Complaint volume
196 consumer-submitted complaints are matched to this model year. Treat the count as a research signal, then read the actual summaries for repeated symptoms.
Complaint records
2023 Kia Telluride Complaints
196 consumer-submitted complaints on record for the 2023 Kia Telluride, grouped by component category.
196 Total complaints
5 Crash reports
2 Fire reports
3 Injury reports
Complaint data reflects consumer-submitted reports. A complaint is not proof
of a defect, recall, or manufacturer fault. Enriched severity fields come
from official bulk records when the complaint can be matched by ODI number.
Buyer interpretation
How to use these complaints before buying
Complaint records are most useful when they turn into inspection points, seller questions, and comparison checks against nearby model years.
Pattern to inspect
The most common categories are unknown or other, electrical system, visibility/wiper. Use those categories as a test-drive checklist instead of judging the vehicle from the total count alone.
Severity flags
Enriched records include 5 crash reports, 2 fire reports, 3 injury reports, and 0 fatality reports. These fields come from complaint records and should be read in context.
Mileage clue
Mileage is available on 15 complaints, with an average reported failure mileage of 26,062 miles. Compare that with the mileage on the listing.
Questions to ask the seller
- Have you had any problems related to unknown or other, electrical system, visibility/wiper?
- Can I see recent maintenance and repair records?
- Has the vehicle ever been towed, involved in a crash, or repaired for the same issue twice?
- Can we also check the recall record for this 2023 Kia Telluride?
Used-car checklist
Use these complaints before the test drive.
Build a buyer checklist to turn these issues into questions and inspection points.
2023 Kia Telluride
Build buyer checklist Compare with other years Sends year, make, and model to pre-fill your checklist.
How severe are the 2023 Kia Telluride complaints?
5 Crash
2 Fire
3 Injury
0 Fatality
5 Towed
1 Medical attention
What are the most common 2023 Kia Telluride complaint categories?
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 40
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 24
VISIBILITY/WIPER 23
POWER TRAIN 11
ENGINE 10
STRUCTURE 9
SUSPENSION 7
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 7
SEAT BELTS 6
STEERING 6
196 total complaints on record
Latest complaints
| Date | Component | Summary | Severity | Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 2026 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | While driving, the silver siding flew off of my vehicle, the piece that covers the door handle manual key entry also fell off and I found it run over, crushed in a mall parking lot. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2026 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 2023 Kia Telluride: black digital cluster screen will not turn on, affecting the ability to monitor vehicle status, odometer, speedometer, and safety features. We purchased this vehicle brand new in 2023. The vehicle has been in the Kia dealership service center (where it was purchased) from January 2026 to present. The dealership estimates it will be June 2026 before backordered parts can be replaced by a master mechanic. We have continued to make payments on a vehicle we are unable to use with no resolution in sight. The vehicle has also been serviced for 5 separate recalls since purchased new in 2023, and we just received our 6th recall notification for an additional issue. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2026 | POWER TRAIN | My 2023 Kia Telluride SX Prestige X-Pro is experiencing multiple powertrain and safety defects beginning at approximately 48,000 miles. The vehicle is well maintained per the manufacturer schedule. ISSUE 1 - TRANSMISSION SHUDDER: The vehicle has a pronounced shudder and stuttering through the drivetrain during normal driving, especially under acceleration and load. This began at approximately 48,000 miles and has progressively worsened. Symptoms are consistent with torque converter clutch failure documented under Kia TSB 089 (DTC P0741) and Service Action SA490. ISSUE 2 - INTERMITTENT LIMP MODE (SAFETY HAZARD): On multiple occasions the vehicle enters limp mode without any warning while being driven on public roads. When this occurs the accelerator becomes unresponsive beyond approximately 30 mph. The vehicle cannot accelerate regardless of throttle input. The only way to restore normal operation is to pull over, shut the engine off, and restart. This creates an extremely dangerous condition on highways, during merging, and in heavy traffic. My wife is the primary driver and no longer feels safe operating the vehicle. ISSUE 3 - INSTRUMENT PANEL BLACKOUT: The instrument cluster intermittently goes completely dark while driving, leaving the driver with no access to speed, fuel level, warning indicators, or turn signals. This vehicle also has multiple open safety recalls including SC296 (engine valve springs/fire risk), SC303 (intermediate shaft/loss of drive), SC316 (power seat motor/fire risk), and SC347 (door trim delamination). A recent emissions recall was also received. Problems first reported at approximately 48,000 miles. Current mileage is 86,793. A case is being opened with Kia Consumer Assistance and warranty service has been requested at the purchasing dealer. The vehicle is within the 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2026 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | The sunroof on my 2023 Kia Telluride spontaneously exploded. An authorized Kia dealership inspected the sunroof and determined that the sunroof exploded outward - which is consistent with a manufacturing defect that should be covered under the vehicles bumper-to-bumper warranty. However, Kia's Consumer Affairs Department is denying warranty coverage and forcing me to file an insurance claim or pay out of pocket. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2026 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | Drivers cluster screen (which include all gauges, odometer, temp gauge, gas gauge, critical safety features, etc.) has gone completely black with zero visibility to essential functions. Took to dealer. Dealer says screen is covered under warranty but is backordered from Kia. ETA for new screen is late May 2026.This happened on January 15, 2026 with no warning signs. Currently driving vehicle as it is my only means of transportation. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2026 | STRUCTURE | The contact owns a 2023 Kia Telluride. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the driver's rear door belt molding trim detached. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The contact was informed that the parts were on back order. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V494000 (Structure). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was unknown. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2026 | SEAT BELTS | I am reporting a safety concern with the seatbelt system in my 2023 Kia Telluride related to fit and adjustability, not a mechanical failure. The vehicle is available for inspection. As a [XXX] driver, the shoulder belt consistently rubs my neck rather than resting across the center of my shoulder, even when the height adjuster is set to its lowest position. Because I must raise the seat and sit closer to the steering wheel, the belt angle pulls inward toward my neck every time I drive. As a [XXX] occupant ([XXX]), rear seatbelts must be fully extended into locking mode to buckle, resulting in discomfort and concerns about proper belt tension. There have been no warning lights, prior symptoms, dealer confirmations, or inspections by the manufacturer; this condition has been present since initial use and appears to be a design limitation. Improper belt positioning and limited adjustability may increase the risk of neck or upper-body injury in a crash and may discourage proper seatbelt positioning. I request that NHTSA track and evaluate this as a vehicle safety concern in the 2023 Kia Telluride and assess whether current seatbelt adjuster range, belt length, and geometry adequately accommodate shorter and plus-size occupants. I have experienced similar seatbelt fit and adjustability issues in multiple other passenger vehicles, suggesting this may represent a broader cross-vehicle design concern rather than an isolated model-specific condition. Videos showing seatbelt discomfort can be found here: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2026 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 1. Instrument panel failure, can’t see speed, fuel, mileage. Blind spot warning does not work, lane assistance does not work. This issue was not solved by recall related to software update. 2. Unsafe to drive with no way to see speed, blind spot warning failure, can’t tell if blinker is on or how much gas is in car. 3. Dealer reproduced. It’s not a sporadic issue, the panel does not turn on 4. Yes Kia dealership inspected 5. No warning. Turned the car on and the panel no longer worked. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2026 | SEAT BELTS | I am reporting a recurring safety concern with seatbelt fit and adjustability that I have experienced in multiple passenger vehicles. As a [XXX] driver, the shoulder belt in many vehicles consistently rubs my neck rather than resting across the center of my shoulder, even when height adjusters are set to their lowest positions. Additionally, as a [XXX] occupant ([XXX]), rear seatbelts in many vehicles must be fully extended into locking mode to buckle, preventing a snug fit and raising concerns about proper tension during a crash. There have been no warning lights, prior symptoms, or dealer inspections confirming these conditions; they have been present since initial use. Improper belt positioning and limited adjustability may increase the risk of neck or upper-body injury and may encourage unsafe seatbelt adjustments. I request that NHTSA track and evaluate this as a broader, cross-vehicle safety concern regarding seatbelt design, adjuster range, belt length, and geometry for [XXX] and [XXX] size occupants. Videos showing seatbelt discomfort can be found here: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2026 | ENGINE | KIA/HYUNDAI INSPECTED AND FOUND CYLINDER 2 TO NOT FIRE ALONG WITH OIL LEAKING FROM LOWER 02 SENSOR. ENGINE BLOCK HAS HOLE, CYL 2 PISTON AND ROD ARE NO LONGER WITH/IN ENGINE. THIS OCCURED WHILE ACCELERATING ON THE FREEWAY ALL OF A SUDDEN VEHICLE STARTED SMOKING THEN LOST THE ABILITY TO ACCELERATE IT WAS VERY SCARY BEING STUCK ON THE FREEWAY WAS ALMOST HIT MULTIPLE TIMES. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2026 | VISIBILITY/WIPER | I’m writing to report an ongoing issue with my vehicle’s windshield washer system. The washer fluid is not dispensing properly, and as a result, the windshield is not being cleared effectively while driving. This creates a safety concern, especially in poor weather conditions or when road debris accumulates on the windshield. The reduced visibility makes it difficult to drive safely and confidently. I have already taken the vehicle in for service regarding this issue. However, I was informed that nothing is wrong with the system and that it is performing the same as a new vehicle. Despite this, the washer fluid output still appears insufficient and continues to create visibility concerns while driving. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2026 | ENGINE | The engine’s serpentine belt started to fail prematurely. In cold weather, the engine’s belt would scream for 1 to 5 minutes when warming up the engine (under no load and not moving). The belt had less than 40,000 miles on it (when Kia expects it to go 80,000 miles). | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2026 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | Upon starting suv, the instrument panel / cluster did not display. There is now no way to know speed, safety warnings such as malfunctioning sensors or safety features . No odometer or any driving feedback of any kind. Have scheduled appointment with dealer tomorrow. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Dec 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | The contact owns a 2023 KIA Telluride. The contact stated the vehicle was experiencing heating system failures. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer on three occasions for heating and cooling failures. The dealer replaced an unknown sensor and the thermostat; however, the heat became inoperable. The contact stated that the heat was only operable while driving, and the vehicle would blow cool air while idling. The contact stated that the heat was barely warming up the vehicle while driving. The contact stated that the failure had caused the windows to be foggy, which reduced the road's visibility while driving. The vehicle was taken to a Kia Dealer, where an unknown sensor and the thermostat were replaced, but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 35,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 35,000 |
| Dec 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | Upon starting the vehicle, the gauge cluster screen was and remained completely blank. No indication as to an error, no visual indicator was available as to my speed or the vehicle's status, and no problem lights were visible. The vehicle appeared otherwise operable, and the media control screen was fully functional | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Dec 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | The contact owns a 2023 Kia Telluride. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the instrument cluster display screen failed to activate and was inoperable. During the failure, the driver was unable to view several needed features, such as the speedometer and fuel gauge, and the blind spot monitoring system. The vehicle was cautiously driven to the dealer, who diagnosed that the instrument cluster screen was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 82,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 82,000 |
| Dec 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | The contact owns a 2023 Kia Telluride. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the instrument cluster went blank. The speedometer and fuel gauge failed to display as needed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V298000 (Electrical System); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 30,000 |
| Dec 2025 | SEAT BELTS | VIN: [XXX] Owner: [XXX] Purchase Date: December 2022 I am filing an urgent safety complaint regarding my 2023 Kia Telluride. For nearly two years, I have unknowingly driven this vehicle with multiple active safety recalls, including: •Airbag wiring harness defect (airbags may not deploy) •Seatbelt pretensioner/tensioner defects •Front power seat motor overheating (fire hazard) •Driveshaft engagement defect (vehicle may roll out of Park) Kia never properly notified me of these recalls and never repaired them, despite my family using the vehicle daily. I drove this SUV with my autistic child and infant grandchild, believing it was safe. I have now discovered that Kia allowed me to operate a vehicle that could: •Fail to protect us in a crash •Catch fire •Roll away unexpectedly •Malfunction in ways that could cause severe injury or death This is a serious safety negligence issue. Kia did not offer a loaner vehicle, did not notify me promptly, and has not provided any remedy despite these recalls being federally regulated. I am requesting NHTSA intervention to: 1.Investigate Kia’s failure to properly notify and protect consumers. 2.Require Kia to provide a full replacement vehicle (2025/2026 Kia Telluride) or a full buyback due to prolonged safety risk. 3.Ensure Kia corrects VIN-level recall handling and compliance failures. 4.Document that Kia exposed vulnerable passengers (disabled child and infant grandchild) to unsafe conditions for almost two years. My family has been placed in danger this entire time, and Kia has not provided a timely or adequate remedy. Please investigate this matter urgently. — [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) | Crash: Yes Fire: No Towed | Unknown |
| Nov 2025 | STEERING | after receiving my car on Friday morning 10/31 from the dealership, I drove to work, where all my dashboard lights popped on, I lost power steering, and I lost my speedometer (which is what it was in the shop for that whole week). I tried to drive it back to Kia and it completely stopped working in the middle of the road, even though it was turned on, it wouldn’t drive or change gears. Leaving me stranded in the middle of a 50 mile per an hour road. I had to call the police to help me maneuver off the road. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Nov 2025 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 2023 Kia Telluride – Instrument cluster intermittently goes blank while operating the vehicle. This has happened multiple times over the last few years since we bought it brand new, even after the official recall repair (SC270). Dealer has told us to disconnect the battery as a temporary fix. This is my wife’s primary vehicle for transporting our children and it’s unsafe because she cannot see speed, warning lights or blinkers when the cluster fails. Today 11/24/25, I had to meet her to switch cars because she didn’t feel safe to drive it anymore when the cluster went out. On 11/17/25 it had gone out and I disconnected it, which showed to be a quick fix again. I would estimate the cluster goes out at least once a month. My research shows this is a common issue with this car and updates or the recall doesn’t fix it. As a law enforcement officer, I am held to high safety standards both on and off duty. A vehicle with a recurring and unrepairable safety defect like this is unacceptable, unsafe, and unfit for normal operation. This ongoing failure places our family and the public at risk. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Nov 2025 | STRUCTURE | 2023 PEARL WHITE KIA TELLURIDE. WHILE WASHING MY CAR NOTICE CLEAR COAT COMING OFF FRONT OF CAR | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Nov 2025 | STRUCTURE | I am writing to file a complaint regarding my 2023 Kia Telluride (VIN: [insert VIN here]) which has two active safety recalls: 1.SC303 / NHTSA 24V214 – Intermediate shaft/driveshaft may not be fully engaged, causing the vehicle to potentially roll away while in Park. The remedy is available but has not yet been scheduled for my vehicle. 2.SC347 / NHTSA 25V494 – Door belt molding trim may delaminate and detach. Remedy parts are not yet available, and there is currently no fix. Due to these recalls: •No dealerships will accept or buy my vehicle for trade-in or resale. •I am unable to sell the car, which has become a severe financial burden. •I am current on my loan but cannot continue payments indefinitely under these circumstances. I have contacted Kia Consumer Affairs (1-800-333-4542) but have not received a satisfactory resolution. I am requesting the Florida Attorney General’s office to intervene or assist in facilitating: •A buyback or payoff assistance from Kia, or •Other appropriate relief due to the vehicle being unsellable because of open safety recalls with no available remedy. I have attached documentation of the recalls and correspondence with Kia for reference. Please let me know if additional information is needed. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Nov 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | Drivers display panel not working, no vehicle information is available, it's a black screen. This is the 4th incident since new in 2023. Car can't be driven with nothing displayed. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Oct 2025 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | Fuel gas says empty or low fuel when it’s not. This has happened 5 times in the past 2 years and is occurring more frequently lately. This is a known problem in the Kia forum. Dealer won’t fix without charging diagnostic fee and won’t solve because can’t duplicate the problem. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Oct 2025 | POWER TRAIN | The AWD couplers continue to fail. We are waiting for the dealer to get parts in so they can be replaced again. The tech stated KIA continues to install defective parts. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |