Kia Telluride battery drain problems

Filed Nov 2, 2026 · Electrical · SC

The engine cooling fan remains on after the vehicle is switched off. After disconnecting the negative battery terminal for hours and even days, as soon as the negative battery terminal is re connected, the fan turns back on without the ignition being switched on nor the key in the vicinity of the vehicle. As of right now the vehicle can not be used as a daily driver and the car is just sitting in the yard with the negative battery terminal disconnected. This could ultimately be a fire hazard if left unattended and or drain the battery life. This is the second time this has happened. The first time (July 2026), we took it into a shop and the car would never act this way. This was a week after leaving the car in the yard with the negative battery terminal disconnected. We had to wait for an appointment. The technician could never get the car to act up and there were no active codes. Now, 3 months later, we are having same issues again. I see online where this is easily a $1000.00 repair. I believe this should fall back on the manufacturer for faulty parts and a fire hazard and inconvenience

Filed Oct 30, 2026 · Electrical · NJ

Within the last two weeks the vehicle has died approximately 8-10 times. Dealership checked the battery and found it to be in good condition. Approximately two weeks ago I walked outside and the cooling fan was on after the vehicle was parked for more than four hours. To this day the dealership can’t figure out why the cars battery is constantly dying. I believe the cars cooling fan turns on by itself and drains the battery. I am also concerned the fan turning on randomly on its own will create a fire risk due to it running for an extended period of time while the vehicle is turned off. I have video to support my claim of the fan turning on by itself.

Filed Oct 19, 2026 · Electrical · PA

The vehicle electrical system could be a fire hazard since the vehicle electrical system is incurring parasitic draw down of the battery. Believe there is a class action lawsuit filed relating to the problem. It is well known issue wit KIA Corp while the dealerships play dumb. Thank you.

Filed Sep 16, 2026 · Electrical · CA

Appears to be a parasitic drain on batteries. I just replace the 3rd battery yesterday. Kia does not address the underlying cause of battery drain.

Filed Aug 20, 2026 · Brakes, Engine · 82,093 miles · SC

The contact owns a 2022 Kia Telluride. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds and while stopped, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was restarted after each failure. The vehicle was taken to a dealer on several occasions, but the failure was not duplicated. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the ECM software needed to be updated. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred two days later. The vehicle was taken back to the same dealer where it was diagnosed that the ECVVT motor was stuck and needed to be repaired. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred the following day with the battery warning light illuminated. The contact stated that while driving with a child inside the vehicle, the battery, power steering, Auto HOLD, Forward Collision Avoidance, ABS, traction control, and the master warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the "Check Blind Spot Collision System", "Check TPMS," "Check Lane Departure Warning System", and "Check ESC", messages were displayed. The contact stated that the steering wheel locked up. While the brake pedal was depressed, the vehicle did not slow down as intended, causing the contact to temporarily lose control of the vehicle. The vehicle was coasted into a gas station parking lot, and the EPB, brake, seat belt, and collision warning lights were illuminated before the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was then towed to the same dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the alternator failed and drained the battery, and both parts needed to be replaced. The vehicle has not been repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a complaint was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 82,093.

Filed Feb 24, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · GA

Cooling fans running continuously after the car is turned off, which drains the battery. The dealership has identified that this is due to a faulty fan relay that will need to be completely replaced. The battery has been replaced once and the issue continued indicating that it was not a battery issue. The car ran out of battery in a busy location and caused risk to the passengers that were then exposed to busy traffic. The car has been inspected by repair specialists at the Vaden Hyundai Service Center. There were no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms before the problem began.

Filed Feb 17, 2025 · Electrical · NC

Battery Drain. No lights left on, nothing plugged in. I suspect IBU Module or some other wiring tobe causing a parasitic draw. This has been a common issue and KIA needs to address it with a recall.

Filed Feb 11, 2025 · Electrical · CO

2 Electrical Related Issues: 1. The car's ON/OFF button will not engage with key fob inside the vehicle. Can only start the car with remote start (this first occurred on 2/3/25; Peak Kia Service was called on 2/4/2025 and service scheduled for 2/12/2025) 2. Car battery died unexpectedly and within 3 months of ownership (2/11/2025) - Put my own safety at risk as I was in a dark parking lot and my car, while it would unlock, would not turn on - Car battery dying unexpectedly puts my and my children's safety at risk particularly when confronted with cold temperatures and the inability to use the vehicle unexpectedly AAA was called on 2/11/25 and they found the battery had an unusual drain registering 340/800. The car was jumped and left running for 30 minutes. Peak Kia was made aware of the issue with the non-start issue on 2/4/2025, they gave me verbal confirmation they have had no known issues with this, specific to the Kia Telluride. No warning signs prior to either issue.

Filed Apr 4, 2024 · Engine, Suspension · FL

Valve cover gasket leak, coolant hose leaks, passenger side axel boot slinging grease, parasitic draw

Filed Nov 22, 2023 · Electrical, Engine · CA

There is something wrong with the electrical system that drains the battery. I keep getting. An ESC code, and then the battery goes dead. The car has been at the dealership for the past three days and they are unable to duplicate the problem. I showed them a video I took of the instrument cluster which shows the code and electrical issues. The Kia dealership says they cannot do anything about the code because they are unable to duplicate the air while the vehicle is in their possession. This has happened twice on a new 2023 car. The dealership says they are returning me my vehicle with no resolution. So essentially, I’m getting a broken car returned to me. When you online search “ESC” Kia there appears to be a lot of complaints about this exact same issue but no fix?