The Kia Telluride has only been on the road for a few years, and it has generally been a reliable SUV for many owners. But some common issues with a problematic collision avoidance system and windshields that easily crack have cropped up as well as some recalls for safety equipment.
Key Points
- There are a fair number of Kia Telluride owners who have reported issues with chipped or cracked windshields.
- A class-action lawsuit was filed in 2020 and Kia has offered goodwill replacements to some owners, but the issue does not appear to be completely resolved.
- There have also been reports by owners of issues related to the collision avoidance system. Kia says the issue may be related to the forward-facing camera.
- There is only two recalls for the 2020 Telluride, and one each for the 2021 and 2022 models. Interestingly, none apply to more than a single model year.
- Thankfully, the recalls are relatively minor, including for a glitchy LCD screen, and should not affect the reliability of the vehicle.
- While there are some common problems with the Telluride, most of them are merely inconveniences and won’t leave you stranded.
The Most Consistent Complaint Telluride Owners Have is About Cracked Windshields
One of the most complained-about issues with the Kia Telluride is about windshields that easily crack.
Of the 207 complaints currently lodged with the NHTSA about the 2020 Telluride, roughly half are related to this issue.
Owners report having replaced the windshield multiple times on vehicles no more than four years old. Apparently, even a small chip can quickly spread and become a crack.
Many 2020 Telluride owners have even reported that this issue can occur without damage from road debris. Kia has not yet issued a recall for the issue.
Kia Telluride Owners Have Also Made Complaints About the Collision Avoidance System Malfunctioning
All model years of the Telluride are affected by a problematic collision avoidance system that randomly stops working. It is usually caused by a malfunctioning forward-facing camera.
According to Kia, this malfunction can render a wide array of advanced safety systems inoperable, including the cruise control, lane departure warning, and forward collision-avoidance assist.
Kia has issued several technical service bulletins about the issue and has replaced many of the malfunctioning cameras under warranty.
Four Recalls for the Kia Telluride Relate to Safety Equipment and Electrical Issues
The Kia Telluride has a total of four recalls unique to each model year.
The 2020 model has two recalls. One is for inoperative trailer brake lights, and another for seat belts that may not adequately secure a child seat in a crash.
The 2021 Kia Telluride has just one recall, over an airbag occupant detection system that may not detect a child seat in the front seat. This could lead to the airbag activating in a crash and injuring the child.
The 2022 Kia Telluride also has one recall over an LCD screen that may remain blank after vehicle startup due to a software issue. A software update resolves the issue.
Though it Has a Few Problems, the Kia Telluride Won’t Leave You Stranded
The Kia Telluride made its debut in 2019 as a 2020 model. It has been a fast seller ever since, with over 225,000 units sold.
While there have certainly been some issues since its introduction, the Telluride remains a reliable midsize SUV for many owners.
Kia seems to be aware of the issues that owners are currently experiencing with the SUV and has been actively addressing most of them.
Photos: Kia
