Kia Telluride Problems

The Kia Telluride is popular among consumers due to its impressive power and comfort. In addition to the extended 10-year/100,000-mile warranty on its powertrain, consumers love the model for its extensive tech and driver-assistance features.

Some consumers have expressed dissatisfaction due to various defects, including malfunctioning electrical systems and faulty vehicle speed control features. Although it is possible to fix most vehicle defects, some are persistent and complex.

Fortunately, California lemon law protects Kia Telluride vehicle owners who buy new or used units with persistent defects that manufacturers have failed to fix.

Consider speaking to a California lemon law attorney to understand your legal rights and ways of pursuing compensation.

Common Kia Telluride Problems

Power Train Defects

A vehicle powertrain is an assembly of features that drives a vehicle forward. Your Kia Telluride powertrain creates power from the engine and delivers it to the wheels that propel a vehicle.

Numerous consumers have expressed concerns related to the power train undermining the reliability of the vehicle.

Here is a sample of consumer complaints related to power train:

• As a driver attempted to accelerate while turning left during snow mode, the vehicle lost motive power
• Lack of acceleration during snow mode
• The vehicle made an abrupt move, making it difficult to control
• Low tone vibrations as the vehicle moves at 65-70 mph

Power Train Related Recall

On March 20, 2024, Kia America, Inc. (Kia) issued a recall dubbed ‘’Vehicle Roll Away From Disengaged Driveshaft.’’ targeting specific 2020-2024 Telluride Kia vehicles. According to the recall notice, the intermediate shaft and right front drive shaft may not fully engage, causing the vehicle to roll away while in PARK.

Unfortunately, a vehicle rollaway increases the risk of crash or injury. Kia instructed the dealer to update the electronic barking software and replace any defective intermediate shaft as necessary, free of charge.

Electrical Defects

The Kia Telluride electrical system is the foundation of power distribution and start-up operations. It also powers key systems, including digital devices, electrical gauges, power windows, and a central locking mechanism.

Therefore, an electrical system defect can affect the value, use, and safety of a vehicle.

Here are a few electrical system complaints for Kia Telluride vehicles:

• The 2023 Kia Telluride’s digital cluster panels, including a fuel tank display, infotainment, safety information, and speedometer, have turned black and remained blank for two weeks.
• A defective electrical system that keeps draining the battery
• The Driver Attention Warning(DAW) displays the message ‘Take a Break’, which is too sensitive and persistent, without the option to deactivate it, making a distraction.
• A faulty warning notification system for checking the rear cross-traffic safety system, AWD safety system, forward safety system, and blind spot safety system.

Electrical System Defect Recall

On April 26, 2023, Kia America, Inc. (Kia) issued a recall to fix a defective blank LCD affecting certain 2023 Kia Telluride vehicles equipped with a digital instrument cluster containing a 4.2″ LCD screen.

According to the notice, the instrument is likely to fail to display information when the vehicle starts. The failure of the digital instrument cluster to display critical information such as warning lights, tire pressure, and warning messages increases the risk of a crash.

Kia instructed the dealer to inspect the software free of charge.

Although Kia has issued several recalls to fix troublesome electrical defects, some issues remain unsolved, leaving consumers without clear answers and lasting solutions.

Fortunately, California lemon laws offer the following reprieve to consumers.

If Kia America, Inc. (Kia) or its dealers can’t repair a serious warranty defect in your car after a ‘reasonable number’ of repair attempts, the manufacturer must either:

• Replace the defective vehicle
• Refund its buying price—whichever you prefer

If you need help protecting your rights as a vehicle owner, you can benefit from the legal advice of an experienced lemon law attorney.

An attorney can protect your rights by gathering evidence to prove that your vehicle did not meet the quality promised by the manufacturer. More importantly, an attorney will apply their negotiation skills to obtain a fair deal that covers your losses.

Visibility Defects

Here are the common visibility defects in Kia Telluride vehicles:

• A 2023 Kia Telluride that is less than a year old suddenly cracks its windshield in normal driving conditions.
• A consumer had to replace the windshield when the vehicle had clocked barely 2,000 miles and a second replacement at only about 6,000 miles.
• Sunroof exploded
• A small rock kicked from the side of the car, causing a small crack that spread into a large crack the following day.
• The sunroof got stuck in an open position, which creates an opening for debris to enter, thus increasing the risk of a crash.
• The windshield in the 2021 Kia Telluride chips and cracks easily

Exterior Lighting Defects

A vehicle is considered a lemon if it has a vehicle defect that affects its value, use, and safety. For instance, a defective headlight makes it difficult for a driver to navigate road hazards safely in low-visibility driving conditions.

Therefore, an exterior lighting defect is a serious warranty defect that may necessitate a refund or a replacement from a manufacturer.

Here are a few complaints relating to exterior lighting defects:

• Projector high beams failed to work
• The high-beam function in the headlights doesn’t work
• Bright headlights became defective without reason
• Although headlights work okay, high beams do not

Exterior Lighting Recall

On February 26, 2024, Kia America, Inc. (Kia) issued a recall to fix high headlight beams that may fail, affecting 2020 Kia Telluride vehicles. Unfortunately, the defective high beam headlights reduce visibility, increasing the risk of crash.

Kia instructed dealers to inspect and repair or replace, as necessary, without charge.

Get Legal Help From an Experienced California Lemon Law Attorney

It is a frustrating experience to own a Kia Telluride with a persistent defect. For instance, a vehicle with a defective engine can stall without notice, making it unreliable for personal or business errands.

You deserve representation from an experienced California Lemon Law attorney from LemonLaw123, who will aggressively pursue a refund or replacement. Contact us online for a free case review.