brakes, drive train, and engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 64,826.

Valve cover gasket leak, coolant hose leaks, passenger side axel boot slinging grease, parasitic draw

Excessive oil consumption

The torque converter is malfunctioning to where I have been unable to use my vehicle for almost 2 months. It is available for inspection, but is currently at a repair shop pending inspection to get an estimate on costs to fix the issue (if it is something that can be fixed). My safety along with my family's safety were put at risk due to the inability for the vehicle to pick up speed while driving on major highways [XXX]. During this time the check engine light came on for the 1st time, the vehicle would not properly pick up speed, continuously makes a whining noise when vehicle is on whether it's being driven or not and it shakes at various speeds. A diagnostic was completed and the code listed was for the torque converter. Since that time (1st week of February), I have not been able to drive the vehicle....

The motor was empty of oil after driving 2400 miles since the last oil change. The oil was changed on [XXX] at 102,220 miles. When the check engine light came on, I checked the oil and there was none on the dipstick on [XXX] at 104,884 miles. I had an oil consumption test run at the Kia dealership in Hickory, NC they stated I was only 1 quart low at 1,000 miles. This test was completed in September 2023. The dealership stated since I passed the first round of the oil consumption test that there was no issue with my Telluride. When the car is running, one can smell the oil burning from the exhaust. The dealership in Hickory refused to further investigate the issue. When I returned to the dealership on [XXX], they stated they would not do another oil consumption test because my 100,000 mile warranty was over....

2020 KIA TELLURIDE 41,000 miles: Engine overheated and ceased while on the freeway. Head Gasket blew, coolant hose had a hole the size of my fist on one side and the other clean split, along with cylinder 3 and 5 misfiring. I lost power and was able to go 25 mph on the freeway and lots of white smoke coming from the hood of the car. Semi trucks were slamming on their brakes to avoid hitting me as it was a dark foggy evening. The engine failure on the freeway could have easily caused multi vehicle collisions involving semi trucks resulting in casualties and loss of life. After 2 months in the shop the dealership has approved a new engine, however they don't know when they can get it in and no time frame when I will have my vehicle back. There was no warning and dealership confirmed there would...

With 40k miles on the car driving on the freeway the coolant hose burst without any warning, it didn’t come off, it was weak and split. This caused head gasket damage and cylinder 3 and 5 to misfire with coolant getting in the cylinders. It was dark and foggy out and the car was over heating due to the failures. I lost power and could only go 25mph on the freeway. Semi trucks were honking flashing their lights, passing me and one slammed on the brakes to avoid hitting me due to how dark it was. Even though I was driving with my hazards on. I pulled over as soon as I could, but had a panic attack during the ordeal planning out the best way to die. Sounds dramatic but with all the smoke coming from the car I thought it could blow or get hit by a semi....

When starting the vehicle to warm up (in colder temps) it made a squealing noise and slowly faded. Returned to drive the vehicle and there was a puddle of oil underneath. Upon inspection, it appeared that the leak was coming from between the (plastic) oil filter housing and the engine (it's connected to. This causes a concern as it could cause my engine to seize while driving (especially on freeways). Causing a collision risk and destroying the cars engine at the same time. When researching I found that this is a common (cold temp) issue among Telluride's. I attempted to call Kia service at least four times with no answer/no call back. On my fifth call attempt I was routed to the parts department and found that the part is and has been on backorder for some months now. Was told that there are over 3000 on back order to...

The vehicle has been losing oil, the dealership checked with no issues along eleith a coolant leak in the rear of the vehicle.

This vehicle only has 77,000 miles and it is burning oil like crazy. I have already had a Hyundai engine replaced on a Sonata and it was showing the same signs as this Telluride. When the Hyundai engine blew we were on the freeway and it just slowed down to a crawl as cars where flying past. Clearly if the same thing happens again it is yet another safety issue that could be avoided.

Motor was completely empty of oil 2000 miles before oil change was due. There were no warning lights. The engine continues to have oil consumption issues, requiring 2-4 quarts per week to be added. The Kia dealership in Hickory NC ran an oil consumption test and said there was nothing wrong with the vehicle and refused further investigation into the issue. They also failed to replace the housing for the oil filter properly, causing the oil to leak out. One can smell the oil burning from the exhaust when the car is running.

My mother noticed a fluid stain on the driveway and said it looked like oil. We didn't notice it at first because we parked over it. I had my husband take a look; it was oil, and our oil was low but not low enough that the check engine light came on. It started after our first freeze in Dallas, Texas, on October 31st. My husband took it up to a local guy because he thought maybe the dealership people did something when I took it up to get an estimate for the headlight high beam issue and frozen spare tire hoist. Both were covered under warranty BTW. The guy said it was the gasket to the oil pan. I took it to the dealership when the parts came in to fix the other issues, and they said the oil filter housing was cracked. It is made of plastic, which...

All of my oil changes have been done religiously at the same Kia dealer where I bought my 2020 Telluride but ever since my 1/14/23 oil change, I have experienced oil leaking from my car on and off. Was told by the dealer that the issue was faulty oem oil filters and that the o-rings weren't sitting properly. I have had a total of 8 oil changes between 1/14/23 & 10/9/23. I explained on 3/25/23, during one of my return trips to the dealer, that I didn't want my car back until they could guarantee it wasn't leaking. They had it up on the lift, ran it for a while, gave it back to me, no leaks finally! My car didn't leak between 3/25/23 & 6/10/23 when I had my next routine dealer oil change done. I also didn't experience any leaks between 6/10/23 & 9/5/23 when I had another...

Over the past 2 weeks my Telluride has stalled when restarting at a turn or sign sign 3x. I didn't take it to the mechanic yet because it restarts fine and there are no lights on the dashboard or codes so I know the mechanic would send me away. Tonight I was driving home on a local highway and heard horrific sounds coming from the car and smoke from under the hood. I pulled over to the side of the road, the lights all came on the dashboard, and the car turned itself off and would not come back on. I had to be towed. After my Telluride was up on the flatbed, the tow truck driver told me it was bad news. He pointed to some liquid and debris on the road and told me those were pieces from my engine. My engine blew up! He said it was...

We experienced an issue of the engine stalling while my wife was stopping at a stop light on multiple occasions. I did not think to check the oil as the vehicle only had about 60k miles at the time. After taking it to KIA here in Jacksonville NC they told us our oil was low and adivsed us to choose the most expensive oil change, i obliged with obvious reservations. After the oil change was completed they wanted it back right at 1,000 miles later to check the oil level. When we brought it back in they said it is within normal limits. I find it hard to believe that an engine should be burning oil this soon when we have kept up with routine maintenance by the dealership since we purchased the vehicle. I am now at a spot where I am adding checking/adding oil until we can get...