2023 Kia Telluride: common problems and reliability

The 2023 Kia Telluride has 190 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 5 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are electrical system and visibility/wiper. Owners most often flag engine oil consumption — reports of excessive oil consumption requiring top-ups between changes and, in isolated cases, engine replacement. frequency: recurrent.

Safety record for the 2023 model year

190
Owner complaints
5
Recalls
5
Crash reports
2
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2023 Kia Telluride vehicles (US, public record).

Where owners report problems

electrical system
46
visibility/wiper
28
power train
21
engine
19
vehicle speed control
14

Recalls affecting the 2023 Telluride

air bags:side/window

Campaign 23V035000

Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023 Telluride vehicles. Due to a manufacturing error, the wire harnesses for the second row seat side air bags may become damaged, causing them not to deploy in the event of …

electrical system: instrument cluster/panel

Campaign 23V298000

Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023 Sportage, Sportage Hybrid, Sportage Plug-in Hybrid, Niro Hybrid, Niro Plug-in Hybrid, Soul, and Telluride vehicles equipped with a digital instrument cluster containing a…

power train:driveline:driveshaft

Campaign 24V214000

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.

seats:front assembly:power adjust

Campaign 24V407000

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 owners say across generations

Mixed to positive sentiment overall, with a clear generational divide. The Telluride is widely praised for its spacious and functional third row, high-quality interior materials, boxy and attractive exterior styling, strong value proposition, and comprehensive

  • Engine oil consumption — reports of excessive oil consumption requiring top-ups between changes and, in isolated cases, engine replacement. Frequency: recurrent.
  • Underpowered 3.8L V6 engine — described as lethargic, slow, lacking responsiveness, and struggling with acceleration compared to turbocharged rivals. Frequency: very frequent.
  • Dealer/service department problems — poor customer service, difficulty getting warranty repairs approved, lack of respect for customers, and general service quality concerns. Frequency: very frequent.
  • Rear shock absorber failures — particularly on models with tow/self-leveling suspension, noted as a known issue with technical service bulletins (TSBs) issued. Frequency: isolated.
  • Long-term reliability concerns — general apprehension about the vehicle's durability beyond 100,000 miles or outside the warranty period, often contrasted with perceptions of Toyota/Honda longevity. Frequency: very frequent.

Owner insights cover all generations of the Telluride.

Typical used price

Used Telluride listings typically run $25,299–$35,190 across 2020 to 2027 model years.

Full Kia Telluride owner reportCompare against another car