2021 Kia Telluride Problems

349 owner complaints filed with the United States safety regulator · top issue: Unknown Or Other · verdict AVOID 29/100

Source NHTSA public complaint and recall record · methodology

What breaks, by owner reports

Unknown Or Other97
Visibility/Wiper62
Engine60
Electrical System39
Structure31
Power Train27

In the owners’ words

“Sunroof broke when trying to open it. Now it’s in the open, venting, position unable to close. Dealership can’t look at it for a week so I’m risking water damage. Vehicle only has 31,000 miles on it and is just past the 5 yr warranty of course”NHTSA complaint, 2021 Kia Telluride owner
“Was low on oil and check oil light don't go on have to put oil very 2 week because it get low and I don't have no oil leak at all I found out because the motor start shaking and making noise tow it home and mechanical came to check it out and didn't have oil he say I was lurking I was not in the highway because it could lock the mortar and cause a accident”NHTSA complaint, 2021 Kia Telluride owner
“The sunroof is stuck open and is loose on the tracks, if even on the tracks at all. Very dangerous, as it could fly off while I am driving. This is a common problem with the Telluride, and I believe it should be recalled.”NHTSA complaint, 2021 Kia Telluride owner

Recall campaigns

ReportedComponentSummary
11/03/2021Air Bags: Air Bag/Restraint Control Module SAFETYKia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2021 Telluride, K5, and Forte vehicles. The Occupant Classification and Detection System (OCS/ODS) unit may not detect the presence of a child restraint system in the front p
15/08/2022Trailer HitchesKia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Telluride vehicles potentially equipped with a Genuine Kia 4-pin tow hitch harness installed as original equipment, or purchased as an accessory through a Kia dealer
20/03/2024Power Train:Driveline:DriveshaftKia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2020-2024 Telluride vehicles. The intermediate shaft and right front driveshaft may not be fully engaged, which can result in vehicle roll away while in PARK.
05/06/2024Seats:Front Assembly:Power AdjustKia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2020-2024 Telluride vehicles. The front power seat motor may overheat due to a stuck power seat slide knob, which can result in a fire while parked or driving.
02/07/2026Seats:Front Assembly:Power AdjustKia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2020-2024 Telluride vehicles. The front power seat motor may overheat due to a stuck power seat slide knob or an improper recall 24V407 repair, which can result in a fire whil

Questions owners ask

Is the 2021 Kia Telluride reliable?

On the federal record it scores 29/100: 349 owner complaints (69.8 per year on the road) and 5 recall campaigns, 1 touching safety-critical systems.

What is the most common problem with the 2021 Kia Telluride?

The most-reported component in NHTSA complaints is Unknown Or Other, with 97 of 316 categorised reports.

Share this verdict

The 2021 Kia Telluride scored 29/100 on the federal record.

Full 2021 data pagecosts, verdict, every numberAll Telluride yearswhich year to avoid Most complained-about carsthe national ranking