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EnginePart report

2020 Kia Telluride Engine Problems

Complaints
153about this part
Share
20%of 777 total for the year
Median mileage
75,500miles
Trend
RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 153 complaints about the engine of the 2020 Kia Telluride, 20% of the 777 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 75,500 miles. 5 a fire, according to the filers.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“Bought the car in february 2020, starting this winter a high pitched whistle noise can be heard from the engine bay during cold start in the morning, especially when it's freezing. Dealership has tried to diagnose the problem twice yet the source of the noise cannot be located. Kia refused to offer more help, simply asking me to wait until it gets worse or something really breaks. This kind of noise could be an indicator of other engine or air intake problem which Kia is not capable to diagnose.”

NHTSA complaint #11395541, filed 2021-02, 2,000 miles

“The vehical will not accelerate at freeway speeds and the engine RPM increases up to 6000 RPM with no or little acceleration when the gas peddle is depressed.. This also occurs at lower speeds, no or little acceleration while the engine RPM increases to 5000 RPM visible on the tachometer and heard from the engine noise. The transmission appears to be slipping or down shifting to many gears for the amount of fuel demand. The dealership witnessed this problem during a test drive and I showed them a vidio of the speedometer versus the tach reading while this problem was occurring. …”

NHTSA complaint #11354498, filed 2020-09, 4,900 miles

“This 2020 Telluride, like others, burns excessively through oil. I had to add 2.5 quarts recently and I had not hit 3,000 miles since my last oil change. I have to check the oil level constantly because of how fast it burns through it. It does not meet the manufacturers guidelines nor does it give any warnings that the oil level low at all. Even being THAT low.”

NHTSA complaint #11749508, filed 2026-07

“Had in deals hop several times was told it was on record I was there with the issue but no light on, light came on during travel on interstate and car lost all power Long block blew . Was extremely lucky I didn’t get ran over by the tractor trailers . Loaded car with kids included . Kia should be reasonable for everything and they are saying no .”

NHTSA complaint #11670657, filed 2025-07

“Oil consumption- I have had to keep oil in the car to top off my oil in between oil changes. It will get low before I can make to another appointment and start shaking or making a loud noise when driving or braking. Oil consumption test says I’m burning 2 qt /1000 miles. Checking online and different forums this is a know issue for these models of vehicles”

NHTSA complaint #11692249, filed 2025-10

Related service bulletins

Engine: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
202727%
20254839%
2024157%
20232411%
2022309%
20216818%
202015320%

Other parts of the 2020 Kia Telluride

Exterior lighting
185 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
152 complaintsOther or unknown
150 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
70 complaintsElectrical system
61 complaintsBody and structure
56 complaintsSuspension
33 complaintsFuel system
18 complaintsBrakes
16 complaintsSeats
13 complaintsVehicle speed control
13 complaintsSteering
10 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2020 Kia Telluride

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology