2020-2025 Kia Telluride Rear Sunroof Shade: Failures, TSBs, and High-Cost Repairs

Symptoms of Failure

Failures related to the Telluride's dual sunroof system are common, but it's important to distinguish between a problem with the rear shade itself and a problem with the more failure-prone front sunroof mechanism. Owners often hear a noise or notice an issue and assume it's one component, when it may be another.

Symptoms of a Faulty Rear Shade Assembly

• Shade Does Not Move: The shade remains stuck in the open or closed position. You may hear a faint click from the switch, but the motor does not operate.
• Slow or Stuttering Movement: The shade moves intermittently or much slower than usual, suggesting a weak motor or binding in the tracks.
• Grinding or Whirring Noises: A grinding noise from the rear headliner area when operating the shade points to a failing motor or stripped gears.
• Torn or Detached Fabric: The shade material itself can tear, fray, or detach from the roller mechanism, preventing it from retracting properly.

Related (and More Common) Front Sunroof Symptoms

Many issues blamed on the shade are actually caused by the front sunroof mechanism, which can prevent the entire system from working correctly. These are far more common.

• Loud Popping or Snapping Noise: A distinct "crunch" or "snap" sound when trying to open the front sunroof is a classic sign of a broken wind deflector. This is the most common failure in the Telluride sunroof system.
• Sunroof Stuck Open or Tilted: The front glass may get stuck in the vent position or fail to close after being opened. This is often caused by a broken piece of the wind deflector jamming the track.
🎬 Watch: What to do if your sunroof won't close
• Misaligned Glass Panel: The front sunroof glass may appear crooked or sit unevenly in the roof opening, preventing it from sealing.
• System Inoperative: After a mechanical failure, the sunroof control module may become confused or "de-initialized," refusing to operate until the fault is cleared and the system is reset.

Known Issues, TSBs, and Recalls

While there are no official recalls for the sunroof shade or mechanism, Kia has acknowledged a key failure point through a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB).

TSB BOD319: Sunroof Wind Deflector Replacement

This is the most significant known issue. TSB BOD319 was released for 2019-2022 Telluride models to address inoperative sunroofs and broken wind deflectors. The plastic arms of the front wind deflector are weak and prone to breaking, which jams the mechanism. The TSB provides a procedure for technicians to replace these arms with updated parts without replacing the entire sunroof assembly. If your vehicle exhibits symptoms like crunching noises or a stuck front sunroof, this TSB is likely the solution.

No Official Recalls

As of early 2026, there are no safety recalls issued by the NHTSA for the sunroof shade, glass, or operating mechanism on 2020-2025 Kia Tellurides. Other recalls exist for this vehicle, such as for exterior trim and power seat motors, but they are unrelated to the sunroof.

Buying a Used Rear Window Shade Assembly

Given that a new rear shade assembly can cost over $1,000, a used OEM part is an excellent value. However, since this part is complex, careful inspection is key.

You are typically not just buying the fabric shade; you are buying the entire rear sunroof cassette, which includes the motor, tracks, and the shade roller. This is because it is rarely removed from the main assembly.

What to Check Before Buying:

• Verify the Part Number: Ensure the part number matches your vehicle's needs. There are different numbers for black, gray, and deluxe cloth interiors. See the table below for details.
• Inspect the Fabric: Unroll the shade completely. Look for any tears, stains, mold, or fraying edges. Ensure the fabric is still firmly attached to the roller.
• Check the Plastic Guides: Examine all visible plastic components, especially the end caps and track guides. These can become brittle and crack over time. A broken guide can cause the shade to bind.
• Look for Water Damage: Check the metal frame for any signs of rust or corrosion, which could indicate the donor vehicle had leaking sunroof drains.
• Test the Motor (If Possible): If you have access to a 12V power source, you can briefly connect it to the motor's electrical connector to confirm it operates. Ask the seller if they have tested it.

Cost Comparison

Note: Labor costs are high because the entire headliner must be removed to access and replace the sunroof cassette. Some forum users have reported dealer quotes of $5,000 to $7,000 for a complete sunroof system replacement.

Replacement Difficulty: 5/5

This is not a DIY-friendly repair for amateurs. Replacement requires removing the A, B, C, and D pillar trims, sun visors, overhead console, grab handles, and dome lights just to drop the headliner. 🎬 Watch: A walkthrough of the headliner removal process The sunroof assembly itself is bulky and must be carefully disconnected and lowered from the vehicle. The reinstallation and initialization process must be done correctly to ensure proper function and prevent leaks. This job is best left to experienced technicians or body shops.

Technical Specifications & Part Numbers

The rear window shade is part of the rear sunroof assembly. Part numbers vary based on the interior color and fabric type. Always confirm compatibility with a VIN.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)