10.0

really awful
Typical Repair Cost:
$10,000
Average Mileage:
117,000 miles
Total Complaints:
6 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (3 reports)
  2. new engine (2 reports)
  3. complete engine rebuild or replacement (1 reports)
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2020 Kia Telluride engine problems

engine problem

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2020 Kia Telluride Owner Comments

problem #6

Dec 182023

Telluride

  • Automatic transmission
  • 115,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Started having high oil consumption issues. Took it to the dealer and was told it was a leaking gasket. Gasket was fixed. Continued having issues and was told today the engine needed to be replaced. The annoying thing is, I am now hearing this is a known issue with Kia regarding these vehicles. I've heard this from someone at the dealership service as well as a private mechanic. However, Kia has yet to do a recall on these vehicles (but they have on other Kia because of the same issue). Very frustrating. Hoping Kia will do the right thing and repair the engine.

- adi187, Germatown, MD, US

problem #5

Nov 012023

Telluride SX 3.8L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 126,000 miles

We own a 2020 SX, purchased off the truck. We travel to the coast several times a year and one reason for high mileage, 126K. Six months ago we reported to the Kia dealer ticking, knocking sounds, along with engine stuttering, after finding the oil level was not even registering on the dipstick. We were told that oil should be added about every 1000 miles, which is insane especially after finding it was down nearly 2.5 quarters three weeks after an oil change. That 2.5 quarts barely got it to the dipstick, but took away the ticking, knocking sound. Luckily persistence has paid off and the dealership has now asked us to drop the vehicle off for them to inspect, giving us a loaner vehicle in the meantime. Ironically, it is a 2024 SX. We do have the extended warranty (smart move considering this was a new model), but our concern is potential damage done that will not be addressed before the coverage expires. Fingers crossed.

- Mark F., Lebanon, US

problem #4

Nov 012023

Telluride SX V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 70,000 miles

My 2020 Kia Telluride started chugging like it was going to die. It did end up dying twice. Check engine light came on as did my oil light. Once I got home I checked my oil and there was absolutely zero oil on the dipstick. I added oil for the purpose to get it to the dealership in the morning. After I added oil all the problems went away. The dealership checked it out and I was down 4 quarts of oil. They recommended I bring it back after 1000 miles to check the oil consumption which I did today. I am down 1 quart and they said that was normal consumption at this point. I did check my oil before I went there and the oil level on the dipstick was under the low mark. Not sure why it would register "under low" and be ok.... The dealership said I did not need to go back after the next 1000 miles and just to come at my next regularly scheduled oil change. I do not think this is ok as my car smells burnt every time I drive it. I did see others are having the same issues. My father-in-law said an easy way to check for oil burning is to rub you finger in the (cool) tailpipe and if you have black on your fingers - you're burning oil. Sure enough my car have that in my tailpipe. (He did take me to his truck as well - and he did not have any black on his fingers).

- Jennefer C., Pleasant Prairie, WI, US

problem #3

Oct 092023

Telluride EX V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 170,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Rod knock - blown engine due to excess oil consumption. This is a completely preventable problem. Kia and Hyundai engines were subject to a class action lawsuit about excess oil consumption. The Telluride engine was not included in that (too new at the time presumably?) However numerous Telluride owners report high oil consumption and dealers telling them they should be down one quart every 1000 miles.

Despite the fact that a quart per 1000 miles is ridiculous, this problem could have been prevented if Kia notified owners that they must top off their oil in between oil changes.

Long story short, the oil light never came on in our Telluride, but it started with what sounded like it needed a valve adjustment. So I parked it and started to diagnose. Saw it was ridiculously low on oil, put 2.5 quarts in it and it was still barely on the dipstick. Started it up and the ticking went away. Drove it and within a few miles it started rod knock. I can only presume it's a spun bearing, but it definitely is a rebuild issue at this point.

Terrible design to burn through that much oil, but at least LET US KNOW so we don't destroy our engine.

- Matt D., Westlake, OH, United States

problem #2

Aug 312023

Telluride ES 3.2L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 112,000 miles

I have taken my Telluride back to the dealership on at least 5 occasions with the same complaint. High oil consumption and it being out of oil in between oil changes. I have had to add oil several times because it repeatedly happens.

- Sandra B., Prairieville, LA, US

problem #1

Oct 122022

Telluride V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 109,000 miles

I have been dealing with my engine slipping since October 2022 and have brought it to the dealership at least once a month. I had an oil change in December and in January while driving on the highway at 65 and the fast lane, my car started stalling and would not accelerate. I had to go over 5 lanes of traffic to the break down lane and drove it not past 20. I was 30 miles from the dealership and brought it to them. They said, my car was down 5-1/2 quarts of oil. I had gone less than 3,000 miles. I have been back at least once a week and sometime 2 since. They had me come in to measure the oil after 1,000 miles 4x's. They said, I should be down a quart every 1,000 miles. It is a concern if it looses that much oil. The dealership then decided to put dye into the oil to see if it seeped into the engine. It is and the dealership does not want to do anything about it. It was under warranty when I started this process. Any suggestions on how to proceed is greatly appreciated.

Update from Jan 4, 2024: Still consuming oil and I think the transmission has been an issue since Oct. 2022. It keeps stuttering and it is getting more harsh. They keep dismissing this since Oct. 2022. My kids drive it and they feel it too

- Susan W., Atkinson, NH, United States

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