2023 Kia Telluride Fuel system Problems

The fuel gauge intermittently fails and incorrectly displays that the vehicle has little or no fuel, even when the tank is nearly full. On the first occasion, I was at home. The second time, after shopping, I started the vehicle and the gauge indicated there was no fuel, despite knowing the tank was almost full. As I continued driving, the fuel gauge slowly began registering correctly until it eventually returned to showing the proper fuel level. This has now happened twice. This is a serious safety concern because the driver cannot accurately determine the amount of fuel in the vehicle. An incorrect fuel reading could cause someone to believe the vehicle is out of fuel, become stranded in an unsafe location, or make unnecessary emergency stops, creating a potential hazard for both the driver and others on the road.

NHTSA ID

11749688

Incident

Jun 26, 2026

Recall of vehicle catching fire has not been taken care of even after contacting dealership.

NHTSA ID

11732239

Incident

Apr 1, 2025

The fuel gauge has erratic readings which frequently displays "low fuel" when in fact the fuel IS NOT LOW. The reverse is also true. The fuel gauge will occasionally indicate fuel is present in the vehicle when in fact THERE IS NONE resulting in running out of gas. This results in a dangerous seinero when driving in congested traffic areas since this can easily produce a traffic hazard and endanger occupants of this vehicle (and others). This is a known problem from multiple Kia Telluride owners.

NHTSA ID

11694746

Incident

Oct 15, 2025

The contact owns a 2023 Kia Telluride. The contact stated that the second-row seat belts failed to operate as designed. The alarms failed to engage when the seat belts were buckled or unbuckled. While there was a child using a car seat on the second row of seats, the seat belt was unbuckled, and there was no alarm to alert the occupants. While driving at unknown speeds, the information screen displayed went blank for approximately an hour. While refueling, the fuel gauge displayed that there was no fuel in the tank. The contact checked the fuel and noticed it was not depleted. While driving in hot temperatures, the engine overheated. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the thermostat needed to be replaced. The mechanic informed the contact that the driver's seat randomly failed to stay in position. The mechanic repaired the driver's seat and thermostat. Additionally, the contact stated that the children failed to meet the weight requirements. The mechanic was unable to duplicate the other failures. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 120.

NHTSA ID

11622285

Incident

Aug 1, 2023

Mileage

120 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

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

Fuel gauge (fuel level) and estimated mileage abruptly zero’s out and you get low fuel message regardless of amount in tank. Dealer stated they will show how to reset, but did not indicate a fix. Not sure if impact on other systems. Over several days the fuel gauge re-corrects, but it should not be happening.

NHTSA ID

11523808

Incident

May 21, 2023

I recently purchased a 2023 Kia Telluride SX-P on May 13, 2023, and am writing to report a critical issue with the fuel reading system. Despite the instrument panel initially displaying a range of 395 miles with a full tank, I encountered a sudden discrepancy in the readings. On Wednesday, May 17, the instrument cluster and Kia Connect app showed 123 miles on the fuel estimator, but the fuel gauge indicated 0% with a low fuel warning light. As I drove a few miles, the estimated range dropped to 0, and the fuel level indicator remained low despite having around 5 gallons of fuel. The pump stopped at 13 gallons when refueling, despite the tank's capacity being approximately 18 gallons. This fuel reading system problem has been reported by several 2023 Kia Telluride owners on public forums (see links below). I'm deeply concerned about the safety implications, such as the risk of the vehicle not starting or stalling unexpectedly. Public Forum 1: https://tellurideforum.org/threads/faulty-fuel-sensor-23-sx-xpro.13652/ Public Forum 2: https://www.reddit.com/r/KiaTelluride/comments/11ds4m8/2023_kia_telluride_sxp_showing_low_fuel/ I kindly request an urgent investigation and a resolution for the fuel reading system issue. Your prompt attention is greatly appreciated. I look forward to hearing from you soon with a resolution.

NHTSA ID

11522988

Incident

May 17, 2023

Purchase brand new 2023 Telluride EX X line. Currently have 500 miles on the dash and it still shifts very rough from 1 to 2 gear while going at low speeds around 5-15 mph. I have tried changing the drive settings from comfort, smart, sport, eco and it still has jerky gear shift in every setting. Also getting very low gas mileage. I thought it jusy needed few miles to break in but problem is still there. Also does not even give you warning sounds of when getting to close to car infront when parking like it does in the rear. Not what I expected from a BRAND NEW CAR that cost around $55,0000. Wish I would have just sticked to the Acura or Lexus.

NHTSA ID

11521376

Incident

May 8, 2023