Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2020 Kia Telluride
The 2020 Kia Telluride has a moderate number of owner complaints and several recalls, mostly related to the power train, exterior lighting, and seats. While the vehicle is generally well-received, potential buyers should be cautious of these issues. Limited but significant complaint and recall data underline the need for a thorough inspection before purchase.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2020 Kia Telluride has 7 NHTSA recall campaigns and 777 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
NCAP overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars, averaged across 2 NHTSA-tested trims.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #26V430000 Park Outside: Fire from Overheated Power Seat Motors NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #24V407000 Fire from Overheated Power Seat Motor NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #24V214000 Vehicle Roll Away from Disengaged Driveshaft NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #24V148000 High Beam Headlights May Fail NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #22V626000 Tow Hitch Harness Fire While Parked or Driving NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #20V436000 Inoperative Trailer Brake Lights/FMVSS 108 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #19V594000 Incorrect Seat Belt Assemblies Installed/FMVSS 208 NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Exterior Lighting 185 complaints
- Engine 153 complaints
- Unknown or Other 146 complaints
- Visibility/Wiper 136 complaints
- Power Train 70 complaints
- Electrical System 61 complaints
Of the 777 complaints on file, 8 report a crash and 9 a fire; across all 777 complaints, owners report 11 injuries and 1 death (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Front power seat overheating
How to check: Inspect seats for defects and test all functionalities.
Potential tow hitch electrical short
How to check: Examine tow hitch wiring for damage or exposure.
Headlight failure
How to check: Test all headlight functions, especially high beams.
Rear seat belt failure
How to check: Check seat belts for secure operation and damage.
Drive shaft engagement issue
How to check: Verify vehicle holds in park without rolling.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for unusual engine noises.
Red flag: Loud knocking or errors.
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Check dashboard for warning lights.
Red flag: Persistent warning lights.
- 03
Low-speed maneuvers
What to check: Listen for unusual transmission sounds.
Red flag: Clanking or grinding noises.
- 04
Highway acceleration
What to check: Ensure smooth shifting during acceleration.
Red flag: Hesitation or rough shifts.
- 05
Braking test
What to check: Check responsiveness and noise during braking.
Red flag: Spongy brakes or squeals.
- 06
Parking on incline
What to check: Ensure vehicle stays stationary in park.
Red flag: Vehicle rolls when in park.
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the front seat overheating issue been fixed?
- Are there any outstanding recalls?
- Has the tow hitch harness been checked?
- Were there any electrical problems?
- Are service records available?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Recall repair records
- Service history
- Title and registration
- Warranty information
- Accident history report
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2020 Kia Telluride at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 2020 Kia Telluride? Check the actual car
This checklist covers the model. From your free try.vin dashboard you can go further — paste the seller's listing for a deal score, or drop their photos for an AI condition report.