Reliability, what owners report, and what it costs to keep.
AVOIR's read: the numbers are mixed and the complaint record is worth reading before you commit.
Owners have filed 751 complaints with NHTSA about the 2020 Kia Telluride, and it carries 7 recalls. These are owner allegations rather than confirmed defects, but the pattern of what people complain about is the most useful signal a used buyer has.
| Area | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Exterior lighting | 164 | 22% |
| Visibility/wiper | 121 | 16% |
| Unknown or other | 93 | 12% |
| Engine | 90 | 12% |
| Structure | 40 | 5% |
| Power train | 33 | 4% |
| Suspension | 20 | 3% |
| Electrical system | 13 | 2% |
| Power train | 12 | 2% |
| Visibility | 12 | 2% |
Verbatim from NHTSA complaint records, trimmed for length.
Large chunks of paint peeling from hood and top of car. Yes, available for inspection. Safety concerns for visibility issues for driver and other drivers if paint impairs visibility. Yes, visited a collision repair shop,
NHTSA complaint: Unknown or other
The sun roof warning light on dash suddenly came on and when I tried to open it up it broke and would no longer close. Finally got front toclise but back won't. Paeamount Kua of Asheville wants 7000 to fix even though I
NHTSA complaint: Unknown or other
My engine failed from burning oil, even though the car has been maintained its whole life, 14 documented oil changes, roughly every 5,000 miles. • Jiffy-lube shop found the crankcase completely bone dry, only 4,344 mile
NHTSA complaint: Engine
The car has stalled numerous times on the roadway while driving. The issue has been identified as an oil consumption issue. There was no low pressure warning light or other warning indicating that there is an oil pressu
NHTSA complaint: Engine
Vehicle experienced significant drivability issues including shaking/clinking at speeds over 50 mph, check engine light, and reported two-cylinder misfires. Engine oil level was critically low, not registering on the dip
NHTSA complaint: Engine
I went to open my sunroof and I see a piece sticking up. My sunroof then wouldnt close. I get home and find out its the wind deflector. I tried to close the sunroof and now my sunroof if stuck open. One of the tracks is
NHTSA complaint: Unknown or other
The factory-installed driver/passenger side LED headlight assembly suffered a sudden, total internal electrical failure while driving at night, causing an immediate loss of forward visibility and creating a severe crash
NHTSA complaint: Exterior lighting
I bought my vehicle used around 62,000 miles, I was the second owner. Around 90,000 miles my vehicle suddenly stopped driving. There was absolutely no signs of issues prior to this event. I had it towed to the Kia dealer
NHTSA complaint: Engine
NHTSA lists 7 recall campaigns for the 2020 Kia Telluride. Recalls are free to have fixed at a franchised dealer regardless of who owns the car now, but only if they were never done, so check the VIN of the specific car rather than trusting the model.
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 Mo
Risk: If a child seat is not properly secured, there is an increased risk of injury to the occupant in a crash.
Fix: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles and replace any incorrect seat belt assemblies. The repair will also include replacing the driver's seat belt which has a non-U.S. specif
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
Risk: Inoperative trailer brake lights can fail to warn other drivers that the vehicle is slowing, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will install an additional wire harness to the main fuse box to signal the trailer brake lights, free of charge. The recall began September 10, 2020. Owners may c
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
Risk: A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Fix: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will install a new fuse and a wiring harness extension. Dealers will also inspect and replace
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2020 Telluride vehicles. The high beam headlights may fail.
Risk: Inoperable high beam headlights may reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and repair or replace the high beam headlights, as necessary free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 9, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-
| Reliability raw | 64 | average |
|---|---|---|
| Longevity est. | 71 | good |
| Maintenance | 75 | good |
| Depreciation | 71 | good |
| Performance | 59 | average |
| Efficiency | 42 | below average |
| Safety | 93 | excellent |
Percentile ranks against other SUVs in the catalog.
What stands behind each score for this car:
Owners have filed 751 complaints with NHTSA for this model-year, and exterior lighting is the most reported area with 164 of them (22%). There are 7 recalls on record. Check any specific car against its VIN before buying.
AVOIR scores its reliability 64/100 (average) from NHTSA recall campaigns and complaint density. That figure is a raw complaint count, not yet adjusted for sales volume, so a high-volume model scores worse than it deserves.
AVOIR scores its longevity 71/100, but that figure is an estimate built from the powertrain and the brand's record, not a measurement. A 2020 car has no 200,000-mile population to observe yet, so treat it as a prior rather than evidence.
AVOIR's read: be careful, because the numbers are mixed and the complaint record is worth reading before you commit. Its overall ownership score is 68/100. Condition, mileage and service history still matter more than any score, so get a pre-purchase inspection on the specific car.
Sources: NHTSA recalls and complaints, EPA fuel economy, IIHS awards, and live market listings. A score describes a model-year, not the individual car in front of you. Get a pre-purchase inspection.