A 2020 Kia Telluride is now 6 years old, so an average example has covered around 81,000 miles. This is the first model year of the generation · early-build cars carry the highest share of teething faults and the most recall activity, so check the service history for completed recall work. Check the state safety inspection and service history alongside the documented faults below, which are sorted by whether a 2020 car has usually reached the mileage where they appear.
Compiled & reviewed by the VehicleFaults Research Team
The 2020 Kia Telluride is 6 years old, so an average example has covered roughly 81,000 miles. At that mileage 3 of the documented faults are already due, so check those first.
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Build the inspection planDocumented onset mileage is at or below the ~81k miles an average 2020 car has covered.
Clunking noises from the rear over bumps and visible fluid leaks from the self-levelling shock absorbers.
Harmonic judder or vibration felt through the floorpan and seats at cruising speeds, often linked to the prop shaft centre bearing.
Premature brake disc warping causing steering wheel shimmy and pedal pulsation during deceleration.
Age, electronics and build-related issues that are not mileage-driven.
Trailer wiring / tow harness fire recall.
Windshield trim and roof-rail fit.
Infotainment and seat-memory glitches.
3.8 V6 is robust; check routine maintenance only.
Windscreen glass is highly susceptible to rapid cracking from minor stone chips.
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Build my inspection planYes — it's one of the better three-row SUVs; mostly recall checks apply.
A tow-harness fire recall and others exist; confirm completion on NHTSA.
Yes, it's a proven naturally aspirated engine with no cylinder deactivation.
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.
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.
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.
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