2018 Kia Telluride - I love this car - Not

The most likely cause a muffler failure at the age of this vehicle is physical damage, which is not covered by warranty. If there was no such damage, it might be covered.

I take it the steering column was replaced at no cost to you.

By the way, what actual model year is your Telluride ? It wasn’t released until late 2019 as a 2020 model.