2021 Kia Telluride

◆ Worse than typical

2021 Kia Telluride
BUILT 2026-08-02

This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

2021: 329 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
2020	733
2021	329
2022	308
2023	192
2024	201
2025	83
2027	10

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

VISIBILITY/WIPER 18%

18% of complaints: visibility/wiper — 60 distinct reports on file.

ENGINE 16%

16% of complaints: engine — 54 distinct reports on file.

FIRE

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 11%

11% of complaints: electrical system — 35 distinct reports on file.

INJURY

STRUCTURE 9%

9% of complaints: structure — 30 distinct reports on file.

POWER TRAIN 7%

7% of complaints: power train — 24 distinct reports on file.

SAFETY TIMELINE

▮ 2021 — complaint volume: 329

R 20210318 — air bags

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.

Remedy: 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.

Campaign 21V164000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20230412 — trailer hitches

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.

Remedy: 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.

Campaign 22V626000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20240515 — power train

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.

Remedy: Owners are advised to manually engage the emergency parking brake prior to exiting the vehicle until the recall remedy is performed.

Campaign 24V214000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20240730 — seats

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.

Remedy: 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.

Campaign 24V407000 — check if this car was fixed

R Date not on file — seats

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 or an improper recall 24V407 repair, which can result in a fire while parked or driving.

Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will install an electronic fuse assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 13, 2026.

Campaign 26V430000 — check if this car was fixed