Kia Telluride battery problems are at the center of a new class action lawsuit alleging that Kia knew about parasitic battery drain but concealed the issue since the vehicle was launched. The lawsuit involves first-generation Tellurides from the 2020 through 2026 model years and says some owners have faced repeated battery replacements and related out-of-pocket expenses.
Kia Telluride Battery Drain Allegations
According to the lawsuit, which was shared by Car Complaints, affected Telluride owners may see a message on the vehicle’s display stating, “battery discharging due to external electrical devices.” In some cases, the lawsuit alleges, the battery can eventually fail completely.
The plaintiff is Marc Brenman, a resident of Maryland and California who purchased a certified used 2021 Kia Telluride. In 2025, Brenman’s vehicle displayed the battery-drain warning, but replacing the battery did not resolve the problem.
Two months after the replacement, Brenman was unable to unlock the vehicle remotely with the key fob and eventually could not start it. The lawsuit says a dealer tested the battery, alternator, starter and drive belts but found no problems with those components. Those tests cost Brenman around $230.
The lawsuit alleges that Telluride owners were not warned about the battery problems even though Kia was aware of them. It also claims that battery drain can cause the speedometer, alternator and power steering to malfunction and can lead to the vehicle stalling.
Telluride Owners Report Similar Battery Issues
Accounts shared on Reddit indicate that Brenman may not be the only Telluride owner to experience battery drain. One owner said using the power tailgate three or more times or leaving a 2021 Telluride parked for two or more days had resulted in battery problems.
Other owners who primarily drive short distances have also reported battery issues. However, the precise way Brenman used his vehicle is unclear. Short, infrequent trips or parking in cold weather can affect battery life, although a new battery failing after only two months is not normal.
Another owner reported receiving a warning that the battery was discharging because of a plugged-in device even though no device was connected to the vehicle.
Owners Point to Several Possible Causes
Reports from a Kia Telluride Facebook group describe multiple battery failures and dealer attempts to identify the underlying cause. One owner said a personal mechanic eventually traced the problem to an alternator.
Other explanations mentioned by owners included the Integrated Body Unit, or IBU, and the HomeLink unit. External devices, alternators and garage door openers have also been cited in owner reports.
These accounts do not establish a single cause for the reported battery drain. The article’s cited owner reports involve several possible sources of the problem.
No Recall Has Been Linked to the Battery Drain
There have been no recalls linked to the reported battery drain problem. Kia previously issued a Voluntary Service Campaign for some owners of 2023 Tellurides involving the positive battery terminal nut, which could require tightening.
If the nut loosens over time, the Charging System Warning light could illuminate. The campaign is not necessarily connected to the battery drain experienced by the owners described in the lawsuit and other reports.
Kia Telluride Battery Complaints Continue
Multiple owner accounts describe battery drain issues involving first-generation Telluride models, but the reports do not establish whether all of the problems share a single cause. The reported explanations include external devices, alternators and garage door openers.
Kia is also currently dealing with a more serious Telluride recall linked to a fire risk. The new lawsuit and continuing battery complaints put additional attention on reports of battery drain affecting first-generation Telluride owners.
