In spite of glowing reviews by such esteemed reviewers as Cars and also Car & Driver, the Kia Telluride is racking up a large number of issues associated with the new SUV. This is according to the Kia Telluride Forum.

The 2020 Telluride is all-new featuring three-row seating which is a great selling point. It can now seat eight people comfortably. Four models offer many standard features, with a price range from $32,785 for the LX model to $42,585 for the SX. 

Telluride gets favorable reviews for quality and interior volume

It’s getting favorable reviews for its cargo space and interior volume. Even though it is based on the Kia Sorrento it’s larger in every way and dimension. It’s now the largest vehicle Kia makes.

Standard features include a 12-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, 20-inch wheels, automatic high-beams, eight-inch touchscreen, blind-spot monitoring, dual sunroofs, and more. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are available.

Standard features make even base model a bargain

Only one engine is offered; the 291 hp V6 spinning an eight-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel-drive is a popular option especially with ground clearance at eight inches. The towing capacity is listed at 5,000 lbs. There is also an optional self-leveling air suspension system.

The Insurance Institute For Traffic Highway Safety gives the Telluride a “Top Safety Pick” rating. Part of their scoring goes toward all of the driver-assist tech available, which includes: 

• Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
• Standard lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist
• Standard blind-spot monitoring

One continual problem we see popping up is coasting to a stop the SUV abruptly slows down like it’s downshifting harshly. A couple of owners have taken their cars to dealers to check the problem and they tell owners it’s normal. Owners writing in the forum feel it’s not normal.

A list of problems 2020 Telluride owners encounter

Here’s a list of what has been confronting 2020 Telluride customers. It’s not covering all complaints, but only those showing up over the last couple of months in the Telluride forums. 

• Rear A/C vents randomly turn on.
• Engine overheating from idle stop/go.
• Front passenger-side door won’t open.
• LED Halo lights become faulty and stop working.
• Rear wiper cover falls off.
• Rear captain chair rattles due to the loose seat back cover.
• Rear heat not blowing warm air.
• Inaccurate GPS / Navigation directions.
• Water leaking through door sills.
• Seat seam stitching coming loose.
• FCA malfunctioning.
• “Battery discharging due to external devices” error.
• Seat cushion coming loose.
• Speaker rattles when listening to XM.
• Speedometer stopped working.
• Battery died.
• Collision Warning malfunctioning due to bad wire-harness.

App and software-related issues

• Kia Connect App defaults to Pacific Time with no way of changing time settings.
• In-car Weather App requires an HD signal to work.
• Bluetooth Connection issues.

There are always a few hiccups in first-year vehicles. Hopefully, as production increases, Kia can would out the kinks as it seems like a terrific value in the SUV category.