Kia Telluride 1
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 295 hp.
The 3.8L Lambda II V6 is a naturally aspirated workhorse shared with the Hyundai Palisade and Genesis Coupe. Smooth power delivery and solid torque for a three-row SUV. GDI carbon buildup requires walnut blasting around 80k miles. Oil consumption can creep up past 100k — monitor levels between changes. Valve clearance adjustment every 60k miles is mandatory (no hydraulic lifters).
- !! High oil consumption — piston ring wear from 110,000 km
The 3.8L Lambda II GDI develops elevated oil consumption past 100,000 miles. Stuck piston rings from carbon deposits are the usual culprit. Some owners report burning 1 quart per 1,000 miles or worse. Kia considers up to 1 qt/1,000 mi 'normal' — engine replacement may be needed in severe cases.
Symptoms: Low oil level warnings between changes, blue-grey exhaust smoke on startup, oil smell in cabin, engine knocking or ticking in advanced stages. - !! Valve Spring Fatigue Fracture (Recall 24V-077)
Manufacturing defect in valve springs from supplier Daewonkangup causes fatigue cracking. Broken spring can punch through engine block creating fire risk. Recall covers 2,872 units of 2024 Telluride built Oct–Dec 2023. Full engine sub-assembly replacement at no cost.
Symptoms: Sudden complete loss of drive power, loud metallic bang, check engine light, potential engine compartment fire - !! GDI carbon buildup on intake valves from 80,000 km
Direct injection means no fuel wash on the intake valves. Carbon deposits accumulate and restrict airflow, causing rough idle and power loss. Walnut blasting is the standard fix and should be considered preventive maintenance around 80,000 miles.
Symptoms: Rough idle, hesitation on acceleration, slight misfire feel, reduced fuel economy.
+ 5 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 21 weaknesses have been documented for the Kia Telluride 1 (2020–2025) — 8 engine-related and 13 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Body, Electronics, Interior, Gearbox.
Telluride (G6DJ, 2020–2025) — Be Careful: High oil consumption — piston ring wear, Valve Spring Fatigue Fracture (Recall 24V-077), GDI carbon buildup on intake valves. 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
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Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee