2021 Kia Telluride: excessive oil consumption

Filed Nov 3, 2026 · Seats, Transmission · TN

While operating the vehicle, severe unaddressed oil consumption has led to powertrain concerns and potential engine failure. Additionally, the vehicle is subject to unresolved safety recall 24V‑407 regarding the power seat motor fire hazard. Despite bringing the vehicle to the dealership for routine maintenance and presenting these safety and mechanical issues, the service department has failed to provide necessary repairs or authorize a safe replacement/loaner vehicle, leaving the vehicle a safety concern.

Filed Oct 16, 2026 · Engine · GA

the federal safety agency Vehicle Safety Complaint – 2021 Kia Telluride I am the original owner of a 2021 Kia Telluride with approximately 78,000 miles. My vehicle has experienced recurring mechanical and drivability concerns, including an intermittent check-engine light, a previously reported camshaft-related diagnostic trouble code, and hesitation during acceleration. Of particular concern, there have been instances when I have pressed the accelerator pedal and the vehicle has hesitated before responding. This delayed acceleration creates a potential safety concern, particularly when entering traffic, merging, or navigating intersections where predictable engine response is essential. Additionally, the vehicle has exhibited rough operation while reversing and unusually harsh engine behavior when the automatic engine stop-start system engages. Despite multiple visits to a Kia-authorized dealership, including a monitored 1,000-mile oil consumption test, these concerns remain unresolved. The dealership advised that the vehicle passed the oil consumption test but subsequently recommended a dynamic engine cleaning procedure. I was informed that the technician was approximately 85% confident this procedure would resolve the issue. However, no definitive explanation of the underlying mechanical problem was provided. I have requested written documentation of the diagnostic findings and the basis for the recommended procedure. I have also opened a formal case with Kia America Consumer Affairs regarding these unresolved concerns. I am submitting this complaint because I am concerned that the recurring acceleration hesitation and related engine symptoms may indicate a safety-related defect that has not been adequately identified or resolved. I respectfully request that the federal safety agency document these concerns and evaluate whether similar complaints involving 2021 Kia Telluride vehicles indicate a broader safety issue.

Filed Oct 9, 2026 · Engine · MI

I was attempting to accelerate on the freeway and the rpms kept going up but it felt like the engine didn't want to shift gears. Suddenly the rpms shot all the way up and then dropped to nothing and I was forced to coast off the freeway, thankfully we were by an exit. The vehicle had zero power and we were unable to move it off the road, despite assistance from passersby. The wheels were locked in place and would not move until the tow truck driver showed up and looked something up online to manually force the car into neutral. (Though it was displayed as being in neutral) This is a 2021 vehicle bought brand new and has been properly maintained. Approximately 2-3 weeks before this, my husband randomly checked the oil and it was about 2qts low. It was filled and seemed to be running perfectly fine so we didn't give it another thought until this happened but now we're wondering if this particular engine is prone to the excessive oil consumption that has been noted in several other kia motors.

Filed Oct 5, 2026 · Engine · MI

On September 4, 2026, my son was driving our 2021 Kia Telluride on the highway at approximately 70 mph with cruise control engaged when the vehicle suddenly began making a clicking noise, followed by a catastrophic engine failure. We observed no oil-pressure warning or other advance dashboard warning before the failure. The sudden failure at highway speed created a significant safety risk. I am the original owner. The vehicle had approximately 115,000 miles at the time of failure. Its most recent oil change was performed on June 4, 2026, at 112,613 miles, approximately 2,400 miles before the incident. The servicing Kia dealership reported that the engine had a hole in it and essentially no oil remaining. The oil filter and drain plug were in place, and the dealership reported no external oil leak that explained the missing oil. An oil-filter-housing leak had previously been repaired in January 2026. The cause of the oil loss and engine failure has not been conclusively established. I am concerned about possible excessive internal oil consumption and the absence of an advance warning before catastrophic failure. I request that the federal safety agency investigate whether this condition affects other Tellurides and creates a risk of sudden engine failure or loss of propulsion at highway speed. Kia denied my initial request for goodwill repair assistance. The case has been escalated, but remains unresolved. The vehicle and failed engine are available for inspection through the servicing dealership.

Filed Sep 24, 2026 · Engine · MI

Unfortunately, beginning in June 2025, I experienced a serious engine problem. While driving, the vehicle began sputtering and stalled twice in traffic. I immediately brought it to the dealer, where I was told the engine had no oil, despite no prior warning of abnormal oil loss (no engine warning lights and no leaks). The service department added oil and initiated an Oil Consumption test. On October 4, 2025, the same problem occurred again. While driving, the Telluride began sputtering again, and the dealer again determined that the engine had no oil. I was charged for another oil change and instructed to complete another Oil Consumption test. During this process, the maintenance supervisor acknowledged that excessive oil consumption was a known and serious issue affecting Kia Tellurides and other models, and explained that engine replacement was the appropriate solution. I also observed another Telluride at the dealership undergoing the same type of engine repair. After completing the required testing, the dealer ultimately installed a rebuilt engine in my vehicle to address the excessive oil consumption problem with the original engine. I am now back in the same situation. On September 8, 2026, less than one year after the rebuilt engine was installed, my Telluride once again began sputtering while I was driving. I brought the vehicle to back to the dealer on on September 9, 2026. The service personnel again told me there was no oil in the vehicle, despite it being well within its recommended oil-change interval. More importantly, I was informed that the rebuilt engine currently installed in my vehicle is suspected of having the same excessive oil-consumption problem as the original engine. After following the instructions on yet another engine recheck and Oil Consumption test, I 've been told that the engine is burning oil at an exponential rate.

Filed Sep 21, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · OH

I purchased my 2021 Kia Telluride S new, with only 22 miles from the test drive. XXX (approx. 53,000 miles, vehicle age 18 months): The transmission failed while I was traveling approx. 75-80 mph on a major highway in [XXX]. Upon failure, the vehicle suddenly lurched as if the brakes had locked or the parking brake had been applied, nearly causing us to strike our heads on the dashboard and creating a hazardous situation for other traffic. After the failure, the vehicle would only operate in approx. first through third gears and reverse, and would not exceed 25 mph. We were forced to limp the vehicle off a busy six-lane highway. XXX: Due to parts delays, the vehicle was not returned until November 2022 after the transmission work. XXX (approx. four months later): The vehicle developed engine knock and excessive oil consumption. Advised this may have been related to oil degradation while the vehicle sat waiting for parts. Since then, I had to regularly check and add oil between oil changes. Despite low oil levels, no oil pressure warning light ever appeared. XXX (exact date unknown): While opening the sunroof at a stop, a loud crack occurred and pieces of the sunroof track, plastic and metal, fell onto me and my passenger. The glass is intact but became partially stuck open without the track to guide it. XXX: The engine knock worsened and became a squeal while driving approx. 60 mph. The vehicle lost power, requiring me to turn on hazards and coast off to avoid accident. Dealership mechanic advised that the engine had thrown a rod and blown the oil filter housing gasket. The vehicle is currently at the dealership and available for inspection. Kia has denied coverage despite the failure of a component linked to excessive oil loss and a recently extended 180,000-mile warranty, even after the engine threw a rod following a sudden loss of oil pressure. The failed transmission has likely already been disposed of. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Aug 17, 2026 · Engine · NC

I purchased this 2021 Kia Telluride new and have had it routinely serviced and maintained by authorized Kia dealerships. At approximately 60,000–80,000 miles, the engine began consuming excessive oil. I reported the condition to the Kia dealer at approximately 80,000 miles, while the vehicle was still within Kia's 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. The dealer initially recommended a tune-up, but the oil consumption continued. During a later visit, the dealer identified an issue involving the OEM oil-filter housing and replaced the affected component. Despite this repair and continued maintenance, oil consumption progressively worsened. The vehicle now has approximately 160,000 miles and requires approximately one pint of oil every 2–3 weeks. The current diagnosis indicates potential internal engine damage, including cylinder-wall scoring that may allow oil to bypass the piston rings and burn in the combustion chambers. I have been advised the engine may require replacement at an estimated cost of approximately $13,000. My primary concern is that this condition began and was reported to Kia while the vehicle was still under the powertrain warranty, but the repairs did not correct it. Continued excessive oil consumption and internal engine damage create a safety concern because they could result in low oil pressure, engine seizure, stalling, or sudden loss of propulsion while driving. The vehicle is available for inspection, and its maintenance history, prior complaints, dealer repairs, and current condition are documented through Kia dealership service records.

Filed Aug 6, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · MA

In August 2025, my Kia dealership serviced my 2021 Kia Telluride and billed me for 7 quarts of oil as part of the repair. Approximately four months later, in December 2025, the vehicle developed severe engine problems and became inoperable. The dealership diagnosed the failure as a collapsed timing tensioner and stated the engine required complete replacement. Kia Techline agreed with that diagnosis and used it as the basis for recommending a new engine. Despite acknowledging that engine replacement was necessary, Kia denied warranty coverage, leaving me responsible for an estimated $11,000 repair. I then obtained a second opinion from an independent, reputable repair facility. After inspecting the vehicle, the shop concluded the engine failure was not caused by a timing system failure. Instead, they found the engine contained only about one quart of oil and determined the damage resulted from oil starvation. They further stated that, in their professional opinion, the dealership had misdiagnosed the vehicle and that the low oil level was consistent with the possibility that the dealership failed to add the oil for which I was charged during the August 2025 service. What is especially concerning is that the dealership never documented or informed me that the engine was critically low on oil. Because the timing components rely on engine oil for lubrication, I believe it would have been impossible to properly inspect and diagnose a timing tensioner failure without recognizing and documenting the severely low oil level. Based on the independent inspection and the dealership's failure to identify or disclose the lack of oil, I believe the dealership either failed to perform the service as billed or failed to correctly diagnose the true cause of the engine failure. I am concerned that this incorrect diagnosis diverted attention from possible negligent workmanship during the prior service and led to an unnecessary recommendation for an $11,000 engine replacement.

Filed Jul 28, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · KY

CATASTROPHIC FAILURE TIMELINE (13 DAYS) XXX: Delivery taken at 105,439 miles.XXX: My boyfriend noticed a cloud of smoke from exhaust as I pressed the accelerator pedal to leave the parking lot. I didn't notice because it was almost dark outside when leaving. He didn't notice again so he didn't stop me and told me when we got home. XXX (Day 12): Check Engine Light (CEL) on. Dipstick found dry. 2 quarts of oil purchased and added. Which brought the level right above the L line. Sent texts to both salesmen (Freedom and Driveway). Went to work in [XXX]. XXX (Day 13): Got home with Odometer: 106,974. Plugged Code reader into the vehicle and got Code P0597 logged at 1:04 AM. Tried both salesmen again through texts, email and or call. Have yet to get a reply from either. XXX posted review updates on both of my previous posted reviews for Freedom and Driveway. Received my first response from the Driveway review team only. XXX rear brake pads had been cutting into rotors a few days prior. I had to purchase a tool and pads to replace. XXX Documented loss of an additional 4 quarts of oil across 4 dates. XXX subscribed to Kia connect and the app also detected issue fault code P0597. And at a later date the app detected a 2nd fault code P0598 which went away a couple days later. May 14th finally got a hold of Justin Grable (GM Freedom) to discuss options. XXX trade-in is only option being given to me. DOCUMENTED DEFECTS & ROOT CAUSE Code P0597 (Thermostat Heater Control/Open): An electrical/mechanical failure that caused internal engine "hot spots." Engine Failure: Pre-existing piston ring tension loss causing catastrophic oil consumption (1 quart/wk). Consequential Damage: Chronic oil burning will poison the Catalytic Converters and foul all Oxygen (O2) Sensors. As of XXX my vehicle is now consuming 1 qt/day. ac is not working and now giving me 6 codes for engine light. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jul 16, 2026 · Engine, Visibility · KY

Constant jerking and shuttering when accelerating/shifting gears. Oil consumption done last year as dealership thought it was engine related. Engine replaced. Problem continues. Fuel in MAP sensor. Continued shuttering at acceleration, shuttering at parked idle, shuttering at braking idle, engine stalls at red lights but car stays on. When car is started, exhaust is pushing out gusts of strong fuel smell and sputtering little puffs. Replaced engine, MAP, upper intake gaskets, spark plugs, cleaned throttle body, battery. Wiper pauses mid wipe (in driving view) when in intermittent setting and when turning them off.

Filed Jul 5, 2026 · Engine · CA

Engine is consuming excessive amounts of oil between oil changes, causing valve train to produce a metallic clanking noises. Vehicle did not display any type of warning sign on dashboard. Safety concerns if Engine would seize or shut off while driving on freeway/highway becoming a hazard on the road for self and other motorist. Vehicle has been taken to dealership multiple times, dealerships first remedy was replacing the oil filter housing. Dealership claimed oil filter housing was cracked causing oil to leak. Dealership replaced under warranty. Next oil change Dealership advised me again that oil was low in the engine and recommended an oil change and to replace the EGR valve. Service advisor also said to bring the vehicle back after driving it 1000 miles so they can run an oil consumption test. Vehicle was brought back to dealership after the 1000 miles, oil consumption test confirmed engine was consuming more oil than manufacturer allowance and valve train noise did return.

Filed Jun 26, 2026 · Engine · TX

the federal safety agency Vehicle Safety Complaint – 2021 Kia Telluride - VIN: [XXX] I am filing a safety complaint regarding my 2021 Kia Telluride. I purchased the vehicle on XXX, with approximately 124,000 miles. An oil and filter change was performed shortly before the sale. After about 2,000 miles/126K, the vehicle suddenly lost power and stopped. It was towed to a repair shop, where technicians found the engine oil level was extremely low or empty, despite no low-oil warning light appearing. The oil was serviced, and the vehicle was returned to operation. About 3,000/129K miles later, the vehicle again lost power and stopped in Ardmore TX. It was road side mobile mechanic found little to no oil and he refill the oil. After 100 miles/129.1K again same problem engine stopped and no oil. was towed to the same shop, where technicians found little to no oil and diagnosed severe engine damage requiring engine replacement. Mechanic informed there was no oil leak from the engine however, excessive oil burning in engine causing this issue. My concern is safety. On all three occasions, the vehicle lost power on the freeway at night while my family with two kids was in the vehicle. I believe excessive oil consumption and the lack of a warning before engine failure may represent a safety defect. I request that the federal safety agency investigate this issue and require Kia to review the vehicle’s engine design and warning systems. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)