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Kia Telluride collision warning problems

45 of the 2,089 owner complaints about the Kia Telluride describe false forward collision warnings, most of them for the 2020 model year.

owner complaints
45
worst model year
2020
typical mileage
7,976
Is there a fix? There is 1 recall for this area of the car. See below

By model year

What owners say

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 Jul 1, 2026 · NV

My 2025 Kia Telluride is suddenly shutting off in traffic. It first happened 6/24/26 I was pulling away from a stop light when my vehicle shut off. I received a red dash as you would for collision warning and a message to shift into park or neutral to restart the vehicle, I tried to restart it started but without RPM's then would not restart my husband had to push the vehicle off of the roadway. I then tried to restart it again it started and shut off in less than 20 feet. I had it towed to the dealership after keeping it 1 week they say they can not recreate the problem. I picked up my vehicle yesterday and it again shut off before I made it 2 miles down the road, I had stopped at a stop light to make a left turn accelerated to make to my turn and the vehicle again shut off I coasted into a parking lot was able to restart it and drove it back to the dealership. The vehicle is currently with them. The vehicle had no warning lights prior to this happening everything was fine in fact when the vehicle shuts off the radio and Air Conditioner stay running like nothing happened. I have searched the internet and found many others having this issue with their dealerships also saying they can't recreate the problem.

Filed May 13, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · NY

I am submitting this complaint regarding my 2021 Kia Telluride experiencing repeated and dangerous electronic system failures while driving. Kia of East Syracuse (NY) diagnosed the issue as related to the backup camera assembly and communication/network failures. While driving, the vehicle experienced loss of power steering assist, instrument cluster failure, speedometer malfunction, incorrect gear indication, backup camera activation while driving forward, blind spot warnings activating incorrectly, flashing/blank temperature display, and multiple driver assistance system failures. The speedometer displayed 0 mph while the vehicle was in motion and later displayed approximately 40 mph while stopped at a traffic light. The vehicle also became stuck in reverse while backing out of my driveway and would not shift properly, leaving the vehicle stopped in the roadway. Multiple safety systems malfunctioned simultaneously, including Blind Spot Collision Avoidance Assist, Lane Following Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Collision Avoidance Assist, Smart Cruise Control, Parking Distance Warning, and Forward Collision Warning systems. The dealership documented multiple fault codes and stated the dashboard lit up “like a Christmas tree” while the instrument cluster stopped functioning entirely. These failures create a serious safety risk because critical driving information and driver assistance systems become unreliable or inoperative while the vehicle is moving. The failures occur unexpectedly and without warning. Photos and video evidence have been retained, including video of the backup camera activating while driving forward and the speedometer malfunctioning while the vehicle was in motion. I am asking the federal safety agency investigate these failures as a potential safety defect involving the camera system, instrument cluster communication systems, and CAN network communication failures in the Kia Telluride.

Filed Jan 7, 2026 · Acceleration, Driver assistance · OH

While driving at highway speed and the adaptive cruise control engaged, the vehicle applied the brakes without driver input. The vehicle slowed gradually over several seconds even though there was no vehicle, pedestrian, or obstacle present in front of the vehicle. Road and environmental conditions were clear and normal, including clear weather, dry roadway, and unobstructed lane of travel. Traffic was flowing normally, and there was no lead vehicle. The driver was attentive and did not press the brake pedal. The braking occurred without any warning, alert, or collision indication and resulted in an unexpected reduction in speed, creating a risk of a rear-end collision from following traffic and on one occasion road rage (which has occurred due to this condition) as the driver thought I "brake checked" him. The vehicle has been inspected by the local Kia dealership (Spitzer Kia of Mansfield) and they could not replicate the condition. Kia has also been notified and a case number assigned (25773402) but with no resolution. This issue has occurred multiple times under similar highway driving conditions, indicating repeatable uncommanded braking behavior. Additionally, KIA issued a “Voluntary Service Campaign” for 2024 Kia Telluride’s on July 31, 2025 for the same vehicle behavior. Unexpected braking at highway speeds creates sudden speed differentials and increases the risk of rear-end collisions, even when deceleration is gradual. The driver has limited ability to anticipate or prevent the event. No warning lights, audible alerts, or collision warnings were displayed. CONCLUSION The vehicle exhibits repeatable false or uncommanded activation of the automatic braking system during highway driving, consistent with a potential defect in the AEB/FCA system. This condition poses a safety risk to vehicle occupants and surrounding traffic and should be reviewed by the federal safety agency

Filed Oct 16, 2025 · Acceleration, Driver assistance · VA

Summary: Emergency collision warning system activated unexpectedly at highway speed, causing sudden braking and loss of vehicle control. Details: While traveling approximately 65 mph on [XXX] , the emergency collision warning system in my Kia activated suddenly and without cause. There were no vehicles in front, beside, or near me at the time. The system automatically engaged the brakes, causing the rear of my vehicle to jackknife. The vehicle did not slow gradually—it braked abruptly, creating a serious risk of rear-end collision. Afterward, the car would not shift back into drive, leaving me stranded in a dangerous location in the middle of the highway. This is the third time I have contacted Kia regarding the same malfunction with the emergency collision warning system. The issue remains unresolved and continues to pose a severe safety hazard to myself and other motorists. Date of most recent incident: [XXX] Vehicle information: 2024 KIA telluride Vin: Est.mileage: 37,000 Location: [XXX] Summary of concern: This malfunction causes the vehicle to brake unexpectedly and lose drivability, with no valid reason for system activation. This could easily result in a rear-end crash or multi-vehicle collision. I am requesting that the federal safety agency investigate whether other Kia owners have experienced similar incidents and whether this issue warrants a safety recall or software fix. This is my third experience with this warning system malfunctioning I have reached out to Kia previously before. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Oct 8, 2025 · Driver assistance, Lights · SC

Front lights gets foggy when it gets hand wash, contacted the dealership and they are willing to replace the “Gasket” because the headlights must have “ventilation”. While driving with nobody in front the collision warning went off non stop, the road was completely clear.

Filed Sep 9, 2025 · Driver assistance · CO · crash

We were departing [XXX]in Barnstable, Mass on [XXX]. As he entered the main road from the parking lot, my husband thought the driver on his left on the main road had a stop sign so he pulled out onto the street. The other driver did not have a stop sign and my husband hit him. We were going under 10mph so the air bags did not deploy. The “forward collision warning” did not activate nor did the “emergency braking system” function yet the plastic front end of our car was totally smashed and the side of the other car had just a large scratch and a flat tire. We had the car shipped back to Denver where we live and Emich Kia declared it a “total” because they said the frame might be bent. I have contacted Kia Corporation and their CEO repeatedly to point out that their car malfunctioned and did not stop when it was supposed to stop. They do not care and did state that the car had only sustained damage to “crushable material”. Since the damage was to crushable material and the air bags did not deploy, it is obvious that it was a slow speed crash and the emergency braking system and the warning system should have functioned. This 2024 Kia was our second 2024. The first new one we purchased stuttered violently and the check engine light illuminated each time we drove down from the Colorado mountains. Once again, Kia took no responsibility for this issue for over a year so our local dealer finally bought back that lemon and sold us the one that malfunctioned in the crash. Two faulty Kia Tellurides in one year points to serious problems with this car and the Kia corporation because they will not acknowledge problems nor attempt to solve them in a timely manner. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Aug 6, 2025 · Driver assistance, Engine · AL

While driving on [XXX] the check engine light came on and engine started shaking and making abnormal noise. I was afraid to keep driving so requested a tow to Bramlett Kia in Decatur, AL. I told the service dept the issue as well as the issue listed below that I've been experiencing, and they told me it would be 3 weeks before they could even assess it as they are extremely backed up. I'm hoping the dealer service dept. can reproduce the issue once they assess it. It has not been inspected by anyone else. I looked up my VIN # to make sure I had not missed a recall but there is no recall on my VIN #. Another issue I'm having is while using the Lane Keeping Assistance the vehicle responds with the Forward Collision Warning and brakes automatically when there is nothing in front of the vehicle. If this were to happen when a vehicle was behind me this would put all of our safety at risk. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jun 18, 2025 · Acceleration, Driver assistance · PA

On [XXX] my vehicle had a collision warning signal, then tire pressure, then brake lights and entire dash instrument panel. I parked the vehicle, then later in the evening test drove it again and the panel lit up again, in addition to the loss of the speedometer, tachometer, gear display, and drive mode display, so I immediately drove it to Courtesy Kia in Altoona, PA. On 4/18/25 Wendy Giordano of Courtesy Kia confirmed vehicle intake Courtesy Kia reset codes and was unable to replicate or diagnose a repair. The vehicle was returned on 4/23/25 despite my expressed concerns over safety. On [XXX] the vehicle again displayed the collision warning and the instrument panel lit up again, in addition to the loss of the speedometer, tachometer, gear display, and drive mode display. I got off the highway and limped the vehicle closer to my home, stopped for a brief time, and proceeded the three miles to the dealership. In this time I lost power steering, and eventually brake lights and turn signals within 1,000 feet of the dealership and was nearly collided with in front of the dealershipOn 5/12 I continued to ask status and request a loaner with no adequate follow up. I was bounced between JT, Tyler and Wendy Giordano my service advisor. Around 5/22 I called in requesting an update and was put on the phone with the service tech to describe my issues On 6/6/25 John from courtesy ford left a 2 minute long rambling voicemail, 6/3 he said he received a fax. He said he spoke to service department and I could drive the car, that I could be driving the car now. "he wasn't sure what was going on with it" They've driven it and can't find anything. Kia is looking at video, service rep there on Tuesday and find nothing wrong. I think, how long and haven't had it long. Suggest you "just drive it, I don't know" In addition I've followed up with numerous emails and calls to determine course of action and repair and haven't had a productive repair plan. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.

Filed Jun 7, 2025 · Brakes, Driver assistance · TX

Vehicle Information    •   Make: Kia    •   Model: Telluride    •   Year: 2022    •   Approx. Mileage: 30k 2. System Involved    •   Component/System: Forward Collision Avoidance, Automatic Emergency Braking, Brakes, or Electronic Stability Control 3. Incident Description On 6/7/25 while driving my 2022 Kia Telluride on neighborhood street in Windsor Park austin Texas at approximately 25-30 mph the vehicle suddenly and forcefully braked on its own with no warning and no visible obstacle or vehicle in front of me. This unexpected braking occurred under normal driving conditions, with clear weather and dry pavement, and almost caused a collision with the vehicle behind me. No warning lights appeared on the dashboard, and no manual braking was applied by me. I believe this may be related to known technical service bulletins SC243 and SC252 concerning faulty automatic braking logic and the hydraulic electronic control unit (HECU). This is a serious safety concern, and I am submitting this complaint in the hope that Kia will address this potential defect through recall or repair. There are reports similar to mine at highway speeds which would be deadly. 4. What Happened Next? I have contacted my local Kia dealership for inspection and plan to request that they document and diagnose the incident fully. Their online scheduler is showing next service appt not for over a week out which is not soon enough. I will call them first thing in the morning. I am also submitting this report to the federal safety agency to ensure that this is recorded as part of any ongoing safety investigation. Our vehicle was serviced within the last few months and we were assured there were no safety recalls on our vehicle. We would like this reevaluated.

Related recalls

Forward collision avoidance: adaptive cruise controlReported July 28, 2020 · 86,921 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2020 Telluride vehicles equipped with Smart Cruise Control (SCC). When a trailer is connected to the vehicle, the trailer brake lights will not illuminate when the SCC applies the brakes. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Risk
Inoperative trailer brake lights can fail to warn other drivers that the vehicle is slowing, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Kia will notify owners, and dealers will install an additional wire harness to the main fuse box to signal the trailer brake lights, free of charge. The recall began September 10, 2020. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1‑800‑333‑4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC194.

Recall number 20V436000 · Recall details

Questions about the Kia Telluride collision warning

Which Kia Telluride years have false forward collision warnings problems?

The model years with the most reports are 2020 (13 complaints), 2024 (10 complaints) and 2021 (9 complaints).

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