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AC Leak. AC Issues

πŸ€– AI Summary

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

πŸ”Ž 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

πŸ“Š Data Source: Based on ALL posts in thread (total: 100 posts) | ⏱️ Total Generation Time: 8s | πŸ“… Generation Date: 2025-10-10 16:41:31 | πŸ†• New Posts after Generation: 0
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:
βœ… Telluride owners are experiencing AC condenser damage from road debris, leading to costly repairs.
βœ… Kia typically denies warranty claims for this type of damage, pushing owners to file insurance claims.
βœ… Aftermarket solutions are emerging, including custom mesh grills, to protect the condenser.

πŸ”Ž 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

πŸ“Š Data Source: Based on ALL posts in thread (total: 100 posts) | ⏱️ Total Generation Time: 8s | πŸ“… Generation Date: 2025-10-10 16:41:31 | πŸ†• New Posts after Generation: 0
Screens on the front of the grill will let leaves and debris fall off easily, or be washed off by rain. A screen placed inside of the grill can allow leaved and debris to get packed in the grill and trapped. The Telluride does not have a very deep grill, so this is not as bad of a possibility as with some cars. There is also much open area above, but I still need to be cautious recommending where these are installed.
 
Here are pictures of my installation of Telluride Screen. I went the easy way by using the ties (come with the package). I did not bother to take the bumper off.
For those with license plate, you will need to trim the top part about 1/4", and the two protrusions aligning the plate to the bumper by about 1/2". I used a dremmel tool with the small cutting wheel.

I bought the TellurideScreen from Stephen O'Hara's website. He has been extremely helpful and communicative. As others have mentioned, he has 3 versions of the screens. Black (as in my pictures), stainless mesh welded, and stainless mesh woven.

The pictures are no screen, screen, screen and license plate.

Z.

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I'm glad you like your TellurideScreens, Zamboni! They look great. Drive with confidence!!
BTW, for those with a front license plate. I have found that you only need to remove about 1/2" of the protrusions on the bracket. The bracket itself will bend a little bit and the edge of it doesn't have to be trimmed if you don't want to do that.

HTH,

Steve
 
Ordered Mine(y)
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Ordered mine Friday night (9/25) and installed today (9/28). Super fast shipping, easy install and looks good. Ready for the road hazards on the I 95 drive from NY to Florida.

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I'm glad you like your TellurideScreen set, Don! They look good on there and now you can drive with confidence. I just finished off a new batch of them if anyone else need a set.

Steve
 
I purchased and attached screens on my 2021, they fit perfectly. Worth the money to prevent larger issues and they look good too.
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Put mine on Friday...sorry about the bugs πŸ˜ƒ
 

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Looks great, Karen! Now you can drive with confidence!!

Steve
Steve, looking to add mine on next week after the Xpel treatment being added this week. Since I do have the front license plate, I will have to modify the bracket so will see how that goes. Question for you on the upper grill. Any thought on making a mod for that area? The grill has many openings for those rocks to come through. The only thing I can think of is to add some wire mesh to the front and cut out a pattern to fit the area where the openings are. Just thinking it might look tacky.
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Steve, looking to add mine on next week after the Xpel treatment being added this week. Since I do have the front license plate, I will have to modify the bracket so will see how that goes. Question for you on the upper grill. Any thought on making a mod for that area? The grill has many openings for those rocks to come through. The only thing I can think of is to add some wire mesh to the front and cut out a pattern to fit the area where the openings are. Just thinking it might look tacky.
Hi JP#,

No problem! The license plate bracket is very straight forward to modify, not a big deal. I do have a screen in mind for the upper grill, but it will be a bit before I can get to that. BUT, if a Telluride were to pull up in the VoltShop's driveway here in Rochester, NY, it would change the timeline dramatically....

The upper gill is very open, but it is less of an issue than the lower grill, from my experience with many cars. The reason is simply the laws of physics at work. In general, the bigger the rock coming at you, the bigger the threat it presents. And bigger rocks tend to fly about down lower. So, while things can happen higher up, the lower areas are much more likely to need the protection.

HTH!

Steve
 
The two piece set is $68. This includes shipping within the Continental US. (Shipping to Canada adds $16.) Each individual piece is $36 if you would like only one of them.




@Kwim are you still selling screens? If so, how do I order?
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If so, how do I order?
The two piece set in black is $68. The stainless steel set is $100. This includes shipping within the Continental US. (Shipping to Canada adds $16.) Upper (1 long piece) or lower (2 short pieces) are $36 or $55 for the stainless steel if you would like that. To order, just send an email to steve.voltshop@yahoo.com. Include your name, shipping address and that you own a Telluride, and if you want the 2 piece screen set, or an individual one. We'll take it from there and get right back to you. We keep these items in stock at all times and can get one on the way in 24-48 hours. Paypal and Zelle are accepted at Steve.VoltShop@yahoo.com. Venmo payments can be sent to @Stephen-ohara-2. Major Credit Cards are also accepted.
 
@Kwim are you still selling screens? If so, how do I order?
 




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