2021 Kia Telluride: common problems and reliability
An average Telluride year.
365 owner complaints, most about engine. 5 recalls.
Should I buy a 2021 Telluride?The 2021 Kia Telluride has 365 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 5 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are engine and visibility/wiper.
Safety record for the 2021 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2021 Kia Telluride vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other Telluride years only. How we score it
Is 2021 a good year for the Telluride?
Across the 6 Telluride model years we track, complaint volume runs from 207 (2023) to 761 (2020). With 365 complaints, the 2021 Telluride sits about the same as the model's median of 324.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2021 Telluride
air bags: air bag/restraint control module
Campaign 21V164000Kia 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."
trailer hitches
Campaign 22V626000Kia 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.
power train:driveline:driveshaft
Campaign 24V214000Kia 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.
seats:front assembly:power adjust
Campaign 24V407000Kia 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.
Show 1 more recall
seats:front assembly:power adjust
Campaign 26V430000Kia 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 while parked or driving.
What owners say across generations
Mixed to positive sentiment overall, with a clear generational divide.
Owner insights cover all generations of the Telluride. See the full Telluride owner picture and every model year.
Typical used price
Used Telluride listings typically run $25,500–$35,248.
Other Telluride model years
Compare every Telluride year side by side to see how 2021 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Telluride against its rivals
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