2020 Kia Telluride · symptom sheet

Headlights too dim or fail

159owner reports
60,000median miles
$1,800median quote
1involved a crash

Newest report Aug 22, 2026 · checked Sep 9, 2026

183 of the 749 complaints on this car are about the exterior lighting. 159 of those describe headlights, which makes it the most reported problem on the 2020 Telluride.

Tick what matches of 159 reports

too dim to see the road

a headlight went out

101

moisture inside the lens

the beam is too short

the dealer said it is normal

What got replaced

Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the headlight assembly (93 reports) and the bulb (36 reports).

Recalls and investigations

One recall on the exterior lighting covers the 2020 model year. A recall on the same system isn't always the same failure, so read the defect text.

24V-148Feb 26, 2024

Exterior Lighting:Headlights

Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2020 Telluride vehicles. The high beam headlights may fail.

Risk and remedy

Risk: Inoperable high beam headlights may reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
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. Kia's number for this recall is SC299.

NHTSA investigations into the exterior lighting on the Telluride

PE23-002opened Jan 27, 2023

Exterior Lighting · model years 2020

Complete loss of high beams. Closed apr 17, 2024, led to recall 24V-148.

NHTSA summary

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 provides light for both low beam and high beam. The heat generated by the halogen bulb will inflict damage to the gear mechanism and as a result the shutterâs electric motor will no longer be able to move the shutter to the open position to reveal the high beams. A loss of high beams, prevents the driver from having proper distance illumination, therefore increasing the risk of a crash. On February 24, 2024, Kia filed recall 24V-148 for certain MY 2020 Kia Tellurides. The recall remedy provides an inspection of the high beam shield gear mechanism and will either apply a clip to secure the shield gear to the shaft or replace the headlamp assembly with one that is resistant to heat damagefrom the halogen bulb. In view of the recall action being taken by Kia, ODI is closing this Preliminary Evaluation. The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances. To review the reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

What owners paid

13 of the 159 reports quote a price. Each dot is one quote. The middle half runs $1,500 to $2,370.

$1,500$1,800$2,370

$0k$2k$4k$6k$8k

When it happens

The middle half of failures fell between 6,500 and 72,000 miles, from the 31 reports that gave a mileage.

519

1220

821

2122

8723

1724

525

426

What owners wrote

“Started to notice the high beams where not working. The dash light shows the high beams were on but the lights never changed. I purchased 2 new low/high beams bulbs. That did not fix the issue. My telluride has over 60k miles on it. Doing teacher everyone who has a 2020 kia telluride has this issue just after vehicle hits just over 60k miles. Never noticed before as we never drove at night time before november.”
Filed Jan 17, 2024 · 60,000 miles

“High beams stopped working around 60,000 miles, changed the bulb but did not fix it. Had Kia dealer inspect it and said the entire unit would need to be replaced but Kia did not consider it a safety issue so all costs would be bore by me. Clearly this is a safety issue that needs to be remedied by Kia.”
Filed Aug 17, 2023 · 60,000 miles

“This is an addendum to NHTSA tracking # 11508192. Please see attached Kia Dealer repair recommendation which is to Replace both Front headlamps with a cost quote of $1,682.54!!!! This vehicle is a 2020 with less than 65,000 miles.”
Filed Feb 21, 2023 · 65,000 miles

“I recently bought the Kia used at approximately 75000 miles. The high beams do not work and the only way to repair them is an expensive complete headlight assembly replacement. Headlights should not become defective so soon and I have read forum after forum of those with the Telluride who have experienced the same problem.”
Filed Jan 4, 2023 · 75,000 miles

Should you keep driving it?

This page can't tell you that. 1 of 159 reports involved a crash. Owners who file are the ones who had a bad experience, and nobody checks their reports. If the problem affects steering, braking, power or a fire risk, treat it as a safety fault and have it inspected before a long or high-speed drive.

File your own report with NHTSA. Complaint counts are how a problem gets an investigation.