2020 Kia Telluride: common problems and reliability

One of the weaker Telluride years.

761 owner complaints, most about exterior lighting. 7 recalls.

Should I buy a 2020 Telluride?

The 2020 Kia Telluride has 761 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 7 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are exterior lighting and engine.

Safety record for the 2020 model year

761
Owner complaints
7
Recalls
8
Crash reports
9
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2020 Kia Telluride vehicles (US, public record).

The Year Score compares this year with other Telluride years only. How we score it

Is 2020 a good year for the Telluride?

Across the 6 Telluride model years we track, complaint volume runs from 207 (2023) to 761 (2020). With 761 complaints, the 2020 Telluride sits above the model's median of 324.

These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.

Where owners report problems

exterior lighting
183
engine
145
visibility/wiper
135
power train
70
electrical system
58

Recalls affecting the 2020 Telluride

seat belts:rear/other

Campaign 19V594000

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2020 Telluride vehicles. The seat belt assemblies in the front passenger, second, and/or third row seats may not tightly secure a child restraint system in the event of a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

electrical system:wiring

Campaign 20V436000

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."

trailer hitches

Campaign 22V626000

Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Telluride vehicles potentially equipped with a Genuine Kia 4-pin tow hitch harness installed as original equipment, or purchased as an accessory through a Kia dealership. Debris and moisture accumulation on the tow hitch harness module printed circuit board (PCB) may cause an electrical short, which can result in a fire.

exterior lighting:headlights

Campaign 24V148000

Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2020 Telluride vehicles. The high beam headlights may fail.

Show 3 more recalls

power train:driveline:driveshaft

Campaign 24V214000

Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2020-2024 Telluride vehicles. The intermediate shaft and right front driveshaft may not be fully engaged, which can result in vehicle roll away while in PARK.

seats:front assembly:power adjust

Campaign 24V407000

Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2020-2024 Telluride vehicles. The front power seat motor may overheat due to a stuck power seat slide knob, which can result in a fire while parked or driving.

seats:front assembly:power adjust

Campaign 26V430000

Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2020-2024 Telluride vehicles. The front power seat motor may overheat due to a stuck power seat slide knob or an improper recall 24V407 repair, which can result in a fire while parked or driving.

What owners say across generations

Mixed to positive sentiment overall, with a clear generational divide.

Owner insights cover all generations of the Telluride. See the full Telluride owner picture and every model year.

Typical used price

Used Telluride listings typically run $25,500–$35,248.

Other Telluride model years

Compare every Telluride year side by side to see how 2020 ranks against the rest.

Compare the Telluride against its rivals

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