2020 Kia Telluride VIN Check, Recalls & Reliability
The 2020 Kia Telluride has mixed reliability. There are 6 recalls and 667 owner complaints on file for the 2020 KIA Telluride. Severity signals include 8 crash-related complaints and 7 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Exterior Lighting (170), Visibility Wiper (121), Unknown Or Other (95).
Telluride reliability snapshot
Data sourced from Auto Reliability Index, aggregating NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, and RepairPal repair-cost records.
Used-car research
Research the KIA Telluride before checking the VIN
Compare model years, recurring problems, safety campaigns and market value first. Then use the VIN to verify the history of the individual car.
Most-reported 2020 KIA Telluride issues
Owner-reported problem categories from NHTSA complaint filings. Counts reflect complaints per category for the most-recent model year on file.
- Exterior Lighting170
- Visibility Wiper121
- Unknown Or Other95
- Engine74
- Power Train50
- Electrical System41
Pre-purchase inspection checklist for the 2020 KIA Telluride
Hands-on checks distilled from real NHTSA complaint patterns and recall histories. Bring this list to a test drive or mechanic inspection.
- Check for excessive oil consumption by inspecting oil levels and looking for signs of oil burning
- Inspect the paint, especially in Snow White Pearl models, for peeling or chipping
- Test the high beam headlights to ensure they function properly
- Verify the infotainment system for any screen discoloration or backup camera issues
- Check for any unusual engine noises or vibrations during acceleration
- Ensure the sunroof opens and closes smoothly without mechanical issues
2020 Telluride recalls (6)
Every NHTSA safety recall logged against the 2020 Telluride. A VIN check confirms whether any recall remains unrepaired on a specific vehicle.
- SEATSNHTSA 24V407000Jun 5, 2024Park outside until repaired
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2020-2024 Telluride vehicles. The front power seat motor may overheat due to a stuck power seat slide knob, which can result in a fire while parked or driving.
Consequence: A fire increases the risk of injury.
Remedy
Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will install a bracket for the power seat switch back covers and replace the seat slide knobs, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 30, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC316.
- POWER TRAINNHTSA 24V214000Mar 20, 2024
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2020-2024 Telluride vehicles. The intermediate shaft and right front driveshaft may not be fully engaged, which can result in vehicle roll away while in PARK.
Consequence: A vehicle roll away increases the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy
Owners are advised to manually engage the emergency parking brake prior to exiting the vehicle until the recall remedy is performed. Dealers will update the electronic parking brake software and replace any damaged intermediate shafts as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 15, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC303.
- EXTERIOR LIGHTINGNHTSA 24V148000Feb 26, 2024
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2020 Telluride vehicles. The high beam headlights may fail.
Consequence: Inoperable high beam headlights may reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
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 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC299.
- TRAILER HITCHESNHTSA 22V626000Aug 15, 2022Park outside until repaired
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 circuit board (PCB) may cause an electrical short, which can result in a fire.
Consequence: A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy
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 the tow hitch harness assembly, as necessary. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 12, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC247.
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE, EXTERIOR LIGHTINGNHTSA 20V436000Jul 28, 2020
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 Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Consequence: Inoperative trailer brake lights can fail to warn other drivers that the vehicle is slowing, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
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 contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC194.
- SEAT BELTSNHTSA 19V594000Aug 13, 2019
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 Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Consequence: If a child seat is not properly secured, there is an increased risk of injury to the occupant in a crash.
Remedy
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. specified label, with a U.S. specification seat belt. The repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began August 30, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC181.
Used-market value
2020 KIA Telluride resale snapshot
Listing benchmarks establish a market range; trim, mileage, condition, title history and prior damage determine what one vehicle is worth.
2020 KIA Telluride on the road
75,119 2020 KIA Telluride units were sold new in the US — a key signal for the size of today's used-market inventory.
How the 2020 KIA Telluride stacks up against rivals
The most-shopped alternatives in the same segment. Each link opens a side-by-side reliability and cost comparison.
Reliability verdict for the 2020 Kia Telluride
With a 57/100 score versus a 73/100 segment average, the 2020 Kia Telluride lands below the class norm for reliability. That gap points to elevated buyer risk relative to peers, especially given this is the first year of a new generation, where outcomes can be less settled.
Issues are not confined to a single system. Complaints cluster most heavily around exterior lighting and visibility/wiper functions, but notable volume also appears in engine and powertrain areas, with a meaningful share falling into unknown or other reports. That spread suggests multiple touchpoints rather than one contained weakness. The recall count is elevated, reinforcing that this model year saw more corrective activity than would be considered limited.
Overall, the data supports an elevated reliability risk level for this model year.
What you get in a 2020 Kia Telluride report
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2020 Kia Telluride — Frequently asked questions
Is the 2020 Kia Telluride reliable?
With a 57/100 score versus a 73/100 segment average, the 2020 Kia Telluride lands below the class norm for reliability. That gap points to elevated buyer risk relative to peers, especially given this is the first year of a new generation, where outcomes can be less settled.
How many recalls does the 2020 Kia Telluride have?
6 NHTSA safety recalls have been issued for the 2020 Kia Telluride. A VIN check confirms whether any remain unrepaired on a specific vehicle.
What are the most common 2020 Kia Telluride problems?
The most-reported 2020 Kia Telluride problem areas are: Exterior Lighting (170), Visibility Wiper (121), Unknown Or Other (95).
Should I run a VIN check on a 2020 Kia Telluride?
Yes. A VIN report verifies title brands, odometer history, accident records, and recall completion on a specific 2020 Kia Telluride, complementing the model-year reliability data on this page.