Kia Telluride grinding brakes problems

Filed Oct 28, 2026 · Suspension · OH

Spontaneous structural failure of the front driver-side suspension coil spring occurred while operating the vehicle at a low speed on smooth pavement (leaving a parking lot). There was absolutely no impact, road hazard, or pothole involved. The coil spring cleanly fractured into two distinct pieces near the top. The shock absorber and surrounding strut components remain completely undamaged, proving this was a spontaneous metallurgical or manufacturing defect rather than impact damage. The broken section of the spring unseated from the upper strut mount and is resting loosely in the wheel well, causing severe grinding and banging noises. This poses an immediate, critical safety hazard: the jagged, fractured metal edges of the loose spring are at high risk of shifting to puncture the front tire or sever the brake lines, which would cause a sudden, catastrophic loss of vehicle control and braking ability. DEALER & CORPORATE RECORD: The vehicle is currently located at an authorized Kia dealership service center. Dealership technicians have physically inspected the vehicle and confirmed that the coil spring is broken into two pieces while the surrounding shock absorber/strut assembly remains entirely undamaged. This structurally isolates the failure to a metallurgical or manufacturing defect of the spring itself, rather than external impact damage. Despite their technicians confirming the failure, Kia has denied goodwill repair assistance for this severe safety defect under Kia Corporate Case Number 26498926.

Filed Oct 19, 2026 · Seat belts · PA

The passenger side second row seat belt has been malfunctioning since I purchased the vehicle new. It doesn’t retract properly. I told this to my dealership at my first oil change but they said there was no recall. It had not been much of an issue with the seat only being used by my son who is of small frame and doesn’t need a lot of slack extended. However, a larger adult recently used it and got out of the car at night in the dark. Due to the defect, the seatbelt did not retract and the vehicle door was closed with most of the belt and buckle outside the vehicle. Upon driving, it became lodged in the wheel well resulting in rips in the belt, grinding of the buckle and forcefully extending the entire seatbelt.

Filed Sep 23, 2026 · Brakes, Transmission · PA

Upon Acceleration there was a screeching noise every time. Yesterday the car would not speed up and Rpms were so high. Engine began over heating and got a message to park car and leave running, car started smoking and almost got hit trying to pull out because the car wouldn't speed up with the pedal to the floor. Also Brakes grind hard stopping and make a cracking noise. Barely could make it to the dealership. They told me there was 27 new kia's in for the same problem yet no one recalled cars or warned people.

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 23, 2026 · Body · TX

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

Filed Apr 21, 2026 · IL

The sunroof wind deflector mechanism on my 2021 Kia Telluride failed due to what appears to be a known defect. The passenger side wind deflector arm broke off and upon trying to close the sunroof it made grinding noises. This caused the sunroof to malfunction and created a situation where the sunroof could not operate properly and is now stuck open. Kia has acknowledged issues with this component in a Technical Service Bulletin, indicating prior knowledge of defects in the wind deflector arms. However, no recall or owner notification was issued. Because of this lack of notification, I was not aware of the need to inspect or repair this part when the issue was minor. Instead, the failure progressed and now requires a significantly more expensive repair involving major sunroof components. The sunroof being stuck open is a distraction when driving and during rain has allowed water to leak into the car. Fortunately, I was parked when the wind deflector arm failed. Had this occurred while driving, the abrupt malfunction could have created a dangerous distraction and compromised safe vehicle operation.

Filed Mar 21, 2026 · Transmission · NC

Catastrophic rear differential failure at highway speed following recent warranty repair. Vehicle previously brought to Kia dealership for rear differential knocking noise. Warranty repair performed and vehicle returned. Within one week, original noise returned with additional whirling/ grinding sound.While traveling approximately 70 mph on the highway, vehicle experienced a sudden loud bang and immediate abrupt stop in traffic. At the time of failure, wife and two children were in the vehicle. Incident posed a severe and life-threatening safety risk.Visual inspection indicates complete rear differential mechanical failure, with fluid and component debris present underneath vehicle. Vehicle is currently unsafe to operate.Failure occurred immediately following manufacturer-authorized warranty repair.

Filed Jul 2, 2025 · Transmission · 10,100 miles · WY

The contact's spouse owns a 2020 Kia Telluride. The contact's spouse stated that while the vehicle was parked, the vehicle inadvertently rolled backwards and struck the contact’s aunt as she was exiting the vehicle. The contact’s aunt was taken to the Emergency Room by ambulance/helicopter, where she later succumbed to the injuries and was pronounced dead. The contact stated that the vehicle remained at the scene. In addition, before the incident, there was grinding coming from the gears. The contact was unsure what specific injuries were sustained. A police report was filed. The contact stated that the VIN was included in the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 24V214000 (Power Train); which the contact related to the failure. The contact had previously received the recall notification. The dealer was not contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 101,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

Filed Feb 5, 2025 · Engine, Transmission · TX

Issue: Engine stall & loud tapping/grinding noise Vehicle only has 1,100 miles and has stalled about 5 times when slowing down to about 10mph & then accelerating again. Issue has also happened when going about 3mph & then accelerating. About 10sec stall & then vehicle takes off. Several of the stalls happened even though the Auto/Start switch was engaged to disable feature since I thought maybe a bad switch was the issue causing the stalls, but stalling happens with it on & off. Another issue engine makes a tapping noise when in gear & accelerating up to about 1200rpm. Issue has been getting louder since purchase. At 1100 miles started car & pulled into garage after vehicle set for about 2hours (75F outside), upon doing this the engine sounded terrible like there were a handful of marbles in the engine, super loud sound, at this point made appointment with dealer, but they are so backed up vehicle can't go in for service for about 2 weeks per no loaner car available until then, since it can take up to 1 week to get looked at. Will update with their findings but looking at form pages & You-tube videos it seems like the ongoing engine tapping complaint resulting in an engine replacement & maybe part of the 2024 recall Valve Spring breaking resulting in the loud marble sound I am hearing. Car stalling is a major safety concern since a few of the stalls happened when pulling in front of traffic going 60mph.

Filed Jan 4, 2025 · Body · AL

In November 2024, the sunroof mechanism failed in a crooked, partially open position and would no longer move. The motor operated, but there was a grinding noise and no movement of the sunroof. I had to return from North Carolina to Alabama in the rain with a partially open sunroof. The service department at Bramlett Kia in Decatur, Alabama, confirmed the sunroof mechanism has to be replaced. The service technician said the electrical cable to the sunroof was caught in the mechanism. Parts were ordered and took several weeks to be shipped. The sunroof is to be repaired next week. This is obviously a defective design and could lead to safety issues if the sunroof were to become detached while the vehicle is moving. My sunroof has stayed in place but the mechanism is bent on both sides and loose in one corner. I don't know if the sunroof is still being held safely by the mechanism. Parts invoice ($2907) is attached. Labor is estimated at $1000 but I do not yet have the invoice.