2024 Kia Telluride Owner Complaints

Component: VISIBILITY / SUNROOF GLASS Description of the Incident While driving my Kia Telluride, the panoramic moonroof/sunroof suddenly and violently shattered without warning. At the time of the incident, there was no collision, no road debris strike, no overhead object impact, and no other apparent external cause for the failure. I heard an extremely loud explosive sound similar to a gunshot or explosion coming from the roof area of the vehicle. The glass immediately shattered and fragmented across the roof opening. The unexpected failure startled me and created a significant distraction while operating the vehicle. The incident created an immediate safety risk because: The loud explosion caused driver distraction. Shattered glass entered the drivers department pouring down while driving on a highway. Visibility could have been affected by falling glass and roof damage. The sudden event increased the risk of losing control of the vehicle or being involved in a crash. The vehicle had not previously been involved in any accident affecting the roof or glass. The moonroof showed no signs of prior damage before the incident. Based on my experience and my subsequent research, I learned there have been numerous reports from Kia owners alleging spontaneous sunroof shattering incidents in Kia vehicles. A class-action lawsuit was previously filed regarding allegedly defective Kia panoramic sunroofs, and hundreds of complaints were reportedly submitted to NHTSA concerning similar incidents. Although litigation outcomes have varied, the pattern of complaints suggests this issue warrants continued review. I am submitting this complaint because spontaneous glass failure in a moving vehicle presents a potentially serious safety hazard to drivers, passengers, and others on the road.

NHTSA ID

11775535

Incident

Apr 7, 2026

On XXX, at 48,787 miles, the digital instrument cluster on my 2024 Kia Telluride EX – X line failed completely upon startup. The speedometer, tachometer, fuel, gauge, transmission, gear, position, indicators, turn signal indicators, and all warning lights became in operative. Simultaneously, the blind spot warning indicators in both exterior mirrors, cruise control, and audible parking – distant warning stopped functioning. The exterior lights, turn signals, and backup camera continued operating. The instrument clusters remained black, except for the odometer reading of 48,787 miles and the illumination adjustment graphic, which appeared when operating the brightness control. The odometer remain frozen despite additional driving. Multiple engine shut downs and restarts did not restore operation. The navigation system had also been generating erroneous wrong way warnings, occasionally positioning the vehicle in the opposing lanes on divided highways. These errors became more frequent following the instrument cluster failure. On XXX, Bridgewater Kia in [XXX] inspected the vehicle (invoice XXX). The technician performed a hard reset/capacitor discharge by disconnecting the battery. The system resume functioning and the odometer advanced from 48,787 to 48,789 during a 2 mile road test. Mileage driven during the malfunction, apparently was not recorded. The dealership did not identify the underlying cause. The service advisor acknowledge encountering similar failures in other 2024 Tellurides, although reportedly infrequently. I am concerned that the simultaneous lost of essential vehicle instrumentation and safety related warning systems could occur without warning. The dealership restored operation but did not identify or permanently correct the underlying defect. I request that the NHTSA investigate this potential safety – related electronic failure. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11775166

Incident

Oct 30, 2026

Hi [XXX], I'm reaching out regarding a concerning issue with our 2024 Kia Telluride. While driving, the vehicle's digital instrument cluster suddenly went completely black without warning. This resulted in the loss of all driving information, including the speedometer, warning indicators, and all other dashboard displays. The screen remained blank for approximately 45 seconds while driving on the freeway before the system rebooted. I'm particularly concerned because this occurred while the vehicle was in motion, creating a potentially dangerous situation. This first occurred about a year ago, and we chalked it up to a one-time event. However, it has now happened two more times since then. This vehicle has no backup analog gauges, so when the instrument cluster goes out, the entire dashboard is completely blank. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11774851

Incident

Oct 28, 2026

I was driving 70 mph on a clear unobstructed highway in the right lane, when suddenly my vehicle steering jerked forcefully to the right, over the white line and onto the rumble strips. A circular symbol popped up, on the display but it was too fast to identify while trying to make an immediate correction and recover control.

NHTSA ID

11774453

Incident

Oct 25, 2026

Driver cluster completely black when car is fully on and operational. Radio portion of digital dash works. But the critical safety driver cluster panel is completely black. Spedometer, fuel, etc all missing while car is in operation.

NHTSA ID

11774284

Incident

Oct 28, 2026

On October 21, 2026, the sunroof of my 2024 Kia Telluride suddenly shattered while I was driving at approximately 65 mph. The glass exploded unexpectedly during normal vehicle operation. The sunroof was in the tilted position with the sun shade pulled back completely. The glass shattered on the top of my head as I was driving. My two small children seated in the second row were also present. The cause of the failure is unknown. I took the vehicle to an authorized Kia dealership, where personnel photographed the damage, vacuumed some of the broken glass from the vehicle, and applied temporary crash wrap over the damaged sunroof. The service invoice documents that the sunroof exploded while driving. However, no comprehensive safety inspection was performed or documented to my knowledge. Dealership personnel verbally stated that the vehicle was safe to drive with the temporary covering and instructed me not to open the sunshade. However, they would not provide written confirmation that the vehicle was safe to operate. Despite the temporary repair, I continued hearing glass shifting and breaking while driving. I am concerned about additional glass falling, the integrity of the damaged sunroof, and the safety of vehicle occupants. On October 22, 2026, the dealership informed me that Kia had authorized replacement of the sunroof and that the replacement part was expected the following week. I contacted Kia Customer Care, opened a case, and requested alternative transportation because of my ongoing safety concerns. I was repeatedly instructed to wait for a case manager to contact me. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate this unexpected panoramic sunroof glass failure as a potential vehicle safety defect, including whether similar incidents have occurred in other Kia Telluride vehicles.

NHTSA ID

11773900

Incident

Oct 21, 2026

Vehicle: 2024 Kia Telluride Current Mileage: Approximately 72,000 miles Dealership: Colonial Kia, Chester, Virginia Recall: Kia SC347 / SC347A — Exterior Door Belt Molding NHTSA Recall Number: 25V494000 Description of Safety Problem I purchased my used 2024 Kia Telluride from Colonial Kia in Chester, Virginia, in June 2025. Since purchasing the vehicle, I have experienced repeated failures of the exterior door window molding. On two separate occasions, pieces of molding completely detached from my vehicle while I was driving at highway speeds. The first incident occurred before Kia performed the door molding safety recall. The second incident occurred after recall work had already been completed. My dealership, Colonial Kia, has performed repairs related to this problem. My repair invoice dated January 6, 2026, specifically documents that the driver's front door molding failed shortly after Recall SC347A had been performed. A second repair invoice dated April 16, 2026, documents replacement of the passenger-side rear door molding. Now, in October 2026, the front passenger door molding is beginning to loosen, creating concern that another piece may detach while the vehicle is being driven. I am concerned that the recall remedy has not adequately corrected this safety defect on my vehicle. Detaching molding at highway speeds creates a potential hazard for other motorists and could cause an accident. The dealership previously performed the repairs without charging me but advised that I could be responsible for future repairs after the manufacturer's warranty expires. I believe this is an ongoing safety defect rather than a normal wear-and-tear issue. I am requesting that NHTSA review these repeated failures, particularly the molding detachment that occurred after recall repairs, and investigate whether the recall remedy adequately addresses the defect. I have documentation of previous repairs and can provide copies of my dealership invoices. My primary con

NHTSA ID

11772801

Incident

Jan 1, 2026

Display gets very hot to the touch , even in 70° or lower weather. Vehicle is kept garaged. Seems hotter behind steering wheel than the home screen/radio side. Trim is not hot. We usually use a sun screen. We do not usually use built-in navigation, real-time traffic, or phone charging. Seems to be a potential fire risk. Internet info suggests that the manufacturer is aware of the problem but no recall. Not sure how long this has been going on. Happens when/after driving.

NHTSA ID

11771710

Incident

Oct 16, 2026

The digital instrument panel cluster went completely black and dead upon vehicle startup, leaving me with zero visibility of my speedometer, safety alerts, or fuel levels while trying to operate the vehicle. Even with completing a short drive, turning off the car for a few minutes and turning it back on, the instrument panel was completely black (3 restarts in an hour period). Approximate mileage of 38,000. I took it to University Kia in Waco, TX who stated that 3-4 other vehicles of various models came in with the same issue recently. They are keeping the vehicle for repairs under the warranty.

NHTSA ID

11771340

Incident

Oct 15, 2026

While driving the vehicle on the highway attempting to pass a vehicle at 75 mph the car unexpectedly shut completely off. We had to swerve between 2 vehicles narrowly avoiding an accident and the car would not turn back on. Towed to Kia dealership and was told it was simply a sensor that "talks" to the key fob which caused the car to shut off without warning. Dealership claimed it was fixed but there was no warning lights or notice of the failure. Since the dealership "fixed" the issue now the car is continuously running a check engine failure code and now the dealership claims it's the catalytic converters failing and needing to be replaced. Vehicle was inspected by the Kia dealership that it was purchased from.

NHTSA ID

11769945

Incident

Sep 30, 2026

I was driving down the highway and heard a loud pop. I looked at my windshield and did not see any cracks. I looked at the back windshield and could see pieces coming down. I didn't know what it was still and could hear air coming from somewhere in my car. I open the screen to my sunroof and there was a hole and shattered glass. There were no large trucks around. There were a couple of cars but they were to the right side of my car, two lanes over. Nothing hit my sunroof. The glass exploded. It was Sept 22nd at 9:30am. I looked it up online and this is a common problem with Kia Tellurides. I contacted Gay Family Kia and they would not replace it. They contacted Kia manufacture and they would not cover it. The maintenance person at Gay Family Kia looked at it and took a picture when he submitted it to Kia. There were no warning signals. I think the heat that is trapped between the glass and screen of the sunroof cause this. There needs to be a protective film on there. I tried to upload a photo but it would not proceed with it. It was a small file and a jpg. It is going to cost abt $900 to replace. I am getting it done Saturday so I don't have an invoice yet.

NHTSA ID

11768364

Incident

Sep 22, 2026

While driving the vehicle on the highway, as I was exiting the off ramp, when applying the brake pedal it completely failed and went to the floor with no stopping. I rapidly began pumping the brake pedal and slowly the brakes began to work in time to stop at the bottom of the off ramp. The vehicle then displayed an error: “ I have a Kia 2024 telluride EX. as we were driving the brakes suddenly went out and recovered enough to stop. now when starting the car it comes up with an error “Downhill brake control disabled. control vehicle speed”. We contacted KIa warranty and had the vehicle towed to the dealer.

NHTSA ID

11766982

Incident

Sep 6, 2026

I purchased my CYBEX Callisto G 360 on April 26, 2025. The harness does not stay tight: after I pull the adjuster strap to tighten it and let go, I can pull on the shoulder straps and they loosen again without pressing the harness release button. I’m concerned the harness adjuster is not holding the restraint securely, so I have stopped using the seat. It's extremely dangerous for this component to be failing.

NHTSA ID

11766262

Incident

Sep 22, 2026

The contact owns a 2024 Kia Telluride. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the sunroof glass fractured, and the glass pieces blew outward. The dealer was contacted by phone and made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 14,200.

NHTSA ID

11765406

Incident

Sep 18, 2026

Mileage

14,200 mi

The left side of my screen where speed, gas and other essential safety features will not show

NHTSA ID

11761668

Incident

Sep 2, 2026

I hear rattling/loud squeaking coming from liftgate rear door internally when driving. It has been noticed since purchasing the vehicle new.

NHTSA ID

11758837

Incident

Aug 23, 2026

On August 3, 2026, while operating my 2024 Kia Telluride, I experienced a catastrophic and total failure of the service braking system. Without warning, the brake pedal went straight to the floorboard with zero hydraulic pressure or stopping power, resulting in a crash into trees. ​The vehicle was towed to Gerber Collision for accident repairs. While the exterior body damage was repaired, the body shop is not equipped for internal hydraulic or component failure analysis. Furthermore, Kia America has been notified of this critical safety defect but is refusing to cover the diagnostic/inspection fees to investigate the underlying root cause under warranty, attempting to pass the cost onto the consumer. ​This is a severe, life-threatening safety defect involving a total loss of brakes on a nearly new vehicle. I request that NHTSA log this complaint and investigate potential systemic hydraulic or master cylinder defects in the 2024 Kia Telluride platform.

NHTSA ID

11758650

Incident

Aug 3, 2026

The contact owns a 2024 Kia Telluride. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 26V430000 (Seats) and 25V494000 (Structure); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available, even though the recall narrative stated that parts were available. The local dealer was contacted and stated that the recall repairs would not be performed. No reasons were given for why the recall repairs would not be performed. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

NHTSA ID

11758554

Incident

Jul 28, 2025

The contact owns a 2024 Kia Telluride. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V430000 (Seats); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

NHTSA ID

11758232

Incident

Aug 20, 2026

The cluster screen on my 2024 Telluride is BLACK when I turned it on today. No issues prior and turning the car off and on does not help. I cannot see my fuel gauge, speed, winshield wiper speed, tire air levels, what gear I am in nothing. I contacted dealer and they have heard of no issues and cannot get me in for repairs until at least two weeks. I feel this is very unsafe since I am not sure of my speed or my fuel level! There was no warning whatsoever, just a black screen.

NHTSA ID

11757468

Incident

Aug 17, 2026

The contact owns a 2024 Kia Telluride. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V430000 (Seats); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle experienced a failure to start. The contact charged the remote battery pack, and a technician jump-started the vehicle at the residence. While attempting to schedule an appointment with the dealer, the contact was informed that the recall repair could not be completed. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that parts were anticipated to be available by the end of August 2026. The failure mileage was approximately 34,000.

NHTSA ID

11756567

Incident

Aug 6, 2026

Mileage

34,000 mi

I am submitting this complaint regarding a serious safety concern involving my Kia Telluride and the recalled front power seat motor/fire hazard. We are parents of three children, and this vehicle is used to transport our family. We are extremely concerned about the potential for a vehicle fire caused by the defective seat motor and the fact that the issue has not been adequately remedied. Kia has previously issued a recall addressing the potential for the front power seat motor to overheat, melt, and potentially cause a fire. Despite the previous recall and attempted remedy, Kia has now issued another recall concerning the same or substantially similar safety issue. This raises serious concerns regarding the effectiveness of the original remedy and whether affected vehicles were actually made safe after the initial recall repair. According to information from NHTSA, vehicles affected by this issue have experienced incidents involving melted seat motors and seat fires. NHTSA has also advised owners of affected vehicles to park outside and away from structures because of the potential fire risk. As parents of three children, we find this particularly alarming. A vehicle fire is an extremely serious safety hazard, and the possibility of a fire developing in or around the seating area presents an unacceptable risk to our family. If a fire were to occur while our children were passengers, evacuating three children from the vehicle could be extremely difficult and dangerous. Our concern is not simply that the vehicle requires a repair. Our concern is that a known safety defect has already been subject to a recall and remedy, yet the safety issue has apparently continued or required another recall. Consumers who complied with the original recall should be able to reasonably rely on the manufacturer and its authorized repair facilities to have corrected the safety defect. 2024 Telluride 5XYP3DGC6RG524189

NHTSA ID

11756277

Incident

Aug 10, 2026

our transmission not shifting to next gear on highway acceleration— RPM"s climbs but speed doesn't match—is a serious drivability and safety issue. My car was in the dealership for this problem and it has returned. my wife was entering a highway and RPM's increased and t .transmission wouldn't shit to the next gear.

NHTSA ID

11755912

Incident

Aug 8, 2026

SUBJECT: SAFETY RECALL DENIAL APPEAL: Pinched Seat Harness Fire Hazard - 2024 Kia Telluride VIN: [XXX] KIA case #:XXX TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN, I am filing an urgent safety appeal regarding a refusal by my local dealership to repair a severe fire hazard on my 2024 Kia Telluride. This vehicle is experiencing the exact failure mode detailed in federal safety recalls regarding the front passenger power seat wiring. The dealership has denied coverage by claiming rodent damage. However, the official photograph provided to me by the dealership’s own service department completely disproves the claim and confirms a manufacturing/design defect: 1. CLEAR MECHANICAL FLATTENING: The first wire in the harness is severely flattened and shows distinct mechanical abrasion and rubbing marks across its surface. The insulation is pressed flat, which can only happen under the immense pressure of the moving metal seat frame or track. 2. ELONGATED CUT AND SHEARED: The second wire directly behind it features a clean, continuous one-inch cut where the rubber insulation has been completely stripped away exposing the live circuit. 3. NO BIOLOGICAL EVIDENCE: There are no jagged chew marks, frayed insulation fibers, nesting materials, or pest droppings anywhere in the area or vehicle itself. This is an undeniable case of the seat mechanism pinching, rubbing, and exposing the wiring harness during normal operation, leading to a direct short circuit and blown fuses. Leaving a live, exposed wire beneath a moving power seat presents an immediate thermal and fire risk to my family. I requested that Kia Corporate immediately override this dealership assessment and to dispatch a Field Technical Specialist if necessary, and authorize the complete replacement of the damaged wiring harness under the active safety recall and factory warranty. They also wanted to repair this wire by using liquid rubber, which is totally unacceptable and I refused. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (

NHTSA ID

11754602

Incident

Feb 1, 2026

Driving and brakes malfunctioned and would not stop causing an accident into a tree

NHTSA ID

11754431

Incident

Aug 3, 2026