2025 Kia Telluride Reliability & Problems
By Adrian V. LockhartUpdated All 116 NHTSA owner reports researched and classified
Pictured: 2024 Kia Telluride EX X-Line (same design as 2025 and 2026), same generation as the 2025 model.
Owner complaints
116
5 report a crash, fire, injury or death
Recalls
3
None urgent
Most common problem
39%
of complaints: stalling while driving
In short
Serious known problemsThe 2025 Kia Telluride has serious known problems: 45 of 116 owner complaints (39%) describe the engine stalling or shutting off while driving, a safety-critical failure. Five complaints report a crash, fire, injury or death. Stalling is the main problem, and this model year has 3 recalls covering seat backs, the spare tire and door trim.
Reliability
How Reliable Is the 2025 Kia Telluride?
This model year has serious known problems because one failure dominates its complaints. About 39% of owner complaints describe the engine stalling or shutting off while driving, and 43% report a crash, fire, injury or death, or a loss of power while moving. A vehicle that loses power while moving is a safety issue, not an annoyance, because the driver can lose control of speed and steering assist in traffic.
Stalling is the only problem pattern large enough to stand out here. Owners describe the engine shutting off while driving, an audible alarm followed by an engine off message, and a complete loss of power. Some describe it happening while slowing down, stopped in traffic or at a red light, and some say they could not restart the vehicle afterward. A few mention a loud engine tapping or a grinding noise, but those reports are too few to tell whether they are linked to the stalling.
None of the three recalls on this model year addresses stalling. One covers the front seat back frames, which may fail to properly restrain occupants in a crash, and dealers inspect and replace them as necessary. Another covers an incorrect spare tire that can impair the anti-lock braking and traction control systems, and the fix is a replacement spare wheel and tire. The third covers door belt molding trim that can delaminate and detach. Only a small number of owners describe what repairs were tried for stalling, so there is not enough to say whether repairs fixed it. Where owners did report an outcome, the repairs did not fix the problem.
Mileage points to problems showing up early. Among the few owners who gave a mileage, the middle report was about 7,000 miles, and 82% were under 25,000 miles. For stalling alone, the middle report was about 14,000 miles, with the earlier quarter of reports at about 4,100 miles or less and the later quarter at about 23,500 miles or more. Because these are only a handful of reports, a low odometer reading does not rule out stalling on a particular vehicle.
For a buyer, the practical step is to treat any past stalling as a serious warning and to get the vehicle's service history before you pay. Confirm the recalls were completed. Keep in mind the limits of the evidence: complaint counts show what owners reported, not how many vehicles are affected, and they cannot show how a particular vehicle was maintained or driven.
Top problems
The problem owners report most
Named from 116 NHTSA complaints. Open a problem for symptoms, the fix, cost and owners' accounts.
1.Stalling or shutting off while drivingCriticalAbout 1 in 3 complaints4,100–23,500 mi
Owners describe the engine shutting off while driving, often with an audible alarm and an engine off message, followed by no power and sometimes no restart. It has happened while slowing, in stop-and-go traffic and at a red light, and some owners got no warning first. This model year has no recall for it.
What owners describe
- Engine shuts off while driving24%
- Alarm and engine off message16%
- Sudden loss of power16%
Fix
Most common repair owners describe: ecu software update (1 report).
Mileage
14,000 mi
Middle half 4,100–23,500 mi · 7 reports
Repair cost
—
Fewer than 10 owners report a repair cost
How common
39%
45 of 116 complaints
Crash, fire or injury
0%
of these complaints
In owners' words
“Could not duplicate concern at this time, vehicle has already been driven about 68 miles and vehicle is operating normally”
Owner in TX3.8LFiled 2025NHTSA 11692032 “I pulled over and found that the engine had indeed turned itself off in the middle of driving.”
Owner in SC3.8LFiled 2026NHTSA 11732712 “The dealer is telling me there are no codes and they are unable to replicate the incident”
Owner in TN3.8LFiled 2026NHTSA 11719574
Buying one
Should you buy a used 2025 Kia Telluride?
What to check before you buy, based on the complaint and recall data.
Ask the seller or a Kia dealer whether the vehicle has ever shut off while driving, and ask for service records of any stalling visit. Have a dealer confirm that recalls 26V105000, 25V745000 and 25V494000 have been done. Test drive in stop-and-go traffic and at highway speed, and watch for warning messages or a loss of power.
- 1Run the VIN for open recalls. NHTSA lists 3 recalls. Check at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- 2Test-drive for stalling while driving. It's the most common safety-critical complaint, in about 1 in 3 owner complaints, usually around 14,000 miles.
- 3Ask for software update records. 11% of complaints mention a software update or reflash.
- 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 2025 is its verdict from our research of its owner complaints.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings.
| SUV AWD | SUV FWD | |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Frontal crash | ★★★★ | ★★★★ |
| Side crash | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Rollover | ★★★★ | ★★★★ |
| Rollover risk | 14% | 16% |
Owning one
If you already own one
Find your symptom, see when problems tend to show up, and check which recalls apply.
Watch for an audible alarm, an engine off message, a flashing and beeping instrument panel or a sudden loss of power. If the engine shuts off while you drive, steer to a safe place and report it to a dealer and to NHTSA. Confirm with a dealer that all three recalls on this model year have been completed.
- Stalling or shutting off while drivingCriticalAbout 1 in 3 owner complaints45 of 116Median 14,000 mi
Most common repair owners describe: ecu software update (1 report).
- Windshield crackingSeriousAbout 1 in 9 owner complaints13 of 116Median 3,500 mi
- Sunroof glass shattersSeriousAbout 1 in 11 owner complaints11 of 116Median 3,700 mi
3 recalls, newest first
Open one for the risk, the remedy and what to do now.
Front assembly › ReclinerDue to a manufacturing error, the driver and passenger seat back frame assemblies may fail to properly restrain…Feb 23, 202685,515 vehicles26V105000
- Defect
- Due to a manufacturing error, the driver and passenger seat back frame assemblies may fail to properly restrain occupants in a crash.
- Risk
- A seat back frame that fails to properly restrain an occupant during a crash increases the risk of injury.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect and replace the front seat back frame assemblies, as necessary, free of charge.
Tires › Temporary/emergency spare tireThe vehicles are equipped with an incorrect spare tire which, when installed, can impair the anti-lock braking system…Oct 31, 202545 vehicles25V745000
- Defect
- The vehicles are equipped with an incorrect spare tire which, when installed, can impair the anti-lock braking system (ABS) and the traction control system (TCS).
- Risk
- Anti-lock braking or traction control systems that do not function properly can increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the spare wheel and tire assembly, free of charge.
Structure › Exterior trimThe door belt molding trim can delaminate and detach from the vehicle.Jul 28, 2025201,149 vehicles25V494000
- Defect
- The door belt molding trim can delaminate and detach from the vehicle.
- Risk
- A detached trim piece can become a road hazard for other vehicles, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect and replace the belt molding trim assemblies as necessary, 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 26V105000).
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.
All problems
Every problem reported on the 2025 Telluride
Every problem found in the 116 owner complaints, by area of the vehicle.
Engine
48 41%- 45 39%typically at 14,000 mi14,000––
- Engine overheating2 2%–––
- Engine knocking1 0.9%–––
- Rough idle and near stall1 0.9%–––
Body, lights & visibility
37 32%- Windshield crackingSerious13 11%–––
- Sunroof glass shattersSerious11 9%–––
- A/C condenser damaged by road debris2 2%–––
- Wipers work intermittently or not at all2 2%–––
- Dim low-beam headlightsSerious1 0.9%–––
- Headlights fog up1 0.9%–––
Show 7 more body, lights & visibility problemsShow fewer body, lights & visibility problems
- Wind noise from side windows1 0.9%–––
- Doors lock with key fob inside1 0.9%–––
- Windshield pierced by road debris1 0.9%–––
- Washer fluid leaks onto rear window1 0.9%–––
- Side window cracking1 0.9%–––
- Paint peeling1 0.9%–––
- Rear doors and liftgate will not open after power loss1 0.9%–––
Electrical
8 7%- Instrument cluster goes blank2 2%–––
- Wiring harness damage2 2%–––
- Battery drain or no-startSerious1 0.9%–––
- All electronics shut down when auto stop activates1 0.9%–––
- Many warning lights at onceMinor1 0.9%–––
- Screen or infotainment glitchesMinor1 0.9%–––
Driver aids & stability
6 5%- Automatic emergency braking activates for no reasonCritical4 3%–––
- False collision warning1 0.9%–––
- Lane assist steering fails to turn1 0.9%–––
Steering
5 4%- Loss of power steeringCritical5 4%–––
Transmission & drivetrain
5 4%- Transmission failure needing replacementSerious3 3%–––
- Rolls away while in park1 0.9%–––
- Drops into neutral or loses drive while movingCritical1 0.9%–––
- False 'shift to P or N' engine-off alarm1 0.9%–––
- Harsh, jerky shiftingSerious1 0.9%–––
Airbags & seat belts
4 3%- Hard-to-use rear seat belt receiver1 0.9%–––
- Airbags did not deploy in a crashCritical1 0.9%–––
- Seat belts did not lock in crash1 0.9%–––
- Seat belt retractor locks and traps child1 0.9%–––
- Airbag warning light stays onSerious1 0.9%–––
Brakes
3 3%- Brake pedal sinks or brakes failCritical3 3%–––
Acceleration & speed control
2 2%- Sudden or unintended accelerationCritical2 2%–––
Fire
2 2%- Vehicle catches fireCritical2 2%–––
Wheels & tires
1 0.9%- Steering wheel shakes during ABS braking1 0.9%–––
41 problems found in all 116 complaints. One complaint can describe more than one problem, so counts add up to more than the total. Not counted as a defect: 10 about recall paperwork or parts delays, 2 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
- 116
- Recalls
- 3
- Crashes
- 3
- Fires
- 2
- Injuries
- 5
- Deaths
- 0
Crashes and fires count complaints that report one; injuries and deaths count people.
Mileage at failure
Not enough data yet
Only 11 complaints list mileage; we chart this from 30.
FAQ
2025 Kia Telluride questions
Is the 2025 Kia Telluride reliable?
The 2025 Kia Telluride has serious known problems. 39% of owner complaints (45) describe the engine stalling or shutting off while driving, and 43% report a crash, fire, injury or death, or a loss of power while moving. Stalling is the one problem that stands out.
What are the most common 2025 Kia Telluride problems?
Stalling or shutting off while driving is the most common problem, at about 1 in 3 owner complaints (45 of 116). Owners describe an audible alarm and an engine off message, then a loss of power. After the engine, the next biggest trouble spots are body, lights and visibility (windshield cracking, sunroof glass shatters) and electrical.
Does the 2025 Kia Telluride have stalling problems?
Yes, stalling while driving is a critical problem for this model year, and 39% of complaints (45) describe it. Owners say it has happened while slowing down, in stop-and-go traffic and at a red light, sometimes with no warning and no restart. Among owners who gave a mileage for stalling, the middle report was about 14,000 miles.
How many recalls does the 2025 Kia Telluride have?
The 2025 Kia Telluride has 3 recalls, and none carries a do-not-drive or park-outside warning. Recall 26V105000 covers front seat back frames that may fail to restrain occupants in a crash, 25V745000 covers an incorrect spare tire that can impair the anti-lock braking and traction control systems, and 25V494000 covers door belt molding trim that can detach. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What should I check before buying a 2025 Kia Telluride?
Ask the seller or a Kia dealer whether the vehicle has ever shut off while driving, and ask for service records of any stalling visit. Have a dealer confirm recalls 26V105000, 25V745000 and 25V494000 have been done. Test drive in stop-and-go traffic and at highway speed, watching for warning messages or a loss of power.
Is the 2025 Kia Telluride safe?
NHTSA gives the 2025 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 ratings are the same for the AWD and FWD versions. Owners have also reported stalling while driving, a safety-critical failure, in 45 complaints.
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 2025. 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: 39% of complaints (45) describe engine failure or stalling (stalling while driving); 43% of complaints report a crash, fire, injury or death, or a loss of power while moving (typical: 17%).
- 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 116 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.