2022 Kia Telluride User Complaints and Problems
Setting aside its serviceable nature, the 2022 Kia Telluride does not guarantee an all-around performance. In its first generation, the SUV’s reliability has been substandard. It has around 309 complaints in its three years in the market, with a majority of the issues relating to its debut iteration. Nonetheless, even 2022 MY, which has been on the market for a short time, has around 29 complaints. Listed below are the most common problems of the midsize SUV and their implications on the ownership experience.
Electric System Complaints
- Malfunctioning information cluster: The most recurrent complaint with the 2022 Kia Telluride relates to the improper functioning of its information cluster. Buyers have reported the dash screen to go blank and lose its power without any prior symptoms. As a result, users remain unaware of vital information about the vehicle. To deal with the issue, Kia has introduced a recall, referenced by NHTSA ID 21V577000, which affects 5,143 units of the 2022 Telluride.
- Substandard performance of the high-beam headlights: Due to an error in the motor system, the high beam headlamps of the 2020 Kia Telluride deliver inferior performance. As a result, the range of visibility remains restricted, which can increase the chance of a crash. To a great extent, Kia has dealt with the issue effectively.
Mechanical Complaints
- Ticking noise from the engine: Across the 2020 and 2021 Kia Telluride, buyers have reported a ticking noise from the engine compartment. While the cause of concern is not yet known, the noise can only be heard at the time of a cold start.
- Inconvenient transmission unit: Yet another mechanical complaint of the Kia Telluride is concerned with the transmission unit of the SUV. Buyers have complained about the transmission system’s inability to stay in the proper gear in accordance with the speed levels. Additionally, some complainants have also reported a problem of slippage. While there have not been many issues with the latest iteration, the Kia Telluride transmission problems are related to the units equipped with the AWD system.
Structural Complaints
- Cracking of windshield: The 2022 Kia Telluride windshield issue is not a new problem for the SUV. Rather the earlier iterations have also been affected by the same. Without impact or incidence, buyers of the midsize SUV have reported the windshield to develop cracks. While the cause for the recurrence of such a problem is not yet known, we suspect the windshield to be substandard in its build.
- Explosion of sunroof and windows: Like the cracking of the windshield, the sunroof and windows of the Kia Telluride are prone to explosion. While even this problem can be attributed to a substandard build quality, it qualifies as a safety concern as it can increase the risk of an injury to the passengers, if the vehicle is in motion.
Safety Complaints
- Vehicle Speed Control: The last known issue of the Kia Telluride relates to the vehicle’s unintended movement. Without any input from the driver, the SUV tends to accelerate or decelerate, increasing the risk of a crash.
The 2022 Kia Telluride’s problems and complaints are largely concerned with the malfunctioning of its information cluster. While the user grievances have been steadily decreasing, the SUV’s performance is far from ideal. Yet, with Kia being a sister brand to Hyundai, we can expect proactiveness by the brand in dealing with the issues.
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Category
|
Number of complaints
|
|
Miscellaneous
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50
|
|
Seat belts
|
1
|
|
Fuel System
|
1
|
|
Powertrain
|
20
|
2022 Kia Telluride Recalls
To deal with Telluride’s problems, Kia has been quick in starting recalls that can help alleviate the users of their problems. Over the last three years, there have been a total of 4 recalls that have been introduced by the brand for the Telluride. While a majority of these recalls deal with the problems of the past iteration, Kia has been quick to take action against the problems concerned with the information cluster. Listed below are all the recalls initiated by the brand for the Telluride SUV, and their implications on the ownership experience.
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S. No
|
Date
|
NHTSA ID
|
Issues Noticed
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Additional Remarks
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|
1.
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28th July 2021
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21V577000
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Blank LCD Display
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Due to an error in the software, the LCD screen might remain blank after blank after startup. As a result, the affected vehicles fail to comply with federal laws.
|
|
2.
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11th Mar 2021
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21V164000
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ODS malfunction
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The Occupant Detection System (ODS) might not identify the child restraint system in the front passenger seat. As a result, the airbags might not deploy. Additionally, these vehicles fail to comply with federal laws.
|
|
3.
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28th July 2020
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20V436000
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Inoperative trailer brake lights
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The brake lights of the trailer, which is attached to the SUV, might not illuminate when the driver presses the brake pedal. As a result, the affected vehicles fail to comply with federal laws. 86,921 units of the 2020 iteration of the Kia Telluride are said to be included in the recall.
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|
4.
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13th Aug 2019
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19V594000
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Problem with the seat belt assemblies
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Due to an error, the front passenger, second, and third-row seats might not secure a child restraint system, increasing the chance of a injury in a crash. 30,168 units of the 2020 Kia Telluride are said to be affected by the issue and as a result, these vehicles fail to comply with federal laws.
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In comparison with its competitors, the 2022 Hyundai Palisade and the 2022 Honda Pilot have no recalls to their names. On the other hand, the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder already has 3 listed complaints. So, in the segment, Telluride’s problems cause it to remain behind some of its direct rivals.
|
Component Affected
|
2022
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2021
|
2020
|
|
Safety
|
0
|
1
|
0
|
|
Exterior
|
0
|
0
|
1
|
|
Electric
|
1
|
0
|
0
|
|
Interior
|
0
|
0
|
1
|
|
Drive System
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
|
Fuel System
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
|
Engine
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
Which Kia Telluride model year should you avoid?
Being a relatively newer inclusion in the market, there are not many iterations of the SUV to choose from. However, Telluride’s problems might be a deal-breaker for some. While the situation is rapidly improving, the 2020 MY is the one to avoid. It has 2 recalls and 203 complaints to its name, which is inferior as compared to the other iterations. Additionally, most of the problems are low mileage failures, which makes the issue even more concerning.
Should you buy a used Kia Telluride?
The Kia Telluride has managed 83 points in the J.D. Power ratings, which is an appreciable score. Yet, the SUV fails to prove its worth as a dependable proposition. While it is practical and sensible, the Telluride fails to impress us with its reliability. Its problems are recurring in nature and their complexities do take away value from the ownership experience. Though Kia is proactive in dealing with the inconveniences faced by the buyers, the midsize SUVs competitors are more holistic options. So, if you are in the market for a new three-row vehicle, we’d suggest looking out for the Hyundai Palisade and Honda Pilot, before finalizing the Kia Telluride.
