2020 Kia Telluride Engine Problems
84 owner-reported engine complaints from NHTSA data
Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.
Owner Complaints (84)
Engine has a Pcv valve issue that causes oil to leak from seals and burnt through the pistons causing loss of oil, engine damage and possible engine failure while driving. This could cause vehicle to lock up and possible cause an accident especially at freeway speeds. There is no low oil indicator or check engine light that comes on to let driver know that the oil is low
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
The argument for the warranty claim to be honored and the work to be completed is as follows. Kia Inc may not want to take responsibility for the engine. They may want to shy away from their duty by claim negligence on the part of the owner.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
Engine oil consumption issue. Engine is run dry due to overconsumption of oil, increasing likelihood of cracked engine block or engine fire. Secondary issue includes increased fuel consumption/ decreased MPG.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
My 2020 Kia Telluride has undergone three separate oil consumption tests through an authorized Kia dealership. Each test confirmed abnormal oil consumption, yet Kia declined to take corrective action beyond temporary monitoring. The issue has continued to worsen.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
Vehicle went on accessory mode while driving on the freeway. No codes were read at dealership and now they're claiming its a seized engine. They will not help me out and are claiming my extended warranty will not cover the cost due to the lack of maintenance on the vehicle.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
Upon braking the vehicle would run rough and the engine would shut off completely. This was first noticed when my wife was turning into our driveway and turning across traffic. She was heading westbound and slowed down to take a left(northbound) into our driveway.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
The engine is burning oil at a rate of a 1 quart and a half every 1000 miles if this engine locks up with my wife and kid driving this could cause an accident Kia is not standing behide this and it needs to be replaced please look into this
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Telluride. The contact stated while driving from a complete stop at 2-5 MPH, the vehicle stalled inadvertently, nearly causing a crash. There was no warning light illuminated.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
2020 KIA TELLURIDE 41,000 miles: Engine overheated and ceased while on the freeway. Head Gasket blew, coolant hose had a hole the size of my fist on one side and the other clean split, along with cylinder 3 and 5 misfiring. I lost power and was able to go 25 MPH on the freeway and lots of white smoke coming from the hood of the car.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
With 40k miles on the car driving on the freeway the coolant hose burst without any warning, it didn’t come off, it was weak and split. This caused head gasket damage and cylinder 3 and 5 to misfire with coolant getting in the cylinders. It was dark and foggy out and the car was over heating due to the failures.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
When starting the vehicle to warm up (in colder temps) it made a squealing noise and slowly faded. Returned to drive the vehicle and there was a puddle of oil underneath. Upon inspection, it appeared that the leak was coming from between the (plastic) oil filter housing and the engine (it's connected to.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
Over the past 2 weeks my Telluride has stalled when restarting at a turn or sign sign 3x. I didn't take it to the mechanic yet because it restarts fine and there are no lights on the dashboard or codes so I know the mechanic would send me away. Tonight I was driving home on a local highway and heard horrific sounds coming from the car and smoke from under the hood.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
The 2020 Kia Telluride has a major, yet well-known design flaw regarding the heater block/heater core causing the blowing heat to drop when the car is at idle or moving at low RPMs.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
Your car is consuming oil faster than normal, with no warning lights alerting you to the problem. Your engine has also stalled while driving, which your mechanic suspects could be related to the low oil level. This issue should be inspected to check your oil level, condition, and whether there's an internal leak causing excessive consumption.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
2020 KIA Telluride failed oil consumption test. Available for inspection upon request. A vehicle running on no oil will cause an engine to seize putting myself and others at risk.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
Oil consumption is excessive causing the vehicle to stall out, exhaust smoke and loose power. Upon several recommendations from the service shop, money has been dumped into repairs that has not resolved the issue. Now, I am adding oil every other week with no oil leaks.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
Car is burning over 2 quarts of oil every 1000 miles with no leaks, stalls at stop signs and lights. Engine needs to be recalled. No warning lights.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
Issue: Oil consumption/ low oil pressure indicator or check engine light did not go on. Was driving kids to school and on my way home I heard a loud rattling sound. Pulled over and had it towed.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
My 2020 Kia Telluride has been serviced repeatedly for what has been described as an oil pan leak. My car has stalled out on multiple occasions and at one point wouldn't go above 60 on the highway. This is a know issue with 2020 Kia Tellurides, but the repair solutions are not solving the problem.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
Around Dec 13 the cooling fan started running by itself while the vehicle was in the garage for a few hours with the engine shut off, so, engine is cold.. What we do in this circumstance is starting and shutting the engine, that takes car of the situation until it happens again, sometimes right away or a few hours later or next day. I can't identify a relay that controls the fan.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
I just recently purchased this vehicle used. I live in northwest Indiana and as soon as the temperature went below 40 degrees I developed an oil leak. In searching this topic this is a known issue with these vehicles but a widespread recall has not been issued.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
I was driving down the road and the engine started suddenly making a loud knocking noise. The car was immediately pulled over and put in park and towed to mechanic shop. Mechanic shop stated there was no oil on the engine dipstick and the engine was ruined due to lack of oil.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
My 2020 Telluride started burning excessive oil at 65,000 miles. When the car runs out of oil, it stalls electrical systems such as the ABS and power steering. My car has run out of oil, including during dealer initiated oil consumption tests, 4 times.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
For a while now I have had to add extra oil about a quart every so often (didnt chart mileage )between oil changes and I thought its just burning some oil. Last few months it went up to adding 2 quarts and recently I had to add 3 quarts of oil and I had just checked it 2 weeks ago. There is never a light or any kind of notice on dash panel about low oil.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
History of engine randomly lurching/ hesitation when shifting. Have brought car in when it stalled out while driving, or at light. Largest problem now is oil leaking excessively.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
In May 2025, I brought my 2022 Kia Telluride to the dealership for an oil leak. They kept my vehicle for a week. Then in June, while driving with my [XXX] son, the engine completely stalled — a terrifying and dangerous situation.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
Another Kia Telluride reporting the known defect in 2020 Kia Tellurides related to severe and excessive oil consumption that poses a potential safety risk and financial loss. I have recently experienced repeated and worsening oil loss between routine oil changes with no visible leaks or warning lights.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
I am writing to formally file a complaint regarding a known defect in my 2020 Kia Telluride, which is experiencing severe and excessive oil consumption that poses a potential safety risk and financial burden.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Telluride. The contact stated while driving at slow speeds, the contact had driven over the tire tread from a tractor trailer. Due to the failure, several warning lights appeared on the instrument panel.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
*Unknown high engine oil consumption which can cause the motor to lock up (because owners aren't aware that this is a known issue with the Kia Telluride *Since Kia has not disclosed this engine issue, the can can stall while driving. *I had a Kia service person state this is a known issues.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
We experienced an issue of the engine stalling while my wife was stopping at a stop light on multiple occasions. I did not think to check the oil as the vehicle only had about 60k miles at the time. After taking it to KIA here in Jacksonville NC they told us our oil was low and adivsed us to choose the most expensive oil change, I obliged with obvious reservations.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
One day with approximately 58,000 miles on the car it would not start. No warning lights had appeared prior to not starting. The car was towed to a Kia dealership.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
At approximately 94,000 miles, my 2020 Kia Telluride EX experienced a significant internal engine failure. The vehicle was properly maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommended service schedule, including regular oil changes. A professional inspection required engine teardown.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
The vehicle is experiencing excessive oil consumption between oil changes, requiring frequent oil top-offs well before the manufacturer’s recommended service interval. No external oil leaks were identified when the vehicle had approximately 91,000 miles.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
For some time, I was noticing that my 2020 Kia Telluride was consuming excessive amounts of motor oil - at least one quart per 1000 miles. I have had my car serviced regularly by a certified reputable mechanic and scheduled oil changes and other required service every 5000 miles. At around 69,100 miles the check engine light appeared and I immediately took the car in for service.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
Plastic oil filter housing cracked causing all oil to leak out. If not noticed would have blown engine while driving. Brought to dealership and not covered under warranty
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
Engine light continues to come on and the vehicle sputters a lot while driving, it seems like it doesn't want to go. I have to give it more gas like I'm pushing it and when breaking the left front wheel wobbles when I'm trying to come to a stop I have to hold the wheel extra firm
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
I purchased this vehicle with 109,000 miles on it. After driving for about a month, I noticed a noise and took it in for an inspection. I was told there was no oil in the vehicle and to take it to Kia.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
I am consuming excessive oil consumption and the oil consumption tests have failed twice. This usually leads to driving and hearing noises and the car shaking which could lock up the engine and or cause a safety concern if locks up while driving and sudden stop.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
The vehicle began burning oil around 61,000 miles, shortly after the 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty period ended. The issue was confirmed by an independent mechanic, who identified leaking lower engine seals and excessive oil consumption. The mechanic advised that the engine will likely need replacement due to internal seal failure.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
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.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
Kia replaced oil filter adapter and now it burns through excessive amounts of oil. 3qts over 1000 miles. KIA wanted to do an oil consumption test but by the end it would have been out of warranty.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
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.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
My 2020 Kia Telluride, the oil housing unit started leaking earlier this year and was replaced it was low on oil. The oil light never came on.after that it started consuming oil. It consumes a quart of oil about every 100 to 200 miles.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
My vehicle has an oil consumption problem that the dealership and every other Kia dealership knows about. They are Facebook groups about the Kia Telluride oil consumption problems. I’ve had my vehicle in the shop countless times and it’s cost a lot of money.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
Vehicle burns oil, current mileage at 169k. User manual indicates 7500-10000 miles between changes, I am original owner. Dealership service set for 5k intervals since purchase and done on time.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Telluride. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the failure was not duplicated.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
The engine; I took my vehicle to be serviced at the dealership on Feb 18,2025 due to it making a weird whining noise when accelerating and/or turning causing the check engine light to appear. I was told then that my vehicle had no oil in it due to a leak in the oil housing filter. I paid $1900 to have it repaired.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Telluride. The contact stated that while he was servicing the vehicle, the contact noticed that there was a hole in the rear upper part of the engine block. There was no warning light illuminated.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
The engine failed catastrophically on a highway bridge putting four [XXX] boys in grave danger. They managed to get the vehicle to the other side of the bridge but it was not safe. Not a single warning light came on prior, and the engine temperatur gauge didn't show anything out of the ordinary.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
Our Kia Telluride had engine failure and a leaking oil pan. There were no warning messages or lamps at all.We noticed a blue smoke coming from the engine upon acceleration and a knocking noise from engine. We took it to a local repair shop and they said the engine was shot.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Telluride. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing excessive oil consumption. There were no warning lights illuminated.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
On [XXX] , my wife heard a rattling noise while driving. I verified the rattling noise on [XXX]. On [XXX], I researched online and there are a lot of 2020 Telluride owners that experienced the same issue.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
My vehicle is using excessive amounts of oil. Every time I drive it, I can smell burnt oil. I took the vehicle to the dealership on 1/24/25 where they found a leak in the oil filter housing.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
The truck was purchased in 2021, with no known issues. In early 2024, it was observed that the truck would struggle to accelerate and started making weird noises like it was about to stop working. The truck received its normal oil changes and no issues were identified by the dealership.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
Oil filter housing started leaking and had to be replaced. Although the part is part of the engine, it is not included in Kia's powertrain warranty. This is unacceptable/unreasonable and should last longer than a couple years from new.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
Engine is burning oil deal ship says noting is wrong with the car so then where is the oil going if it does not have any leaks at all
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Telluride. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was restarted; however, the failure recurred.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
We purchased a new 2020 Kia telluride in late 2019. We purchased this vehicle because of its 100,000 mile warranty. We went the extra step and added the best extended warranty possible so we were covered for many miles and years.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
In November of 2023 my our Kia Telluride began giving us issues. It would act as though it wanted to die/shut off while idling at stops or even during acceleration. We took it to a local mechanic that we always go to.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
Engine is burning oil now has a rod knock. It’s been sitting at the dealership for two weeks, so haven’t heard anything back
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
The motor was empty of oil after driving 2400 miles since the last oil change. The oil was changed on [XXX] at 102,220 miles. When the check engine light came on, I checked the oil and there was none on the dipstick on [XXX] at 104,884 miles.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
The vehicle has been losing oil, the dealership checked with no issues along eleith a coolant leak in the rear of the vehicle.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
This vehicle only has 77,000 miles and it is burning oil like crazy. I have already had a Hyundai engine replaced on a Sonata and it was showing the same signs as this Telluride. When the Hyundai engine blew we were on the freeway and it just slowed down to a crawl as cars where flying past.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
Motor was completely empty of oil 2000 miles before oil change was due. There were no warning lights. The engine continues to have oil consumption issues, requiring 2-4 quarts per week to be added.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
All of my oil changes have been done religiously at the same Kia dealer where I bought my 2020 Telluride but ever since my 1/14/23 oil change, I have experienced oil leaking from my car on and off. Was told by the dealer that the issue was faulty oem oil filters and that the o-rings weren't sitting properly. I have had a total of 8 oil changes between 1/14/23 & 10/9/23.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
I am writing to report a safety defect within the 2020 telluride. Yesterday I started my vehicle to let it warm up as it was cold outside. I came back inside changed into my work clothes.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
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.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
Excess oil consumption
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
Cars burns over a quart of oil every 1000 miles. No oil light comes on on ever.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
My vehicle was consuming what I thought was a good bit of oil, I had an oils consumption test done, at 1000 miles it was 1 qt low, they said that is normal. So I drove away, another 1000 miles later my engine blew while I was driving, blowing metal everywhere! Left me sitting on the side of the road and Kia is saying it is not a known issue!!
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
Oil consumption, I use full synthetic restore and protect . I change oil every 3500 miles .. after every 500 I have to check it and it’s been low have to add 2-3 quarts .
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
Excessive oil consumption causing monthly oil changes. No low oil indicator causing engine to rattle.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
High oil consumption
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
Vehicle engine is using 1-2 quarts of oil every month or so. Vehicle only has 85k miles. Engine also has a rattle/tick when accelerating.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
My 2020 Kia Telluride consumes oil.at an alarming rate. About 2 quarts for every 1000 - 1500 miles. It currently has 125,000 miles.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
Engine burns over a quart of oil every week. Kia states it's normal.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
This car is burning oil at an outrageous amount. 2 to 3 quarts in 1000 miles. This is a hazard to drive myself and my two young children in
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
Oven taken my car to jiffy line for more than regular oil changes and they always end up kinda jokingly saying man he’s always low on oil. I just blew a rod thru my block due to lack of oil and how fast it was burning. I feel so cheated out of my money.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
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 .
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
Telluride is burning a quart of oil a week… very dangerous
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
Oil pressure light failed to engage even though engine started to tick.. resuling in Valves not lubricating effectively. It took until next day for Engine to hesitate.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
Excessive oil consumption
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
Transmission would engage into neutral and anytime. Engine would RPM would inceease, 5-7000rpm without pressing the accelerator. When engine was at high RPM transmission would then engage into gear causing a violent lurching.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.