P0524 on 2020-2024 Kia Telluride: Engine Oil Pressure Too Low Causes & Fixes

What's Unique About the 2020-2024 Kia Telluride

The Lambda II 3.8L GDI V6 engine in the Telluride and its platform-mate, the Hyundai Palisade, is not known 🎬 Watch: Deep dive into 3.8L GDi engine problems for the same widespread, catastrophic engine failures associated with P0524 on other Kia/Hyundai engines. However, many owners have reported significant oil consumption with the 3.8L V6, sometimes as much as a quart every 1,000 miles. This makes a low oil level a primary and highly probable suspect for this code. Frequent oil level checks are a critical preventative measure for Telluride owners.

Symptoms You May Notice

• Oil pressure warning light illuminated on the dashboard
• Check Engine Light is on
• Engine making unusual noises (ticking, knocking, or grinding).
• Reduced engine power or entering 'limp mode'
• Engine may stall or shut down.
• Oil pressure gauge reading low or zero (if equipped)

Most Likely Causes

1. Low Engine Oil Level 🔴 High Probability The Lambda II 3.8L GDI engine has numerous owner reports and documented cases of excessive oil consumption, often due to carbon buildup on piston rings or intake valves, 🎬 See how a piston soak can fix oil consumption a common trait of GDI engines. This can lead to a low oil level if not checked regularly between oil changes.
   How to confirm: With the engine off and cool, check the engine oil level using the dipstick. 🎬 Watch: How to check your Telluride's oil level If it is below the 'low' mark, this is the immediate problem.
   Typical fix: Top up the oil to the correct level using a full synthetic 5W-30 oil that meets Kia's specifications. Monitor the oil level closely going forward, as frequently as every 1,000 miles. Some owners install an oil catch can to reduce carbon buildup.
   Est. part cost: $10-$20
2. Faulty Engine Oil Pressure Sensor 🟡 Medium Probability Sensors can fail over time, sending an incorrect low-pressure signal to the PCM even when the actual pressure is normal. The sensor itself can also leak oil through its body, contaminating the electrical connector.
   How to confirm: This is the most likely cause if the oil level is correct. A definitive diagnosis requires a technician to connect a mechanical oil pressure gauge. If the mechanical gauge shows normal pressure (e.g., at least 8.5 PSI at warm idle) while the scan tool shows low pressure and code P0524, the sensor is faulty. Inspect the sensor connector for oil contamination.
   Typical fix: Replace the engine oil pressure sensor (Part No. 94751-3C000) and its gasket.
   Est. part cost: $25-$75
3. Incorrect or Clogged Oil Filter 🟡 Medium Probability Using a low-quality aftermarket oil filter or improper installation during an oil change can restrict oil flow. A Kia Technical Service Bulletin for other engines (PS719) warns that parts from the new filter kit can become dislodged and block oil passages, causing P0524 immediately after service.
   How to confirm: Verify that a high-quality, OEM-spec oil filter is installed. If the code appeared immediately after an oil change, this is a strong possibility.
   Typical fix: Replace the oil filter with a genuine Kia or high-quality equivalent filter. Ensure no foreign debris enters the oil system during the change.
   Est. part cost: $10-$25
4. Failing Oil Pump or Clogged Oil Pickup Tube ⚪ Low Probability
   How to confirm: If a mechanical gauge confirms that the actual oil pressure is low, and the oil level and filter are correct, the issue is mechanical. The oil pan must be removed to inspect the oil pump pickup tube for sludge or debris and to inspect the oil pump itself.
   Typical fix: Clean the oil pickup tube and screen. If the pump is determined to be weak or has failed, it must be replaced.
   Est. part cost: $150-$400

Rare But Worth Checking

• Worn Internal Engine Components: This is a worst-case scenario. Excessive wear on engine bearings can cause oil pressure to bleed off. This would typically be accompanied by significant engine knocking noises and would likely require a complete engine replacement.
• Wiring Issues: A short to ground in the sensor's electrical circuit or corrosion in the wiring harness can cause the PCM to receive a false low-pressure signal, triggering the P0524 code.

Diagnosis Steps

1. STOP DRIVING. Do not run the engine until the oil level is checked.
2. Check the engine oil level and condition. If the level is low, top it up with the correct 5W-30 full synthetic oil and see if the code clears. If the oil is dirty or smells of fuel, perform an oil and filter change.
3. If the oil level is correct, have a technician connect a mechanical oil pressure gauge to the engine to verify the actual oil pressure. This is the most critical step.
4. If the mechanical gauge shows normal oil pressure, the problem is likely a faulty oil pressure sensor or its wiring. Inspect the sensor's connector for damage or oil contamination and replace the sensor.
5. If the mechanical gauge confirms low oil pressure, the problem is mechanical. The next step is to inspect the oil filter, then drop the oil pan to inspect the oil pump pickup tube for blockage. If the pickup is clear, the oil pump itself is the likely culprit.
6. Check for any applicable Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) or recalls for your vehicle's VIN. Hyundai issued TSB 23-EM-008H for the same engine in the Palisade to address oil consumption testing, which may be relevant.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• Engine Oil Pressure Sensor / Switch (OEM #94751-3C000) — This sensor is a common failure point that triggers P0524 when the actual oil pressure is normal. It's a relatively inexpensive part to replace.
  Trusted brands: Kia (OEM), Hyundai (OEM)
  OEM price range: $95-$110
  Aftermarket price range: $25-$50
• Engine Oil and Filter — A low oil level due to consumption is a primary cause. Always use a high-quality OEM filter and full synthetic 5W-30 oil to ensure proper lubrication and pressure.
  Trusted brands: Kia (OEM Filter), Mobil 1, Pennzoil, Castrol
  OEM price range: $60-$100
  Aftermarket price range: $50-$80

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

• SC296 - Safety Recall for Engine Sub-Assembly Replacement on certain 2024 Telluride models due to potentially faulty valve springs.
• TSB ENG211 (NHTSA ID 10187821) - Provides an ECM logic update for misfire detection on 2020 Tellurides, which can sometimes be related to oiling issues.

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• The Lambda II 3.8L GDI engine may consume oil between changes. Owners should check the oil level on the dipstick at least once a month to prevent a low-level condition that can trigger a P0524 code.
• Recall SC296 was issued for some 2024 Telluride models due to engine valve springs that could break and cause engine damage. While not a direct cause of P0524, the resulting damage could lead to low oil pressure.

Mechanic-Grade Diagnostic Values

• Mechanical Oil Pressure at Warm Idle — expected: At least 8.5 PSI. Failure: A reading below 8.5 PSI indicates a true low-pressure condition (assuming correct oil level and filter).
• Oil Pressure Sensor Signal Voltage — expected: Approximately 0.5V at idle, rising toward 4.5V at high RPM.. Failure: Voltage that is stuck at 0V or 5V (which may set other codes), or voltage that does not change with engine RPM, indicates a faulty sensor or wiring issue.

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• Kia GDS (Global Diagnostic System): Live Data > Engine Oil Pressure — Use this to monitor the oil pressure value being reported by the sensor to the PCM. This value should be compared against a mechanical gauge reading to determine if the sensor is faulty.
• Kia GDS (Global Diagnostic System): Special Functions > Oil Pressure Sensor Test — This function, if available for the specific vehicle software, can be used to validate the sensor's response without needing to vary engine RPM, helping to confirm if the sensor is electronically sound.

Wiring & Ground Locations

• Oil Pressure Sensor Connector — Deep in the 'V' of the engine, underneath the upper and lower intake manifold assembly.. This connector is a primary failure point. It is subjected to high heat and can become contaminated with oil that leaks through the body of a failing sensor, causing a poor signal and triggering P0524.
• Engine Block Ground — Main ground straps are typically found on the cylinder head, engine block, and intake manifold. A specific ground cable for the Telluride (PN 91862-S9010) is located on the left side of the engine compartment.. A poor engine ground can cause erratic voltage readings from various sensors, including the oil pressure sensor, potentially leading to a false P0524 code.

OEM Part Supersession History

• 94751-3C000 → 94751-3C000 — No supersession found.
  Heads up: This part number appears to be consistent for all 2017-2025 Kia models using the Lambda II V6, including the Telluride.

Model Year Variations Within This Range

• 2020-2024: While the 2023 model year introduced a significant cosmetic and interior technology facelift, the 3.8L Lambda II V6 engine and related powertrain components remained unchanged. Therefore, the diagnosis and potential causes for a P0524 code are identical across the entire 2020-2024 model year range.

Diagnostic Flowchart

Other Known Issues on This Vehicle

Issues unrelated to this code that are worth knowing about as an owner of this generation:

• Spontaneously Cracking Windshields 🟠 Medium — Widespread complaints across all model years (2020-2024). Hundreds of complaints filed with NHTSA. Can occur spontaneously or from minor impacts. (Ref: Kia issued a 'Customer Satisfaction Initiative' for some 2020 models, but no formal recall exists.)
• Tow Hitch Wiring Harness Fire Risk 🔴 High — Affects 2020-2022 models equipped with the accessory 4-pin tow hitch harness. Moisture and debris can short the module, causing a fire even when parked. (Ref: NHTSA Recall 22V-626)
• Vehicle Rollaway While in Park 🔴 High — Affects over 427,000 Tellurides from 2020-2024 model years due to improperly assembled driveshafts that can disengage. (Ref: NHTSA Recall SC303)
• Dim Headlights / Moisture Intrusion 🟠 Medium — Common on 2020-present models. Defective seals can allow moisture in, causing dimming, premature failure, and foggy lenses. (Ref: Subject of a class-action lawsuit (Young v. Hyundai Motor America, Inc.). Kia has a general TSB (BOD055) on headlamp condensation.)
• Power Seat Motor Fire Risk 🔴 High — Affects over 462,000 Tellurides from 2020-2024. A stuck power seat slide knob can cause the motor to overheat and catch fire. (Ref: NHTSA Recall SC316)
• Transmission Shuddering or Failure 🟠 Medium — Some owners report shuddering, hard shifts, or complete transmission failure, sometimes at relatively low mileage.

Used vs. New Parts: Buying Guide for This Vehicle

When a used part is the smart pick: For a P0524 diagnosis, using used parts is strongly discouraged. The primary failure components are either inexpensive electronic sensors that should be new or critical internal engine parts (like an oil pump) where unknown wear and tear pose a significant risk.

OEM-only on this vehicle (don't cheap out):

• Engine Oil Pressure Sensor: Given its critical function and high failure rate due to heat soak, an OEM sensor is the most reliable choice. Aftermarket sensor accuracy can be inconsistent.
• Engine Oil Filter: Using a genuine Kia/Hyundai oil filter is highly recommended. Low-quality aftermarket filters can have faulty bypass valves or poor construction that can lead to oil pressure problems.

Brands owners have reported issues with on this vehicle:

• Generic, unbranded oil filters and sensors from online marketplaces should be avoided due to quality control concerns that can directly cause or fail to solve a P0524 code.

Real Owner Stories

Aggregated from forums and TSBs cited above. Mileages and costs reflect what owners reported in those sources.

Related OBD-II Codes

• P0300 — Random or multiple cylinder misfire code; TSB ENG211 provides an ECM logic update for misfire detection on 2020 Tellurides, which can be related to the same underlying oiling or carbon buildup issues seen in GDI engines.
• SC296 — While a recall identifier rather than a DTC, this safety recall for 2024 models involves engine sub-assembly replacement due to valve springs that can cause internal engine damage and subsequent oil pressure loss.
• SC303 — A recall related to driveshaft assembly and vehicle rollaway; though mechanical, it is a high-severity issue frequently cited alongside engine-related concerns for the 2020-2024 Telluride.
• PS719 — A Kia Technical Service Bulletin specifically linking improper oil filter kit installation to immediate oil flow restriction and P0524 codes.

Frequently Asked Questions