NHTSA complaint #11755209

Owner complaint summary

My 2023 Kia Telluride (VIN [XXX]) has an intermittent no-start/no-crank defect that has occurred on four separate occasions between [XXX] and [XXX] (mileage range 49,850–51,180). In each occurrence, the dashboard and infotainment system power on normally, but the engine will not crank when the start button is pressed, with both key fobs. The fault clears itself with no consistent trigger, making it undetectable by standard diagnostic scans after the fact. The vehicle was taken to Kia of Cleveland (2492 South Lee Highway, Cleveland, TN 37311) three times. On the first two visits (6/18/26 and 7/1/26) the dealer could not duplicate the fault and returned the vehicle unrepaired. On the third visit (7/17/26–7/27/26), the dealer successfully duplicated the no-start condition both on the vehicle and on a bench test after removing the starter, and replaced the starter under warranty (part #36100-3L160). Despite this confirmed and completed repair, the identical no-start condition recurred on [XXX], only 10 days and approximately 250 miles later. This is a safety issue: on [XXX], my wife was attempting to leave for work with our twin 5-year-old daughters in the vehicle when it failed to start. This is the type of defect that could strand occupants in unsafe locations or conditions (heat, cold, traffic, isolated areas) with no warning and no reliable workaround. I have video evidence of the [XXX] incident showing the vehicle's instrument cluster and infotainment fully powered with a no-crank condition, timestamped and showing the odometer reading. I am filing this complaint because the defect has now defeated a dealer-confirmed and dealer-executed repair, suggesting a root cause (such as an immobilizer/smart-key system fault, IBU communication failure, or intermittent wiring/ground fault) that has not yet been correctly identified. I am concurrently requesting a vehicle replacement from Kia America under Case #[XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)