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Auto Problems

2021 Kia Telluride Reliability & Problems

By Adrian V. LockhartUpdated All 365 NHTSA owner reports researched and classified

Dark olive 2020 Kia Telluride, front three-quarter view

Pictured: 2020 Kia Telluride EX, same generation as the 2021 model.

5 recalls · 3 park-outside warningsCheck VIN

Owner complaints

365

16 report a crash, fire, injury or death

Recalls

5

3 with a park-outside warning

Most common problem

18%

of complaints: windshield cracking

Complaints per year filed

2020–2025 · peak 72

In short

Some known problems

The 2021 Kia Telluride has some known problems, mainly because a park-outside recall (22V626000) covers a fire risk in the trailer hitches. NHTSA has 365 owner complaints, and 16 of them report a crash, fire, injury or death. The most common are windshield cracks, sunroof failures and engines burning oil. This model year has 5 recalls.

Reliability

How Reliable Is the 2021 Kia Telluride?

This model year is rated as having some known problems, and the main reason is official rather than owner-driven. Recall 22V626000 covers a fire risk in the trailer hitches and tells owners to park outside and away from structures until the repair is done. The complaints themselves are led by windshield cracks and a group of sunroof problems, with oil burning and engine failure behind them. Most of what owners describe is more annoying than dangerous, but several reports are serious, and 16 complaints mention a crash, fire, injury or death.

The sunroof is the biggest theme, and it shows up in three forms. Some owners say the sunroof is stuck open or will not close, some describe a broken wind deflector or a track that came apart, and some describe the glass exploding or shattering, with a loud pop and glass falling into the cabin. These overlap, since a broken deflector or rail can leave the roof unable to close. Among owners who gave an amount for the stuck or broken sunroof, the middle figure was about $5,000, and several were quoted a full sunroof replacement. Owners who describe repairs for it mostly say the problem was not fully fixed. The shattering reports come mainly while driving at highway speed, and one owner says glass hit the driver in the face. The windshield complaints are mostly about small chips that spread fast or cracks that appear while parked, and owners say a replacement is often needed.

The engine reports are fewer but more serious. Owners describe engines with no oil on the dipstick, check engine lights, rattling, loss of power and, in the worst cases, engine replacement. Some say there was no warning light before the oil ran low. Of the owners who describe the outcome of oil consumption repairs, most say the repair did not fix it, and complaints lean toward repairs that failed. This model year has no recall for the sunroof, the windshield, oil burning or engine failure.

The recalls that do apply cover other things. The front power seat motor may overheat and cause a fire while parked or driving, which led to recalls 24V407000 and 26V430000, and the second recall mentions an improper repair under the first. Recall 24V214000 covers a driveshaft that may not be fully engaged, which can result in roll away while in park, and owners are advised to use the emergency parking brake until the remedy is performed. A vehicle can be missing any of these repairs, so check each one by its number.

Mileage matters for the engine problems. Windshield cracks are reported very early, with a middle figure of about 2,800 miles, so they say little about an older vehicle. Oil burning and engine failure show up much later, with middle figures around 102,000 miles, and the engine failure reports start around 78,000 miles. A vehicle with low miles has not yet reached the range where those complaints cluster, while one near or past 100,000 miles deserves a close look at the oil level and service records. Complaint counts show what owners reported, not how many vehicles are affected, and they cannot show how a particular vehicle was maintained, so use them to decide what to inspect rather than as a prediction.

Top problems

The 6 problems owners report most

Named from 365 NHTSA complaints. Open a problem for symptoms, the fix, cost and owners' accounts.

  1. 1.Windshield cracksMinorAbout 1 in 6 complaints1,200–3,400 mi

    Owners describe a chip that spread across the glass within seconds, or a crack found after the car sat parked in a driveway or overnight. A few mention reduced visibility and collision or lane departure warning lights coming on. Reports of this problem tend to come early, with a middle figure of about 2,800 miles, and no recall is mentioned.

    What owners describe

    • Crack found while parked18%
    • Chip that spreads quickly11%

    Fix

    Most common repair owners describe: needs replacement (2 reports).

    Mileage

    2,800 mi

    Middle half 1,200–3,400 mi · 17 reports

    Repair cost

    —

    Fewer than 10 owners report a repair cost

    How common

    18%

    66 of 365 complaints

    Crash, fire or injury

    0%

    of these complaints

    In owners' words

    “Both times the damage was cause by road debris hitting the windshield, but the crack quickly spreads across the windshield.”
    Owner in FL3.8L V6Filed 2021NHTSA 11386171
    “There is one major chip, one minor chip and over 20 micro-chips/pock marks in the windshield.”
    Owner in MO3.8L V6Filed 2021NHTSA 11404247
    “There was a minor rock hit but nothing that should have caused this sort of issue.”
    Owner in OH3.8L V6Filed 2021NHTSA 11406425
  2. 2.Sunroof breaks or will not closeSeriousAbout 1 in 6 complaints32,800–50,800 mi~$5,000 repair

    Owners most often say the sunroof is stuck open or will not close, usually when they press the button to open it. Others describe a broken track, a plastic rail that snapped, or glass that came off the rails. No recall is mentioned.

    What owners describe

    • Trouble when opening35%
    • Sunroof stuck open22%
    • Will not close18%
    • Broken track or rail10%

    Fix

    Most common repair owners describe: whole sunroof assembly replacement quoted (1 report).

    Mileage

    41,100 mi

    Middle half 32,800–50,800 mi · 6 reports

    Repair cost

    $5,000

    Middle half $4,000–$6,000 · 15 owner amounts

    How common

    16%

    60 of 365 complaints

    Crash, fire or injury

    2%

    of these complaints

    In owners' words

    “After a few days the dealership said they needed to order parts, that the entire sunroof track has to be replaced and it may take weeks.”
    Owner in VA3.8L V6Filed 2024NHTSA 11603612
    “Tried to open Our Sunroof and it went off the rails, sounded like something broke off while driving.”
    Owner in TX3.8L V6Filed 2023NHTSA 11549339
    “Sunroof glass panel stuck when opening, broke from track and became unattached from vehicle.”
    Owner in GA3.8L V6Filed 2023NHTSA 11542663
  3. 3.Engine burns oilSeriousAbout 1 in 10 complaints94,000–111,000 mi

    Owners describe no oil on the dipstick, a check engine light in some cases and no warning light in others, and engine shaking or stalling. Reports come late, with a middle figure of about 102,000 miles and most between 94,000 and 111,000 miles. No recall is mentioned.

    What owners describe

    • No oil on dipstick29%
    • Shaking, stalling or rattling14%
    • Check engine light11%
    • No warning before low oil9%

    Fix

    Most common repair owners describe: engine replacement (2 reports).

    Repair worked in 10% of complaints that describe one (complaints lean toward repairs that failed)

    Mileage

    102,000 mi

    Middle half 94,000–111,000 mi · 17 reports

    Repair cost

    —

    Fewer than 10 owners report a repair cost

    How common

    10%

    35 of 365 complaints

    Crash, fire or injury

    0%

    of these complaints

    In owners' words

    “Dealership wants me to pay diagnostic fees for them doing absolutely nothing other and resetting the code and conducting an oil change.”
    Owner in TX3.8L V6Filed 2025NHTSA 11681754
    “Excessive Oil usage to the point of no oil on dip stick yet engine doesnt alert to low oil or pressure.”
    Owner in OH3.8L V6Filed 2025NHTSA 11655365
    “So i check the oil and its completely empty i've went less than 3k miles on this oil change”
    Owner in VA3.8L V6Filed 2025NHTSA 11663599
  4. 4.Sunroof glass shattersSeriousAbout 1 in 15 complaints900–4,400 mi

    Owners describe a loud pop or boom and glass that exploded or fell into the cabin, often at highway speed in clear weather. One says the driver veered momentarily and another says glass hit the driver in the face. No recall is mentioned.

    What owners describe

    • Sunroof explodes50%
    • Happens at highway speed33%
    • Loud pop or boom25%
    • Glass falls into cabin13%

    Fix

    Most common repair owners describe: repaired in shop for several weeks (1 report).

    Mileage

    2,200 mi

    Middle half 900–4,400 mi · 5 reports

    Repair cost

    —

    Fewer than 10 owners report a repair cost

    How common

    7%

    24 of 365 complaints

    Crash, fire or injury

    0%

    of these complaints

    In owners' words

    “Glass hit me in the face while driving at highway speeds, luckily I remained in control of the car.”
    Owner in CO3.8L V6Filed 2021NHTSA 11436039
    “There was a loud bang above the driver’s head causing the driver to become startled and swerve.”
    Owner in FL3.8L V6Filed 2022NHTSA 11494501
    “Heard a loud, explosion-like sound. This made me swerve onto the other traveling lane.”
    Owner in TX3.8L V6Filed 2024NHTSA 11583629
  5. 5.Engine failureCriticalAbout 1 in 16 complaints78,000–116,000 mi

    Owners describe catastrophic engine failure, a complete loss of power, rattling and no oil on the dipstick, with engine replacement the most common repair. Reports are late, with a middle figure of about 102,000 miles and a quarter of them at or below about 78,000 miles. No recall is mentioned.

    What owners describe

    • Catastrophic engine failure26%
    • Rattling, smoke or fire22%
    • No oil on dipstick17%
    • Complete loss of power13%

    Fix

    Most common repair owners describe: engine replacement (3 reports).

    Mileage

    102,000 mi

    Middle half 78,000–116,000 mi · 13 reports

    Repair cost

    —

    Fewer than 10 owners report a repair cost

    How common

    6%

    23 of 365 complaints

    Crash, fire or injury

    9%

    of these complaints

    In owners' words

    “On all three occasions, the vehicle lost power on the freeway at night while my family with two kids was in the vehicle.”
    Owner in TX3.8L V6Filed 2026NHTSA 11746847
    “2021 Kia Telluride experienced sudden engine failure at approximately 120,000 miles.”
    Owner in INFiled 2026NHTSA 11722576
    “Service guy told me no active recalls and also that I was outside of the warranty.”
    Owner in GA3.8L V6Filed 2025NHTSA 11652471
Show 1 more problemShow fewer problems
  1. 6.Sunroof wind deflector breaksMinorAbout 1 in 16 complaints60,500–60,500 mi

    Owners say the deflector, its clips or its brackets broke, most often when opening the sunroof, and the roof then would not close or stayed jammed open. Some describe deflector springs wedged in the track. No recall is mentioned.

    What owners describe

    • Deflector or clips break57%
    • Sunroof will not close43%
    • Sunroof stuck open26%
    • Glass off its track13%

    Fix

    Most common repair owners describe: part on order (1 report).

    Mileage

    60,500 mi

    Middle half 60,500–60,500 mi · 1 reports

    Repair cost

    —

    Fewer than 10 owners report a repair cost

    How common

    6%

    23 of 365 complaints

    Crash, fire or injury

    0%

    of these complaints

    In owners' words

    “I was quoted approximately $4,000+ for replacement of the entire sunroof assembly instead of the component repair procedure described by Kia.”
    Owner in NC3.8L V6Filed 2026NHTSA 11753524
    “Wind deflector arms broke, got stuck open, and caused the glass to go off-track, rendering the sunroof inoperable and completely ruined.”
    Owner in MDFiled 2026NHTSA 11759860
    “This dislodged the sunroof mechanism from its tracks and prevents the sunroof from closing.”
    Owner in CO3.8L V6Filed 2024NHTSA 11600430

Buying one

Should you buy a used 2021 Kia Telluride?

What to check before you buy, based on the complaint and recall data.

Ask the seller for proof that every recall was completed, especially 22V626000 for the trailer hitch fire risk and the two seat motor recalls, 24V407000 and 26V430000. Check the sunroof by opening and closing it several times, and look for cracks or chips in the windshield. On a higher-mileage vehicle, ask for oil change records and check the dipstick, since owners report engines low on oil and some engine failures.

  1. 1Run the VIN for open recalls. NHTSA lists 5 recalls, and 3 carry a do-not-drive or park-outside warning (26V430000, 24V407000, 22V626000). Check at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
  2. 2Test-drive for engine failure. It's the most common safety-critical complaint, in about 1 in 16 owner complaints, usually around 102,000 miles.
  3. 3Check for windshield cracking. The most common complaint, in about 1 in 6 owner complaints.
  4. 4Get a pre-purchase inspection. An independent mechanic can spot leaks, stored fault codes and accident repairs that a test drive misses.

Kia Telluride model years

Which Kia Telluride years to avoid? Every model year compared

Early complaints are those filed in a model year's first 3 years. They follow how many were sold, so they don't show which years are better. The tag on 2021 is its verdict from our research of its owner complaints.

  1. 2020246 early complaints
  2. 2021This year140 early complaintsCheck recall
  3. 2022222 early complaints
  4. 2023158 early complaints
  5. 2024219 early complaints
  6. 2025116 early complaints

Crash test ratings

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings.

NHTSA crash test ratings
SUV FWDSUV AWD
Overall★★★★★★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★★★★★★
Rollover risk16%14%

Owning one

If you already own one

Find your symptom, see when problems tend to show up, and check which recalls apply.

Confirm that recalls 22V626000, 24V407000, 26V430000 and 24V214000 have been done, and park outside and away from structures until the fire-related repairs are complete. If the sunroof sticks open, stops moving or makes a loud pop, stop using it and have it checked. Check the oil level regularly, and stop driving if the engine knocks, shakes or loses power.

11 of 11
  • Windshield cracksMinor
    About 1 in 6 owner complaints66 of 365Median 2,800 mi

    Most common repair owners describe: needs replacement (2 reports).

  • Sunroof breaks or will not closeSerious
    About 1 in 6 owner complaints60 of 365Median 41,100 mi

    Most common repair owners describe: whole sunroof assembly replacement quoted (1 report).

  • Engine burns oilSerious
    About 1 in 10 owner complaints35 of 365Median 102,000 mi

    Most common repair owners describe: engine replacement (2 reports).

  • Sunroof glass shattersSerious
    About 1 in 15 owner complaints24 of 365Median 2,200 mi

    Most common repair owners describe: repaired in shop for several weeks (1 report).

  • Engine failureCritical
    About 1 in 16 owner complaints23 of 365Median 102,000 mi

    Most common repair owners describe: engine replacement (3 reports).

  • Sunroof wind deflector breaksMinor
    About 1 in 16 owner complaints23 of 365Median 60,500 mi

    Most common repair owners describe: part on order (1 report).

  • Rear shocks failSerious
    About 1 in 26 owner complaints14 of 365Median 47,500 mi

  • Stalling or shutting off while drivingCritical
    About 1 in 28 owner complaints13 of 365Median 64,000 mi

Show all 11 problemsShow fewer problems
  • Many warning lights at onceMinor
    About 1 in 30 owner complaints12 of 365Median 105,300 mi

  • Oil leaks or low oilSerious
    About 1 in 33 owner complaints11 of 365Median 95,600 mi

  • No low-oil warning before failureCritical
    About 1 in 33 owner complaints11 of 365Median 92,000 mi

83%

of complaints that list mileage (33 of 40) came in before 25,000 miles. A low odometer reading is no guarantee.

5 recalls, newest first

Open one for the risk, the remedy and what to do now.

  • Front assembly › Power adjustPark outsideThe front power seat motor may overheat due to a stuck power seat slide knob or an improper recall 24V407 repair,…Jul 2, 2026462,869 vehicles26V430000
    Defect
    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.
    Risk
    A fire increases the risk of injury.
    Remedy
    Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete.
    What to do
    Park outside and away from buildings until the recall repair is done.
  • Front assembly › Power adjustPark outsideThe front power seat motor may overheat due to a stuck power seat slide knob, which can result in a fire while parked…Jun 5, 2024462,869 vehicles24V407000
    Defect
    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.
    Risk
    A fire increases the risk of injury.
    Remedy
    Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete.
    What to do
    Park outside and away from buildings until the recall repair is done.
  • Driveline › DriveshaftThe intermediate shaft and right front driveshaft may not be fully engaged, which can result in vehicle roll away…Mar 20, 2024427,407 vehicles24V214000
    Defect
    The intermediate shaft and right front driveshaft may not be fully engaged, which can result in vehicle roll away while in PARK.
    Risk
    A vehicle roll away increases the risk of a crash or injury.
    Remedy
    Owners are advised to manually engage the emergency parking brake prior to exiting the vehicle until the recall remedy is performed.
  • Trailer hitchesPark outsideDebris and moisture accumulation on the tow hitch harness module printed circuit board (PCB) may cause an electrical…Aug 15, 202236,417 vehicles22V626000
    Defect
    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.
    Risk
    A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
    Remedy
    Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete.
    What to do
    Park outside and away from buildings until the recall repair is done.
  • Air bags › Air bag/restraint control moduleThe Occupant Classification and Detection System (OCS/ODS) unit may not detect the presence of a child restraint…Mar 11, 2021142 vehicles21V164000
    Defect
    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."
    Risk
    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.
    Remedy
    Dealers will replace the OCS/ODS unit, free of charge.

What to do

Check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. If a recall is open, any dealer will fix it free. For NHTSA's full record of a campaign, search its number there (for example 26V430000).

Every Kia Telluride recall, across all model years

Reliability history

Kia Telluride reliability by year

Complaints filed in each model year's first 3 years, by trouble spot. Darker cells have more complaints; counts aren't adjusted for how many were sold each year.

Trouble spot202020212022202320242025
Transmission & drivetrain2020 Transmission & drivetrain: 14 complaints in the first 3 years.2021 Transmission & drivetrain: 9 complaints in the first 3 years.2022 Transmission & drivetrain: 12 complaints in the first 3 years.2023 Transmission & drivetrain: 18 complaints in the first 3 years.2024 Transmission & drivetrain: too new, fewer than 3 complete years.2025 Transmission & drivetrain: too new, fewer than 3 complete years.
Engine2020 Engine: 6 complaints in the first 3 years.2021 Engine: 8 complaints in the first 3 years.2022 Engine: 9 complaints in the first 3 years.2023 Engine: 15 complaints in the first 3 years.2024 Engine: too new, fewer than 3 complete years.2025 Engine: too new, fewer than 3 complete years.
Fuel system & stalling2020 Fuel system & stalling: 1 complaints in the first 3 years.2021 Fuel system & stalling: 1 complaints in the first 3 years.2022 Fuel system & stalling: 1 complaints in the first 3 years.2023 Fuel system & stalling: 7 complaints in the first 3 years.2024 Fuel system & stalling: too new, fewer than 3 complete years.2025 Fuel system & stalling: too new, fewer than 3 complete years.
Electrical2020 Electrical: 11 complaints in the first 3 years.2021 Electrical: 15 complaints in the first 3 years.2022 Electrical: 44 complaints in the first 3 years.2023 Electrical: 38 complaints in the first 3 years.2024 Electrical: too new, fewer than 3 complete years.2025 Electrical: too new, fewer than 3 complete years.
Driver aids & stability2020 Driver aids & stability: 3 complaints in the first 3 years.2021 Driver aids & stability: 9 complaints in the first 3 years.2022 Driver aids & stability: 13 complaints in the first 3 years.2023 Driver aids & stability: 17 complaints in the first 3 years.2024 Driver aids & stability: too new, fewer than 3 complete years.2025 Driver aids & stability: too new, fewer than 3 complete years.
Brakes2020 Brakes: 3 complaints in the first 3 years.2021 Brakes: 5 complaints in the first 3 years.2022 Brakes: 8 complaints in the first 3 years.2023 Brakes: 5 complaints in the first 3 years.2024 Brakes: too new, fewer than 3 complete years.2025 Brakes: too new, fewer than 3 complete years.
Steering2020 Steering: 2 complaints in the first 3 years.2021 Steering: 2 complaints in the first 3 years.2022 Steering: 2 complaints in the first 3 years.2023 Steering: 9 complaints in the first 3 years.2024 Steering: too new, fewer than 3 complete years.2025 Steering: too new, fewer than 3 complete years.
Suspension2020 Suspension: 3 complaints in the first 3 years.2021 Suspension: 2 complaints in the first 3 years.2022 Suspension: 5 complaints in the first 3 years.2023 Suspension: 6 complaints in the first 3 years.2024 Suspension: too new, fewer than 3 complete years.2025 Suspension: too new, fewer than 3 complete years.
Airbags & seat belts2020 Airbags & seat belts: 2 complaints in the first 3 years.2021 Airbags & seat belts: 4 complaints in the first 3 years.2022 Airbags & seat belts: 7 complaints in the first 3 years.2023 Airbags & seat belts: 4 complaints in the first 3 years.2024 Airbags & seat belts: too new, fewer than 3 complete years.2025 Airbags & seat belts: too new, fewer than 3 complete years.
Body, lights & visibility2020 Body, lights & visibility: 182 complaints in the first 3 years.2021 Body, lights & visibility: 84 complaints in the first 3 years.2022 Body, lights & visibility: 94 complaints in the first 3 years.2023 Body, lights & visibility: 50 complaints in the first 3 years.2024 Body, lights & visibility: too new, fewer than 3 complete years.2025 Body, lights & visibility: too new, fewer than 3 complete years.
Acceleration & speed control2020 Acceleration & speed control: 4 complaints in the first 3 years.2021 Acceleration & speed control: 2 complaints in the first 3 years.2022 Acceleration & speed control: 4 complaints in the first 3 years.2023 Acceleration & speed control: 13 complaints in the first 3 years.2024 Acceleration & speed control: too new, fewer than 3 complete years.2025 Acceleration & speed control: too new, fewer than 3 complete years.
Wheels & tires2020 Wheels & tires: 0 complaints in the first 3 years.2021 Wheels & tires: 2 complaints in the first 3 years.2022 Wheels & tires: 2 complaints in the first 3 years.2023 Wheels & tires: 1 complaints in the first 3 years.2024 Wheels & tires: too new, fewer than 3 complete years.2025 Wheels & tires: too new, fewer than 3 complete years.
Hover or tap a cell for details

All problems

Every problem reported on the 2021 Telluride

Every problem found in the 365 owner complaints, by area of the vehicle.

Body, lights & visibility

206 56%
Show 28 more body, lights & visibility problemsShow fewer body, lights & visibility problems
  • Paint peels or delaminatesMinor
    3 0.8%
  • Exterior door trim comes loose
    3 0.8%
  • Side window shatters
    2 0.5%
  • High beam failure
    2 0.5%
  • Wipers pause mid-sweep
    2 0.5%
  • Uneven airflow to rear rows
    1 0.3%
  • Windows flex and will not roll up at highway speed
    1 0.3%
  • Liftgate fails
    1 0.3%
  • Wipers cannot clear light snow
    1 0.3%
  • LED headlight housings fog up and frost
    1 0.3%
  • Windshield molding comes loose
    1 0.3%
  • Child lock latches and unlatches by itself
    1 0.3%
  • Fuel door panel detaches
    1 0.3%
  • Windshield pitting
    1 0.3%
  • Power windows and mirrors work intermittently
    1 0.3%
  • Headlights aimed too high
    1 0.3%
  • Wipers stick
    1 0.3%
  • Driver door loses electrical power
    1 0.3%
  • Rear doors will not open from inside
    1 0.3%
  • Headlight stops working
    1 0.3%
  • Burning smell from heated seats
    1 0.3%
  • Intermediate shaft failure
    1 0.3%
  • Seat buttons stop working
    1 0.3%
  • Leather ripping on seats
    1 0.3%
  • Captain's chair folds unexpectedly
    1 0.3%
  • Exhaust pipe burns people at the trunk
    1 0.3%
  • Power seats stopped working
    1 0.3%
  • Wipers stop mid-sweep in intermittent mode
    1 0.3%

Engine

65 18%
  • Engine burns oilSerious
    35 10%typically at 102,000 mi · 10% fixed
  • Engine failureCritical
    23 6%typically at 102,000 mi
  • Stalling or shutting off while drivingCritical
    13 4%
  • Oil leaks or low oilSerious
    11 3%
  • No low-oil warning before failure
    11 3%typically at 92,000 mi
  • Squeal or whistle from engine on cold startMinor
    3 0.8%
Show 9 more engine problemsShow fewer engine problems
  • Fuel pump or fuel injector failureCritical
    3 0.8%
  • Cooling fan runs on its own
    2 0.5%
  • Engine knocking
    2 0.5%
  • Engine light and rough running on cold start
    1 0.3%
  • Engine overheating
    1 0.3%
  • Engine surges at a stop
    1 0.3%
  • Popping sound from exhaust
    1 0.3%
  • Overheating from leaking hoses and seals
    1 0.3%
  • Shudder and rough running
    1 0.3%

Electrical

30 8%
  • Many warning lights at onceMinor
    12 3%
  • Instrument cluster or gauges failSerious
    6 2%
  • Battery drain or no-startSerious
    3 0.8%
  • Electronic parking brake engages on its ownCritical
    3 0.8%
  • Screen or infotainment glitchesMinor
    3 0.8%
  • Alternator fails and drains battery
    2 0.5%
Show 6 more electrical problemsShow fewer electrical problems
  • Wiring harness damage
    2 0.5%
  • Battery discharge warning comes and goes
    1 0.3%
  • Rear child safety lock fails
    1 0.3%
  • Water leaks damaging electronicsSerious
    1 0.3%
  • Charging system or electrical failure
    1 0.3%
  • Drive mode or driver assist fails
    1 0.3%

Transmission & drivetrain

20 5%
  • Vibration at highway speedSerious
    5 1%
  • Hesitation or slipping while drivingSerious
    4 1%
  • Transmission failure needing replacementSerious
    3 0.8%
  • CV axle or boot failsSerious
    3 0.8%
  • Harsh, jerky shiftingSerious
    2 0.5%
  • Power transfer unit (PTU) or 4WD failureCritical
    2 0.5%
Show 4 more transmission & drivetrain problemsShow fewer transmission & drivetrain problems
  • Delayed engagement pulling away from a stopSerious
    1 0.3%
  • Drops into neutral or loses drive while movingCritical
    1 0.3%
  • Shifter stuck in Park
    1 0.3%
  • Stuck in reverse and would not shift
    1 0.3%

Suspension

17 5%
  • Rear shocks failSerious
    14 4%
  • Clunks or knocks from the suspensionMinor
    2 0.5%
  • Harsh, uneven rear ride
    1 0.3%
  • Broken weld in rear frame
    1 0.3%
  • Ride height sagging
    1 0.3%

Brakes

11 3%
  • Brake pedal sinks or brakes failCritical
    7 2%
  • Vehicle rolls away from park
    2 0.5%
  • Brake vacuum leak
    1 0.3%
  • Gear disengages and engine braking lost
    1 0.3%

Driver aids & stability

9 2%
  • Parking or collision sensors stop workingMinor
    3 0.8%
  • Blind spot warning works intermittently
    1 0.3%
  • Collision and lane departure warnings from camera fault
    1 0.3%
  • Forward collision avoidance does not engage
    1 0.3%
  • Automatic emergency braking activates for no reasonCritical
    1 0.3%
  • Front collision warning goes off falsely
    1 0.3%
Show 1 more driver aids & stability problemsShow fewer driver aids & stability problems
  • Forward collision warning shows with nothing ahead
    1 0.3%

Airbags & seat belts

8 2%
  • Airbags did not deploy in a crashCritical
    3 0.8%
  • Seat belt not workingSerious
    3 0.8%
  • Passenger airbag turns off with an adult in the seatCritical
    1 0.3%
  • Seat belt anchor bolt comes loose
    1 0.3%

Steering

7 2%
  • Loss of power steeringCritical
    6 2%
  • Steering does not respond
    1 0.3%

Fire

4 1%
  • Vehicle catches fireCritical
    4 1%

Wheels & tires

3 0.8%
  • Tires wear fast and blow out
    2 0.5%
  • Steering wheel buttons fail
    1 0.3%

Acceleration & speed control

3 0.8%
  • Sudden or unintended accelerationCritical
    1 0.3%
  • Dash part falls onto pedals
    1 0.3%
  • Cannot accelerate past 30 mph with check engine light
    1 0.3%

Other

2 0.5%
  • Anti-theft bypass via USB port
    1 0.3%
  • Vibration at highway speed
    1 0.3%

Fuel system & stalling

1 0.3%
  • Fuel leaksCritical
    1 0.3%

102 problems found in all 365 complaints. One complaint can describe more than one problem, so counts add up to more than the total. Not counted as a defect: 3 about recall paperwork or parts delays, 3 describing no vehicle defect. Typical miles, repair cost and fix rate show only when enough owners report them.

The data

Behind the numbers

Every figure comes from NHTSA's complaint file and APIs.

Complaints
365
Recalls
5
Crashes
7
Fires
4
Injuries
9
Deaths
0

Crashes and fires count complaints that report one; injuries and deaths count people.

Mileage at failure40 reports list mileage (median 3,200 mi); 325 don't.
<25k25–50k50–75k75–100k100–150k150k+0340033
<25k25–50k50–75k75–100k100–150k150k+0340033
Complaints by year filedPeak: 92 in 2026. * 2026 is a partial year.
’20’21’22’23’24’25’26*17523536726192
’20’21’22’23’24’25’26*17523536726192

FAQ

2021 Kia Telluride questions

Is the 2021 Kia Telluride reliable?

The 2021 Kia Telluride has some known problems, mainly because park-outside recall 22V626000 covers a fire risk in the trailer hitches. NHTSA has 365 owner complaints for this model year, and 16 of them report a crash, fire, injury or death. Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the repair is complete.

What are the most common 2021 Kia Telluride problems?

The most common complaints are windshield cracks, with 66 complaints (about 1 in 6 owner complaints), and sunroof breaks or will not close, with 60 (about 1 in 6). Engines burning oil come next with 35 complaints (about 1 in 10), followed by sunroof glass shattering with 24. Windshield cracks are reported early, with a middle figure of about 2,800 miles.

How many recalls does the 2021 Kia Telluride have?

This model year has 5 recalls, and three carry a park-outside warning: 22V626000 (trailer hitch electrical short that can cause a fire), 24V407000 and 26V430000 (front power seat motor that may overheat and cause a fire). Owners should park outside and away from structures until the repair is complete. The others cover the driveshaft roll away risk (24V214000) and the front passenger child-seat detection unit (21V164000). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Does the 2021 Kia Telluride have sunroof problems?

Yes, sunroof trouble is a main theme in owner complaints. 60 complaints describe a sunroof that sticks, comes off its track or will not close, and the middle repair amount owners gave was about $5,000. Another 24 describe the glass shattering, mostly at highway speed, and 23 describe a broken wind deflector. No recall is mentioned for the sunroof.

Does the 2021 Kia Telluride have engine problems?

Owners report engines burning oil, with 35 complaints, and engine failure, with 23 complaints, which is rated critical. Both tend to come late, with a middle figure of about 102,000 miles, and a quarter of the engine failure reports are at or below about 78,000 miles. Owners describe no oil on the dipstick, rattling and loss of power. No recall is mentioned for either problem.

What should I check before buying a 2021 Kia Telluride?

Ask the seller for proof that every recall was completed, especially 22V626000 for the trailer hitch fire risk and the seat motor recalls 24V407000 and 26V430000. Open and close the sunroof several times and look for cracks or chips in the windshield. On a higher-mileage vehicle, ask for oil change records and check the dipstick.

Is the 2021 Kia Telluride safe?

NHTSA gives the 2021 Kia Telluride 5 out of 5 stars overall, with 4 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. The front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive versions have the same ratings. Separately, 16 owner complaints mention a crash, fire, injury or death.

Which Kia Telluride years should you avoid?

Avoid the 2025 Kia Telluride: owner complaints for that year show serious known problems. For the 2020–2024, make sure the recall repairs were done: an urgent recall matters more than their complaint pattern. The 2027 has too few complaints to judge. Every model year is compared on the Kia Telluride years-to-avoid page.

Methodology

How we researched this

  • Complaints. NHTSA's owner complaint file, counted as unique complaint numbers for make KIA, model TELLURIDE, model year 2021. Data through Oct 4, 2026.
  • Verdict. Judged from this model year's own complaints, not against other models, using shares rather than counts. Serious known problems: one serious problem (transmission, engine or stalling, steering, brakes, airbags, fire, fuel leaks) is in a quarter or more of complaints; or a smaller but clear cluster comes with an unusual share of crash, fire, injury or loss-of-power reports or early failures; or an urgent recall or NHTSA investigation matches a top complaint. Some known problems: one of those signals on its own. No pattern of serious problems: none of them; this doesn't mean the vehicle is trouble-free. Too few complaints to judge: under 50 complaints. Why this verdict: A park-outside recall (22V626000) for a fire risk in the trailer hitches, matching a top complaint.
  • No grade or class ranking. Raw complaint counts favor models that sell fewer cars, so we don't score or rank this vehicle against other models until we can adjust for sales.
  • Trouble spots and history. Complaints grouped by the part owners chose when filing. The history grid counts complaints filed in each model year's first 3 years so older and newer years compare fairly; years with fewer than 3 complete years are marked too new.
  • Named problems. Every one of the 365 complaints was researched and classified by its problems, severity, symptoms, repairs and any cost the owner mentions; the counts, costs and fix rates on this page are tallies of those classifications. Quotes are verbatim excerpts, checked against the original text. Engines are decoded from partial VINs with NHTSA's vPIC service.
  • Repair costs and fix rates. Shown only when at least 10 owners report a repair cost, or at least 10 complaints describe whether a repair worked.
  • Not adjusted for sales. Not affiliated with NHTSA. Page updated Nov 5, 2026.