2025 Kia TELLURIDE problems and owner complaints
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
106 owner complaints analyzed
3 distinct recall campaigns
6,750 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2025 model year. Data snapshot: . 10 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Most common problems
Engine is the most frequently named component, appearing in 37 of 106 complaints (34.9%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Braking behavior | 19 | 17.9% |
| Steering behavior | 13 | 12.3% |
| Transmission and shifting | 11 | 10.4% |
| Engine operation | 11 | 10.4% |
| Electrical and battery issues | 8 | 7.5% |
| Fuel system concerns | 1 | 0.9% |
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Engine | 37 |
| Unknown Or Other | 21 |
| Electrical System | 19 |
| Visibility/Wiper | 16 |
| Power Train | 7 |
| Seats | 7 |
| Steering | 7 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 6 |
Engine: 37; Unknown Or Other: 21; Electrical System: 19; Visibility/Wiper: 16; Power Train: 7; Seats: 7; Steering: 7; Vehicle Speed Control: 6
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 8 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 2 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 0 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 0 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 0 |
| 150,000 and above | 0 |
Under 25,000: 8; 25,000 to 49,999: 2; 50,000 to 74,999: 0; 75,000 to 99,999: 0; 100,000 to 149,999: 0; 150,000 and above: 0
Under 25,000 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (8). 96 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 2 |
| 2025 | 23 |
| 2026 | 81 |
2024: 2; 2025: 23; 2026: 81
Pattern summary
Engine leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 19 complaint narratives. Steering behavior appears in 13 complaint narratives. Transmission and shifting appears in 11 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Complaint evidence
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 11668273 · 2025-06-21 (June 21, 2025)
6/10/25 - 8:40am - Vehicle was in "comfort" drive mode and was stopped in traffic when it stalled. Vehicle would not move when foot removed off brake and pressing accelerator. Warning light "Put vehicle in park and re start vehicle". Driver able to put hazards on, place vehicle in park and restart vehicle. Dangerous situation. Contacted dealer for immediate inspection/resolution. Despite notifying the dealership of their dangerous vehicle they failed to act on it in a timely manner resulting in another dangerous scenario on 6/20. Dealership's f…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11668273 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11709481 · 2026-01-07 (January 7, 2026)
While driving at highway speed and the adaptive cruise control engaged, the vehicle applied the brakes without driver input. The vehicle slowed gradually over several seconds even though there was no vehicle, pedestrian, or obstacle present in front of the vehicle. Road and environmental conditions were clear and normal, including clear weather, dry roadway, and unobstructed lane of travel. Traffic was flowing normally, and there was no lead vehicle. The driver was attentive and did not press the brake pedal. The braking occurred without any w…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11709481 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11705157 · 2025-12-15 (December 15, 2025)
The contact rented a 2025 Kia Telluride. The contact stated that there was damage to the rear bumper upon retrieval. While using lane assist, traveling around a curve at 55 MPH, the steering wheel was pushing and pulling, and failed to turn and continued going straight; the vehicle crossed the highway and crashed into a ditch. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact sustained injuries to his back and had bruises, but no medical assistance was provided. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot. The air bags deployed. There was no repor…
Owner-reported narrative. 33,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11705157 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11713099 · 2026-01-24 (January 24, 2026)
The LCD instrument cluster above the steering wheel is all black and not turning on. The map screen to the right turns on, but not the odometer screen. Can’t tell how fast I’m going or how much gas is in the car. I’ve read this was an issue with the earlier models.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11713099 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11727140 · 2026-03-25 (March 25, 2026)
I purchased this vehicle new in September 2025. At approximately 3,903 miles, the vehicle exhibited a failure of the transmission system affecting its ability to remain stationary when placed in park. When the vehicle was placed in “Park” on an incline, the park mechanism failed to hold the vehicle, and the vehicle rolled despite being in park. This condition presents a clear risk of unintended vehicle movement. The issue was verified by the dealership during a test drive. Diagnostic inspection confirmed that the gear selector and transmissio…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11727140 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11641007 · 2025-02-05 (February 5, 2025)
Issue: Engine stall & loud tapping/grinding noise Vehicle only has 1,100 miles and has stalled about 5 times when slowing down to about 10mph & then accelerating again. Issue has also happened when going about 3mph & then accelerating. About 10sec stall & then vehicle takes off. Several of the stalls happened even though the Auto/Start switch was engaged to disable feature since I thought maybe a bad switch was the issue causing the stalls, but stalling happens with it on & off. Another issue engine makes a tapping noise when in gear & ac…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11641007 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11715784 · 2026-02-05 (February 5, 2026)
Rodent damage to floor harness of brand new car. Per service advisor this is a common issue with newer cars due to the use of soy based wiring which attracts rodents.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11715784 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11725364 · 2026-03-18 (March 18, 2026)
I am reporting multiple life-threatening safety defects with my 2025 Kia Telluride. The vehicle has experienced Sudden Unintended Acceleration, where it accelerates to excessive speeds without driver input. During these episodes, the braking system fails to respond, only allowing the vehicle to stop once its internal safety systems intervene. Additionally, the vehicle suffers from unpredictable stalling and power loss; the engine frequently shuts off upon parking, followed by the electrical system cycling back on without the motor, and the vehicl…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11725364 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11742748 · 2026-06-08 (June 8, 2026)
Purchased vehicle 1/18/2025; first and only owner. Occurrence = Engine Shut off, alarm sounded and warning lights flashed; Error: "Engine off, shift to N or P, Then start engine." Had to shift to Neutral and Push Start to restart engine. -During March: occurred 2 times, both times worked after shifting to Neutral. -4/1-4/3: occurred 1 time, worked after shifting to Neutral. -4/16: occurred 1 time, had to stop and shift to Park to restart engine! -Kia of LaGrange 4/23/26: could not replicate issue; no error codes found -Kia of Newnan 4/29/…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11742748 at NHTSA ↗