2020 Kia Telluride Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
AvoidComplaint Index
100/100
#1 most-complained of 6 Telluride years
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
The 2020 Kia Telluride ranks worst of 6 model years, with a Complaint Index of 100, 761 complaints, and 7 recalls. Electrical System issues lead at 31% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 7,976 miles. NHTSA also logs 9 fires and 8 crashes tied to this year.
- Complaints
- 761
- Recalls
- 7
- Crashes / fires
- 8 / 9
- Injuries / deaths
- 11 / 1
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 22
- 19.5 city / 25 hwy
Top 2020 Kia Telluride problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Electrical System233 (31%)
- Engine160 (21%)
- Visibility & Wipers150 (20%)
- Other144 (19%)
- Structure & Body70 (9%)
- Transmission & Powertrain70 (9%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires32 (4%)
- Fuel System17 (2%)
- Brakes16 (2%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras12 (2%)
What owners report
- Owners report airbags failing to deploy in crashes, in one case after a sensor was found disconnected.
- Some describe sudden unintended acceleration while idling or with adaptive cruise control engaged, leading to loss of control.
- Several owners report check engine lights followed by wiring harness or timing-related failures requiring extended repairs.
- Multiple reports describe fires starting in the engine compartment or underneath the vehicle, in some cases while parked.
- Owners describe poor visibility from projector headlights and brights that fail to activate, contributing to collisions with deer.
- Some owners report the seat slide knob or power seat motor issue tied to recall repairs taking a long time to complete.
2020 Kia Telluride recalls
7 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 26V430000Jul 2, 2026Structure & Body462,869 vehiclesPark Outside
Seats:front assembly:power adjust
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2020-2024 Telluride vehicles. The front power seat motor may overheat due to a stuck power seat slide knob or an improper recall 24V407 repair, which can result in a fire while parked or driving.
Risk: A fire increases the risk of injury.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will install an electronic fuse assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 13, 2026. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC374. This recall replaces NHTSA recall number 24V407. Vehicles already repaired under the previous recall will need to have the new remedy completed. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning July 17, 2026.
- NHTSA 24V407000Jun 5, 2024Structure & Body462,869 vehiclesPark Outside
Seats:front assembly:power adjust
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2020-2024 Telluride vehicles. The front power seat motor may overheat due to a stuck power seat slide knob, which can result in a fire while parked or driving.
Risk: A fire increases the risk of injury.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will install a bracket for the power seat switch back covers and replace the seat slide knobs, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 30, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC316.
- NHTSA 24V214000Mar 20, 2024Transmission & Powertrain427,407 vehicles
Power train:driveline:driveshaft
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2020-2024 Telluride vehicles. The intermediate shaft and right front driveshaft may not be fully engaged, which can result in vehicle roll away while in PARK.
Risk: A vehicle roll away increases the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy: Owners are advised to manually engage the emergency parking brake prior to exiting the vehicle until the recall remedy is performed. Dealers will update the electronic parking brake software and replace any damaged intermediate shafts as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 15, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC303.
2020 Kia Telluride fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 19.5 MPG
- Highway
- 25 MPG
- Combined
- 22 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,950
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2020 compared with other Telluride years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2020 Kia Telluride reliable?
- Compared to other Telluride model years, the 2020 ranks worst, with a Complaint Index of 100 and 761 NHTSA complaints, the highest of the 6 years with data.
- What is the top problem area for the 2020 Kia Telluride?
- Electrical System issues make up 31% of complaints (233 of 761), with a median failure mileage of 7,976 miles.
- Does the 2020 Kia Telluride have recalls?
- NHTSA lists 7 recalls for the 2020 Telluride, covering the front power seat motor fire risk, driveshaft roll-away risk, high beam headlight failure, a tow hitch harness issue, trailer brake lights, and seat belt assemblies.
- Are there fires or crashes reported for the 2020 Kia Telluride?
- NHTSA data shows 9 fires, 8 crashes, 11 injuries, and 1 death associated with 2020 Telluride complaints.
- How does the 2020 Telluride compare to other years?
- The 2020 has a Complaint Index of 100 versus 20 for 2021, 60 for 2022, 0 for 2023, 80 for 2024, and 40 for 2025, making 2020 the worst-ranked year.