SafetyHigh
Trailer wiring / tow harness fire recall.
- Typically appears
- Any
- What to inspect
- Confirm the tow-harness recall was completed if fitted.
2020–2023 Kia Telluride · common problems & known faults
The 1st-gen Telluride is a highly rated three-row SUV with few faults; recalls and trim details are the main checks.
Compiled & reviewed by the VehicleFaults Research Team · last reviewed July 2026
Quick answer
The most commonly reported faults on the 2020–2023 Kia Telluride are Trailer wiring / tow harness fire recall, Clunking noises from the rear over bumps and visible fluid leaks from the self-levelling shock absorbers and Harmonic judder or vibration felt through the floorpan and seats at cruising speeds, often linked to the prop shaft centre bearing. 1 of the documented issues are rated high severity · inspect these first. Full inspection points, onset mileage and what to check are listed below.
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Build the inspection planReliability snapshot
Based on the documented faults on this page for the Kia Telluride.
6.7/ 10
- Critical
- 0
- High
- 1
- Medium
- 2
- Low
- 5
Guidance only · reflects reported patterns, not a specific car's condition.
Kia Telluride problems by year
Which faults an average example has usually reached depends on its age. Pick a model year for the faults that matter on that build.
Known faults to check
BodyLow
Windshield trim and roof-rail fit.
- Typically appears
- Any
- What to inspect
- Inspect trim alignment and listen for wind noise.
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Build the inspection planElectricalLow
Infotainment and seat-memory glitches.
- Typically appears
- Age-related
- What to inspect
- Test the screen and memory seats.
EngineLow
3.8 V6 is robust; check routine maintenance only.
- Typically appears
- Routine
- What to inspect
- Confirm oil-change and service history.
SuspensionMedium
Clunking noises from the rear over bumps and visible fluid leaks from the self-levelling shock absorbers.
- Typically appears
- 30,000-50,000 miles
- What to inspect
- Shine a torch behind the rear wheels to check the damper bodies for oil weeping. Push down firmly on the boot floor to test for excessive bounce.
DrivetrainMedium
Harmonic judder or vibration felt through the floorpan and seats at cruising speeds, often linked to the prop shaft centre bearing.
- Typically appears
- 20,000-60,000 miles
- What to inspect
- Conduct a brief dual-carriageway test drive, accelerating smoothly to 70 mph to feel for vibrations radiating through the cabin floor or seats.
GlassLow
Windscreen glass is highly susceptible to rapid cracking from minor stone chips.
- Typically appears
- Any mileage
- What to inspect
- Examine the windscreen closely under bright forecourt lighting for tiny star chips or edge cracks, paying special attention to the scuttle panel area.
BrakesLow
Premature brake disc warping causing steering wheel shimmy and pedal pulsation during deceleration.
- Typically appears
- 15,000-40,000 miles
- What to inspect
- During a test drive, apply the brakes firmly from 50 mph and feel for any pulsing sensation through the brake pedal or steering wheel vibration.
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Build my inspection planFrequently asked questions
Is the Telluride reliable?
Yes — it's one of the better three-row SUVs; mostly recall checks apply.
Any Telluride recalls?
A tow-harness fire recall and others exist; confirm completion on NHTSA.
Is the 3.8 V6 strong?
Yes, it's a proven naturally aspirated engine with no cylinder deactivation.
Do the self-levelling rear dampers require special attention?
Yes. Higher-specification models feature self-levelling rear shock absorbers which are prone to premature failure and fluid leaks. Replacements are significantly more expensive than standard dampers. Always inspect the rear ride height and check the damper bodies for oil residue before retail preparation.
What should I know about the AWD system's maintenance?
The all-wheel-drive system utilises an electro-hydraulic coupling that requires regular fluid checks. Although Kia claims it is filled for life, proactive servicing of the transfer box and rear differential every 40,000 miles prevents premature wear and binding issues during tight low-speed cornering.
Are there any specific tyre wear issues on this model?
The Telluride is a heavy, front-biased SUV, meaning front tyre edge wear is common if wheel alignment is neglected. The factory-fitted 20-inch tyres on premium trims can wear down to the legal limit by 20,000 miles. Always check the inner and outer tread blocks for uneven scrubbing.
Sources & further reading
Faults are compiled from documented recalls, technical bulletins, owner reports and mechanic sources, then reviewed for accuracy. This is guidance only · not a substitute for a professional inspection.
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