Kia Telluride: Steering wheel / Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS)
The Kia Telluride uses a Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) system that provides electric steering assistance to help reduce steering effort during everyday driving.
If the engine is not running or if the power steering system becomes unavailable, steering control remains possible. However, considerably more steering effort will be required.
The MDPS continuously monitors steering wheel torque and vehicle speed, automatically adjusting the level of steering assistance to suit current driving conditions.
To improve vehicle stability and steering precision, steering effort gradually increases as vehicle speed rises and becomes lighter at lower speeds, making parking and maneuvering easier.
If you notice any unusual change in steering feel, resistance, or responsiveness during normal operation, have your Kia Telluride inspected by an authorized Kia dealer as soon as possible.
TIP
The following conditions may occur during normal operation of the MDPS system:
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After the ENGINE START/STOP button is switched to the ON position, the MDPS performs a self-diagnosis for approximately 3 seconds before entering normal operating mode.
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You may hear a clicking sound from the MDPS relay when the ENGINE START/STOP button is turned to either the ON or OFF position. This is a normal system operation.
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Some steering noise may be noticeable while turning the steering wheel with the vehicle stopped or traveling at very low speed.
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If the MDPS does not operate correctly, the steering warning light may illuminate or flash on the instrument cluster. Steering assistance may be reduced, requiring additional effort to turn the wheel.
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In very cold weather, steering effort may temporarily increase and additional operating noise may be heard. As system temperature rises, steering performance returns to normal.
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If the charging system warning light comes on because of low system voltage or a malfunctioning alternator or battery, additional steering effort may be required.
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After jump-starting the vehicle following a discharged battery, steering assistance may initially feel limited. This temporary condition is caused by low battery voltage. Once the battery has stabilized, the MDPS will return to normal operation. Before driving your Kia Telluride, gently turn the steering wheel left and right to verify proper steering assistance.
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If the steering wheel is turned continuously for an extended period, the overcurrent protection function may temporarily reduce steering assistance, making the wheel feel heavier. This is a normal protective feature designed to prevent system overheating. Steering assistance will automatically return once the system has cooled.
WARNING
If the Electric Power Steering (EPS) system fails or an error occurs, the steering warning light may illuminate or flash, and steering effort may increase significantly. Maintain a firm grip on the steering wheel, safely move the vehicle to a secure location, and have your Kia Telluride inspected immediately by an authorized Kia dealer.
Steering wheel
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Tilt and telescopic steering wheel. Adjusting steering wheel angle and height
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Other information:
Kia Telluride (LQ2, 2027-2026) Owner's Manual: Driver Attention Warning (DAW)
Driver Attention Warning function Driver Attention Warning monitors the driver’s behavior and driving pattern while the Kia Telluride is in motion. If the system determines that the driver’s attention has dropped below a certain level, it recommends taking a break to support safer and more attentive driving.
Kia Telluride (LQ2, 2027-2026) Owner's Manual: Summer tires
Certain factory setups or high-performance trim options from Kia specify high-grip summer tires engineered to maximize dry-pavement cornering stability, high-speed steering precision, and optimal braking feedback. The specialized compound used in summer tires hardens in cold temperatures, causing a substantial reduction in traction on icy, snowy, or freezing road surfaces.