Kia is known for making some high-quality vehicles, like the sporty and new K5 sedan and the Sportage SUV. Another one of the automaker’s most popular SUVs is the Telluride, which has received stellar reviews from critics. However, one Kia Telluride owner alleges that the SUV has a big safety hazard, according to Car Complaints.

The owner is suing Kia over what they believe to be a faulty windshield. Even the most careful drivers can experience cracks in the windshield due to small debris on the highway. However, according to this class-action lawsuit, the Kia Telluride’s windshield is inherently defective.

The lawsuit against the Kia Telluride

The class-action lawsuit’s plaintiff claims that the 2020 Kia Telluride needs to be recalled for its windshield. Kia is apparently aware of some issues with the windshield, as evidenced by its “goodwill gesture.” According to a letter sent to some customers, the automaker was willing to replace the car’s cracked windshield for free.

The plaintiff claimed that they never received this letter from Kia but found it online while researching recalls. When they took their Telluride to the dealership, they were informed that it would cost $1,000 to replace a cracked windshield. The Kia Telluride’s warranty states windshield damage caused by external sources is not eligible for free repairs.

The plaintiff says that this careful wording is what prevents the automaker from paying for expensive replacement windshields. The class-action lawsuit is full of complaints from other Telluride owners about the windshield. One of these drivers even claimed that the windshield cracked on its own after less than an hour of ownership.

Regardless of how your car’s windshield gets cracked, it’s important to get it fixed right away. Shattered glass can obscure your vision of the road and glass fragments can be dislodged onto innocent pedestrians. No serious injuries have been reported due to a Kia Telluride’s cracked windshield.

The Kia Telluride’s good track record

Disregarding the problematic windshield, the Kia Telluride has an excellent reputation. It can seat up to seven occupants and there’s plenty of passenger space in all three rows. Toting a lot of cargo also isn’t a problem thanks to its wide hatch and maximum 87 cubic feet of storage space.

The Kia Telluride also has a powerful V6 engine capable of 291 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque. It’s so fun to drive that it’s a favorite among Car and Driver editors. However, even they had to shell out one grand to fix a cracked windshield.

How expensive it is to replace a cracked windshield?

Typically, a new windshield only costs around $300-$450, according to AAA. A small crack or chip will only cost up to $100 to repair. With this is in mind, it’s easy to see why some Kia Telluride drivers are frustrated.

However, some cars can be more expensive to fix if they’re equipped with fancier components. Many new cars have an optional head-up display installed on the windshield, including the Kia Telluride. This could have contributed to the plaintiff’s high repair estimate.

About the latest Kia Telluride

Despite reports of a problematic windshield, many Telluride fans are still hyped for the 2021 model. While it doesn’t have any major changes, a Nightfall Edition is now available. This package paints the Telluride’s wheels, grille, and several exterior accents in glossy black paint.

The 2021 Kia Telluride was just released, so there’s no word on whether the windshield situation has improved or not. The automaker retains its stance that the Telluride’s windshields can only be damaged by outside sources, not a manufacturer defect. Fortunately, even with the growing number of complaints, the majority of Kia Telluride owners haven’t had any windshield problems.