2024 Kia Telluride Complaints

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM — Filed 10/15/2026

The digital instrument panel cluster went completely black and dead upon vehicle startup, leaving me with zero visibility of my speedometer, safety alerts, or fuel levels while trying to operate the vehicle. Even with completing a short drive, turning off the car for a few minutes and turning it back on, the instrument panel was completely black (3 restarts in an hour period). Approximate mileage of 38,000. I took it to University Kia in Waco, TX who stated that 3-4 other vehicles of various models came in with the same issue recently. They are keeping the vehicle for repairs under the warranty.

POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 09/30/2026

While driving the vehicle on the highway attempting to pass a vehicle at 75 mph the car unexpectedly shut completely off. We had to swerve between 2 vehicles narrowly avoiding an accident and the car would not turn back on. Towed to Kia dealership and was told it was simply a sensor that "talks" to the key fob which caused the car to shut off without warning. Dealership claimed it was fixed but there was no warning lights or notice of the failure. Since the dealership "fixed" the issue now the car is continuously running a check engine failure code and now the dealership claims it's the catalytic converters failing and needing to be replaced. Vehicle was inspected by the Kia dealership that it was purchased from.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 09/22/2026

I was driving down the highway and heard a loud pop. I looked at my windshield and did not see any cracks. I looked at the back windshield and could see pieces coming down. I didn't know what it was still and could hear air coming from somewhere in my car. I open the screen to my sunroof and there was a hole and shattered glass. There were no large trucks around. There were a couple of cars but they were to the right side of my car, two lanes over. Nothing hit my sunroof. The glass exploded. It was Sept 22nd at 9:30am. I looked it up online and this is a common problem with Kia Tellurides. I contacted Gay Family Kia and they would not replace it. They contacted Kia manufacture and they would not cover it. The maintenance person at Gay Family Kia looked at it and took a picture when he submitted it to Kia. There were no warning signals. I think the heat that is trapped between the glass and screen of the sunroof cause this. There needs to be a protective film on there. I tried to upload a photo but it would not proceed with it. It was a small file and a jpg. It is going to cost abt $900 to replace. I am getting it done Saturday so I don't have an invoice yet.

SERVICE BRAKES — Filed 09/06/2026

While driving the vehicle on the highway, as I was exiting the off ramp, when applying the brake pedal it completely failed and went to the floor with no stopping. I rapidly began pumping the brake pedal and slowly the brakes began to work in time to stop at the bottom of the off ramp. The vehicle then displayed an error: “ I have a Kia 2024 telluride EX. as we were driving the brakes suddenly went out and recovered enough to stop. now when starting the car it comes up with an error “Downhill brake control disabled. control vehicle speed”. We contacted KIa warranty and had the vehicle towed to the dealer.

Chest Clip, Buckle, Harness — Filed 09/22/2026

I purchased my CYBEX Callisto G 360 on April 26, 2025. The harness does not stay tight: after I pull the adjuster strap to tighten it and let go, I can pull on the shoulder straps and they loosen again without pressing the harness release button. I’m concerned the harness adjuster is not holding the restraint securely, so I have stopped using the seat. It's extremely dangerous for this component to be failing.

VISIBILITY — Filed 09/18/2026

The contact owns a 2024 Kia Telluride. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the sunroof glass fractured, and the glass pieces blew outward. The dealer was contacted by phone and made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 14,200.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 09/02/2026

The left side of my screen where speed, gas and other essential safety features will not show

STRUCTURE — Filed 08/23/2026

I hear rattling/loud squeaking coming from liftgate rear door internally when driving. It has been noticed since purchasing the vehicle new.

SERVICE BRAKES — Filed 08/03/2026

On August 3, 2026, while operating my 2024 Kia Telluride, I experienced a catastrophic and total failure of the service braking system. Without warning, the brake pedal went straight to the floorboard with zero hydraulic pressure or stopping power, resulting in a crash into trees. ​The vehicle was towed to Gerber Collision for accident repairs. While the exterior body damage was repaired, the body shop is not equipped for internal hydraulic or component failure analysis. Furthermore, Kia America has been notified of this critical safety defect but is refusing to cover the diagnostic/inspection fees to investigate the underlying root cause under warranty, attempting to pass the cost onto the consumer. ​This is a severe, life-threatening safety defect involving a total loss of brakes on a nearly new vehicle. I request that NHTSA log this complaint and investigate potential systemic hydraulic or master cylinder defects in the 2024 Kia Telluride platform.

STRUCTURE,SEATS — Filed 07/28/2025

The contact owns a 2024 Kia Telluride. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 26V430000 (Seats) and 25V494000 (Structure); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available, even though the recall narrative stated that parts were available. The local dealer was contacted and stated that the recall repairs would not be performed. No reasons were given for why the recall repairs would not be performed. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

SEATS — Filed 08/20/2026

The contact owns a 2024 Kia Telluride. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V430000 (Seats); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM — Filed 08/17/2026

The cluster screen on my 2024 Telluride is BLACK when I turned it on today. No issues prior and turning the car off and on does not help. I cannot see my fuel gauge, speed, winshield wiper speed, tire air levels, what gear I am in nothing. I contacted dealer and they have heard of no issues and cannot get me in for repairs until at least two weeks. I feel this is very unsafe since I am not sure of my speed or my fuel level! There was no warning whatsoever, just a black screen.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SEATS — Filed 08/06/2026

The contact owns a 2024 Kia Telluride. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V430000 (Seats); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle experienced a failure to start. The contact charged the remote battery pack, and a technician jump-started the vehicle at the residence. While attempting to schedule an appointment with the dealer, the contact was informed that the recall repair could not be completed. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that parts were anticipated to be available by the end of August 2026. The failure mileage was approximately 34,000.

SEATS — Filed 08/10/2026

I am submitting this complaint regarding a serious safety concern involving my Kia Telluride and the recalled front power seat motor/fire hazard. We are parents of three children, and this vehicle is used to transport our family. We are extremely concerned about the potential for a vehicle fire caused by the defective seat motor and the fact that the issue has not been adequately remedied. Kia has previously issued a recall addressing the potential for the front power seat motor to overheat, melt, and potentially cause a fire. Despite the previous recall and attempted remedy, Kia has now issued another recall concerning the same or substantially similar safety issue. This raises serious concerns regarding the effectiveness of the original remedy and whether affected vehicles were actually made safe after the initial recall repair. According to information from NHTSA, vehicles affected by this issue have experienced incidents involving melted seat motors and seat fires. NHTSA has also advised owners of affected vehicles to park outside and away from structures because of the potential fire risk. As parents of three children, we find this particularly alarming. A vehicle fire is an extremely serious safety hazard, and the possibility of a fire developing in or around the seating area presents an unacceptable risk to our family. If a fire were to occur while our children were passengers, evacuating three children from the vehicle could be extremely difficult and dangerous. Our concern is not simply that the vehicle requires a repair. Our concern is that a known safety defect has already been subject to a recall and remedy, yet the safety issue has apparently continued or required another recall. Consumers who complied with the original recall should be able to reasonably rely on the manufacturer and its authorized repair facilities to have corrected the safety defect. 2024 Telluride 5XYP3DGC6RG524189

POWER TRAIN — Filed 08/08/2026

our transmission not shifting to next gear on highway acceleration— RPM"s climbs but speed doesn't match—is a serious drivability and safety issue. My car was in the dealership for this problem and it has returned. my wife was entering a highway and RPM's increased and t .transmission wouldn't shit to the next gear.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE,SERVICE BRAKES — Filed 08/03/2026

Driving and brakes malfunctioned and would not stop causing an accident into a tree

SEATS — Filed 02/01/2026

SUBJECT: SAFETY RECALL DENIAL APPEAL: Pinched Seat Harness Fire Hazard - 2024 Kia Telluride VIN: [XXX] KIA case #:XXX TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN, I am filing an urgent safety appeal regarding a refusal by my local dealership to repair a severe fire hazard on my 2024 Kia Telluride. This vehicle is experiencing the exact failure mode detailed in federal safety recalls regarding the front passenger power seat wiring. The dealership has denied coverage by claiming rodent damage. However, the official photograph provided to me by the dealership’s own service department completely disproves the claim and confirms a manufacturing/design defect: 1. CLEAR MECHANICAL FLATTENING: The first wire in the harness is severely flattened and shows distinct mechanical abrasion and rubbing marks across its surface. The insulation is pressed flat, which can only happen under the immense pressure of the moving metal seat frame or track. 2. ELONGATED CUT AND SHEARED: The second wire directly behind it features a clean, continuous one-inch cut where the rubber insulation has been completely stripped away exposing the live circuit. 3. NO BIOLOGICAL EVIDENCE: There are no jagged chew marks, frayed insulation fibers, nesting materials, or pest droppings anywhere in the area or vehicle itself. This is an undeniable case of the seat mechanism pinching, rubbing, and exposing the wiring harness during normal operation, leading to a direct short circuit and blown fuses. Leaving a live, exposed wire beneath a moving power seat presents an immediate thermal and fire risk to my family. I requested that Kia Corporate immediately override this dealership assessment and to dispatch a Field Technical Specialist if necessary, and authorize the complete replacement of the damaged wiring harness under the active safety recall and factory warranty. They also wanted to repair this wire by using liquid rubber, which is totally unacceptable and I refused. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE — Filed 01/09/2026

Jan 2026 I was driving into my workplace that is an inclined driveway. Released pressure from gas pedal and telluride began accelerating despite release of gas pedal. I ended up going through the building and lots of damage to both vehicle and building. After it was repaired there were two more instances this happened once while in a parking lot and at a slow speed. Vehicle has been at dealership since March and is in an active case due to kia saying they found nothing wrong with it although it is unsafe to drive

SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE — Filed 05/09/2026

I was operating a 2024 Kia Telluride and was fully stopped in traffic when my vehicle was rear-ended by another vehicle. Immediately after the impact, my vehicle experienced apparent unintended forward propulsion/movement despite my braking attempts. Following the collision, the vehicle continued moving/driving forward for approximately 20 seconds and did not respond normally to brake input. The behavior created a loss-of-control situation and significantly increased the risk of secondary collisions, injury to vehicle occupants, nearby motorists, and pedestrians. I was unable to immediately stop the vehicle despite attempting to do so. The exact failed component has not yet been definitively identified; however, the incident appears potentially related to malfunction or unintended operation of one or more of the following systems: * drivetrain/transmission engagement, * electronic throttle control, * braking system, * powertrain control module, * or Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). The vehicle should be inspected for: * Event Data Recorder (EDR) data, * diagnostic trouble codes, * throttle/brake command activity, * drivetrain engagement data, * and post-collision electronic system behavior. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. At this time, the issue has not yet been reproduced intentionally. The vehicle has not yet been fully evaluated or confirmed by a Kia dealer or independent repair facility for the specific unintended movement condition. The vehicle is expected to undergo inspection and diagnostic review as soon as the Progressive adjuster issues the acceptance/approval letter. The vehicle will then be observed by insurance representatives, and collision repair personnel, as part of the accident and claim process. Prior to the collision and unintended movement event, there were no known warning lamps, dashboard alerts, or noticeable drivability symptoms indicating

UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES — Filed 11/08/2025

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? I put the car in park, then turned off the vehicle, and removed my seatbelt. The car then began rolling back on its own. When I hit the break, it did not work to stop or slow the vehicle. Instead, the break hit the floor, and was "floppy". The car then crashed. The vehicle appears to have experienced a "roll-away event" despite being in Park and off. (a term I learned from the prior 2024 Telluride recall, my VIN was not included). • The brake pedal went to the floor and did not stop or slow the vehicle as expected, and felt “floppy” with no normal resistance. • The electronic parking brake / brake actuator did not appear to engage (no sound, no holding force). How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? I had removed my seatbelt, so I sustained whiplash and other bodily harm from crashing into our house. Had I stepped out of the car, i could have been pulled underneath it. It also crashed/crushed into our grill which could have caused an explosion. And most importantly, it could have been fatal to my daughters (22 months and 4yr) who usually stand (95% of the time or more) where the car crashed, waiting for me to get out of the car. My dogs also roam the drive way and it could have runover them as well. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? I have notified KIA customer support and am waiting their response for further steps. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? NO, not yet. (see above) Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? The brakes have malfunctioned a few times during reversing or driving. The auto stop has engaged itself when there was no danger of hitting anything, and has once stopped in the middle of an intersection, on its own.

ENGINE — Filed 10/23/2025

The contact owned a 2024 Kia Telluride. The contact stated that, while the vehicle was turned off in her driveway, she observed flames emanating from the interior of the vehicle on the driver's side. No warning lights were illuminated. Local emergency services arrived and were able to extinguish the flames. The contact was later informed that firefighters on scene believed that the fire originated at the driver's seat. The vehicle was towed to a storage facility and deemed a total loss by the contact's insurance provider. A fire report was filed. A police report was filed, and injuries were not reported. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V407000 (Seats); the VIN was included, but the vehicle had been repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 50,000.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE — Filed 05/18/2025

We were departing [XXX]in Barnstable, Mass on [XXX]. As he entered the main road from the parking lot, my husband thought the driver on his left on the main road had a stop sign so he pulled out onto the street. The other driver did not have a stop sign and my husband hit him. We were going under 10mph so the air bags did not deploy. The “forward collision warning” did not activate nor did the “emergency braking system” function yet the plastic front end of our car was totally smashed and the side of the other car had just a large scratch and a flat tire. We had the car shipped back to Denver where we live and Emich Kia declared it a “total” because they said the frame might be bent. I have contacted Kia Corporation and their CEO repeatedly to point out that their car malfunctioned and did not stop when it was supposed to stop. They do not care and did state that the car had only sustained damage to “crushable material”. Since the damage was to crushable material and the air bags did not deploy, it is obvious that it was a slow speed crash and the emergency braking system and the warning system should have functioned. This 2024 Kia was our second 2024. The first new one we purchased stuttered violently and the check engine light illuminated each time we drove down from the Colorado mountains. Once again, Kia took no responsibility for this issue for over a year so our local dealer finally bought back that lemon and sold us the one that malfunctioned in the crash. Two faulty Kia Tellurides in one year points to serious problems with this car and the Kia corporation because they will not acknowledge problems nor attempt to solve them in a timely manner. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

POWER TRAIN,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE — Filed 05/29/2025

The vehicle was parked(placed in park on gear shift) in a friends driveway, facing upward on approx. 15Deg incline with the engine idling. My wife exited the vehicle and walked around the front of the vehicle to the houses front entrance where she spoke briefly with the owner inside the front door. On leaving the house the car was gone from where it was left parked. My wife found that it had rolled up the driveway incline until it hit a couple of pine trees at the top end of the drive and stopped. She opened the door and found the gear shift still in the parked position at which point she entered the car, placed it in reverse and backed out of the tree branches and took photos. The incident was immediately reported to KIA America and the dealer. The vehicle has been at the dealer for 3 weeks now with no resolution, undergoing "testing". They say it is not operating the way it should be, but they have not been able to identify or correct the issue. KIA America has told me the issue has been elevated to KIA factory tech support. Other than scratches there appears to be no major damage. Photos show driveway, trees that stopped the vehicle and debris and scratches.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM — Filed 04/07/2025

The front passenger seat of my 2024 Kia Telluride began emitting smoke while I was driving it. It quickly incapsulated the entire interior of my vehicle in thick smoke. The fire department had to be called to extinguish the fire. Prior to a fire starting while I was driving my vehicle, my vehicle had been in for a recall where they allegedly fixed the problem. The Kia telluride is not safe for anyone to drive when the product they’re producing starts a fire while it’s being driven.

STRUCTURE — Filed 09/15/2024

The contact owns a 2024 Kia Telluride. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 40 MPH, he observed a metal trim on the driver's window detached partially. The contact inspected the vehicle and observed a big jagged metal sticking out from the bottom of the driver's window. The vehicle was taken to a dealer twice where the dealer taped the trim, but the failure re-occurred within hours each time. On one occasion while parked, a friend's child ran near the vehicle, was caught by the protruding metal trim, and seriously scratched. Medical attention was not needed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 13,000.