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    Kia Telluride

    EPA MPG: 21 mpg

    RECALL ALERT:
    There are 4 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

    Reliability

    Overall Reliability

    We expect the 2025 Telluride will have about average reliability when compared to the average new car. This prediction is based on data from 2022, 2023 and 2024 models.

    The 2021 Kia Telluride has been recalled 4 times by NHTSA. View Recalls
    Most Common Trouble Spots
    Common Trouble Spot
    Common Trouble Spot

    Owner Reported Trouble Spots

    The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2021 Kia Telluride owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

    Paint And Trim

    Paint (fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking), loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, rust.

    What Owners Say

    Loose exterior trim or moldings

    "The trim around the windows started fading and tarnishing"

    Anonymous, GA (2021 Kia Telluride SX 3.8-L V6)
    Other paint & trim problem

    "Window moldings started to discolor. Like the black is coming off the moldings."

    Anonymous, TX (2021 Kia Telluride EX 3.8-L V6)

    "The nightfall trim on the Telluride becomes tarnished and dull. The issue is all over the facebook groups for the car. This didn't happen on my 18 year old Honda Odyssey. Some have had the trim replaced under warranty only to have the problem come back soon after. My dealership showed me polishing chemical I could buy and apply to get rid of the tarnish and restore the original finish. Clearly Kia did not pick an appropriate material for this finish."

    Anonymous, NY (2021 Kia Telluride SX 3.8-L V6)

    "see previous"

    Anonymous A., FL (2021 Kia Telluride SX 3.8-L V6)
    Paint (fading, chalking, cracking, or peeling)

    "Black chrome trim surrounds for windows got blotchy. Kia replaced all trim on their dime."

    Anonymous, CA (2021 Kia Telluride EX 3.8-L V6)

    "Chrome trim around the windowa turnes a purple tint. Dealer was aware of the problem said it was not covered under warranty."

    Anonymous A., FL (2021 Kia Telluride SX 3.8-L V6)

    "paint on trim around side windows badly faded, spotty. to be replaced under warranty."

    Anonymous, VA (2021 Kia Telluride SX 3.8-L V6)

    In-car Electronics

    Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.

    What Owners Say

    External music device interface (e.g., smart phone, MP3 player)

    "USB connection between phone and system doesn't work reliably"

    Anonymous, OR (2021 Kia Telluride S 3.8-L V6)
    In-dash navigation system (GPS)

    "Kia sent me an update in Oct. 2023 and it corrupted the NAV function. I took it to a certified dealer 5 times; finally in July a dealer in Missouri was able to fix it. It didnt work for 10 months."

    Anonymous, AR (2021 Kia Telluride SX 3.8-L V6)
    Voice control commands

    "I have an active Kia Connect account, but when I try to use voice commands to navigate it says I need to try Kia Connect."

    Anonymous A., KY (2021 Kia Telluride EX 3.8-L V6)

    Body Hardware

    Windows, locks and latches, doors or sliding doors, tailgate, trunk or hatch, mirrors, seat controls (power or manual), seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defect.

    What Owners Say

    Door handle

    "When opening the driver side door, the handle came out of the door. We had to enter thru the passenger side until it wea repaired"

    Anonymous, TX (2021 Kia Telluride SX 3.8-L V6)
    Seat controls - power

    "Recall on seat controls"

    Anonymous A., BC (2021 Kia Telluride SX 3.8-L V6)
    Sunroof

    "Sunroof came off track and wouldn't close. Dealer fixed it under warranty"

    Anonymous, GA (2021 Kia Telluride SX 3.8-L V6)

    Brakes

    Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.

    What Owners Say

    Antilock braking system (ABS)

    "When I made an emergency stop to try and avoid an accident all four wheels locked up and I slid into the other car."

    Anonymous, CA (2021 Kia Telluride EX 3.8-L V6)
    Premature brake wear

    "At 20000 miles had to have total brake job. Rotors calibers and pads. Had grinding noise. Mechanic said it was due to thin original rotors."

    Anonymous, IL (2021 Kia Telluride S 3.8-L V6)
    Rotors

    "started with grinding noise. ended with total brake job."

    Anonymous, IL (2021 Kia Telluride S 3.8-L V6)

    Noises And Leaks

    Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, seals and/or weather stripping, air and water leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Squeaks or rattles

    "dome light periodically rattles at 35 mph. noticeable and annoying because its right near the front seat passengers' ears."

    Anonymous, VA (2021 Kia Telluride SX 3.8-L V6)

    "A little squeak/rattle between roof and interior roof panel"

    Anonymous, (2021 Kia Telluride SX 3.8-L V6)

    Engine Major

    Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain or belt.

    What Owners Say

    Head gasket

    "It was repaired under warranty, but they replaced gaskets in the engine as oil was leaking into one of the pistons. Repair took two weeks."

    Anonymous, MN (2021 Kia Telluride LX 3.8-L V6)
    Other major engine problem

    "the car started shaking violently and the check engine light came on. Even though an oil change was not due and the car was not leaking oil, the dealership stated the engine had no oil and that I should be coming in for an oil change more often than the owners manual/car recommend. This is nonsense."

    Anonymous, NY (2021 Kia Telluride SX 3.8-L V6)

    Steering And Suspension

    Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

    What Owners Say

    Shocks or struts

    "Began leak at about 51000. Dealer was no help. Cost to replace $1060"

    Anonymous, CO (2021 Kia Telluride LX 3.8-L V6)

    "The car has the tow package with self leveling read shocks. They had locked up causing an extremely rough ride. They were replaced under warranty."

    Anonymous A., TX (2021 Kia Telluride SX 3.8-L V6)

    Drive System

    Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, electronic stability control.

    What Owners Say

    CV joint

    "boot covering had to be replaced"

    Anonymous, CA (2021 Kia Telluride SX 3.8-L V6)

    Exhaust

    Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Other/unsure

    "Recalls"

    Anonymous, LA (2021 Kia Telluride SX 3.8-L V6)

    Electrical Accessories

    Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, USB ports, alarm or security system, remote engine start, heated or cooled seats, heated steering wheel, headlights, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, wireless charging pad.

    What Owners Say

    Headlights

    "Driver side LED headlight went out, replaced under warranty."

    Anonymous, MI (2021 Kia Telluride SX 3.8-L V6)

    Engine Minor

    Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, fuel leaks, oil leaks.

    Engine Electrical

    Alternator, starter, hybrid battery replacement, hybrid battery related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, spark plugs and wires failure, auto stop/start.

    Transmission Major

    Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.

    Climate System

    AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.

    Transmission Minor

    Gear selector and linkage, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission, leaks.

    Engine Cooling

    Radiator, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, overheating.

    Fuel System/Emissions

    Sensors (O₂, or oxygen, sensor), emission-control devices (includes EGR), fuel-injection system, fuel gauge/sender, fuel pump, problems filling up the tank.

    2021 SUVs Reliability

    This Car
    vs. Similar Cars

    Kia vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability

    Reliability History
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    Overall Reliability Verdict

    POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
    Powertrain
    Engine Major
    Engine Minor
    Engine Cooling
    Engine Electrical
    Transmission Major
    Transmission Minor
    Drive System
    Fuel System/Emissions
    Exhaust
    Steering and Suspension
    Brakes
    Climate System
    Build Quality
    Electrical Accessories
    Body Hardware
    Paint/Trim
    Noises/Leaks
    In-car Electronics
    Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey for over 300,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2024 vehicles are holding up in 20 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, electric motor, EV charging, and brakes to power equipment and the electrical accessories. NA indicates that we did not receive a large enough sample size to provide data for a specific year. An X indicates that the vehicle was not manufactured for a specific year.
    Recalls
    PROVIDED BY
    SEATS
    Jun 05, 2024
    A fire increases the risk of injury.
    Summary:
    Kia 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.
    What should you do:
    Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will install a bracket for the power seat switch back covers and replace the seat slide knobs, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 30, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC316.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 24V407000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 462869
    POWER TRAIN
    Mar 20, 2024
    A vehicle roll away increases the risk of a crash or injury.
    Summary:
    Kia 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.
    What should you do:
    Owners are advised to manually engage the emergency parking brake prior to exiting the vehicle until the recall remedy is performed. Dealers will update the electronic parking brake software and replace any damaged intermediate shafts as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 15, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC303.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 24V214000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 427407
    TRAILER HITCHES
    Aug 15, 2022
    A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
    Summary:
    Kia 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 dealership. Debris and moisture accumulation on the tow hitch harness module printed circuit board (PCB) may cause an electrical short, which can result in a fire.
    What should you do:
    Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will install a new fuse and a wiring harness extension. Dealers will also inspect and replace the tow hitch harness assembly, as necessary. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 12, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC247.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 22V626000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 36417
    AIR BAGS
    Mar 11, 2021
    In the event of a crash, deployment of the front passenger air bag, with a child in that seat, can increase the risk of injury to the child.
    Summary:
    Kia 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 passenger seat. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
    What should you do:
    Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the OCS/ODS unit, free of charge. The recall began March 18, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC207.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 21V164000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 142
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