Kia Telluride 1 — Problems & Common Faults
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
The Telluride (2020–2025) launched to critical acclaim and immediately became one of America's most desired 3-row SUVs. Consumer Reports gave it the highest-ever launch score. Then came 6 recalls, 191 TSBs, and 888+ NHTSA complaints on the 2020 alone — a new-platform debugging story that took until 2022 to resolve.
One engine, one transmission: 3.8L Lambda II GDI V6 (291 hp) + 8-speed automatic. The Lambda II is fundamentally sound — not the ticking-time-bomb Theta II (Optima/Sorento). No catastrophic rod bearing failures. Key weaknesses are GDI-specific: carbon buildup on intake valves (walnut blast at ~80,000 miles, $400–$700) and oil consumption (1 qt per 1,000–1,500 miles in severe cases, Kia's "normal" threshold is 1 qt/1,000 mi). Plastic oil filter housing cracks when overtightened — inspect during any pre-purchase.
The windshield is the generation's defining quality complaint — chips and cracks under normal driving, replacement windshields crack identically. Class action *Sanchez v. Kia* certified February 2025 (10 states, 2020–2023). Replacement: $1,000–$1,200 (ADAS recalibration required).
Critical recalls: AWD driveshaft rollaway (SC303, 427,407 vehicles, 2020–2024 — intermediate shaft not fully engaged, vehicle rolls from PARK, 6 injuries). Power seat motor fire (June 2024, 462,869 vehicles — motor overheats even while parked). Transmission shudder at 45–55 MPH (torque converter lock-up clutch, TSBs SA428/SA490, converter replacement $2,500–$4,500 out of warranty, onset 25,000–60,000 miles).
Test-drive checklist: 45–55 MPH light throttle for 30 seconds (buzz = converter shudder), windshield chips under sunlight, oil level cold (low = consumption), high beams at night (2020–2021 heat-damaged shield gear), confirm SC303 driveshaft + seat fire recalls closed by VIN.
2026 market: 2020 any trim $28,000–$35,000 (avoid unless heavily discounted). 2022 EX AWD $36,000–$42,000 (sweet spot). 2025 $44,000–$52,000. No 2026 model — Kia skipped to a fully redesigned 2027. Insider pick: 2022 EX AWD with verified recall history — post-software-fix transmission, under $40,000, cleanest first-gen year.
Engine Overview
The Kia Telluride 1 is available with one engine variant at 291 hp.
The 3.8-liter V6 (Lambda II) uses gasoline direct injection and an Atkinson cycle, driven by a timing chain rather than a belt. Because GDI engines never wash the intake valves with fuel, carbon deposits build up there over time — periodic cleaning helps prevent rough idle and misfires. Oil level should be watched between service intervals, since measurable oil consumption has been documented on this engine. A knock-sensor monitoring system tracks connecting rod bearings for early wear and triggers a reduced-power mode when irregular vibration patterns are detected. Strict adherence to the manufacturer's maintenance schedule with the specified oil grade matters more than usual on this engine.
- !! Valve spring fracture (2024 recall)
On a narrow batch of 2024 model-year units (Kia Telluride built 10/2023–12/2023, Hyundai Palisade built 08/2023–10/2023), valve springs damaged during manufacturing can fracture from fatigue cracking while driving and damage the engine.
Symptoms: Sudden loss of drive power, violent shaking or stalling; in the worst case a broken valve spring punches a hole through the engine block. - !! Elevated oil consumption from piston rings from 129,000 km
Between roughly 70,000 and 90,000 miles, oil consumption climbs measurably, in pronounced cases up to about a quart per 1,000 miles. Sticking oil control rings caused by carbon deposits are the underlying cause.
Symptoms: Oil level drops noticeably between service intervals, burnt-oil smell at idle, blue smoke on cold start; an unnoticed low oil level can lead to engine damage up to total failure. - !! Connecting rod bearing wear with knock-sensor monitoring
A knock-sensor monitoring system detects vibration patterns from early connecting rod bearing wear and triggers code P1326 with a reduced-power limp mode. Once bearing wear is confirmed, a full engine replacement is usually required.
Symptoms: Continuously blinking check engine light, noticeable power loss, RPM limited to roughly 1,800-2,000 in limp mode; often combined with an audible knock alongside elevated oil consumption.
+ 2 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Panoramic glass roof shatters spontaneously Multiple documented NHTSA complaints for the Telluride describe the panoramic glass roof exploding without external impact while driving at highway speeds, showering glass shards into the cabin. Pattern documented across 2022–2023 model years. Symptoms: Loud explosion followed by glass shards throughout the interior; glass fractures with no visible external impact. from 30,000 km | High | |
| Windshield prone to cracking and chipping A widespread defect on 2020-2022 Tellurides — windshields chip easily and cracks propagate rapidly across the glass, often requiring full replacement within months. A class action lawsuit was filed, and Kia offered goodwill replacements on some early models. Over 100 NHTSA reports for 2020-2021 alone. Symptoms: Small stone chip quickly grows into a long crack spanning the windshield, often from the bottom edge upward. from 20,000 km | Medium | |
| Thin paint — chips easily from road debris The Telluride's paint is notably thin with minimal clear coat layers. Stone chips appear within months of ownership, particularly on the hood and front bumper. PPF (paint protection film) is strongly recommended. Kia does not cover paint chipping under warranty. Symptoms: Visible stone chips on hood and bumper after highway driving, paint flaking at chip edges, primer showing through. from 15,000 km | High |
Top Reported Issues
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Known Problems and Issues +
A total of 22 weaknesses have been documented for the Kia Telluride 1 (2020–2025) — 5 engine-related and 17 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Body, Electronics, Interior, Gearbox.
Telluride (G6DN, 2020–2025) — Be Careful: Valve spring fracture (2024 recall), Elevated oil consumption from piston rings, Connecting rod bearing wear with knock-sensor monitoring. Power: 291 PS.
What to watch out for with the Kia Telluride? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.
Frequently Asked Questions
What problems and weaknesses does the Kia Telluride 1 have? +
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Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee