2023 Kia Telluride engine problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Aug 10, 2026TNElectrical SystemEngine

   This is an update to my original NHTSA complaint (ID 11755209) regarding an intermittent no-start/no-crank defect on my 2023 Kia Telluride (VIN [XXX]). Since my original filing, the identical defect has recurred twice more, on XXX — once at approximately 1:01–1:30 PM EST and again at approximately 5:03–5:17 PM EST, the same day. In both incidents, the dashboard and infotainment system powered up normally, but the vehicle would not crank, consistent with all prior occurrences…

   NHTSA complaint #11755922 · source
2. Filed Aug 6, 2026TNElectrical SystemEngine

   My 2023 Kia Telluride (VIN [XXX]) has an intermittent no-start/no-crank defect that has occurred on four separate occasions between [XXX] and [XXX] (mileage range 49,850–51,180). In each occurrence, the dashboard and infotainment system power on normally, but the engine will not crank when the start button is pressed, with both key fobs. The fault clears itself with no consistent trigger, making it undetectable by standard diagnostic scans after the fact. The vehicle was…

   NHTSA complaint #11755209 · source
3. Filed Jul 9, 2026TNEngineOther / UnknownTransmission & Drivetrain

   On June 15, 2026, my check engine light came on. On June 17, 2026, I took it to Auto Zone, they checked the code for the check engine light, and it indicated P0016 and P0017–crankshaft issues. On June 19, 2026, while driving down the highway, my vehicle failed to accelerate. I exited the highway, and my vehicle completely decelerated and ultimately shut down. I was unable to get my engine running and had to get it towed to the dealer. It has been at the dealer for 3 weeks…

   NHTSA complaint #11749449 · source
4. Filed Jul 8, 2026FLEngine

   While driving my car randomly displays a warning that I need to shift to park or neutral immediately and turn off my engine. Sometimes my car will work afterwards, other times it will not and I’m stuck for 5-7 minutes. It happens in the middle of me driving with no warning signs. I’ve tried to ignore it and the whole car shuts off and the brakes lock up. It is very frightening. I brought it in the first time and they claimed it was my battery so they replaced it. It’s now…

   NHTSA complaint #11749226 · source
5. Filed Jun 22, 2026UTElectrical SystemEngine

   The engine cooling fan activates at high speed and runs continuously for an extended period — in one instance, overnight — after the vehicle has been turned off, locked, and left unattended. This has occurred on multiple occasions. No warning lamps or messages appear before or during the event. The vehicle gives no indication anything is wrong; the fan simply runs at full speed on its own, without the ignition on, for hours at a time. The component involved is the engine…

   NHTSA complaint #11745549 · source
6. Filed Jun 18, 2026CAElectrical SystemEngine

   Multiple times over the course of six months the vehicle would turn itself and all electric components off while being driven, with no warning. The car would then refuse to restart.

   NHTSA complaint #11744919 · source
7. Filed Jun 10, 2026KYEngineAcceleration & Cruise Control

   Engine shuts off without warning while driving. First reported to the dealer on XXX (approximately 12,000 miles) and has continued for 2.5+ years despite repeated repair attempts. Shutoffs typically occur at low speed while decelerating, such as turning into neighborhoods or approaching stops, but have also occurred while coasting at 33 mph on a busy road with cruise control active (August 8, 2025). Frequency has varied from roughly every 1,000 miles to severe clusters:…

   NHTSA complaint #11743371 · source
8. Filed Apr 27, 202691,000 miTXEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   The contact owns a 2023 Kia Telluride. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission was slipping. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that while the vehicle was stopped, it unexpectedly lunged forward. There was no warning light illuminated. Additionally, there was an abnormal sound coming from the muffler. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and it was determined that the ECM software had…

   NHTSA complaint #11734129 · source
9. Filed Feb 19, 2026OHEngine

   Kia/hyundai inspected and found cylinder 2 to not fire along with oil leaking from lower 02 sensor. Engine block has hole, cyl 2 piston and rod are no longer with/in engine. This occured while accelerating on the freeway all of a sudden vehicle started smoking then lost the ability to accelerate it was very scary being stuck on the freeway was almost hit multiple times.

   NHTSA complaint #11719219 · source
10. Filed Feb 11, 2026MAEngine

    The engine’s serpentine belt started to fail prematurely. In cold weather, the engine’s belt would scream for 1 to 5 minutes when warming up the engine (under no load and not moving). The belt had less than 40,000 miles on it (when Kia expects it to go 80,000 miles).

    NHTSA complaint #11717185 · source
11. Filed Dec 29, 202535,000 miWIElectrical SystemEngine

    The contact owns a 2023 KIA Telluride. The contact stated the vehicle was experiencing heating system failures. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer on three occasions for heating and cooling failures. The dealer replaced an unknown sensor and the thermostat; however, the heat became inoperable. The contact stated that the heat was only operable while driving, and the vehicle would blow cool air while idling. The contact stated that the heat was barely…

    NHTSA complaint #11707540 · source
12. Filed Sep 30, 2025TXElectrical SystemEngineOther / Unknown

    First issue, the entire screen went black while driving. Couldn't see navigation, speed other critical information. Was at the dealership a few weeks got it back and the hazard lights no longer worked but they did before it had gone to the dealership. Screen went out again and took it back. Dealership had it a few weeks fixed hazards and started a ticket with Kia engineering. Screen still goes out randomly. Electrical is messed up and car won't start randomly while screen…

    NHTSA complaint #11690607 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology