2023 Kia Telluride Driver assistance Problems

Driver Assistance Warning (DAW) warning bells and dash sign "Driver Needs a Break" with Coffee Pot showing goes off constantly. Even with safest driving possible, on purpose safest driving, the warning and sounds goes off every few miles and few minutes. KIA dealer has kept car for 2 weeks and say they can not duplicate and I drive it (Perfectly) and it goes off. this is a 2023 Kia telluride , previous year models and later models you could turn off or turn down sensitivity of this warning. KIA eliminated the owner the opportunity to disable or turn down this warning. It is a safety hazard because it is always going off, causing the driver to take his attention from the road to the dash every few minutes with the bells and coffee pot Take A Break Warning . KIA will not do anything about it.

NHTSA ID

11750985

Incident

Jul 12, 2026

The Kia Driver Assistance Warning, Showing a Coffee Pot, and Warning "Driver needs to Take Break" goes off constantly. Sometimes starts within 5 minutes of driving and goes off constantly for every 3 minutes . Dealer says it is a KIA problem and can not do anything. This constant warning is a Safety Hazard because it takes the Drivers Attention off his Driving with the constant Bells going off. It is a 2023 Kia Telluride and previous models you could turn off this Warning but NOT in 2023 according to dealer and KIA will not repair or turn off. This is a Safety Hazard.

NHTSA ID

11749908

Incident

Jul 12, 2026

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: three shutoffs within one hour on [XXX] and again on [XXX], and five in a single day in mid-August 2025. The dealer reproduced the failure with diagnostic equipment connected in August 2024. Most recent events: XXX;XXX (quit while coasting at 20 mph on a busy four-lane road with cruise control engaged);XXX (quit while slowing to turn onto a neighborhood street, 87 degrees F, A/C on high). The vehicle usually restarts immediately, but on [XXX] it would not restart for 5-7 minutes. After restart, cruise control retains its previous set speed, indicating an incomplete power cycle. The dealer (Kia Store East, [XXX]) has attempted repairs since September 2023 under Kia case #XXX, including crank position sensor replacement, MAP sensor replacement (June 2025), and a four-wheel-drive coupler replacement plus software update (October 2025); shutoffs continued after every repair. Historical fault codes include P0068 and B1763. Events have occurred in traffic and at intersections with several near-misses, including one that nearly caused a collision in an intersection on XXX. This is a family vehicle regularly carrying children. Repair orders are available upon request. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11743371

Incident

Jun 10, 2026

1. Instrument panel failure, can’t see speed, fuel, mileage. Blind spot warning does not work, lane assistance does not work. This issue was not solved by recall related to software update. 2. Unsafe to drive with no way to see speed, blind spot warning failure, can’t tell if blinker is on or how much gas is in car. 3. Dealer reproduced. It’s not a sporadic issue, the panel does not turn on 4. Yes Kia dealership inspected 5. No warning. Turned the car on and the panel no longer worked.

NHTSA ID

11721143

Incident

Jan 31, 2026

I’m writing to report an ongoing issue with my vehicle’s windshield washer system. The washer fluid is not dispensing properly, and as a result, the windshield is not being cleared effectively while driving. This creates a safety concern, especially in poor weather conditions or when road debris accumulates on the windshield. The reduced visibility makes it difficult to drive safely and confidently. I have already taken the vehicle in for service regarding this issue. However, I was informed that nothing is wrong with the system and that it is performing the same as a new vehicle. Despite this, the washer fluid output still appears insufficient and continues to create visibility concerns while driving.

NHTSA ID

11717510

Incident

Feb 4, 2026

after receiving my car on Friday morning 10/31 from the dealership, I drove to work, where all my dashboard lights popped on, I lost power steering, and I lost my speedometer (which is what it was in the shop for that whole week). I tried to drive it back to Kia and it completely stopped working in the middle of the road, even though it was turned on, it wouldn’t drive or change gears. Leaving me stranded in the middle of a 50 mile per an hour road. I had to call the police to help me maneuver off the road.

NHTSA ID

11701956

Incident

Oct 31, 2025

Every time this issue happens, ALL the safety warnings are going off on my dashboard, telling me to check each safety feature and that it's currently NOT working. 1 - Check AWD/4WD 2 - Check Blind Spot Safety System 3 - Check Tire Pressure Monitoring System 4 - Check Smart Crusie Control System 5 - Check Forward Side Safety System 6 - Check Rear Cross Traffic Safety System 7 - Check Lane Following Assist System 8 - Check Lane Change Assist Function 9 - Check Lane Safety System 10 - Check Speed Limit System 11-Check High Beam Assist System 12 - Check inattentive Driving Warning System 13 - Check Door System 14 - Check Truck Lift gate System - ALL going off while I also LOSE MPH and Turn Signal capability and cameras.

NHTSA ID

11686809

Incident

Sep 16, 2024

While driving and/or starting the car, the power steering will go out, along with all safety lights/messages on dash, including check power steering, check forward collision sensor, check AWD, check blind spot sensor, check parking sensor, etc. Only sometimes will turning the car on and off reset the sensor. Other times the car will start and all lights will illuminate and the power steering will not work. Happens intermittently, including while driving. Dealer and mfr have been unable to fix the issue due to the randomness. Additionally they have been able to see the lights malfunction, but the first attempt at repair did not address the issue. Car continues to lose power steering intermittently. Car is inoperable without power steering given the weight.

NHTSA ID

11685708

Incident

May 1, 2025

After a recall on the emergency braking system was resolved, we’ve had frequent occurrences where the rear cross traffic alert system will report traffic that does not exist. The vehicle will then stop abruptly. Once this happens, the emergency brake doesn’t always completely disengage. This almost always happens in parking lots and can increase the likelihood of accidents. I’ve taken it to the dealership, but they’ve been able to replicate the issue.

NHTSA ID

11668687

Incident

Jun 16, 2025

After driving through snow and letting my Telluride sit in the garage for a few days before driving it again, when I put the vehicle in drive and attempted to leave my garage there was a loud clunking noise and the vehicle didn't move for several seconds. I have also noticed that the automatic emergency brake will engage if the vehicle is in neutral and the driver's side door is open. How would you be able to load the vehicle on a flatbed truck if it was in an accident? A

NHTSA ID

11644578

Incident

Jan 8, 2025

Vehicle has warnings for EPB and lane assist along with active recall for roll away. Cruise control does not work as well. Wheel jerks out of your hand while driving Has been to appointment 7/1 in which vehicle was not repaired. Dealer claiming they had no record of a “diagnosis appointment” New appointment set 60 days out

NHTSA ID

11603969

Incident

Jul 1, 2024

While driving on a large 4 lane highway, using the adaptive cruise control, the car automatically applied the brakes with no visible obstruction. From what I remember, no collision alarm or warning was given. Car rapidly decelerated, until I overrode by applying the gas. This happened three times, on the same road. Twice on one trip, and a third time a week later. All false activations occurred while road was at slight curve.

NHTSA ID

11583636

Incident

Apr 7, 2024

I purchased a new 2023 telluride-SX in April 2023. For the first time since owning the vehicle, I used the Snow Mode during the snowstorm on 14 March 2024. I then used it again on 15 March 2024. I experienced a serious problem on both days. When I stopped at redlights, I tried to accelerate as I made a turn. I lost all power, and the car came to a near stop, nearly causing an accident by being rear-ended. I quickly switch to the Eco Mode and the power returned to the car. I took the car into Arapahoe KIA, CO service department on 8 April 2024 for an oil change/tire rotation AND to address the issue with the Snow Mode. The Technician said the issue I describe would happen if the snow was deep.(?) I explained that the roads were nearly bare. He then said that they would look at it. He later said that they could not duplicate the malfunction in the Snow Mode and to bring the car in if it happened again. The KIA service department is the only place that supposedly inspected the car for the issue described above. There were no warning lamps, or messages, or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure.

NHTSA ID

11582675

Incident

Mar 14, 2024

The contact owns a 2023 Kia Telluride. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle did not accelerate as intended. The contact stated that the vehicle hesitated before accelerating. The contact stated that the failure started while the vehicle was in snow mode and then the contact noticed that the failure was occurring while in other selected traction modes. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 35,100.

NHTSA ID

11573955

Incident

Dec 18, 2023

Mileage

35,100 mi

On about 5 occasions, when I have set the drive mode to "Snow Mode", after a stop, the accelerator pedal has no effect. I can push down the accelerator pedal all the way to the floor and nothing happens. There is no indication that the engine is revving and the vehicle does not accelerate. This leave me stranded in the middle of the road at a stop until I change to a different mode other that snow mode. Then I can accelerate again. This has not been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer. The dealer asked that I video record it happening, which I have not done yet. There were no warning lights or messages when this happens.

NHTSA ID

11573853

Incident

Feb 11, 2024

Snow Mode caused the vehicles accelerator and brakes to be unresponsive after stopping to turn. Kia could not duplicate the issue through service inspection and test drive. Since no alerts or sensors were tripped they ignore the safety concern. This major safety issue is is very very common problem among Telluride owners. A simple google search will reveal hundreds of complaints. Note: A child was in the vehicle and this occurrence happened along an interstate with poor visibility and snowy road conditions.

NHTSA ID

11572624

Incident

Feb 16, 2024

When vehicle is in Snow Mode and I begin accelerating after a complete stop or turning the vehicle from park to drive, the accelerator does not respond. Once I move the dial to any other mode the issue resolves. I can then go back to snow mode and the issue doesn’t occur again until I start accelerating after a complete stop. This has happened four times. This is dangerous. If I am merging into traffic or crossing a street and my vehicle won’t respond to me pressing the gas pedal it could result in an accident.

NHTSA ID

11572060

Incident

Feb 15, 2024

While driving in snow mode the vehicle loses acceleration after coming to a stop and demanding acceleration again. The vehicle will roll using idle power however there is no increase to the RPM's. The vehicle has to be stopped and moved to ECO mode for the vehicle to go back to working. KIA Dealership has been notified however stated if there is no Check Engine Light and no snow on the ground they will not be able to replicate the issue. In addition, they have stated that snow mode is for when the vehicle is stuck in the snow only. This issue will repeat itself almost every time the vehicle is in snow mode and has been for a few miles. It has become a danger as it can happen without notice while making left turns across oncoming traffic.

NHTSA ID

11569981

Incident

Feb 3, 2024

On 4 separate occasions my 2023 Kia Telluride has failed to accelerate from a stop. First occurrence was [XXX] while turning left at a light. RPMs went at high as 3,000 while car slowly idled about 5-8mph through the intersection and would not accelerate. Same thing occurred 2 days later after trying to accelerate from a stop sign. Most recent occurrence was [XXX]. 3/4 occurrences vehicle was in "Snow" mode. Brand new winter tires were placed 12/18/23. Most recent occurrence vehicle was not in thick snow but in "Snow" mode. No warning lights or messages ever came on with any of the 4 occurrences. After repeated attempts of stepping on and off the gas peddle vehicle eventually accelerates. Acceleration delays have lasted as long as 90 seconds. I am VERY grateful that first left turn when this happened no cars were coming through the intersection as it may have resulted in a T-bone accident where by baby was in the back seat passenger side. Car is going to the dealer at Campbell, Missoula MT tomorrow but they already told me if they cannot reproduce the occurrence then there's nothing they can do which seems like a MAJOR liability to Kia and even greater SAFETY concern to drivers and their families. Similar complaint can be found with ODI#11560843. Here is a link to Kia Telluride drivers all with the same complaint. [XXX] Please help us get Kia to rectify this major safety issue! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11568996

Incident

Jan 15, 2024

The issue concerns my 2023 Telluride SX X-line (AWD) when driving in the "snow mode" setting. The issue has occurred on several occasions, approximately 2-3 times last winter when I was driving the vehicle and at least one time this winter when my wife was driving in snowy conditions. The issue is that the vehicle accelerator basically becomes unresponsive when driving in snow mode under a set of conditions that are not easily defined. The issue seems to occur fairly randomly. When this issue has occurred, the vehicle either will not accelerate at all when the accelerator is depressed or the power will severely be limited and the vehicle will slow down if moving. This has happened to me in parking lots (thankfully) but did happen to my wife on the road, which could cause a huge safety risk when trying to maneuver with traffic or making a left turn against oncoming traffic. The ways in which I have found to resolve the issue are to either switch the drive mode to another setting using the selector or turning the vehicle off and on again. Shifting from park back to drive does not resolve if snow mode remains engaged. I have not taken the vehicle to a dealership to look into this issue as I have found information on forums that have indicated Kia dealerships do not acknowledge the issue. It is also not easily reproducible. There are no warning indicators on the instrument cluster to notify the driver that anything is wrong. As I said before, the issue arose immediately after the purchase of the vehicle in Dec. 2022 and within the first few thousand miles of the vehicle life. Also, true Michelin snow tires have been equipped on the vehicle when this issue has occurred. I switch between all season tires and the snow tires in between the summer and winter months.

NHTSA ID

11567514

Incident

Jan 14, 2024

It had snowed in DC area. Vehicle was in snow mode, idle at stop light. When light turned green, slow acceleration turning left and then when pressing down on pedal, all acceleration stopped. Roads were cleared with no signs of snow or ice. Frightened driver and children in vehicle. Were able to coast to the side of the road, turned off vehicle and restarted and able to drive off. Clearly seems to be an issue with “snow” mode.

NHTSA ID

11566720

Incident

Jan 20, 2024

Telluride was in snow mode with 4 wheel lock activated due to snow covered roads. I was at a stop light, when light turned green I removed my foot from the break. My vehicle began to roll forward slightly as it always does. I gently pressed the gas to continue forward but vehicle did not gain speed, it continued to slowly roll as if my foot was not pressing the gas. I removed my foot from the gas and again pressed the gas gently, my vehicle was not advancing. I deactivated the 4 wheel lock feature but remained in snow mode, gently pressed the gas and my vehicle advanced as normal. The same incident happened with my husband the day prior. Several complete stops were made prior to the incident while in snow mode with 4 wheel lock activated and no issues occurred. After research and reading other incidents like mine it appears this is a common issue. Most people stated this was normal to prevent sliding and spinning. If this is a normal feature then KIA needs to revisit this and consider safety. It is not safe to be rolling into an intersection and having no power when pressing the gas. KIA owners should not have to switch drive modes or deactivate a feature to have the ability to advance their vehicle out of an intersection. This feature could result in serious accidents.

NHTSA ID

11566075

Incident

Jan 16, 2024

Since November 10th we have gotten this message at least 3 times while driving and a message showed up on the screen "Check Lane Change Assist Function". It went away after a few minutes. Dealership was unable to duplicate so nothing was done. (see photo B and C)

NHTSA ID

11556148

Incident

Nov 10, 2023

The horn quit working on the vehicle after pushing on it. Both the low and high horn had to be replaced. The vehciles rear differential was replaced due to continued loud sounds coming from the rear and constant wheel slippage. The Rear differential replacement did not fix the issue.

NHTSA ID

11546957

Incident

Jun 22, 2023

while driving , the power steering went out making steering very difficult and unsafe. a multitude of warning lights flashed on and off. several warning icons were subsequently sent to our home app for a period of 10 days while the car was parked and we were in hawaii. there is an obvious issue with the computers electrical systems that affect safe driving and continue to send false warnings to the app. this steering electrical issue will hurt someone if not fixed.

NHTSA ID

11545695

Incident

Sep 9, 2023