Class Action Lawsuit Says 2020-2026 Kia Telluride SUVs Plagued by ‘Parasitic’ Battery Drain Defect

A proposed class action lawsuit alleges that Kia has concealed an electrical system defect in certain 2020-2026 Telluride SUVs that can prevent one or more of a vehicle’s electronic control modules from going into a low-power “sleep” state when the car is turned off, which can cause the battery to prematurely fail, render critical safety features inoperable, and leave drivers stranded.

According to the 40-page lawsuit, the Kia Telluride SUVs at issue are equipped with defective electronic control modules and/or related electrical subsystems that fail to properly regulate the flow of electricity between the 12-volt battery and the alternator, power steering, radio, and other critical vehicle components, which can lead to “parasitic drain” on the battery when a vehicle is turned off and/or an uneven power supply while driving.

The filing shares that the alleged defect can manifest quickly, often within months or days of purchase, and can cause an “irreversible” loss of power storage and premature battery failure, among other issues. The complaint says that when a battery drains while a vehicle is turned off, the battery will lack a charge sufficient enough to start the engine, power the cabin lights, or unlock the car via key fob.

Further, car batteries have only a limited number of charging cycles, and each charging/draining cycle negatively impacts a battery’s ability to hold a charge, the lawsuit explains. Per the suit, repeated and excessive battery depletion will result in the premature shortening of a battery’s operation life, and “[n]o amount of external power will correct the issue.”

The case claims that defendant Kia America has been on notice about the parasitic-drain defect since as early as 2019 through pre-release testing, but has failed to remedy the underlying issue causing the battery problem. The suit accuses Kia of “fail[ing] to acknowledge the existence” of the defect and making “no attempt to repair it.”

“The Parasitic Drain Defect causes the Vehicles to fail in their most indispensable use, that is, to reliably start the engine,” the class action lawsuit summarizes.

Class action lawsuit claims Kia Telluride vehicles are not as safe or reliable as advertised

The complaint conveys that the Kia Telluride is one of the automaker’s most popular models, with U.S. News & World Report in 2025 naming the three-row SUV one of the “Best Cars for Families.” Since its launch in 2019, the Telluride has been named the best mid-size SUV “several times over,” and Kia “insiders” refer to the vehicle as the “Selluride” due to the car’s “unprecedented popularity,” the lawsuit says.

Per the case, Kia touts the Telluride models at issue as safe, reliable, and “engineered to be capable in a variety of driving conditions” to provide a comfortable driving experience. Kia also represents that the Telluride’s battery should last between three and five years, the suit points out.

However, the class action lawsuit contends that the electronic control module defect and subsequent parasitic battery drain problem renders the Telluride dangerous and unfit for ordinary use, not to mention poses serious safety concerns for drivers and passengers who may be left stranded long before the expected end of the battery’s life.

The case states that although Kia touts its 60-month/60,000-mile New Vehicle Limited Warranty, which ostensibly provides repairs for “factory defects,” the automaker has failed to provide any resolution to the parasitic battery drain problem. Consequently, the suit relays, consumers have incurred out-of-pocket costs for battery replacements, towing, roadside assistance, and more.

“And, because replacement parts do not fix the defect, it is only a matter of time before replacement batteries prematurely drain and need to be replaced,” the filing warns.

Telluride electrical defect poses “glaring” safety concerns, class action lawsuit says

Per the complaint, the Telluride electrical system defect can also cause an array of safety issues while a vehicle is being driven. For instance, as the battery degrades, the dashboard, headlights, and hazard lights may flicker or turn off due to an inconsistent power supply, the suit shares. In severe cases, the dashboard may turn off completely, leaving drivers without speedometer information, and a vehicle may even stall in busy traffic, the lawsuit says.

Despite Kia’s superior knowledge of the electrical system defect, the automaker has done “little, if anything,” to resolve the “glaring” safety concerns the defect presents, the complaint asserts.

Who is covered by the Kia Telluride battery drain lawsuit?

The Kia Telluride class action lawsuit looks to cover all individuals in the United States who formerly or currently own or lease one or more 2020-2026 Kia Telluride vehicles.

How do I sign up for the Kia Telluride lawsuit?

Generally, you don’t need to do anything to join or sign up for a class action lawsuit when it is initially filed. Should the case be resolved with a class action settlement, class members will typically receive written notice of the deal via mail and/or email with instructions on any next steps and details about their legal rights.

Keep in mind that some class action lawsuits take years to settle.

If you’ve purchased or leased a 2020-2026 Kia Telluride, or just want to stay informed about class action lawsuit and class action settlement news, sign up for ClassAction.org’s free weekly newsletter.

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