Model year guide

2020 Kia Telluride

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2020 Kia Telluride is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 33 on record.

2020 Kia Telluride — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2020 Kia Telluride at a glance

Safety recalls7
Owner complaints767
Overall safety5 / 5 ★
Combined21–23 mpg
Typical price$41,431

Included: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

2020 Kia Telluride recalls 7

Seats:front Assembly:power Adjust NHTSA Campaign #26V430000 · manufacturer #SC374 · 02/07/2026

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 or an improper recall 24V407 repair, which can result in a fire while parked or driving.

Fix: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will install an electronic fuse assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 13, 2026. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's n…

Seats:front Assembly:power Adjust NHTSA Campaign #24V407000 · manufacturer #SC316 · 05/06/2024

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.

Fix: 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 custom…

Power Train:driveline:driveshaft NHTSA Campaign #24V214000 · manufacturer #SC303 · 20/03/2024

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.

Fix: 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 ma…

Exterior Lighting:headlights NHTSA Campaign #24V148000 · manufacturer #SC299 · 26/02/2024

Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2020 Telluride vehicles. The high beam headlights may fail.

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 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC299.

Trailer Hitches NHTSA Campaign #22V626000 · manufacturer #SC247 · 15/08/2022

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.

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 the tow hitch harness assembly, as necessary. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner no…

Forward Collision Avoidance: Adaptive Cruise Control NHTSA Campaign #20V436000 · manufacturer #SC194 · 28/07/2020

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."

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 contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC194.

Seat Belts:rear/other NHTSA Campaign #19V594000 · manufacturer #SC181 · 13/08/2019

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."

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. specified label, with a U.S. specification seat belt. The repairs will be performed free of charge. The re…

Source: U.S. NHTSA, checked 4 Nov 2026. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.

2020 Kia Telluride common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 767 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Exterior Lighting
Confirm all headlights, brake lights, turn signals and reverse lights work, with no moisture inside the housings.
Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
Visibility/wiper
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Structure
Inspect for rust, fresh undercoating, mismatched paint, uneven panel gaps and any sign of prior collision or frame repair.

2020 Kia Telluride safety ratings

Overall★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★
Frontal — driver★★★★★
Frontal — passenger★★★★★
Side — front seat★★★★★
Side — rear seat★★★★★
Side pole★★★★★

Rollover risk: 14.3% — NHTSA's estimated chance of rollover in a single-vehicle crash (dynamic test: no tip).

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested as the 2020 Kia TELLURIDE SUV AWD. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.

2020 Kia Telluride MPG & running costs

Combined21–23 mpg
City20 mpg
Highway25 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$3,050
EPA size classSmall Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
TransmissionAutomatic (S8)
Passenger volume157 cu ft
Cargo volume21 cu ft
5-yr fuel cost vs average new car$3,250 more

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 2 versions of this model year; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages.

What's a 2020 Kia Telluride worth?

Low
$35,995
Typical price
$41,431
High
$48,850

From 14 comparable 2020 Kia Telluride listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2020 Kia Telluride costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$15,250
Fuel only$15,250
Per mile$0.20

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

Dimensions & weight

Length
196.9 in
Width
78.3 in
Height
69.3 in
Wheelbase
114.2 in
Curb weight
4,343 lb
Front track
66.9 in
Rear track
66.9 in

Manufacturer-reported figures for the 2020 Kia Telluride. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.

Investigations & service bulletins

NHTSA defect investigations 1

Complete Loss of High Beams Closed

On January 27, 2023, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE23002 to investigate allegations of loss of high beams with no warning and no re-engagement resulting in reduced visibility at night in the 2020 Kia Telluride.The investigation revealed that the halogen bi-function projector beam, used in vehicles built between January 2019 and November of 2019, is composed of one halogen bulb light source that p…

NHTSA #PE23002 · Exterior Lighting · opened Jan 2023 · closed Apr 2024

An investigation means NHTSA is examining a possible defect — it is not a recall, and many close without one.

Manufacturer service bulletins 152

Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be covered. Showing the 10 most recent of 152.

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: EXCESSIVE ENGINE OIL CONSUMPTION: This bulletin provides information on diagnosing and/or repairing a 2020-2025MY Telluride (ON) vehicle's engine, which may exhibit a symptom of excessive oil consumption. Follow the flowchart on pag…

Bulletin TSB_ENG270 · Engine · Sep 2026

WARRANTY EXTENSION CAMPAIGN: REIMBURSEMENT FORM (WTY049) - This document is a Reimbursement Request form that was mailed with the customer letter advising them to submit the form if they had paid for repairs for this same matter prior to the warranty extension…

Bulletin WTY049_REIMB · Visibility/wiper · Sep 2026

WARRANTY EXTENSION CAMPAIGN: OWNER NOTIFICATION (WTY049) - This document is the owner notification advising that Kia is extending the New Vehicle Limited Warranty coverage to owners for specific repairs related to the front sunroof wind deflector on certain 20…

Bulletin WTY049_OWNR · Visibility/wiper · Sep 2026

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: AWD COUPLER NOISE/VIBRATION LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (Revision 1) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin prov…

Bulletin TSB_CHA129_R1 · Power Train · Sep 2026

WARRANTY EXTENSION CAMPAIGN: QUESTION AND ANSWER (WTY049) – This document is the Question and Answer Guide containing the most frequently asked questions regarding Warranty Extension Campaign WTY049.

Bulletin WTY049_QA · Visibility/wiper · Sep 2026

WARRANTY EXTENSION CAMPAIGN: DEALER PARTS AND SERVICE MANAGER MEMO (WTY049) - This document is the announcement to dealer Parts and Service managers advising that Kia is extending the New Vehicle Limited Warranty coverage to owners for specific repairs related…

Bulletin WTY049_DPSM · Visibility/wiper · Sep 2026

WARRANTY EXTENSION CAMPAIGN: DEALER PRINCIPAL MEMO (WTY049) - This document is the announcement to the dealer principals advising that Kia is extending the New Vehicle Limited Warranty coverage to owners for specific repairs related to the front sunroof wind d…

Bulletin WTY049_DP · Visibility/wiper · Sep 2026

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: WARRANTY EXTENSION CAMPAIGN: OIL FILTER HOUSING GASKET REPLACEMENT (WTY045) - This bulletin provides information regarding the ‘Warranty Extension Program (WTY045)’ for the inspection and, if necessary, replacement of the oil filter…

Bulletin WTY045_TSB · Engine · Jun 2026

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: 4WD COUPLING NOISE/VIBRATION LOGIC IMPROVEMENT) - CLOSED & SUPERSEDED BY CHA129 - This bulletin is now closed and superseded by CHA129. This bulletin provides information to upgrade the 4-Wheel Drive ‘4WD’ system software on certain…

Bulletin TSB_CHA128_CLSD · Power Train · May 2026

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: AWD COUPLER NOISE/VIBRATION LOGIC IMPROVEMENT - This bulletin provides information to upgrade the 4-Wheel Drive ‘4WD’ system software on some 2020-2025MY Telluride (ON) vehicles produced from January 08, 2019 through December 17, 20…

Bulletin TSB_CHA129 · Power Train · May 2026

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the TELLURIDE AWD. Model-year data, not specific to one car.

Canadian recalls 8

Transport Canada recall campaigns for the 2020 Kia Telluride. Relevant if the car was first sold in, or imported from, Canada.

Electrical

Issue: On certain vehicles, the recall repairs completed by a Kia dealer during service campaign RC207 (Transport Canada recall number 2024-323) may not have been done correctly and/or may not be effective. As a result, another repair is required. Under certain conditions, the switch for the driver- and/or passenger-front power seat motor(s) could become stuck and cause the sea…

Transport Canada #2026327 · Jul 2026

Label

Issue: On certain vehicles, the compliance label may be missing information in French. The words listed on the label for "Tires", "Rims", "Front" and "Rear" appear in English only, when they should be listed as "Tires/Pneus", "Rims/Jantes", "Front/Avant" and "Rear/Arriere". Canadian regulations require this information to be listed on the label in both English and French. Safet…

Transport Canada #2024549 · Aug 2024

Electrical

Issue: Under certain conditions, the switch for the driver- and/or passenger-front power seat motor(s) could become stuck and cause the seat motor(s) not to stop. If this happens, the motor(s) could overheat. Safety Risk: A seat motor that overheats can create a fire risk, even while the vehicle is parked and turned off. Corrective actions: Kia advises that you should park your…

Transport Canada #2024323 · Jun 2024

Powertrain

Issue: On certain vehicles, the axle shaft(s) may not have been manufactured properly. As a result, the axle shaft(s) splines could become damaged. If this happens, the vehicle could move when it's parked and the parking brake isn't applied. Safety Risk: A parked vehicle that moves suddenly could create the risk of an injury or a crash. Corrective Actions: Kia will notify owner…

Transport Canada #2024187 · Mar 2024

Accessories

Issue: Certain vehicles may be equipped with a 4-pin accessory trailer wiring harness kit that could fail. Over time, this could result in a short circuit that can cause the control module to overheat. Note: This recall only affects Kia Genuine 4-pin tow hitch wiring harness kits with the part number S9F67AC000. These kits may have been ordered at the time of a vehicle purchase…

Transport Canada #2022468 · Aug 2022

Lights And Instruments

Issue: While towing a trailer, the trailer brake lights do not turn on when the Smart Cruise Control (SCC) slows the vehicle. Note: The vehicle's brake lights continue to function normally. Safety Risk: Brake lights that do not work could cause a following driver not to recognize that a vehicle ahead is braking. This could increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: Kia w…

Transport Canada #2020351 · Jul 2020

Source: Transport Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Recalls Database.

About the Kia Telluride

The Kia Telluride is a mid-size crossover SUV with three-row seating manufactured and marketed by Kia since 2019.

From Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Describes the model line in general, not this model year specifically.

2020 Kia Telluride trims & engines on record

Trims
LX · EX · S · SX
Engines
3.8L 6-cyl 291 hp

2020 Kia Telluride vehicles on record

Other Kia Telluride model years

2020 Kia Telluride — frequently asked questions

Does the 2020 Kia Telluride have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 7 recall campaigns for the 2020 Kia Telluride. Whether an individual car still needs a recall repair depends on its VIN — check it on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are done at no charge.

What are the most common problems with the 2020 Kia Telluride?

Across all 767 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are exterior lighting, engine, visibility/wiper.

What is the 2020 Kia Telluride safety rating?

NHTSA gives the 2020 Kia Telluride an overall crash-test rating of 5 out of 5 stars (frontal 4★, side 5★, rollover 4★).

What gas mileage does the 2020 Kia Telluride get?

The 2020 Kia Telluride has U.S. EPA estimates of 21–23 mpg combined, depending on engine and trim (2 versions).

How much is a 2020 Kia Telluride worth?

Comparable 2020 Kia Telluride listings run roughly $35,995–$48,850, typically around $41,431 (from 14 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.