Headlight complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (headlights, tail lights, turn signals, interior lights).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
On [redacted], while driving my 2024 Kia Telluride (VIN: [redacted]) with approximately 34,000 miles, the vehicle suddenly experienced a complete electrical failure without warning. The instrument cluster went completely black, I lost electric power steering assist, the transmission would not shift, and the vehicle would not accelerate. The vehicle lost motive power while I was driving, creating a significant safety hazard for me and surrounding traffic. After bringing the vehicle to a stop, it would not restart. The vehicle had to be towed to Dutch Miller Kia for diagnosis and repair. The vehicle is still covered under the manufacturer's warranty. It has been at the dealership since [redacted], awaiting diagnosis and repair. As of the date of this complaint, I have not been provided with a loaner vehicle or alternate transportation. …
The instrument panel in front of the driver is black. I'm unable to see the speed limit, warnings, safety or collision warnings, etc. The vehicle is not making any noise or beeping to allude to the fact that there might be an issue but the Kia app is stating that there is an issue. I have used the vehicle yesterday 3/23/24 with no issues and when I went to drive this morning (3/24/24) it's not working.
Since the purchase of my vehicle 7 30 2022 & after driving the first several times in the darkness/evening hours & since I have had safety concerns that the headlamps in my vehicle are insufficient/inadequate - not just the normal headlights illumination but also the high beams. When the high beams are activated the additional effect is negligible/deliver inferior performance. I have continued to reach out to Kia & thus far they have not been helpful. I believe driving at night time is putting me at a safety risk. The dealership did/does not have a way to test the headlamps in any sort of calibration or measuring means other than to turn on the headlights while in the service area and shine them on a wall. …
The passenger side headlight randomly goes off. An alert comes on on the dashboard to check the headlight. The headlight comes back on randomly. I made several appointments to get it checked, but would be back on again when at the appointment. Diagnostic check showed no issues. The dealer replaced the bulb (not under warranty) and it worked for 1 year. The issue started again, another diagnostic was done, and a found no issues because the headlight came back on. A few weeks later it was out again and the whole lamp assembly was replaced. Not covered by warranty.
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Telluride. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, other drivers were flashing their headlights, attempting to notify the contact that the front headlights were not functioning as intended. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the high beam headlights were replaced. The contact stated that on another occasion, while driving at various speeds, the driver's side front high beam headlight failed to illuminate as intended. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, no cause for the failure was found. The high beam headlights were replaced. The contact tested the lights, and the front driver's side high beam headlight failed to operate. Upon further inspection, the dealer stated that there was a burning odor coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was diagnosed, and it was determined that the headlight assembly kit needed to be replaced. …
Kia has been on notice of the Telluride's deficient headlights with the ES model since at least 2019 and have done nothing. The highest end model has LED lights so Kia is more than capable of fixing this problem. I know that dozens of consumers like myself have filed complaints with the NHTSA and other organizations and nothing has been done. I have called Kia headquarters at least 3 times to complain. The headlights do not provide enough light to safely drive at night. I'm not an engineer (I'm a lawyer) but I know that the design is faulty. Now that it's wintertime and dark at 5:00, I am unable to drive the car at night for fear of killing myself, my family, a pedestrian, or pet. Why hasn't NHTSA done anything to investigate these numerous complaints? Why have years gone on with resolution or recall? Is Kia (or the NHSTA) waiting for someone to actually die before they do something? …
Continues to have issues with dealership to remedy/correct recalls. Have waited for 60+ days since recall remedy was initiated in August 2024 Headlights continue to be a hazzard and due to this we had unfortunate incident of a deer running out and inability to see in the dusk of 6am due to lack of head lights. This has caused immense hardship regarding finances and maintaining a job as we are down one car and Kia has not offered and:or received all parts for any repairs of the recall. Advised if we attempted to fix one recall (power seat) then our "ticket will be closed and you will need to pay out of pocket for the headlights". However this is not consistent or within the regulations of Recalls and good faith attempts. I have already contacted an attorney to pursue legal counsel. …
The contact's husband owns a 2020 Kia Telluride. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the high-beam headlights became inoperable. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had been occurring intermittently. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer several times, but the dealer could not duplicate the failure. The vehicle was taken to a second dealer, Fred Anderson Kia of Greenville (2424 Laurens Rd, Greenville, SC 29607) where the high beam fuse and bolts were inspected, but the cause of the failure could not be determined. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 44,000.
Related recalls (1)
Exterior lighting › Headlights
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2020 Telluride vehicles. The high beam headlights may fail.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and repair or replace the high beam headlights, as necessary free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 9, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542.
NHTSA investigations
Complete Loss of High Beams
On January 27, 2023, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE23002 to investigate allegations of loss of high beams with no warning and no re-engagement resulting in reduced visibility at night in the 2020 Kia Telluride. The investigation revealed that the halogen bi-function projector beam, used in vehicles built between January 2019 and November of 2019, is composed of one halogen bulb light source that…
Frequently asked questions
Which Kia Telluride years have headlight problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2020 (185), 2021 (10) and 2022 (7) model years. Headlight complaints make up 24% of all complaints for the 2020.
Is there a recall for Kia Telluride headlight problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 24V-148 (headlights, Feb 26, 2024). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Kia Telluride headlight problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 15,000 miles; 71% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the headlights (4 mentions), followed by the headlights › high/low beam dimmer switch (2).
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.