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2020 Kia Telluride Electrical Problems

41 owner-reported electrical complaints from NHTSA data

41
Complaints
1
Recalls
1
Crashes
3
Fires
Jan 2026Dec 2021
Date Range

Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.

Electrical Recalls (1)

RECALLCampaign #20V436000

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2020 Telluride vehicles equipped with Smart Cruise Control (SCC). When a trailer is connected to the vehicle, the trailer brake lights will not illuminate when the SCC applies the brakes. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

Fix: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will install an additional wire harness to the main fuse box to signal the trailer brake lights, free of charge. The recall began September 10, 2020. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC194.

Owner Complaints (41)

criticalELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SEATS
FireFiled: Feb 2026

Vehicle fire causing a total loss to vehicle and home

NHTSA #: 11716068
criticalELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
Filed: Jan 2026

Vehicle manufacturers have certain basic rules and procedures that must be followed. When a vehicle manufacturer sells a vehicle, it has a duty to ensure that the vehicle functions properly and safely for its advertised use and is free from defects. When a vehicle manufacturer discovers a defect, it must explicitly disclose the defect and make it right or cease selling the vehicle.

NHTSA #: 11708957
criticalELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Nov 2025

After a few months from purchasing (9/2022), I noticed some weird electrical issues occurring. The first thing I noticed was that sometimes the rear wiper blades would turn on automatically when shifting in reverse when the wiper blades were off. I would turn the rear wiper blades on then off repeated times until they finally stayed in off mode.

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NHTSA #: 11698772
criticalELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,LANE DEPARTURE
FireFiled: Dec 2024

OCTOBER 2024 Before the main incident Oct 2024, I started noticing slight changes in the way my KIA was operating: - Delayed response to accelerate when at a light - Tire sensors/ crash collision sensors - Lane assist pulling my off the road or into on coming traffic (random) - Intermittent Power loss while driving. - Lights not working properly.

NHTSA #: 11630727
criticalELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Filed: Aug 2024

My check engine and oil lights have come on more than once around the time of needing an oil change. During that time, the engine bucks, and the RPM revs high and low. The Kia Service Dealer, both times, stated that the light was coming on because the oil was low.

NHTSA #: 11606059
criticalELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE,BACK OVER PREVENTION
Filed: Jun 2023

While I was driving my forward collision warning indicator started flashing on my dashboard while a dinging sound went off. There was nothing around me, then my tire pressure warning started going off while my pressure was fine.

NHTSA #: 11527401
criticalELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE,LANE DEPARTURE
Filed: May 2023

The instrument cluster periodically stops working. The speedometer and Tachometer stop working, and all warning lights flash on and off randomly. It shows the doors and hoods opening and closing on the display as well along with other warning lights.

NHTSA #: 11520925
criticalELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,TRAILER HITCHES
Filed: Dec 2022

The contact owns a 2020 Kia Telluride. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 20V436000 (Electrical System, Forward Collision Avoidance, Exterior Lighting) and 22V626000 (Trailer Hitches) however, the parts to do the recall repairs were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs.

NHTSA #: 11496141
criticalELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Jul 2022

I unlocked the doors to get in the car. I let my son go by the back door (trunk) because his door was blocked by the car parked next to me. He went in and I put my purse in.

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NHTSA #: 11474489
criticalELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
Filed: Dec 2021

Dash gage cluster (tach, speedometer, fuel, and engine temp) all go to zero while driving. The digital speedometer readout is also zero. Basically the entire dash is dead minus the entertainment system which functions perfectly.This also shuts down all adaptive cruise and collision avoidance systems.

NHTSA #: 11445432
criticalELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
FireFiled: Aug 2021

Check engine light in March of 2021. 38,800 miles. Determined to be a timing issue and parts of the engine was replaced by Bill Barth Kia in Mandan, ND.

NHTSA #: 11430140
criticalELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: May 2021

While driving my SUV on the highway the day I purchased it on 6/5/20 it disabled 5 times where I was only able to use brakes and pull off side of road. I was 36 weeks pregnant and had my 2 year old in the car. I didn’t make it home.

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NHTSA #: 11417474
criticalELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Apr 2020

After it had rained, the collision warning indicator appeared. It continues to appear every time the vehicle is in use.

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NHTSA #: 11321793
criticalELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Filed: Feb 2020

Blind spot collision warning system is malfunctions whenever it rains. Vehicle has 3000 miles on it and for the 5th time in 2 months the blind spot system alarm system goes off while driving in the rain. Dealerships refusing to look at the problem unless the engine light is on, which it turns off once the sensors dry off low beam lights are too bright...

NHTSA #: 11311596
highELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Filed: Mar 2025

My 2020 Kia Telluride completely stalled on me on my way to work. The vehicle was not smoking and it seemed like it went on accessory mode. I had the vehicle towed to Kia Dealership in Perris to get it checked out and was told by Olivia that no codes were read when doing a diagnostic and that my engine seized.

NHTSA #: 11649802
highELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Jun 2024

On Friday [XXX], my vehicle began failing to brake after being in traffic for about 45 minutes. I had to punch the brake with my foot, hitting the floor, and it would continue to roll. It was towed to Courage Kia in Gastonia on [XXX].

NHTSA #: 11593161
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,BACK OVER PREVENTION
Filed: Aug 2025

The infotainment system which includes the backup video system has turned to a green screen intermittently on these models. We just started experiencing this issue in the past week. After searching the Kia user forums, it appears that many people are having a similar issue.

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NHTSA #: 11684028
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Aug 2025

Sunroof malfunctioned on opening, went off the tracks and is now stuck in an open position. There were no obstructions causing the sunroof to be lifted and dislodged from the tracks. The integrity of the vehicle and its passengers are compromised due to being openly exposed to the elements.

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NHTSA #: 11680797
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Aug 2025

Wind deflector snapped on Sun roof causing. Sun roof to get lodged and get off track. Unable to close Sun roof now opening it to all types of weather.

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NHTSA #: 11680159
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Apr 2025

the center infotainment screen has turned green. sometimes a hazy green, othertimes almost a solid green which affects the back up camera system when you are trying to back up and not hit anyone or anything. I have brought to the dealership and they stated the head unit is defective and needs replacement.

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NHTSA #: 11657839
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE
Filed: Mar 2025

Driver side power folding mirror is malfunctioning. It will sometimes get stuck in one position and won’t retract unless manually repositioned. It has not yet been inspected by the manufacturer.

NHTSA #: 11646819
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SEATS
Filed: Dec 2024

Our vehicle was flagged for a service campaign recall for the power seat control switch and seat slide knobs. According to the service campaign, the power seat switch back cover can be dislodged resulting in an internal misalignment of the seat motor control switch in certain conditions.

NHTSA #: 11630916
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VISIBILITY/WIPER
CrashFiled: Dec 2024

Continues to have issues with dealership to remedy/correct recalls. Have waited for 60+ days since recall remedy was initiated in August 2024 Headlights continue to be a hazzard and due to this we had unfortunate incident of a deer running out and inability to see in the dusk of 6am due to lack of head lights.

NHTSA #: 11628110
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Filed: Nov 2024

For the past year at least I've had check engine light come on and turn off before being able to get in for a diagnostic. Along with the entire engine shutting down while idling, parking, turning. Whole electrical system failure.

NHTSA #: 11623120
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Jul 2024

Sunroof went off track and will not close. Took it to the dealership and it will need a totally new sunroof assembly totaling $5,000 because the sunroof got off track on its own.

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NHTSA #: 11600102
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: May 2024

My 2020 Kia Telluride SX model won’t start, I get an error “Check ESC“. It will also have other warning ligts come on also.

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NHTSA #: 11587783
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Sep 2023

We purchased a used KIA and were told by the seller that there were recalls. I took the car to the local KIA and they said the recall was already taken care of. The recall was a tow hitch fuse that needed to be changed.

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NHTSA #: 11543306
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Aug 2023

There has been complete malfunction of both high beam headlights. This most likely occurred around 40-50K mileage, but was not realized. The panel indicator would suggest the high beams are activated when engaged.

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NHTSA #: 11540893
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Jul 2023

I had service on my vehicle on 6/1/23. Now my vehicle has lost complete power several times while driving. The vehicle shuts completely down and the hazards or no other function works when this happens.

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NHTSA #: 11530354
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Jun 2023

About a few weeks ago my family and I were on our way to Disney for vacation. While on the highway driving around 70+ MPH the vehicle suddenly made a big bang sound. The radio shut off and the checkESC (electronic stability control) message popped up on the display.

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NHTSA #: 11526398
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Mar 2023

Side view mirror motor is defective (30,000 miles, well cared for). Dealer service department needs to get clearance for repair and do not know when the mirror motor parts will be in. In the meantime, the driver's side mirror cannot be manually adjusted into proper position.

NHTSA #: 11510862
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Filed: Oct 2022

My vehicle is having issues with its digital readings of the temperature and gas miles. I went to get 25$ in fuel yesterday. When I got to the station I had 75 miles to the gallon on the monitor.

NHTSA #: 11489570
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Filed: Jul 2022

High Beam Headlight system both headlamps are malfunctioned and yes it is available for inspection. Due to high beam headlight system not working when I am driving down hill I am not able to see at a distance in front of my vehicle nor can I see animals jumping out of the road in front of me. My safety is at risk as well as others I meet on the road.

NHTSA #: 11474928
lowELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Dec 2025

When parked on an incline, the vehicle will not start and has to have the battery jumped. When attempting to start the vehicle, you can hear a clicking sound and an error message pops up saying "Check ESP". After this happens, the windows will roll down to about a 1/8 crack and will not roll up even after the car has been jumped and is on.

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NHTSA #: 11705382
lowELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Jul 2025

Folding outside mirrors get stuck randomly, Back up Camera functions erratically, and worst of all, the Sun Roof jammed open.

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NHTSA #: 11676192
lowELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Jan 2024

I have a fairly brand new 2020 Kia Telluride with only about 50,000 miles on it and one day out of no where the car won't start and now I'm getting a check ESC message. Since it's fairly new I had it jump started and the car quickly turned on and ran fine for the rest of the day. The following day the car hesitated when turning on but it started.

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NHTSA #: 11564861
lowELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,BACK OVER PREVENTION
Filed: Dec 2023

Light always appears on dashboard

NHTSA #: 11560038
lowELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Filed: Dec 2023

RH high beam light inoperable. Does not go high beam when selected. LH drivers mirror does not extend or retract most times when locking or unlocking the car.

NHTSA #: 11558393
lowELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Filed: Nov 2023

Hi beams stopped working

NHTSA #: 11554025
lowELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Filed: Jan 2023

High beams went off. Not showing any errors on dash. Switch seem to be working.

NHTSA #: 11502227
lowELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SEATS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Sep 2022

My car has heated/air conditioned seats. They have started coming on by themselves. My passenger side mirror opens and closes when it wants to.

NHTSA #: 11484242

Other 2020 Kia Telluride Issues