Engine Overheated - anyone else experience this warning message?

[seinfeld1104]

My Kia Telluride SX is only seven weeks old. I have only 2,800 miles on it. Today, while parked idle waiting for my daughter to get out of camp, a red flashing warning message start beeping, saying my engine is overheated. I quickly turned off the car, restarted it 5 minutes later, and got the same message. I proceeded to sit another 20 minutes in the 85 degree heat in my car with the engine turned off in fear my vehicle would quit on me.

Luckily, once I started driving again, the message went away. My dealership got me in tomorrow at 8:45am to take a look. I'm a bit concerned that something like this would happen so soon after I purchased it.

Has anyone else experienced this issue? If so, what was the end result? I'm hoping I didn't make a mistake by purchasing this vehicle.

Thanks!

 

[gwyn]

What was the coolant levels after your last fill?

It is either,

1.) A bad sensor
2.) A air bubble in the system
3.) Low coolant level
4.) Bad water pump/coolant system

1 and 4 is about 5% chance of failure from the factory, that is industry average. With kia it is slightly lower at 3%. Sensor could also just need to break in.

2 and 3 is about a 10% chance from the factory, industry average. The way all cars are produce today means that air never really gets filly evacuated from the system at the factory. But does get outed by the long train and truck ride. The dealer should check and fill coolant levels before you bought it. But most dealers really don't. Driving it around will also knock down the level. If the level in the reserve gets too low the car will report it is over heating.

Which is why on page 7-7 it clearly states that you should check the coolant, oil, washer fluid, and tire pressures with every gas stop.

 

[seinfeld1104]

You can't be serious. Check fluids after every gas stop? The car has 2,800 miles on it. Kia has you take it in after 4,000 for these types of checks. There is no reason this should happen unless something if faulty.

 

[gwyn]

You can't be serious. Check fluids after every gas stop? The car has 2,800 miles on it. Kia has you take it in after 4,000 for these types of checks. There is no reason this should happen unless something if faulty.

I am completely joking. So is kia, the whole manual is one long comedy sketch. It is a real hoot, you should give it a read.

Kia dealers are notably horrible at checking cars before sales. Out of the 40,000 cars which means that about 1,200 of them will have some problem, average of all makes and models across ALL brands, your over heating problem is pretty limited. About 4 reports in the last 6 months.

4 reports of overheating out of forum of just under 2,000 people. That is less then .0002% of all the people experiencing overheating. And people will come here TO complain. No on wonders in says, nope, I am 100% fine, no over heating.

They come here to ask a question just like you did. And I replied with the logical, it is not being widely reported. It seems just a few one offs.

So far, 2 people have not reported back what happen. One person reported back that the factory installed a coolant part wrong. And you.

Take it to the dealer. Chances are it was a air pocket that did not get ran out of the system and it will never happen again. But keep an eye, please do your fluid checks with EVERY fill up.

 

[seinfeld1104]

Been at the dealer all morning. After two hours, they determined the issue is a bad thermostat. All fluids looked fine.

Is it normal for a brand new car to have a bad thermostat right out of the gate? Worried now what else might be coming down the pike with issues. :/

 

[ucinn]

Been at the dealer all morning. After two hours, they determined the issue is a bad thermostat. All fluids looked fine.

Is it normal for a brand new car to have a bad thermostat right out of the gate? Worried now what else might be coming down the pike with issues. :/

No, it's not normal for any car to have a bad part out of the gate, but unfortunately some will. They don't and can't check every part on every vehicle to see if it's going to function properly. If they did, you would have to wait years for a new car and it would have hundreds of test miles on it.

 

[Please Leave Me Alone]

What was the coolant levels after your last fill?

It is either,

1.) A bad sensor
2.) A air bubble in the system
3.) Low coolant level
4.) Bad water pump/coolant system

1 and 4 is about 5% chance of failure from the factory, that is industry average. With kia it is slightly lower at 3%. Sensor could also just need to break in.

2 and 3 is about a 10% chance from the factory, industry average. The way all cars are produce today means that air never really gets filly evacuated from the system at the factory. But does get outed by the long train and truck ride. The dealer should check and fill coolant levels before you bought it. But most dealers really don't. Driving it around will also knock down the level. If the level in the reserve gets too low the car will report it is over heating.

Which is why on page 7-7 it clearly states that you should check the coolant, oil, washer fluid, and tire pressures with every gas stop.

You present yourself in a very convincingly authoritative manner. However, your meat and potatoes are full of Bologna.

There is no failure on a new vehicle that happens 10% of the time or one in 10 cars, at least not this new after launch. Maybe in 20 years or 200000 mi or in some rust belt state, but not new.

A vacuum is pulled on the cooling system and then filled thereby eliminating all possibility of any air pockets.

Sensor failure rates are a fraction of 1%.

Sent from my Moto G (5) Plus using Tapatalk

 

[mattcantwin]

No, it's not normal for any car to have a bad part out of the gate, but unfortunately some will. They don't and can't check every part on every vehicle to see if it's going to function properly. If they did, you would have to wait years for a new car and it would have hundreds of test miles on it.

I haven't purchased, yet.

I was also considering a Honda Pilot; which has been around for several years in similar configurations.

I joined a Honda Pilot owners forum for feedback about the car.

There were "many" posts about issues (some serious) with brand new Pilots.

Stuff happens.

 

[aballard1210]

I just purchased my Kia Tellurside SX Prestige package on May 18th, after only 794 miles, I received the same message while in a drive-thru line. I plan to take it to the dealership later today.

 

[jazzyone]

I just purchased my Kia Tellurside SX Prestige package on May 18th, after only 794 miles, I received the same message while in a drive-thru line. I plan to take it to the dealership later today.

You shouldn't drive it when it's over heating! You need to cal KIA roadside assistance and have it towed.

 

[aballard1210]

You shouldn't drive it when it's over heating! You need to cal KIA roadside assistance and have it towed.

I took it to the dealership and got a rental. They just called and said they were unable to find a problem. They said it didn't "leave a code" when the message popped up and showed no signs of low fluids and or overheating.

 

[ucinn]

I (back in 2002) had bought a new Ford Focus and it kept showing an overheat problem that they couldn't figure out. Was the same thing, no damage or fluid loss.. They ended up buying it back and gave me an higher end model for the same price for my troubles. After a couple months I was back to get a recall done and the technician remembered me and said they had finally figured it out. The head wasn't milled correctly and was too short now which made the thermosensor be too close to the block so it was reading too high a temp. They replaced the head and resold it as a used car (CPO) with only 450 miles on it. Hopefully it's something as silly as that and they can figure it out quickly for you.

 

[aballard1210]

I (back in 2002) had bought a new Ford Focus and it kept showing an overheat problem that they couldn't figure out. Was the same thing, no damage or fluid loss.. They ended up buying it back and gave me an higher end model for the same price for my troubles. After a couple months I was back to get a recall done and the technician remembered me and said they had finally figured it out. The head wasn't milled correctly and was too short now which made the thermosensor be too close to the block so it was reading too high a temp. They replaced the head and resold it as a used car (CPO) with only 450 miles on it. Hopefully it's something as silly as that and they can figure it out quickly for you.

I hope so!!

 

[GravelRox27]

This just happened to me this weekend. I had my 2020 S (5200 miles) towed to the dealership when the temp gauge pegged while in a drive through line on Saturday. This was essentially the first hot day where I wasn't doing only steady highway driving. I'm guessing it is something with the electric fan relay (not connected or failed). They said they wouldn't be able to diagnose until Monday (today). I will update this post as soon as I have more information from the dealership.

 

[cruzr6]

My Kia Telluride SX is only seven weeks old. I have only 2,800 miles on it. Today, while parked idle waiting for my daughter to get out of camp, a red flashing warning message start beeping, saying my engine is overheated. I quickly turned off the car, restarted it 5 minutes later, and got the same message. I proceeded to sit another 20 minutes in the 85 degree heat in my car with the engine turned off in fear my vehicle would quit on me.

Luckily, once I started driving again, the message went away. My dealership got me in tomorrow at 8:45am to take a look. I'm a bit concerned that something like this would happen so soon after I purchased it.

Has anyone else experienced this issue? If so, what was the end result? I'm hoping I didn't make a mistake by purchasing this vehicle.

Thanks!

It's 7:15pm east coast and let me jump in ... 2020 ex awd tow package bought last sat and just 3 hours ago bingo ... temp gauge pegged, bells and whistles, and we were in the middle of no where. while waiting for everything to cool down, called purchasing dealership, closest dealership, and nationwide kia assistance. with the holiday weekend, nothing anybody could do. am able to drive in 10 min spurts. will wait until tuesday when everybody is open. coolant recovery tank has fluids, fans on, no leaks, and no steam. my guess bad thermostat ... dunno. stay tuned..
be safe jeff.

 

[GravelRox27]

Happened to me, was a disconnected (or never connected from the factory) Fan cable Connection. Isn’t an issue when driving at speed but when idling it overheated. I wasn’t shown where the connection was, but You might be able to check all the cables leading to the fans if you’re handy. Otherwise, this appears to be an issue for a TON of people and I’m finding it is the same across the board. Whoever was in charge of connecting that cable really hasn’t done their job. Good luck with yours!

 

[cruzr6]

It's 7:15pm east coast and let me jump in ... 2020 ex awd tow package bought last sat and just 3 hours ago bingo ... temp gauge pegged, bells and whistles, and we were in the middle of no where. while waiting for everything to cool down, called purchasing dealership, closest dealership, and nationwide kia assistance. with the holiday weekend, nothing anybody could do. am able to drive in 10 min spurts. will wait until tuesday when everybody is open. coolant recovery tank has fluids, fans on, no leaks, and no steam. my guess bad thermostat ... dunno. stay tuned..
be safe jeff.

a wednesday update ... car is back from the dealership. what an experience. $200 flatbed transport to dealership that on sat said their service would be open monday - labor day. nope, closed. seems sales and service don't really speak to one another. on monday lucky one of the managers was around and i ended up with a loner. tuesday car is checked out. no codes, and everything appears a-ok. i mention what has been identified here ... no "found" issues except radiator coolant is low by one quart coolant (go figure - it's a closed system). recovery tank is right where it's supposed to be, connectors fine, no signs of leaks or other issues.. service rep say you can come and get it (remember, i'm 1.5 hours way). i said no ... not until you drive the car for at least 25 mins on the interstate and also let it idle out side the service area for another 30 mins. .they did and bottom line ... nada; everything fine. i picked the car up and drove home and everything was fine. my issue ... at the moment i have zero confidence this overheating won't happen again. in three weeks i'm pulling trailer 1000 miles...can't wait to see what develops. but, outside of this ... i and my wife love the car. stay tuned. .

 

[cruzr6]

It's 7:15pm east coast and let me jump in ... 2020 ex awd tow package bought last sat and just 3 hours ago bingo ... temp gauge pegged, bells and whistles, and we were in the middle of no where. while waiting for everything to cool down, called purchasing dealership, closest dealership, and nationwide kia assistance. with the holiday weekend, nothing anybody could do. am able to drive in 10 min spurts. will wait until tuesday when everybody is open. coolant recovery tank has fluids, fans on, no leaks, and no steam. my guess bad thermostat ... dunno. stay tuned..
be safe jeff.

latest update ... 9/14/2020 ... did it again, and another tow bill as its on the way to the nearest dealership now have three dealerships involved and can't find anything. dash goes off like the fourth of july ... no leaks, no steam, recovery tank down a little ... maybe, either a priest or exorcist is needed. in two weeks i will drive 1000 miles pulling a 12" enclosed trailer and currently i have zero confidence in this car. . more to come ...

 

[S-Vibes]

latest update ... 9/14/2020 ... did it again, and another tow bill as its on the way to the nearest dealership now have three dealerships involved and can't find anything. dash goes off like the fourth of july ... no leaks, no steam, recovery tank down a little ... maybe, either a priest or exorcist is needed. in two weeks i will drive 1000 miles pulling a 12" enclosed trailer and currently i have zero confidence in this car. . more to come ...

I hate cliff hangers, @cruzr6 you promised more to come, so where are you with finding out what your gremlin is?

 

[S-Vibes]

Happened to me, was a disconnected (or never connected from the factory) Fan cable Connection. Isn’t an issue when driving at speed but when idling it overheated.

Thanks @GravelRox27 your post helped to point me in the right direction and discovered I had the same issue. Pushed the cable in real good and PRESTO! fan starts working and idles exactly at 203F, instead of climbing up to overheating.
Check this connector (pic below) if you have overheating issues. Squeeze it together real good or just pull at it to see if it comes apart. If it comes apart, then that means it wasn't connected properly since when it's right, there should be a connector lock engaged to keep it from sliding apart.