HELP: My 2020 Telly Burning Oil DRY

[YoTellyYo]

Hey All ~

I've had my Telly since 2019, everything has been fine until about 60K miles. Then everything turned. All of a sudden I started getting check engine lights, rough ride shaking at the stop light, clinking and clanking on the timing belt etc. I brought it to the dealer and they charged me 1000$ to clean the fuel injectors, knowing that the issue was NO OIL being present at all, bone dry. I didn't check it, wasn't even on my radar so they got me and I'm still pissed. Anyway... I went on my PO'd way and was back again to the dealer with the same issue 3k miles later. They changed my oil and poof it was fixed again, but wanted to start an oil consumption test. I've been back 7x to the dealer, they keep telling me that the oil consumption meets spec.. burning in 1000miles 1qt. and that I am leaking oil every time which is lies.

Im at 71000 miles now, I can't go 3k miles without going BONE DRY on oil NO ONE will help me fix this. Any ideas on what I can do??

Thanks all.

 

[Hdiercks]

We are having the same issue with ours! Did they ever find the cause?

 

[Semator20]

This is why you need to check your oil every week or other week. It is just good practice. Same as checking your tire psi.

how long do you go in between oil changes and what oil are you using?

 

[Sivak]

We just took our 2020 Telluride SX in for an engine rattle (~97,500 miles currently) - we are 5,000 over our regular oil change (first time we have let this go like this since buying it new). There was 1.5 quarts of oil left. They are saying there is "glitter" in the oil, and we need a new engine. No oil warning light, no oil pressure light or indicator, nothing to tell us we were running low on oil, burning oil or whatever caused the low oil level. They are stating owner neglect! Seriously?!?!

 

[Unhappy telluride owner]

Hey All ~

I've had my Telly since 2019, everything has been fine until about 60K miles. Then everything turned. All of a sudden I started getting check engine lights, rough ride shaking at the stop light, clinking and clanking on the timing belt etc. I brought it to the dealer and they charged me 1000$ to clean the fuel injectors, knowing that the issue was NO OIL being present at all, bone dry. I didn't check it, wasn't even on my radar so they got me and I'm still pissed. Anyway... I went on my PO'd way and was back again to the dealer with the same issue 3k miles later. They changed my oil and poof it was fixed again, but wanted to start an oil consumption test. I've been back 7x to the dealer, they keep telling me that the oil consumption meets spec.. burning in 1000miles 1qt. and that I am leaking oil every time which is lies.

Im at 71000 miles now, I can't go 3k miles without going BONE DRY on oil NO ONE will help me fix this. Any ideas on what I can do??

Thanks all.

I am having same problem 2020 Telluride service telling me it is normal to use a quart of oil every 1000miles couldn't believe my ears, I said why don't the sales person tell us that before we buy. I would had never bought this vehicle if I would have known this.

 

[EJP]

Same issue. 2020 Telluride with 102k miles on it. Taken it to dealer every 10k for oil change with fully synthetic oil. Now they are telling me I need a new engine and Kia won’t cover it.

 

[barwick11]

This is why you need to check your oil every week or other week. It is just good practice. Same as checking your tire psi.

how long do you go in between oil changes and what oil are you using?

Dude no. Just... no. It's a 2020 vehicle, you should NEVER need to check the oil weekly or every other week on a standard, run of the mill daily driver. If this were a race engine, or something used for heavy duty towing, or some other niche piece of equipment, then maybe.

Same issue. 2020 Telluride with 102k miles on it. Taken it to dealer every 10k for oil change with fully synthetic oil. Now they are telling me I need a new engine and Kia won’t cover it.

You need to raise absolute hell with Kia. This is a common problem with *some* of these motors. Same motor, same model, one may run fine without problem, normal oil change intervals. The next one may just start burning oil. It's not rare, it's (probably) nothing you've done or haven't done, like I said, people who regularly change their oil as recommended still had this problem.

Our 2020 EX started ticking just shy of 5000 miles after we got it (used from the dealer), I checked the oil and it was 6 quarts low. By that time the engine was destroyed. Out of warranty so of course Kia did nothing about it.

The only thing that's going to make these clowns own up to their known-bad engines is a lawsuit.

In your case, I would continually call them until they agree to replace the engine 100% at their cost. Arm yourself with story after story from others on this forum and other forums.

 

[ThatGrip]

We have the same problem. Hard knocking under acceleration started at under 30K and then noticeable oil consumption by 50K; our dealer is performing a consumption test and at 1,000 the engine has burned over a quart of oil. I would love to know how many owners are enduring the same problems but unless people report the problems on forums like this, nothing will happen.

We have 58K on the odometer and I'm certain the dealer will say that any indy oil changes we've had will negate getting a new engine from Kia. Our usual mechanic who I trust for several reasons has a mechanic and customer who were both rejected for new 4 cylinder engines from Hyundai/Kia at well under the 100K drivetrain warranty for that reason. An ASE certified mechanic can't perform his own oil changes and maintain a warranty?

 

[JayW]

Same problem... hit 110,000 miles then the nocking came, burned through all the full synthetic oil in no time...

 

[Plvlford]

Same problem I was letting an oil change go per specs for the vehicle and no oil light came on no warning and I was just about bone dry. It’s no doubt affected my car. I checked the oil every week now I now have white smoke. I think this is a problem with the 2020 Telluride and I think it would only be honorable for Kia to help us out. We love this vehicle and want to speak well a but but right now I’m telling everyone not to purchase a Kia telluride.
The local dealership had me go 1000 miles and they had sealed off my oil so I couldn’t add any oil to it )or drain any obviously), and if I would use more than a quart per thousand miles that Kia may replace my engine. I was right on the borderline. I’m still under 100,000 miles. I’m very frustrated. This was a big investment for my Spouse and I and we were hoping the car would last us a long time.

 

[jimajima]

My 2021 Telluride Engine Failed – Kia Covering It, but Sharing My Experience & Next Steps

Hi everyone,

I wanted to share my experience in case it helps other owners dealing with similar issues.

I have a 2021 Kia Telluride with 57K miles and, like many others, had no warning lights, burning smells, smoke, or any signs of oil issues. I’ve been consistent with oil changes (prepaid at purchase), so there was no reason to suspect a problem.

One day, while sitting in traffic, I noticed my Telluride vibrating, especially when braking. Suddenly, all the dashboard lights came on, and the car either shut off or I turned it off (wasn’t sure at the time). I restarted it and drove home.

The next morning, I started the car, and it made a loud rattling/knocking noise. Checking the dipstick, it was nearly bone dry. My dad confirmed it looked like there was no oil and potential damage. We added 6 quarts of oil, and that’s when the check engine light appeared.

After letting it sit for a week while contacting Kia about a warranty claim, I took it to the dealership. I made it about two exits before the car completely powered down and wouldn’t restart. Had to tow it the rest of the way.

Diagnosis & Kia’s Response:

• High oil consumption diagnosed - this caused the dealership to open the case number with KIA so I didn't have to do it, though I was inquiring about the warranty
• Kia is covering a full engine replacement
• Dealership tried upselling radiator hose replacements for $1K – declined
• Kia is also covering a rental while the repair is done

Next Steps – Legal & Arbitration Advice:
I reached out to a Lemon Law attorney, but he wasn’t taking new cases. However, he recommended filing a claim through the BBB Auto Line arbitration program (free & doesn’t require an attorney).

🔗 BBB Auto Line Info

Here’s how it works:
✅ The process takes 40-60 days
✅ Both sides present their case, and if the arbitrator rules in your favor, Kia is legally bound to comply
✅ If Kia wins, you can still pursue legal action – their decision is admissible evidence in court
✅ It strengthens your case if you need to sue later

For anyone dealing with ongoing issues, make sure you have a Kia case number opened. Arbitration creates a paper trail showing you’ve tried to resolve it directly, which can help if further legal action is needed.

Just wanted to share my experience and legal insights for others facing this. If you’ve been through this process, would love to hear your thoughts!

⚠️ Legal Tip: Protect Yourself from Case Dismissal
Many lawsuits generally get dismissed for failure to state a claim—not because the issue isn’t real, but because the legal argument isn’t strong enough. To avoid this:

• Get everything in writing: Case numbers, repair records, all communication. (getting a case number opened with KIA may mean you're gaining traction. So make sure you end up with one even if it seems impossible)
• Use arbitration (like BBB Auto Line) to create a paper trail.
• Know your legal rights: If Kia refuses to comply, any future lawsuit should clearly cite lemon laws or warranty violations and outline the exact relief you seek (replacement, refund, damages).

If Kia denies your claim, this prep work makes it harder for them to argue for dismissal in court.

Not trying to split hairs but anyone who is cool with The Bible this is essentially Matt- 18:15-20. Making it known there's an issue to try to hear each other out and sort out the matter.

Hope this helps!