The Kia Telluride is among the top family SUVs on the market. It is handsomely styled, spacious, efficient, and reliable. Nonetheless, it also comes with multiple problems, including engine issues. So, what are the Kia Telluride engine problems?
Some of the common Kia Telluride engine issues are cold start engine squealing, engine stalling, and low oil level. Additionally, several owners have also reported having ignition system problems and exhaust leaks. Note that most of these issues are rare and only a few owners have reported experiencing them.
What are the common engine problems with the Kia Telluride?
Cold start engine squealing
Kia Telluride may be free from serious engine issues, but owners have still reported one or two issues. For instance, several users have reported having a cold start engine squealing. Many users reported that they heard high-pitched squeaking during the cold.
When starting the car in the cold, the Kia Telluride has a high-pitched squeal. The sound normally appears to be emanating from the engine and is not a slipping belt or pulley. Even though many people have reported this problem, Kia has not issued a recall yet. This is unfortunate as many people are not able to identify the problem.
Low oil level
Low oil level is a common cause of many engine problems. So, if you drive the Kia Telluride with a low oil level, then you risk causing damage to the moving parts of your engine. Note that engine oil is designed to offer lubrication for the moving parts of your engine. Thus, the lower the engine oil, the more likely the moving engine parts will experience friction. This can cause excessive parts wear.
Signs of low oil levels are oil pressure warning lights, clunking sound, burning oil smell, and less efficient performance. To fix this issue, you should ensure that oil is at the right level, and it is replaced as needed.
Exhaust leak
The main cause for exhaust leaks on the Kia Telluride is driving on rough roads. In some cases, exhaust leaks happen because of extreme temperatures. This heat leads to expansion and contraction which can lead to small leaks in the manifold gasket.
Some of the signs of exhaust leaks in the Kia Telluride are loss of power, increased engine noise, burning smell, poor fuel economy, and gas pedal vibration. To fix this problem, you will have to visit a professional mechanic to diagnose and fix the underlying issue.
Ignition system problems
The work of the ignition system is to create a very high voltage from the vehicle’s 12-volt battery, and to send this to every spark plug in turn, igniting the fuel-air mixture in the engine combustion chambers. So, if the ignition system has issues, the car may drop in power, or you may notice a rough feel.
Some of the symptoms of a bad ignition system in the Kia Telluride are the car won’t start, engine noise changes, stalling, dashboard lights flashing, and the car won’t run well. To fix this problem, you may have to replace the spark plugs or ignition coils as they wear out faster.
So, ensure to hire a professional mechanic to inspect and replace the worn-out parts.
Engine stalling
Another overlooked issue with the Kia Telluride is the engine stalling. The engine can stall because of a bad fuel system, ignition system issues, or air intake system problems. But in some cases, it can also be due to a lack of enough air, fuel, or electric spark.
If you’re experiencing any of the above issues, you should visit an experienced mechanic to have your car inspected. Ensure the underlying issues are fixed to avert the issue.
FAQ
Is the Kia Telluride reliable?
Yes, the Kia Telluride is a reliable midsize SUV. J.D. Power gave it a solid 85 out of 100 score, which is one of the highest in the class. Moreover, RepairPal also gave the Kia Telluride a reliability rating of 4.0 out of 5.0 and ranks it the third overall most reliable car in its class.
What are the common problems with the Kia Telluride?
Some of the common problems with the Kia Telluride are damaged windshields & sunroofs, poor-performing high-beam headlights, excessive vibration at high speeds, transmission issues, and cold start engine squealing. Furthermore, users have complained about forward collision-avoidance problems and electrical issues.
How long does the Kia Telluride engine last?
The Kia Telluride is quite a reliable car. Its engine is also one of the best in the class with great performance and power. With that said, the Kia Telluride engine can last for more than 200k miles if well-maintained and cared for. Besides, the Kia Telluride engine is reliable and comes with a few problems.
How much does it cost to maintain the Kia Telluride?
Maintaining the Kia Telluride is way cheaper than most of its rivals. On average, it will cost the owner approximately $474 to maintain the Kia Telluride. This is lower than the industry average, making it a perfect car for a family. On top of that, it is fuel efficient and the spare parts are cheap.
Which Kia Telluride year is the best?
Overall, the Kia Telluride is a very reliable and durable car. Since its inception in 2020, Kia Telluride has so far had four different model years. However, the best model year is the 2022 Kia Telluride as it registers the fewest issues. On the contrary, the worst model year is the 2020 Kia Telluride as it comes with multiple problems.
Final thoughts
The Kia Telluride is one of the best family SUVs on the market. However, knowing some of the issues that you will face along the way is crucial to ensure that this SUV lasts longer. Common engine issues with the Kia Telluride are cold start engine squealing, engine stalling, exhaust leak, and ignition system problems.
Even though the Kia Telluride has registered a few issues in the past, it is a pretty reliable engine and one of the best in its class.
