2020 Kia Telluride · symptom sheet
Burns oil or oil level rises
- 76owner reports
- 65,000median miles
- $5,000median quote
- 0involved a crash
Newest report Sep 24, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
158 of the 763 complaints on this car are about the engine. 76 of those describe oil consumption.
Tick what matches of 76 reports
Oil consumption on other Telluride years
Report counts are for each model year on its own, so a newer car has had less time to collect them. Model years with too few reports of it for a sheet: 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, 2027.
What this problem usually is
Two different complaints land here. The more common one is an engine that uses oil: owners add a quart between changes, get a low-oil warning, or are told by the dealer that the rate is normal. The other is the opposite, where the oil level climbs and the oil smells of gasoline. Both deserve a proper test, and both are easier to argue with records in hand.
What got replaced
Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the piston rings (25 reports) and the engine (10 reports).
Recalls and investigations
No recall on the engine covers the 2020 model year as of Oct 2, 2026.
What owners paid
8 of the 76 reports quote a price. Each dot is one quote. The middle half runs $1,900 to $12,000.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 1,000 and 94,000 miles, from the 47 reports that gave a mileage.
What owners wrote
“My vehicle was consuming what I thought was a good bit of oil, I had an oils consumption test done, at 1000 miles it was 1 qt low, they said that is normal. So I drove away, another 1000 miles later my engine blew while I was driving, blowing metal everywhere! Left me sitting on the side of the road and Kia is saying it is not a known issue!! No lights car on indicating low oil or engine light.”
Filed Jan 9, 2026 · 1,000 miles
“Engine oil consumption issue. Engine is run dry due to overconsumption of oil, increasing likelihood of cracked engine block or engine fire. Secondary issue includes increased fuel consumption/ decreased MPG. First oil consumption test reflected 60% of oil used 1,000 miles after oil change.”
Filed Dec 8, 2025 · 1,000 miles
“Oil consumption, I use full synthetic restore and protect . I change oil every 3500 miles .. after every 500 I have to check it and itâs been low have to add 2-3 quarts . Today started acting sluggish checked oil and my oil was low yet again low this is ridiculous. Iâll never own another kia telluride”
Filed Nov 8, 2025 · 3,500 miles
“Oil consumption- I have had to keep oil in the car to top off my oil in between oil changes. It will get low before I can make to another appointment and start shaking or making a loud noise when driving or braking. Oil consumption test says Iâm burning 2 qt /1000 miles. Checking online and different forums this is a know issue for these models of vehicles”
Filed Oct 13, 2025 · 1,000 miles
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 0 of 76 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. How reports land on this sheet.
Guide Taking it to a shop? How to describe this problem so it gets found
Other problems on this car
- Headlights too dim or fail 160 reports
- Windshield cracks or distorts 149 reports
- Engine stalls or loses power while driving 61 reports
- Engine failure, knocking or rod bearing 57 reports
- Check engine light or misfire 37 reports
- Paint peels or body rusts 34 reports
- Suspension noise, struts or alignment 31 reports
- Engine leaks oil 25 reports