Notable Issues

2020 KIA TELLURIDE Problems

Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2020 Kia Telluride. This model year has 694 NHTSA complaints β€” top issue: Headlight/Taillight Failures.

694
Complaints
8
Crashes
7
Fires
10
Injuries
1
Deaths
6
Recalls

Before you buy β€” check the actual VIN

This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about the specific car β€” accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls.

Worst 2020 Kia Telluride Problems

Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.

#1
181
complaints

Headlight/Taillight Failures

Crash-related:2
#2
135
complaints

Visibility/Wiper

Crash-related:1
#3
130
complaints

Uncategorized Issues

Crash-related:1
Fires:3
Injuries:3

Considering a 2020 Kia Telluride?

This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about this specific car β€” accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99 (vs. Carfax $44.99).

All Problems by Category

Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2020 Kia Telluride. A single complaint may appear in multiple categories.

ComponentComplaintsCrashesFiresAvg MileageVolume
Headlight/Taillight Failures1812β€”β€”
Visibility/Wiper1351β€”β€”
Uncategorized Issues13013β€”
Engine Problems124β€”3β€”
Transmission / Drivetrain6311β€”
Structural Problems46β€”β€”β€”
Electrical Faults4513β€”
Suspension Failures29β€”β€”β€”
Visibility17β€”β€”β€”
Fuel/Propulsion System13β€”β€”β€”
Brake System121β€”β€”
Unintended Acceleration112β€”β€”
Seat-Related Issues10β€”1β€”
Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB81β€”β€”
Steering Defects7β€”β€”β€”
Seat Belt Issues4β€”β€”β€”
Back Over Prevention3β€”β€”β€”
Lane Departure3β€”1β€”
Airbag Malfunctions31β€”β€”
Trailer Hitches3β€”1β€”
Parking-Brake Issues2β€”β€”β€”
Child Seat1β€”β€”β€”
Wheel Issues1β€”β€”β€”
Door Lock Issues1β€”β€”β€”
Hydraulic11β€”β€”

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.

Search Owner Complaints

Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2020 Kia Telluride. Type a keyword (e.g. β€œtransmission”, β€œstalling”, β€œbrakes”) to filter.

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Showing 400 most recent complaints of 694 total. View all on NHTSA β†—

Engine ProblemsApr 16, 2026

I was driving, no warning lights came on, and the car just stopped. Had it towed to a local mechanic and was told the engine froze.

Electrical FaultsApr 13, 2026

Oil leak that I’ve put so much effort in getting fixed or replaced and nothing is working. The seat belts suck. The seats are ripped.

Transmission / DrivetrainApr 9, 2026

While driving on a highway at approximately 50 mph, the vehicle suddenly lost acceleration without warning and was unable to exceed approximately 10–15 mph. This created a dangerous situation requiring immediate maneuvering across multiple lanes of traffic to reach safety. At th…

Engine ProblemsApr 9, 2026

The contact owns a 2020 Kia Telluride. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH, the vehicle stalled and lost automotive power. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was unable to restart and was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with battery and st…

Visibility/WiperApr 9, 2026

Windshield spontaneously cracked. I know it was spontaneous because the car was parked and I was near it for the full hour, nothing hit the windshield and when I got back in the car the windshield was cracked.

Uncategorized IssuesApr 5, 2026

The sunroof mechanism in the vehicle jammed and broke out of the track. When my wife drove the vehicle in the interstate the sunroof began to vibrate and move around. She was afraid the glass was about to fly out and possibly hit a vehicle behind her. She had to reduce her speed…

Engine ProblemsApr 3, 2026

The contact owns a 2020 Kia Telluride. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost automotive power with the check engine and other unknown warning lights illuminated. Additionally, the vehicle stalled several times and with several unknown warnings …

Uncategorized IssuesApr 2, 2026

Opened the sunroof. Used the automatic switch to close it. The sunroof jammed and would not close. It is popped up in the back. A piece on the left track broke off. The dealership wants over $6000 to repair the sunroof.

Headlight/Taillight FailuresApr 1, 2026

The contact owns a 2020 Kia Telluride. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the high beam headlights failed to illuminate as intended, and the vehicle shuddered before losing automotive power. No warning light was illuminated. In addition, the contact stated t…

Uncategorized IssuesMar 26, 2026

I am the original owner of a 2020 Kia Telluride. The white paint on the car is coming off in huge pieces all over the front. The primer is still attached to the metal. Huge chunks are coming off as we drive it. We have spoke to the dealership and Kia corporate as well and they d…

Transmission / DrivetrainMar 25, 2026

My transmission failed at 95k miles and was available for inspection at a fee. My safety was at risk since my car was jerking on the highway and I had to quickly pull over while the car slowed down in a fast and high trafficked area. The problem has been an ongoing issue especial…

Transmission / DrivetrainMar 16, 2026

Description of Defect: My 2020 Kia Telluride experienced catastrophic engine failure and excessive oil consumption, which is a known issue for this model year (to the point that I had to sell it just 1 year after I bought it). The vehicle consumes oil at an alarming rate without …

Structural ProblemsMar 16, 2026

the paint, it is flaking and rusting underneath. yes it is avail for inspection the paint flakes off in sheets while driving down the road it has been seen by the local dealership i first started noticing it when i was washing the vehicle.

Engine ProblemsMar 16, 2026

I have been having issues with excessive oil consumption . No warning signs or notifications . Also had an issue with my car stopping in the middle of the road which could have been related to the above problem per my mechanic.

Structural ProblemsMar 13, 2026

Peal white paint peeling off in large patches started above the windshield, not the hood.

Transmission / DrivetrainMar 12, 2026

The engine is stalling, knocking and the check engine light will occasionally come on. You can smell carbon monoxide and hot oil. We are having to add a quart of oil weekly.

Uncategorized IssuesMar 12, 2026

Vehicle began shifting really hard and the rpm meter started going way up and down really fast. The check engine light also came on. It caused difficulties with control of the vehicle. Vehicle was parked and taken to a mechanic so said the issue was the torque converter and that …

Transmission / DrivetrainMar 11, 2026

My 2020 Kia Telluride EX experienced a sudden engine shutoff / loss of motive power while driving in traffic. The vehicle stopped in the roadway, would not immediately restart, and restarted later after sitting. This was not normal stop/start operation, the car shut down. No low-…

Fuel/Propulsion SystemMar 9, 2026

the car burns through oil at an absurd rate- no warning and then shakes when coming to a stop, then completely stalls and shuts off at stop lights and stop signs. I was stuck in an intersection with my two kids in the car. the car stinks of gasoline and does not seem right. Kia …

Engine ProblemsMar 4, 2026

2020 KIA Telluride failed oil consumption test. Available for inspection upon request. A vehicle running on no oil will cause an engine to seize putting myself and others at risk. Confirmed problem by KIA. I have documentation of 3 oil consumption tests performed on my 2020 KIA …

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Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2020 Kia Telluride.

Recalls for 2020 Kia Telluride

6 campaigns

NHTSA recall campaigns for the 2020 Kia Telluride. Recalls are free to fix at any authorized dealer. Run a VIN check below to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.

19V594000Invalid Date
SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER

20V436000Invalid Date
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

22V626000Invalid Date
TRAILER HITCHES

24V148000Invalid Date
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

24V214000Invalid Date
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT

24V407000May 6, 2024
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:POWER ADJUST

Other Kia Telluride Years

2026202520242023202220212020

2020 Kia Telluride β€” FAQ

Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.

Is the 2020 Kia Telluride reliable?β–Ύ

Notable Issues. The 2020 Kia Telluride has 694 NHTSA owner complaints, 8 crash-related, and 6 recall campaigns. The most reported issue is Headlight/Taillight Failures (181 complaints). Source: NHTSA via VinSpector AI.

What are the most common problems with the 2020 Kia Telluride?β–Ύ

#1: Headlight/Taillight Failures (181 complaints). #2: Visibility/Wiper (135 complaints). #3: Uncategorized Issues (130 complaints)

At what mileage do problems start on the 2020 Kia Telluride?β–Ύ

Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.

How safe is the 2020 Kia Telluride?β–Ύ

The 2020 Kia Telluride has 8 crash-related complaints and 7 fire reports out of 694 total NHTSA complaints. 10 injuries were reported. For NCAP lab crash test star ratings, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Does the 2020 Kia Telluride have any recalls?β–Ύ

Yes β€” 6 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2020 Kia Telluride. The largest issue: SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.

Should I buy a 2020 Kia Telluride?β–Ύ

The 2020 Kia Telluride has notable issues β€” review the top problems before buying. Pay particular attention to Headlight/Taillight Failures issues. Always run a VIN check on the specific car you're considering to check for accident history, open recalls, and title brands.

Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.

Wider context: See the full Kia Telluride reliability report with year-by-year comparison.

Check Your Specific 2020 Kia Telluride

Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car β€” accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99.