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AC Leak. AC Issues

🤖 AI Summary

📝 Summary:

The forum discussion revolves around AC condenser issues in Kia Tellurides, specifically damage caused by rocks and the denial of warranty coverage by Kia #1 #11 #17 #19 #25 #48. Many users report similar experiences of AC failure due to punctures and argue about Kia's responsibility #21, with suggestions to file insurance claims #20 #26 and file a grievance with Kia HQ #26. Some members are exploring and recommending DIY mesh grill solutions #30, and a VoltScreen vendor is now offering a custom-fit protection screen for the Telluride #56 modifying it to accommodate the radar sensor #76. The discussion also includes concerns about the effectiveness and design of these screens #64. Some users reported their AC line was improperly installed from the factory #5 and that sometimes rocks will damage the condenser #11. The design flaws are now being addressed by vendors #86 and have multiple versions #96.

TL;DR:
✅ Telluride owners are experiencing AC condenser damage from road debris, leading to costly repairs.
✅ Kia typically denies warranty claims for this type of damage, pushing owners to file insurance claims.
✅ Aftermarket solutions are emerging, including custom mesh grills, to protect the condenser.

🔎 Key Insights:
Insight 1: The design of the Telluride's front grill leaves the AC condenser vulnerable to damage.
Insight 2: Kia's stance is that rock-induced damage is not a manufacturing defect and therefore not covered under warranty.

🎯 Conclusion:
Telluride owners need to be aware of the vulnerability of the AC condenser and proactively seek protective measures. While Kia is unlikely to cover the repairs, insurance claims and aftermarket solutions are viable alternatives.

🏷️ Tags:

AC condenser, rock damage, warranty, protection screen, Kia Telluride

📊 Data Source: Based on ALL posts in thread (total: 100 posts) | ⏱️ Total Generation Time: 8s | 📅 Generation Date: 2025-10-10 16:41:31 | 🆕 New Posts after Generation: 0
Developed by Quantive Dynamic Solutions.
Click to expand...
The forum discussion revolves around AC condenser issues in Kia Tellurides, specifically damage caused by rocks and the denial of warranty coverage by Kia #1 #11 #17 #19 #25 #48. Many users report similar experiences of AC failure due to punctures and argue about Kia's responsibility #21, with suggestions to file insurance claims #20 #26 and file a grievance with Kia HQ #26. Some members are exploring and recommending DIY mesh grill solutions #30, and a VoltScreen vendor is now offering a custom-fit protection screen for the Telluride #56 modifying it to accommodate the radar sensor #76. The discussion also includes concerns about the effectiveness and design of these screens #64. Some users reported their AC line was improperly installed from the factory #5 and that sometimes rocks will damage the condenser #11. The design flaws are now being addressed by vendors #86 and have multiple versions #96.

TL;DR:
✅ Telluride owners are experiencing AC condenser damage from road debris, leading to costly repairs.
✅ Kia typically denies warranty claims for this type of damage, pushing owners to file insurance claims.
✅ Aftermarket solutions are emerging, including custom mesh grills, to protect the condenser.

🔎 Key Insights:
Insight 1: The design of the Telluride's front grill leaves the AC condenser vulnerable to damage.
Insight 2: Kia's stance is that rock-induced damage is not a manufacturing defect and therefore not covered under warranty.

🎯 Conclusion:
Telluride owners need to be aware of the vulnerability of the AC condenser and proactively seek protective measures. While Kia is unlikely to cover the repairs, insurance claims and aftermarket solutions are viable alternatives.

🏷️ Tags:

AC condenser, rock damage, warranty, protection screen, Kia Telluride

📊 Data Source: Based on ALL posts in thread (total: 100 posts) | ⏱️ Total Generation Time: 8s | 📅 Generation Date: 2025-10-10 16:41:31 | 🆕 New Posts after Generation: 0
Developed by Quantive Dynamic Solutions.
Click to collapse...
So after a full month of back and forth with these idiots, then hanging up on me, it's obvious they refuse to acknowledge there is an issue with the location of the AC components that are susceptible to outside damage from any little thing. Especially for us who live in climates where snow is a factor. The pics show the location of entry, and where it received damage. The other is their response. I just submitted my claim to insurance and they are asking for pics, dealer documentation on how they think it happened etc. Some say I should have done it in the first place. No, I wanted to see if KIA would own up to this and repair. And to save me the headache of filing a claim. I'm also going to fabricate something that will prevent this from happening again. Hopefully this does not happen to anyone else.
 

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Same issues here. After trying to do the right thing, KIA let me down. I eventually decided to use my comprehensive insurance. I am extremely disappointed with KIA and lack of professional assistance. They need to recall the vehicle and reinforce the front of the condenser. It took them 3 days to ID the issue and want to charge my insurance 4 hours to identify the issue. I call BS on this. Good luck!
 
I agree that the design here sucks, but plenty of other brands have the same problem.
 
Joeyknucklez said:
,
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what is your mileage?
your radiator looks like a car run 100k
______________________________
 
@Joeyknucklez based on your photos, it just looks like a few bent fins. Not even the size of a baseball. It does look mostly concentrated on the bottom right when facing the front of the car.

did a rock get through the fins and hit one of the coolant pipes behind it? I would imagine there should be a gaping hole in the fins if it did.

I may give it a go with a mesh gutter guard and zip ties. As a preventative measure.
www.homedepot.com

Frost King E/O 6 in. x 20 ft. Plastic Gutter Guard VX620 - The Home Depot

Frost King Plastic Gutter Guard helps you to keep gutters clean and free from clogs caused by leaves or debris. Easy to install and use.
www.homedepot.com
 
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Sounds like this is a pervasive issue with the 2020 Telluride. Love mine...got it in May 2019...noticed steam (definitely wasn't smoke) from under the hood in October. Took it to the dealership then and they said they found nothing wrong. Now it gets warm outside and so put on the A/C and blows hot air. Dealer tech said it was a rock in the condenser (after looking for the leak for 3 days!) and it will cost almost $2,000!!! Called Kia customer care and they wouldn't even take my name. They said if it becomes a recall they will give me a refund. This is not right. I did not take my Telly offroading or anything, just normal street driving. This will be my first and last Kia if they don't make this right.
______________________________
 
Telly16 said:
Sounds like this is a pervasive issue with the 2020 Telluride. Love mine...got it in May 2019...noticed steam (definitely wasn't smoke) from under the hood in October. Took it to the dealership then and they said they found nothing wrong. Now it gets warm outside and so put on the A/C and blows hot air. Dealer tech said it was a rock in the condenser (after looking for the leak for 3 days!) and it will cost almost $2,000!!! Called Kia customer care and they wouldn't even take my name. They said if it becomes a recall they will give me a refund. This is not right. I did not take my Telly offroading or anything, just normal street driving. This will be my first and last Kia if they don't make this right.
Click to expand...
This isn't a Kia issue, many different makes and models have had the same thing happen. It's just bad luck that a rock got kicked up and you happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. Most manufacturers will not cover this, but your car insurance should since it was outside damage, not a manufacturing defect.
 
Fonzie said:
I want to start off by saying my wife and I really like this SUV. We waited and did our research before we bought the Telluride S model. Well, we have 400 miles on it and the AC started blowing hot air and gray smoke came out from under the engine and it smelled like Freon. Well its been at the KIA dealership all day and they got back to me saying there is a leak in the AC and have to wait for the KIA engineers to get back to them. It's new and we understood there might be some issues but this sucks. We only had it for 7 days. My question to you is: Have any of you had issues with the AC? Thank you in advance I will keep you up to date.
Click to expand...
I have under 2,000 miles same shit is happening to me while on vacation at the beach in 90 plus conditions....
 
TheTiller5 said:
We were just told a rock put a hole in the AC line and it is not covered on the warranty so it will be a $2,000 fix. It's been driven on the Highway, granted there rocks on the highway. So frustrated!
Click to expand...
Try a different dealer. Stories like this make me wish I didn't buy one. Your insurance may cover it also.
 
This is concerning however I compared it to my old FX35 and I see that car also has about the same opening with not much restriction. That car is now 16 years old and have not filled any refrigerant. Hoping that the Telluride will not have any issues.

I say one thing that can help maintaining safe distance it will help even with paint chips from rocks and stone.
______________________________
 
MONKEYPANTS555 said:
Try a different dealer. Stories like this make me wish I didn't buy one. Your insurance may cover it also.
Click to expand...

The message is almost a year old. Pretty sure OP already handled the situation.

Shouldn’t let minor issues deter you from enjoying the most awarded SUV of all time.

Add a layer of protection if you want to avoid dealing with this problem and an insurance claim. Like this one.

tellurideforum.org

Cheap DIY Mesh Grill

Got this idea from another user on this forum. Decided to proactively protect my AC condenser on the cheap. Hopefully the mesh will do its job and I will never have to deal with coolant leaks from a damaged fin. Took me about 45 min to do the 5 sections underneath the tiger nose grill. Used...
tellurideforum.org tellurideforum.org
 
Idicula Samuel said:
This is concerning however I compared it to my old FX35 and I see that car also has about the same opening with not much restriction. That car is now 16 years old and have not filled any refrigerant. Hoping that the Telluride will not have any issues.

I say one thing that can help maintaining safe distance it will help even with paint chips from rocks and stone.
Click to expand...
I looked at every car in our parking lot, Nissans, Hondas. toyotas, Fords, Chevies and infiniti and they all have openings big enough to see the condensor with no mesh protection of any kind. It's just a bad luck event.
 
The Chevy Volt has this same problem in a bad way. There is a guy making screens for them and by all accounts he has a great reputation for these and his customer service. Maybe he could do something like this for us. I'll reach out to him to see if he is willng to help. VoltScreen
 
Funny, I thought the same thing (I'm in both the Ascent and Telluride forums since I'm trying to decide which one to buy) and reached out to him yesterday. It seems like the Ascent folks are pretty happy with his work: AC Condenser Protection Screen

I think he's taking a look at whether it's doable. Apparently he doesn't mess around. The page is already up: Kia Telluride
______________________________
 
Last edited:
Fonzie said:
I want to start off by saying my wife and I really like this SUV. We waited and did our research before we bought the Telluride S model. Well, we have 400 miles on it and the AC started blowing hot air and gray smoke came out from under the engine and it smelled like Freon. Well its been at the KIA dealership all day and they got back to me saying there is a leak in the AC and have to wait for the KIA engineers to get back to them. It's new and we understood there might be some issues but this sucks. We only had it for 7 days. My question to you is: Have any of you had issues with the AC? Thank you in advance I will keep you up to date.
Click to expand...
I went through similar issues. The AC condenser is not covered with the warrantee. I called corporate HQ and they reviewed and disapproved my request. I ended up making a compressive claim with my insurance. I paid $100. They will quote you $1400 or more to have it replaced. I am still mad about this, but feel as I did ok considering the circumstances. Best of luck with this.
 
dtanker69 said:
Be careful. I was told that my condenser was cracked due to a rock hitting it. They want $1400 to fix it. I refused to pay and filed a grievance with KIA HQ. I also called my insurance and made a comprehensive claim which will cost me $100. Much better than $1400. Good luck!
Click to expand...
dtanker69 said:
I went through similar issues. The AC condenser is not covered with the warrantee. I called corporate HQ and they reviewed and disapproved my request. I ended up making a compressive claim with my insurance. I paid $100. They will quote you $1400 or more to have it replaced. I am still mad about this, but feel as I did ok considering the circumstances. Best of luck with this.
Click to expand...

First time I’ve seen a response to a year old post and then repeated again when it it became an even older 1.4 year old post. 👌
 
brianc said:
Funny, I thought the same thing (I'm in both the Ascent and Telluride forums since I'm trying to decide which one to buy) and reached out to him yesterday. It seems like the Ascent folks are pretty happy with his work: AC Condenser Protection Screen

I think he's taking a look at whether it's doable. Apparently he doesn't mess around. The page is already up: Kia Telluride
Click to expand...

Awesome. I think I might order some now so they are ready to install on my SXP once it arrives next month. Thanks for posting the link.
 
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