Legally reviewed by: Jessica Anvar Stotz, JD, MBA
Common problems: Some of the most common problems with the 2025 Kia Telluride include visibility, engine, and transmission concerns.
Drivers have reported concerns such as engine stalling, hard shifting, windshield cracking, and moisture buildup inside headlight assemblies.
While these issues have affected many owners, as of now, there are no official recalls listed for the 2025 Kia Telluride specifically tied to these complaints.
Below, you’ll find a more detailed look at the problems reported by Telluride owners, along with information about any known recalls or manufacturer communications.
This article serves as a quick resource for anyone researching potential reliability concerns with the 2025 Telluride, especially if you’re considering purchasing or currently own this vehicle.
Common 2025 Kia Telluride Problems
- Visibility: Easily Cracked or Chipped Windshields; Inconsistent Headlights; Poor High Beam Headlights; Sunroof Fragility; Condensation Buildup in Headlights
- Engine: Excessive Oil Consumption; Engine Stalling; Loss of Power; Oil Leaks; Knocking or Ticking Sounds; Cold Start Squealing; Overheating
- Transmission: Harsh Shifting; Lurching; Delayed Engagement; Transmission Slipping into Neutral; Downshift Jerking; Transmission Range Sensor Failures; Software Calibration Issues
Having Vehicle Problems?
Submit the form below to see if your vehicle qualifies for a lemon law claim.
2025 Kia Telluride Visibility Problems
The 2025 Kia Telluride has drawn a significant number of complaints related to visibility problems, making this category one of the most frequently cited concerns among owners.
One of the most common issues involves the windshield, which many report as being unusually prone to cracking or chipping from even small pieces of road debris.
In some instances, this damage has been noted within just weeks of ownership. These cracks often lead to full windshield replacements, and unless Kia acknowledges the issue as a manufacturing defect, the repairs may not be covered under warranty.
Another reported concern involves the Telluride’s headlights. Drivers have shared that the high-beam headlights do not provide adequate illumination during nighttime driving, leaving them with reduced visibility.
Some also mention inconsistent beam patterns and fogging inside the headlight housing, which further compromises light output.
The panoramic sunroof is another area where owners have experienced issues. Reports describe it as being easily cracked or damaged, particularly during extreme temperatures or after minor impacts, raising questions about its overall durability.
Additionally, moisture buildup inside the headlight assemblies has been noted, leading to condensation that not only reduces visibility but can also affect the internal components of the lights.
For owners dealing with these visibility-related problems, there are a few practical steps to consider.
Checking for Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) from Kia is a good first move, as the manufacturer has issued TSBs in the past addressing windshield and headlamp concerns, which may qualify vehicles for no-cost repairs.
2025 Kia Telluride Engine Problems
Among the most serious problems are sudden engine stalls while driving, which can happen unexpectedly—even at high speeds—posing obvious safety concerns.
Many drivers have also experienced a noticeable loss of power, affecting acceleration and overall drivability.
Another commonly reported issue involves oil leaks from gaskets or seals, which, if left unaddressed, can cause engine damage or even present a fire hazard if oil reaches hot engine components.
Some Telluride owners have noted knocking or ticking sounds coming from the engine, often pointing to internal wear or faulty parts such as valve lifters.
There are also reports of a high-pitched squeal during cold starts, usually tied to worn belts or malfunctioning belt tensioners.
Excessive oil consumption has been flagged as well, with some drivers finding they need to add oil between regular service intervals—an early sign of potential underlying engine trouble.
Overheating problems have surfaced too, often linked to faulty thermostats, coolant leaks, or radiator malfunctions, any of which can lead to serious engine damage if not repaired.
One of the more severe issues connected to the 2025 Telluride involves engine failure linked to faulty valve springs.
Kia issued a recall covering certain 2024 and 2025 models due to these defective parts, which could cause sudden engine shutdowns or even fire risks. For affected vehicles, Kia offered free engine sub-assembly replacements.
Beyond engine-specific concerns, some owners have reported related drivetrain issues such as the transmission slipping into neutral without warning or noticeable vibrations when driving at higher speeds.
These problems are often traced back to engine mount or drivetrain component faults. Electrical and software glitches have also been cited, occasionally affecting engine performance or producing inaccurate dashboard readouts.
2025 Kia Telluride Transmission Problems
Some of the most commonly reported problems in the 2025 Kia Telluride is hard shifting combined with lurching.
Drivers describe the engine revving unusually high in first gear before shifting harshly into second, creating a noticeable jolt.
Delayed engagement is another concern, where the vehicle hesitates when shifting from Park into Drive or Reverse, especially right after startup.
Some owners have even experienced the transmission slipping out of Drive and into Neutral unexpectedly while accelerating, often during highway merges, which poses clear safety risks.
Another frequent complaint involves rough downshifting. As drivers slow down, particularly between 25 and 10 miles per hour, the transmission may downshift abruptly, causing a jarring sensation.
In rarer cases, transmission range sensor failures have been reported. Faulty sensors can trigger erratic shifting behavior and sometimes require replacement within just a few hundred miles of ownership.
Some owners suggest that software calibration plays a role, with transmission reprogramming or software updates helping to smooth out shifting irregularities.
Many of these transmission-related issues tend to appear early, often within the first few thousand miles.
While some Telluride owners have received full transmission replacements under warranty, others report long wait times for parts or delays in resolution from dealerships.
For those experiencing similar problems, checking for any recalls or Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) from Kia is a useful first step, as these may cover known transmission concerns.
Kia Telluride Owner Issues
“I traded from a Toyota Highlander to a 2025 Pro prestige. Wish I still had my old car as the telluride has several issues that are very frustrating. First and most frustrating is that keyless entry system doesn’t always work and you can’t get in your car. Second, the engine is sluggish and delays moving forward at times when you step on the gas, leaving response for between the driver intent and with the car performance poor. Third the various drive modes don’t really work and interfere with driving the vehicle. Finally, the sticker gas mileage is nowhere near what you actually get and is far less.”
“Besides all of the recalls there have been, they now have a faulty navigation system that I need to pay to get the update to fix it. Their system sends you on the wrong routes, and the route may change as you’re going adding hours to your trip. If their system is flawed, why am I paying for it to be fixed?”
“Immediately saw red flags. First the lights inside wouldn’t turn on on week 2 and they kept my car in shop didn’t have an eta for the part. Then whenever I would accelerate it would smell like burning and other things here and there that shouldn’t be happening to a 2025”
Vehicle Defects and Your Rights
If your 2025 Kia Telluride has been experiencing repeat mechanical or electrical issues—such as transmission problems, engine stalling, power loss, or persistent warning lights—that have been addressed under the manufacturer’s warranty but continue to occur, you may have grounds to pursue a lemon law claim.
Lemon laws are designed to protect consumers who purchase or lease new vehicles that turn out to be defective within the warranty period provided by the manufacturer.
To qualify under most state lemon laws, the defect usually must still exist after a reasonable number of repair attempts and must significantly affect the vehicle’s use, safety, or value.
If your Telluride meets these conditions, you could be entitled to compensation such as a manufacturer buyback, a replacement vehicle, or a cash settlement.
In situations involving a buyback or replacement, Kia may apply a usage deduction based on the number of miles driven before the issue was first reported.
If a replacement vehicle is offered and it involves a higher trim level or a newer model, you may be responsible for paying the difference in value.
In many cases, if your lemon law claim is successful, Kia may also be required to cover attorney’s fees and legal costs, allowing you to seek professional legal help without paying out of pocket.
If your 2025 Kia Telluride has spent an unusual amount of time in the shop for the same recurring issue, now may be the right time to look into your legal options and find out whether you qualify for relief under your state’s lemon law protections.
Explore Your Options with the Lemon Law Experts
Since 2009, the Lemon Law Experts have assisted thousands of consumers in resolving vehicle defect cases through legal remedies provided by both state and federal warranty laws.
If your 2025 Kia Telluride has spent repeated time in the repair shop for the same ongoing issue—particularly if it impacts the vehicle’s safety, reliability, or overall value—you may be eligible for compensation, and our team is ready to help you explore your options.
Whether your goal is a manufacturer buyback, a replacement vehicle, or a cash settlement, we focus on securing the most favorable result for your situation.
Each case is reviewed with careful attention to detail and handled with the legal precision it deserves. If your claim qualifies under your state’s lemon law, Kia may also be responsible for covering your attorney’s fees, allowing you to seek experienced legal help without any out-of-pocket costs.
If you’re unsure whether your 2025 Telluride meets the necessary criteria, contact the Lemon Law Experts for a free consultation with no obligation.
You can reach us at (877) 885-5366 or complete our online form to get started today.
