2020 Kia Telluride Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 185about this part
- Share
- 24%of 777 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 9,150miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 185 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2020 Kia Telluride, 24% of the 777 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 9,150 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“This is a new vehicle, purchased 8/2019. It is my belief that the headlights (both high and low beam), as equipped, are dangerously deficient and do not provide nearly adequate illumination. I am hesitant to drive the vehicle at night. I consider this hazardous and worthy of correction by the manufacturer. Kia Telluride ex awd.”
NHTSA complaint #11281548, filed 2019-11, 200 miles“The headlights on my ex model are seriously deficient and dangerous, especially during driving in low light area during turns. At my own expense I've purchased LED bulbs, which have improved visibility ahead of me. However, the light is blocked by the projector type housing from illuminating the left and right sides of the front of the vehicle. Visibility during turns is non-existent. This needs to be addressed asap.”
NHTSA complaint #11306971, filed 2020-02, 10 miles“This is an ongoing issue. The headlights on my ex model are seriously deficient and dangerous, especially during driving in low light area during turns. At my own expense I've purchased LED bulbs, which have improved visibility ahead of me, including being, now, able to see the sides of the road, however, visibility during turns is non-existent. After 30 + years of driving I have never been so uncomfortable driving at night.”
NHTSA complaint #11301584, filed 2020-01, 100 miles“Halogen headlamps on the ex model do a poor job of illuminating the road ahead when in low beam mode. I can hardly see a few feet. I also drive a lexus whose headlamps do a fantastic job of illumination in low beam. I am having to periodically alternate between high beam and low beam modes (to avoid blinding opposite traffic) when driving the Telluride on unlit roads or poorly lit roads. Why didn't Kia provide LED headlights for all trim levels? This is a serious safety issue.”
NHTSA complaint #11281250, filed 2019-11, 2,200 miles“I have a 2020 Telluride and the headlights provide so little light that it's dangerous to drive at night. The normal beams are so diffuse they provide insufficient light forward to see the road clearly and provide no light to the sides, so you can't see what you are turning into when you turn. I called Kia and two local Kia dealers; they are aware of the problem but say they have no way to fix it. Good headlights are fundamental and, really, after 100 years of cars with headlights, you'd think they could get this right. …”
NHTSA complaint #11291891, filed 2019-12, 3,000 milesRelated recalls
- 24V148000Feb 26, 2024Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2020 Telluride vehicles. The high beam headlights may fail.Covers: Kia Telluride 2020
Related service bulletins
- 11007164Aug 9, 2024This Pitstop provides information regarding the disposal of the headlamp assembly desiccant/absorbent pack(s) on some 2020-2024MY Telluride (ON) vehicles equipped with either…
- 10244294Oct 13, 2023WARRANTY EXTENSION: OWNER RE-NOTIFICATION - This document is the owner re-notification advising that Kia is extending the New Vehicle Limited Warranty coverage for the halogen…
- 10237611Jun 1, 2023TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: HALOGEN HEADLAMP REPLACEMENT - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated…
- 10236114May 5, 2023TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: HALOGEN HEADLAMP REPLACEMENT - This bulletin provides information associated with the 'Halogen Headlamp High Beam Warranty Extension Program'…
- 10235115Apr 25, 2023WARRANTY EXTENSION: OWNER NOTIFICATION - This document is the owner notification advising that Kia is extending the New Vehicle Limited Warranty coverage for the halogen headlamp…
- 10235113Apr 24, 2023WARRANTY EXTENSION: REIMBURSEMENT FORM - This document is a Reimbursement Request form that was mailed with the customer letter advising them to submit the form if they had paid…
- 10235111Apr 24, 2023WARRANTY EXTENSION: QUESTION AND ANSWER - This document is the Question and Answer Guide containing the most frequently asked questions regarding the warranty extension (WTY030).
- 10235110Apr 24, 2023WARRANTY EXTENSION: DEALER PARTS AND SERVICE MANAGER MEMO - This document is the announcement to the dealer Parts and Service Managers that Kia is extending the New Vehicle…
- 10235109Apr 24, 2023WARRANTY EXTENSION: DEALER PRINCIPAL MEMO -This document is the announcement to the dealer principals that Kia is extending the New Vehicle Limited Warranty coverage for the…
- 10201529Sep 13, 2021TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: INFORMATION FOR HEADLAMP CONDENSATION AND MOISTURE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this…
Exterior lighting: other model years
Other parts of the 2020 Kia Telluride
153 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 31, 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