2020 Kia Telluride Reliability Score & Common Problems

Owners report that the 2020 Kia Telluride frequently experiences excessive oil consumption, with some vehicles burning over a quart of oil every 1,000 miles. Common symptoms include a lack of oil warning lights, engine knocking, and eventual engine failure due to running dry. These issues typically emerge around 65,000 to 118,000 miles. Safety implications are noted, with reports of engine stalling and loss of power steering and braking, potentially leading to dangerous situations. Prospective buyers should be aware of these recurring engine concerns, especially in vehicles with higher mileage.

Owners of the 2020 Kia Telluride frequently report issues with excessive oil consumption and torque converter problems. Symptoms commonly described include engine misfires, check engine lights with specific codes (e.g., P0300, P0741), and transmission slipping or hesitation, often noted around 100,000 miles. Multiple complaints highlight safety implications, including a crash resulting in a fatality and incidents of engine stalling or power loss. Buyers should be aware of these recurring problems and the potential for significant repair costs, even under warranty coverage.

Owners report several electrical issues with the 2020 Kia Telluride, with common problems including non-starting vehicles often accompanied by a "Check ESC" warning and repeated clicking sounds. Complaints frequently mention erratic infotainment systems, such as screens turning green, which impacts backup camera functionality. Multiple owners describe issues with power windows rolling down unexpectedly and power folding mirrors getting stuck. Some complaints involve significant safety implications, including fires and a crash, with a few incidents involving engine stalling and loss of power while driving. These issues often arise in vehicles with mileage under 75,000 miles, and some owners note difficulty in obtaining timely repairs.

Owners of the 2020 Kia Telluride frequently report issues related to steering, often accompanied by electrical system malfunctions. Multiple complaints describe scenarios where the steering becomes extremely difficult or locks up entirely, sometimes coinciding with dashboard warning lights and failures in displaying speed or turn signals. These issues tend to appear at various mileage points, with one owner noting problems starting around 60,000 miles. Safety concerns are highlighted by reports of compromised steering and braking, as well as a case involving injury due to a malfunctioning rear seat. Buyers should be aware of these potential steering and electrical issues, which can severely impact vehicle control and safety.

Owners report multiple issues with the braking system of the 2020 Kia Telluride, with a notable pattern of spongy brakes that often require pumping to function effectively. Complaints frequently mention brake pedals extending to the floorboard and unresponsive braking, sometimes accompanied by illuminated ABS warning lights. These issues appear across a range of mileages, with some occurring as early as 37,950 miles. A crash is reported due to brake failure, highlighting a significant safety concern. Additionally, several owners describe uneven brake pad wear, particularly in the rear, suggesting potential complications with the parking brake or brake sensor failures.

Owners report issues with the 2020 Kia Telluride's vehicle speed control, particularly involving unintended acceleration and loss of responsiveness from the accelerator. Complaints frequently mention instances where the vehicle either accelerates unexpectedly, such as while using adaptive cruise control, or becomes unresponsive, with the engine running but the accelerator failing to engage. Two incidents resulted in crashes, one of which involved an injury, and occurred at approximately 28,000 miles and with unknown mileage. These issues present notable safety concerns, including loss of control and collision risks, which potential buyers should consider.

Owners of the 2020 Kia Telluride report issues with air bag functionality, particularly in scenarios involving vehicle crashes. One complaint describes a crash at approximately 60 mph where the air bags failed to deploy, resulting in an injury. The tow driver noted that the airbag sensor was not connected. Another report involves a crash where air bags were removed for repairs, but replacements were unavailable. These complaints highlight potential safety implications, especially during high-impact collisions. Buyers considering a used Telluride should be aware of these reports and may want to investigate the air bag system's condition and history.