KIA Telluride Design Flaw. The "fatal funnel" and an easy fix
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- Опубліковано 6 вер 2024
- I absolutely love my 2021 Kia Telluride EX with premium package. No doubt, it is the nicest vehicle I have ever owned. But there is a design flaw that would allow damage. The good news? There is an easy fix.
I received great customer service from this gentleman. He even sent a personal email to ensure and clarify my order.
voltshelf.weeb...
I am the maker of these screens. I completely understand that some folks don't like the look of them in front of the grill. There are reasons for them to be placed in front of the grill including ease of installation for everyone, and the potential for blockage. I rarely recommend installation behind the grill for any of my screens, however I understand that some folks have put my TellurideScreens and others of their own behind the grills. I have monitored this and kept in touch with some customers that have done this. There have been no concerns expressed about this. In addition, unlike many other cars, the Telluride's grill in these areas are quite thin, so the potential for debris to get packed in there is quite small. Given that, I am starting to develop installation instructions for a behind the grill installation. (Some folks have already posted their own on at least one forum.) These will be available in the near future. So if customers are willing to do the extra work to install them behind the grill, whether it is to slip them in from the front, or to remove the bumper cover, this is an option. HTH!
Hi where can I find the screens
I’m thinking that probably any screens installed are going to cause a flow obstruction even though it may be small. Do you think that a dealer would void the warranty because of these, say if you came in with an overheating problem that would otherwise be covered under warranty? In other words, you go in with an overheating problem or a temperature problem, the dealer sees these and won’t do the work under warranty?
@@arizonadiyhomeandgarden8248 Any modification can lead to a voided warranty. Depends on how the dealer wants to handle the issue with the manufacturer. In a case like this I would call Kia and get something in writing stating that installing a grill will not cause overheating leading to engine damage. That is ofcourse if you are really concerned about it. The other option is to install them and remove them every time you go to the dealer.
Like the concept. Just don't like the zip ties. Looks pretty cheap on what could be an almost 50k car. Love the concept though. Look forward to your improvements.
Do you have these for Sorento as well? It has the same issue 2021+ models
Yes, at 40,000 miles my ac condenser on my 2020 Telluride "was damaged" and ac stopped working. Cost was $1500 to repair. I ordered these screens as well . I encourage anyone who owns a Kia Telluride to take a look at your condenser through the bottom openings of your grill. You will see!! I am very happy with the Volt shop screens. Hopefully this will not happen to me again . Kia needs to redesign this. Thanks for posting this video.
I've started investigating what car will replace my trusty 2007 Odyssey van. On my short list was the Telluride. I came across this as I was checking for fuel overflow issue on Kia cars. When I bought my 2007 Odyssey new, the odyforum mentioned about rocks hitting the rad / condensers that puncture holes into them. I had to jerry rig a solution the home depot way using a gutter guard screen. It has been 14 years and my van's AC and rad has been working well. Kudos to your invention for the screen grill. Kia should at least have a metal screen build right into the openings.
Thanks for the great idea. You are not an aesthetics guy it shows. Would have been cleaner (harder yes) to do from the inside, not the outside.
When I bought my 2007 Sienna (new) I did that with a metal gutter screen mesh I bought from Home Depot to protect the radiator... exactly like what you shown here. It works for all these 14 years and I still have it to this day.
Me too, on my 2007 Odyssey. Gutter guard to the rescue.
You can also just put a mesh screen in behind the bumper, but in front of the radiator and it will protect everything as well.
Every single car has that, there isn’t a car out that doesn’t have a “fatal funnel” walk outside and check your car and neighbors…
People want to be scared and refuse to admit there is nothing wrong. As you mentioned, just go and look at all those "fatal Funnels" in all the cars out there.
No One will know! Because it's' Slick Looking. This fellow means business. "Clean"Swift" Cut to the point. Thank you! Steve! & VOLTSHELF🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉
Glad to help, Mike. And Glad you like them! Drive with confidence!
@@stephenohara9111 how do I order?
Thank you for sharing the link. Ordered the product and I installed it as well. Seems like a worthy investment. Thanks for the advice. Appreciate it.
Hate to break it to you but nearly every vehicle on the market has this issue. Its not something specific to the Telluride.
Thanks for the heads up Stephen, wasn’t aware of this issue. After some thought I’m going to one of my big box home stores and buying a couple plastic gutter helmets and cutting then mounting on the backside of the grill. I prefer $5 instead of $75. Keep up the good videos.
These look horrendous. Would most definitely find a way to put behind the grill(s)..
they look ok, but you def need to find a more invisible mounting mechanism.
Prolly better to zip tie them from the inside out.
Good idea but I don't like how it looks...would attempt to install behind the grill instead somehow...but for functionality it's a winner...tks for the video.
I am the maker of these screens. One consideration is that placing a screen behind the grill can allow leaves and debris to get packed in there and have nowhere to go. That could compromise the airflow to the radiator, leading to overheating and possible damage to the car. By placing the screen in front of the grill, you limit the possibility of this happening. Leaves and debris can fall off, or be washed off by the rain much more easily. While the likely hood of a problem being caused by a screen being placed behind the grill isn't that high, it is something that has to be considered. Installation behind the grill is also much more involved. While some may have the knowledge, skills, experience, and willingness to do so, I try to make items that anyone can install. For these reasons, I don't recommend placing them behind the grill. However, I am aware that some folks have done this with these screens. HTH,
Steve
@@stephenohara9111 Good product 👌 and good point for the less attentive...can't get past the zip ties but understand they are necessary...will have to investigate further...thank you for making this product.
@@stephenohara9111 I might get a set for an EX model. I would install the longer screen over and the two shorter screens at the back of the grill. My question, what would be the ideal material or part number to help me install them easily at the back of the grill? I checked the website and there are 3 different materials offered?
@@roybenedicto8642 Any of the 3 styles will do. The stainless steel ones will be better for behind the grill, as the paint gets chipped a bit the metal won't start rusting. As far as the difference between the 2 stainless steel mesh versions, it is mostly looks. And with them painted black and then installed in a black field and recessed a bit, you really can't see the difference between them. So, don't over think that. The only reason I offer both is because I already have both of the mesh patterns here for a different application (Subaru turbo intercooler screens) where they are not painted and the look is important to some folks. And don't worry about part numbers or such. Just shoot an email to me and tell me what you would like. I'll take it from there. And if you have any questions, I'm happy to answer them. HTH!
@@stephenohara9111 I live in Saudi Arabia. Can you ship it?
All brands suffer from this same issue to a point.. Seems KIA's is a little worse though.....Does it create any extra wind noise? Seeing the tie stap pieces looks horrible. needs to be grabbed from the back side to look right and its all wavy looking.
I agree the telluride is a great SUV .I love mine as well .Mine is a 2020 gravity gray night sky model .Up here in Nova Scotia the nightfall was already copy righted thus the night sky name.
That makes complete sense got to check mine I've got the s package
Happened to me too. 2023 KIA Sorento EX Hybrid. One little random rock dented the coolant coils and leaked inverter fluid everywhere. Replacement part and labor cost $1100. Debating whether to have a custom auto body install a home depot type screen $450 (bumper has to be removed) or buy the internal set from Volt Shelf. Looking for any videos on how hard or easy it would be to install these. I think it can happen to any car but something about new KIAs and the size of the opening. KIA mechanic said he's repaired 3 in the last few months.
I'll be doing this on my 2022 Sorento this weekend. Rock came through and damaged the radiator last week with only 1,245 miles on the car. $1,300 dollars later...
PT Barnum wold be proud of you. "Fatal Flaw" will get you legal action from Kia. NEARLY ALL CARS radiator openings in front bumper go straight to the condenser and radiator! Anyone who does not believe me, just peek at the front of any car out there and prove me wrong.
Snake oil and fear mongering at its best!
Oh, by far that is not their worst design flaw! Some of their vehicles (Telluride included) come with transmission that has oil pan made of plastic and mounted vertically. So in time due to different expansion rate of cast aluminum and plastic they inevitably start leaking. Once you come for a fix they’ll tell you that they do not fix transmissions, they only replace them”!! Learned hard way. By the way all that was required a new gasket. They quoted $2.5k. I flipped them off, and tightened the heck out of those bolts myself, changed fluid. 40k later transmission performs perfectly but still leaking a bit. At some point will need a new oil pan and a seal.
Actually glad I randomly found this video!!
I had a 2005 Honda Pilot that also had the opening similar to the Telluride. Owned the Pilot for about a month when my wife was driving on the highway and a stick was kicked up by a car ahead of her. It pierced the radiator.
This probably wouldnt have helped since they are just held in with Zip Ties.
Folks in here will still believe that was Kia's fault even though it was a Honda vehicle. They all chose to be afraid
It's designed for things to get in the grill it's about a 3 grand fix at the dealership. And the auto makers sells the dealer the parts to fix it
I don't think manufacturers purposely design grills to let rocks and debris in and help increase parts sales, but I also think they know what it takes to protect a radiator. The seem to be choosing high design over protection, busted radiators and condensers are just the collateral damage. And it isn't their problem because it isn't a warranty issue. So they seem to not be concerned with spending your money for you after the sale....
Thank you for the video, I had no idea about this flaw on my Telluride.
No kidding.....mine just turned 30k this week and began blowing warm air yesterday.
Useful info. Now having the same problem with the Santa Cruz ’22 Limited edition. Expensive radiator replacement. What's the link to prevent future rocks causing radiatir replacement? Please post or provide contact info. Thanks!
this is why non-car people shouldn't be allowed to talk about cars...
Was this fixed in the 23 ax model
Am glad to have found this video.
the wind is killing me on this.
There has to be a better way than this because honestly I don’t like the way that looks. You can see the zip ties easily and how are those screams going to hold up over time?
It is ok to install these screens on the inside of the grill. They will be far less noticeable that way. However, it is a good deal more work to to that. Some folks see that as worth it, others don't, or don't have the time, and skills to install them inside. We also try to keep things simple, so that anyone can do the installation. I purposely had my 90 year old mother install her own BoltScreen to prove that point. HTH! Steve
I have a higher trim 2020 Telluride and put a European license plate on the bottom in line with my fog lights. It looked very nice but had to relocate it because it was blocking a sensor. I believe it was the front collision sensor. Putting these screens on the higher end Telluride will likely block these sensors as well. Just saying.
The sensor is likely for the ACC unit, perhaps more. It is located in the solid center panel of the lower grill. That is why the lower pieces of the TellurideScreen is split in to two pieces instead of being one solid piece like the upper. The split lower does not block the sensor and will not cause a problem.
HTH!
Steve
@@stephenohara9111 Well, I had an SX Prestige Package and when I placed that European license plate at the bottom, between the two fog lamps, I received a block error. It was blocking something. When I took it off it when clear. I did not have it located near the grill or anywhere at the top.
@@TheGonzoBook Yes, your plate blocked the sensor. The TellurideScreen is made so that it does not block this sensor.
Where do you order? Volt Shop?
The factory must make it for Ac and radiator safety other than owners trials
What does Kia/Hyundai say about this.
Will it void any warranty because of reduced airflow etc.
or extra maint. charge during routine service.
I love my 2020 Telluride I want another but not the 2023,no way I love the orange front lights. It would be cool for some one to design a circuit to allow you to make the left or right orange or white lights to do a quick blink e.g. a wink .
Didn't know that! Thanks!!
Thx for the info mate, but isnt it possible to get it behind the OEM "mesh", so its unvisible?
These can be installed behind the grill, and a number of folks have done so.
So can you tell me if my having a SX avoids this fatal funnel issue?
The SX has the same problem as all Tellurides. The only difference in the front of the SX models is the addition of the fog in the outsides of the lower grill. Non-SX models have a solid grill where the fog lights are in the SX, so nothing changes as far as this "Fatal Funnel" issue. I make the short lower pieces for the SX model so the fog lights are not covered. HTH!
I have a 2022 SX. How can I purchase?
I have 2023 Hyundai palisade 10k miles with the same problem. I have no ac
Do you make them for the 2023 Telluride?
lmao. my man zip tied the heck out of that. you only need 2. p.s. that looks hideous. as far as the design goes, it's not a flaw. it's designed that way for airflow. you just restricted that. Chance of a rock flying and hitting that is 50 50 but I'll take that chance vs overheating the engine from airflow restriction.
I will not even share the math on how wrong you likely are about these screens creating measurable airflow 'restrictions' in these openings. I would agree, though, on my vehicle I would try to find a way to install these behind the openings and without visible zipties, if possible.
I just got a 2022. Is this still an issue for this model year? Also, what about if you have a front license plate holder which covers half of that top section? Just cut it?
There have been no changes to the 2022 Telluride in this area, so this is still a concern. If you have a front license plate, there is a small, very simple modification to the plate bracket that allows the upper screen to fit just fine. This is described in the installation instructions. HTH!
All cars are like this numb nuts, I have a boat with a hole in it if you’re interested in buying it.
Great video, I am sure this will save a lot of people money and aggravation, 👍
cute man
How exactly can I order these. 2020 SX.
Used them on my 2021 Telluride for a 6,100-mile road trip (Tampa to Seattle and back) Summer 2022.- NOT impressed. First, the rubber edging isn't glued, nor is it a ring of rubber. It's a long strip of channel-rubber with a tiny and tight channel along the length (think of a straw the has been sliced all the way down with a razor blade down one side). The VERY pointy metal edge sits a little inside that channel, and wraps all the way around the VERY pointy mesh, meeting its other end. Because it's not a ring of rubber, you have a gap where both ends meet, and the rubber WILL and does separate with very little handling, exposing VERY pointy and VERY painful metal mesh edging. It takes a bit of time to fight the VERY pointy mesh edging into the tight little channel when it falls off, which it does often and eagerly. POOR DESIGN. I only used the 3 lower screens (full width, I have no fog lights), as installing the big upper grille mesh would require taking off most of the front end. I tried installing it, then stopped. No thanks. So, I installed the 3 skinny ones as directed, and headed out on my trip the next day. I made it to southern Illinois (from Tampa) before having to make rubber-edging repairs to both smaller ones. Before I got halfway to Seattle, one had completely slipped its rubber ring, and the other ring was partially hanging off. All the VERY pointed metal mesh was protruding, and I was concerned about it damaging my paint/body, and my hands. I drove with the 2 looking like hell anyway, as the zip-ties held it in place well. But well before I got to Seattle, I had cut the two lowers off, as they were becoming a hazard, irreparable, and looked awful. Embarrassing, actually. There were no major impacts to the mesh...just moths, and random insects, so it's not like they took some kind of super-hero impacts. The long upper middle mesh held up well, as did its rubber edging, even after a dragonfly impact, so I left it on until I got back to Tampa. I removed it permanently at that point, as it was just battered. Was it money well spent? I suppose if you don't care about quality, or that it'll look like hell after a handful of bug strikes, then go for it. If these were $5.00 per mesh, I'd do it again, I suppose.
Where can I get this and where can I buy it
I came to learn that this is pure BS. My buddy has a Hyundai Santa which has a big exposure to the radiator and still after 10 years he had 0 issues.
Can anyone send me the website where I could buy these
Thanks
Thank you for the awesome content! Can I know contact you if possible? Cannot find out any email or social media account in the channel.
What's the link
Was this issue resolved on the 2022?
No.
Is a problem with a 2021 SX ? Thank you.
All years of the Telluride so far, including 2022, have the same grill and are affected by this issue.
I believe so , yes
Yes, better trade it in before its too late
I have a 2022 teleride
No really a “fatal” design flaw. And if your worried about a rock doing “damage” that screen will do nothing to stop a rock from doing damage
Abraham- I am the maker of these screens. We have never had a report of a radiator or AC condenser punctured by anything going through our screens. We have had reports of much larger accidents that wrecked the front end of the car and the screen pieces were still able to be used again. HTH!
OMG!!! If u drive in the city its fine but u happen to live in a rural areas then ur kinda taking risks with any vehicle..... NOT just the lol telluride its a beautiful vehicle. If u ever test drive one.... u can thank me later lol
DON'T BUY. These are HORRIBLE for any real distance driving. I bought these for my 2021 Kia Telluride for a road trip between Tampa, FL to Seattle. I've made the trip in the same car previously without these, and nothing bad happened. So I tried these as a just-in-case. All of these bent from dragonfly and random bug strikes, and all of them wither bent inwards creating an opening, or peeled out of their rubber edge rings, creating seriously dangerous-to-grab situations. One mesh was even hanging of the front bumper - even though all of them were zip-tied. I had to cut the zip ties and throw them all in the trash by the time I hit the mid-west. COMPLETE WASTE OF MONEY.
I'm not quite sure what happened here, if you would send some pictures to me, i would love to analyze them and see what is going on and what can be done. I have not heard of this issue at all previously. Some of the stated concerns sound possibly like installation issues. These are metal mesh screens, bugs and dragon flies should not bend or damage them. A rock might dent one, but that is a badge of honor, letting you know your radiator was spared. HTH!
KIA should just address this themselves and redesign the trim to include a more robust rock & road debris barrier. And aesthetically it should be on the inside.
They probably have not addressed it because its not that big of an issue as nearly every car manufacturer today would have the same issue.
Watching this video I laughed so hard this looks like a scam!
I have 2020 Telluride which I bought brand-new at the time. Now it has 30,000 miles on it. I had NO problems with it whatsoever I've driven it from one end of this Empire to the other. Do your homework before you buy some trash bag ties & put them on your SUV.
Are you a window licker...? Tons of cars have giant gaps like that in front of the radiator and condenser
Looks bad. You probably should have installed in on the inside not the outside
Besides being substantially more difficult to install behind the grill, putting any screen inside of a grill can lead to issues. Leaves and debris can become packed in the grill and against the screen. This can lead to less airflow and potentially cause the car to overheat. Installing the screen on the front of the grill makes if far more unlikely for this to happen. Which is why I recommend they be installed on the front. With that said, I know that some folks have installed the Tellyscreens behind the grill. I'm won't be standing in your driveway to police the installation, so how and where someone installs them is up to that person. HTH!
An update to my earlier reply. After studying the screens being installed on the inside of the grill for some time, and discussing it with owners that have done this, we are now ok with installing them behind the grill. While this is a bit more work, I agree that it is a more stealthy look.