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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...
That single long piece gonna span across the radar sensor though?
d1a292e0-941b-4fd4-a9f7-1d94bf563982-jpeg.7253
______________________________
 
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...
 
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...
the screen is placed on the outside, the mesh will cover the radar. bad idea, the radar won't work properly.
 
Tellthemride said:
That single long piece gonna span across the radar sensor though?
d1a292e0-941b-4fd4-a9f7-1d94bf563982-jpeg.7253
Click to expand...

Yeah - I emailed the seller and asked for more install pictures. Curious about the same thing.
______________________________
 
MarcinTexas said:
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.
Click to expand...

Agreed, for that price and piece of mind it’s a no brainer! Interested to see what they say about the radar though.
 
Karen said:
I emailed Steve and he’s going to look into it and get back with me.
Click to expand...

Thanks. Let us know if you get any feedback please.
 
Isn't the radar located in the long open piece of the grill while the part of the ac compressor that keeps getting damaged located within the two lower openings? I interpret the guard being sold is for the two lower openings and has nothing to do with larger one.
______________________________
 
Fireburd said:
Isn't the radar located in the long open piece of the grill while the part of the ac compressor that keeps getting damaged located within the two lower openings? I interpret the guard being sold is for the two lower openings and has nothing to do with larger one.
Click to expand...

Wish I had a Telluride to check🤷‍♂️
 
Fireburd said:
Isn't the radar located in the long open piece of the grill while the part of the ac compressor that keeps getting damaged located within the two lower openings? I interpret the guard being sold is for the two lower openings and has nothing to do with larger one.
Click to expand...

Nope, the radar cover is that big black rectangle on the lowest grill. The ac condenser height spans across both lower grill openings as well as the upper tiger nose grill. All openings are susceptible to damage by rocks.

telluridescreen2.jpg


Based on this photo on the product page this is definitely going to cover the radar sensor. Those are floor tiles under those grills, at least a foot wide each. But if this guy is a pro, I am sure he can modify the lower grill to be two separate pieces instead of one long one.

If not, you guys can always refer to the cheap $4 plastic mesh grill DIY I made. 😆 Still holding up fine since June.
 
He emailed me back and said he is going to inspect this in person on a Telluride tomorrow. Also - he will be stopping shipping of any units until he makes necessary modifications for cars equipped with the radar cruise. He also said multiple people reached out to him from this forum! Great customer service and immediate response to my question. I will be ordering from him once he has them ready for radar equipped cars.
______________________________
 
Last edited:
he made changes, now looks like this:
 

Attachments

  • Telluride Screen 2-1.webp
    Telluride Screen 2-1.webp
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  • Telluride Screen 2-3.webp
    Telluride Screen 2-3.webp
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Lol. Right over the fogs now.
 
Tellthemride said:
Lol. Right over the fogs now.
Click to expand...

Doesn't look that bad honestly. I have had fog lights get broken lenses from rocks on the highway. Good and quick modification. I think I will get these for my Telluride.
 
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