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2023 Kia Telluride Electrical Problems

35 owner-reported electrical complaints from NHTSA data

35
Complaints
1
Recalls
2
Crashes
1
Fires
Jan 2026Dec 2025
Date Range

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

Electrical Recalls (1)

RECALLCampaign #23V298000

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023 Sportage, Sportage Hybrid, Sportage Plug-in Hybrid, Niro Hybrid, Niro Plug-in Hybrid, Soul, and Telluride vehicles equipped with a digital instrument cluster containing a 4.2" LCD screen.  The instrument cluster may fail to display any information when the vehicle is started.  As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers 101, "Control and Displays," and 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems."

Fix: Dealers will update the instrument cluster software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 26, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC270.

Owner Complaints (35)

criticalELECTRICAL SYSTEM,LANE DEPARTURE
Filed: Feb 2026

Your instrument panel doesn't turn on, so you can't see your speed, fuel level, or mileage. Your blind spot warning and lane assistance features also aren't working. This problem started suddenly when you turned on the car and happens every time — a Kia dealer confirmed they can reproduce it. A previous software recall didn't fix the issue, making it unsafe to drive since you can't monitor critical information like speed and fuel.

NHTSA #: 11721143
highELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Apr 2026

Your digital instrument cluster screen won't turn on, so you can't see your speed, mileage, or other important vehicle information. Your car has been at the Kia dealership since January 2026 waiting for replacement parts, with no repair expected until June 2026. The dealership says a master mechanic will need to replace the backordered parts to fix this issue.

NHTSA #: 11728708
highELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Mar 2026

Your dashboard instrument cluster screen went completely black without warning, making all gauges, the odometer, temperature gauge, fuel gauge, and safety features invisible. Your dealer confirmed the screen is covered under warranty but it's backordered from Kia with an estimated arrival in late May 2026. You're currently driving without a functioning dashboard display, which means you can't monitor critical vehicle information like fuel level or engine temperature. The fix will require replacing the entire instrument cluster screen once it becomes available from Kia.

NHTSA #: 11724656
highELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Jan 2026

When you start your SUV, the instrument cluster (dashboard display) doesn't turn on, so you can't see your speed, odometer, warning lights, or any driving information. This means you won't get alerts if safety features malfunction or sensors fail. Your dealer appointment is scheduled to diagnose and repair the issue.

NHTSA #: 11712784
highELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Dec 2025

When you start your vehicle, the dashboard gauge cluster screen goes completely blank and stays that way. You can't see your speed, fuel level, engine temperature, or any warning lights, even though the rest of the vehicle works normally and the infotainment screen functions fine. This could be a problem with the instrument cluster display itself or its electrical connection. The fix will likely involve diagnosing the cluster's power supply or replacing the instrument cluster unit.

NHTSA #: 11707253
highELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Dec 2025

Your instrument cluster display went blank while your vehicle was parked, causing your speedometer and fuel gauge to stop working. This happened at around 30,000 miles, and you haven't had it diagnosed or repaired yet. The issue may be related to a known electrical system problem, though your vehicle's VIN wasn't included in the recall. Fixing this will likely require the dealer to diagnose and repair the instrument cluster's electrical connections or replace the cluster itself.

NHTSA #: 11705511
highELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Dec 2025

Your instrument cluster display screen went dark and stopped working after you started the vehicle. When this happened, you couldn't see important information like your speed, fuel level, or blind spot warnings. The dealer confirmed the display itself is faulty and needs to be replaced.

NHTSA #: 11705590
highELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Nov 2025

Your driver's display panel is completely black and showing no vehicle information, making it unsafe to drive. This is your fourth time experiencing this problem since purchasing the car new in 2023. The issue will likely require replacement or repair of the instrument cluster display unit.

NHTSA #: 11697898
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Filed: Oct 2025

The fuel gauge has erratic readings which frequently displays "low fuel" when in fact the fuel IS NOT LOW. The reverse is also true. The fuel gauge will occasionally indicate fuel is present in the vehicle when in fact THERE IS NONE resulting in running out of gas. This results in a dangerous seinero when driving in congested traffic areas since this can easily produce a traffic hazard and endanger occupants of this vehicle (and others). This is a known problem from multiple Kia Telluride owners.

NHTSA #: 11694746
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE
CrashFiled: Oct 2025

Contact states large metal vehicle door trim came off while driving, unknown if accident was caused or other damage to surrounding vehicles. Further states, noticed when large rubber-like molding under door trim was flapping and thunking against door. Contact says water now intrudes into vehicle cabin and suspects constant water inside door affecting door electrical systems. Dealer notified by contact and no remedy provided for this "known issue". Contact is concerned about other trim pieces coming off and penetrating other vehicles at speed with "sharp and pointed edges", as well as electrical fire from water intrusion corrosion. Contact demands further investigation and action by vehicle safety regulators.

NHTSA #: 11691431
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
Filed: Sep 2025

First issue, the entire screen went black while driving. Couldn't see navigation, speed other critical information. Was at the dealership a few weeks got it back and the hazard lights no longer worked but they did before it had gone to the dealership. Screen went out again and took it back. Dealership had it a few weeks fixed hazards and started a ticket with Kia engineering. Screen still goes out randomly. Electrical is messed up and car won't start randomly while screen blinks on and off. Been in the shop multiple times for weeks at a time for this issue and they say there is nothing wrong because they can't duplicate it while they have it. They have had to pick it up from my home because it wouldn't start and still say there is nothing wrong with the vehicle.

NHTSA #: 11690607
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
Filed: Sep 2025

Every time this issue happens, ALL the safety warnings are going off on my dashboard, telling me to check each safety feature and that it's currently NOT working. 1 - Check AWD/4WD 2 - Check Blind Spot Safety System 3 - Check Tire Pressure Monitoring System 4 - Check Smart Crusie Control System 5 - Check Forward Side Safety System 6 - Check Rear Cross Traffic Safety System 7 - Check Lane Following Assist System 8 - Check Lane Change Assist Function 9 - Check Lane Safety System 10 - Check Speed Limit System 11-Check High Beam Assist System 12 - Check inattentive Driving Warning System 13 - Check Door System 14 - Check Truck Lift gate System - ALL going off while I also LOSE MPH and Turn Signal capability and cameras.

NHTSA #: 11686809
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: May 2025

1. Instrument Cluster did not turn on when I started the car. The infotainment system turned on, along with the engine and rest of the car, but the instrument cluster that shows the speed, fuel gauge, etc was black. When I used my turn signals, the sound to indicate they are on would start initially and then stop after 2-3 times. 2. I had no idea how fast I was going or was my fuel level was. I was also not sure if my turn signals were working. This is where the lane change assist camera is shown, so I could not see that either. This screen also reflects warnings, so I would be unaware if anything came up. 3. No - we made the first earliest appointment with the dealer in 5 days from today. 4. No. 5. No warning lamps or messages (these would also appear on this screen, so if a warning came up I would not be aware).

NHTSA #: 11662616
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Mar 2025

Digital display is black on my 2023 Kia Telluride while vehicle is running and being driven. I am unable to see my speed or any other important safety details. This is the first time this has happened and I have not reported it yet to any dealer, independent service center, insurance representative, etc. There were no observable warning lamps messages or symptoms prior to this incident which occurred on 3/27/25 at 1741 hours.

NHTSA #: 11651175
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Feb 2025

Battery Drain. No lights left on, nothing plugged in. I suspect IBU Module or some other wiring tobe causing a parasitic draw. This has been a common issue and KIA needs to address it with a recall.

NHTSA #: 11643138
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Aug 2024

The contact owns a 2023 Kia Telluride. The contact stated while driving from a complete stop and making a left turn, the accelerator pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to respond and stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle, and the vehicle responded as needed. The contact stated that the failure recurred while driving on two other occasions. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was determined that the Idle, Stop and Go (ISG) System was malfunctioning. The dealer advised the contact to press the ISG OFF button A to deactivate the ISG system prior to driving. The contact followed the dealer's instructions; however, the failure persisted while driving. A warning light displaying a speedometer with a key was illuminated, and the message "Limit - 20 MPH" was displayed. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and continued driving. The vehicle was taken to a second dealer, Kings Kia (9600 Kings Automall Dr, Cincinnati, OH 45249), where the contact was informed that she might have unknowingly set the cruise control speed to 20 MPH; however, the contact informed the dealer that it was not a possibility because the vehicle had stalled and failed to move. The dealer then informed the contact that someone might have hacked the vehicle through Kia Connect mobile application and reduced the vehicle speed. The contact was concerned that Kia Connect mobile application had such capability. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 8,000.

NHTSA #: 11607488
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Feb 2024

Snow Mode caused the vehicles accelerator and brakes to be unresponsive after stopping to turn. Kia could not duplicate the issue through service inspection and test drive. Since no alerts or sensors were tripped they ignore the safety concern. This major safety issue is is very very common problem among Telluride owners. A simple google search will reveal hundreds of complaints. Note: A child was in the vehicle and this occurrence happened along an interstate with poor visibility and snowy road conditions.

NHTSA #: 11572624
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Filed: Feb 2024

While driving in snow mode the vehicle loses acceleration after coming to a stop and demanding acceleration again. The vehicle will roll using idle power however there is no increase to the RPM's. The vehicle has to be stopped and moved to ECO mode for the vehicle to go back to working. KIA Dealership has been notified however stated if there is no Check Engine Light and no snow on the ground they will not be able to replicate the issue. In addition, they have stated that snow mode is for when the vehicle is stuck in the snow only. This issue will repeat itself almost every time the vehicle is in snow mode and has been for a few miles. It has become a danger as it can happen without notice while making left turns across oncoming traffic.

NHTSA #: 11569981
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Jan 2024

Our 2023 Kia Telluride's digital cluster panels (all of the screens displaying speedometer, fuel tank, safety information, and entertainment) have gone black and have remained blank for over 2 weeks. The vehicle has been inspected by the dealership, but they do not have a fix and have just told us we have to wait until Kia issues a new update. This is very dangerous to drive as there is no indication on speed, fuel left, or any other pertinent information.

NHTSA #: 11569116
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Jan 2024

The main instrument display is blank as a result the driver cannot see any information such as speed, fuel level, etc. The main display seems to flash blank then dark gray. When the display goes blank the blinkers fail to operate as well despite being turned on. I did contact KIA since this sounds like a similar issue that they have a recall for (SC270) but they informed me that my vehicle was not impacted. My guess is my vehicle is impacted and the recall should cover a larger number of vehicles than previously stated. As additional information my vehicle was among the first to roll of the production line for model year 2023.

NHTSA #: 11567246
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
Filed: Nov 2023

There is something wrong with the electrical system that drains the battery. I keep getting. An ESC code, and then the battery goes dead. The car has been at the dealership for the past three days and they are unable to duplicate the problem. I showed them a video I took of the instrument cluster which shows the code and electrical issues. The Kia dealership says they cannot do anything about the code because they are unable to duplicate the air while the vehicle is in their possession. This has happened twice on a new 2023 car. The dealership says they are returning me my vehicle with no resolution. So essentially, I’m getting a broken car returned to me. When you online search “ESC” Kia there appears to be a lot of complaints about this exact same issue but no fix?

NHTSA #: 11556445
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,LANE DEPARTURE
Filed: Sep 2023

The Driver Attention Warning (DAW), specifically the 'Take a Break' alert is too sensitive and persistent, without the option to disable. The 'Take a Break' alert both displays a message and emits an audible alert (5 or so dings). The alert occurs too frequently, no matter who is driving, which is a distraction in itself. The warning has increased in frequency over time. There is no known way to disable, re-calibrate, or reset this alert as in previous models. While intended to be a safety 'feature' it is the exact opposite as it is an additional distraction and removes the driver's attention when acknowledging the overly sensitive dash warning.

NHTSA #: 11544051
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,LANE DEPARTURE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
Filed: Aug 2023

After 3 months, vehicle started showing intermittent warnings at startup related to multiple collision warning systems-- forward collision, blindspot sensors, rear cross traffic. Over a few weeks, it was no longer intermittent and occurred every time. Multiple ACD systems wouldn't function due to blind spot sensor failures. Multiple repair attempts and issue occurred again and dealer has been unable to repair.

NHTSA #: 11536878
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Jul 2023

The contact owns a 2023 Kia Telluride. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, a warning chime sounded with the check forward safety system, check rear cross traffic safety system, check blind spot safety system, and the AWD safety system messages displayed. The contact restarted the vehicle and the vehicle resumed normal operation. Several days later the failure returned, and the contact called and made the dealer aware of the failure. The contact was informed that pests might have entered the vehicle and the contact was advised to have the vehicle cleaned. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle shut off as the previous warning messages displayed. Additionally, the engine off message was displayed. The contact pulled off to the shoulder of the highway and restarted the vehicle; however, the failure persisted after the vehicle was restarted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was referred to a dealer. The contact took the vehicle to a local dealer where a code reader determined that there was a defect with the front radar. The failure persisted and the vehicle was taken to Auto Express Kia (9090 Peach St, Waterford, PA 16441). The dealer was unable to diagnose the failure and the vehicle remained with the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 9,000.

NHTSA #: 11534620
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Jul 2023

On two separate occasions within 2 weeks of each other, I lost complete power of my new 2023 Kia Telluride while driving. The first incident occurred on June 22nd, 2023 with only 2000 miles on the car I received a message of an issue with the Engine Control System, along with the Battery warning light and Check Engine Light. Shortly afterwards the entire display panel started transmitting every error message on the screen while I was driving. As I was turning left at an intersection onto a lesser busy street, I started to lose power steering and lost complete power as I pulled my car to the side of the road. The second incident occurred while on vacation with my family on July 1st, 2023 with approx 2600 miles. The dashboard displayed the same Engine Control System message along with the Battery warning light and Check Engine Light. Shortly thereafter all of the error messages displayed on the display screen and as we pulled over to the side of the road, we lost complete power. The car was serviced by Kia Schaumburg on 06/27/2023 and I was told the electronics module was causing the issue and had to be reset and the problem was corrected. The safety of myself and my family is put at risk both times. The first time the car started losing power steering while turning which could have resulted in a collision. The second time, my family was stranded while on vacation in a semi-remote location. In both cases the car lost full power within minutes of pulling over and not even the hazards would work, putting us at risk of collision by passing traffic.

NHTSA #: 11529958
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Jun 2023

My Telluride has a factory trailer hitch so I COULD insert a draw bar with ball and hook up a trailer. But....no connection is there for electrical, so no lights or brakes would operate on any trailer I tried to tow!! Obviously this is a horrible SAFETY problem! NHTSA recalled the 2022 & earlier model year Tellurides because the tow wiring harness (essential for operating ANY towed trailer) was causing fires. A “stop sale” order was also issued. I purchased a 2023 model year in November 2022 expressly to tow my travel trailer. The recall was not disclosed to me, nor the fact that no wiring harness was available, or would ever be MADE available for my car. Kia advertises the 5,000 lb tow ability, shows the car in company sales literature towing heavy horse & boat trailers, lists the ability on my window sticker, and describes in detail in the owners manual how the fabulous tow system works! NHTSA had to FORCE Kia to stop selling the 2022’s but Kia has dishonestly continued to misrepresent the tow capability for the 2023’s. I have a $50,000.00 mistake sitting in my garage & Kia will not even respond to letters from me or my attorney. Can NHTSA help me?

NHTSA #: 11527561
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
Filed: Jun 2023

The driver dashboard went blank except for randomly flashing nonsense numbers. Vehicle speed, fuel level, engine RPM and other vehicle information was lost. Additionally forward collision avoidance, lane keep and departure, adaptive cruise, emergency braking and blind spot warning systems became inactive. I am unsure if the antilock brake system and stability controls are functional. My safety was put at risk because i was unsure of vehicle speed and loosing all driver assistance tools. The problem has been persistent since it 1st occurred. The vehicle is going to the dealer today, 05 June 2023. Immediately before the driver dash going blank, the entire driver dashboard showed all warnings lights before going blank.

NHTSA #: 11525342
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Filed: May 2023

Fuel gauge (fuel level) and estimated mileage abruptly zero’s out and you get low fuel message regardless of amount in tank. Dealer stated they will show how to reset, but did not indicate a fix. Not sure if impact on other systems. Over several days the fuel gauge re-corrects, but it should not be happening.

NHTSA #: 11523808
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
CrashFiled: May 2023

The contact owns a 2023 Kia Telluride. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the instrument cluster displayed a blank screen. Additionally, the parking brake inadvertently engaged while driving. The Auto Start/Stop was intermittently inoperable, and the doors failed to unlock with the remote starter. The vehicle was towed to the dealer; however, the dealer only performed a recall repair under NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V035000 (Air Bags). The failure recurred. The contact then stated that while pulling into a parking space at 4 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed, but the vehicle lunged forward and experienced unintended acceleration. The forward collision avoidance failed to activate to stop the vehicle. The vehicle crashed into the median, causing the front passenger's side tire to blow out. The front view camera fault message was displayed. No injury was sustained. The vehicle was then towed to Steve Schmitt Kia (11655 New Halls Ferry Road, Florissant, MO 63033) where the vehicle remained, not yet diagnosed or repaired. The contact later received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V298000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 11.

NHTSA #: 11521229
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Apr 2023

For the 3rd time in less than 3 months the instrument panel is blank, no instruments are visible, no power to the screen. Cars need to go back to analog gauges for safety.

NHTSA #: 11518034
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Mar 2023

Second time in a week, less than 300 miles, instrument cluster screen went black, no power.

NHTSA #: 11509732
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Feb 2023

I have an EX trim. Driver Instrument Display is off and won't turn back on. I have tried turning off the car for extended periods of time and turning it back on but no luck. Not having this display on is a safety hazard not just because I cant see critical information but it seems when the display turned off it also turned off the following: - No audio from the turn signals - No audio from the reverse sensors even when I'm about to hit what is behind me - Can't tell what what gear I'm in from the gear selector as the light won't come on This is not acceptable as I just bought this car about a week ago from making this post. Not even 150 miles on it.

NHTSA #: 11507526
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Feb 2023

Driver instrument display is black, no information is displayed. It just happened when starting the car, no display. These LCD displays are dangerous. Go back to analog. I have NO information about anything going on with the car or it's speed. It's dangerous to drive. Multiple engine start/stop cycles do nothing.

NHTSA #: 11506819
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE
Filed: Feb 2023

I have owned the car for 2 months. For the 3rd time while pulling out into traffic the car refused to accelerate like it was having trouble with transmission(this made it dangerous for me pulling into busy traffic) For 10 to 20 seconds it would not accelerate and then finally it would operate as normal. The last time it happened when it kicked into gear the car jumped and it made a loud noise. This refusal to accelerate happened 3 different times

NHTSA #: 11506042
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
FireFiled: Dec 2022

The KIA Telluride Tow Hitch Harness Module has been responsible for getting humidity and dirt inside and starting a fires. So, KIA has recalled this issue BACK IN AUGUST, 2022 and told everyone not to park the vehicle inside or near any buildings and expected a solution this October. However, it's December and I have contacted my Dealer as well as KIA corporation and KIA is telling everyone that they do NOT have any solution for this fire hazard and they cannot even provide any date as to when they will have a solution. So, now, they are just shipping all the new Telluride's (that should be coming with the Tow Hitch and Harness) without them and saying they have no idea when you can get the new revised Hitch and Harness Solution????? At this point it feels as though KIA is not taking this seriously and offering ANY SOLUTIONS for their dealers or customers. So, what can be done?

NHTSA #: 11497721

Other 2023 Kia Telluride Issues