Crash test = NHTSA's overall star rating. “Crash, fire, injury” = complaints reporting one (share of the year's complaints). Counts depend on how many were sold, so they aren't a ranking.
Each year is judged on its own complaints only. Complaint counts are shown for context, not as a ranking: they depend on how many were sold and how long they've been on the road.
First generation: 2020–2025
Engines: 3.8L V6. Refresh for 2023.
Most reported across the 2020–2025 model years (1,999 complaints researched): windshield cracks or chips easily (20%), high beams stop working (8%) and excessive oil consumption (7%).
2020
Check recall
A park-outside recall (22V626000) for a fire risk in the trailer hitches
A park-outside recall (24V407000) for a fire risk in the seats
A park-outside recall (26V430000) for a fire risk in the seats
768 complaints · 7 recalls
2021
Check recall
A park-outside recall (22V626000) for a fire risk in the trailer hitches, matching a top complaint
Share of each model year's owner complaints that describe the problem. A complaint can describe more than one problem.
The main Telluride problems
Each problem across every model year: which years it hits, at what mileage, whether repairs fixed it, and in owners' own words.
Windshield cracks or chips easily
Serious
The windshield chips or cracks, and some cracks spread quickly. 396 owner complaints about the 2020–2025 Telluride describe it (20% of all we researched).
Share of that year's complaints · number of complaints
When owners report it
3,600 mi
median of 144 owners who gave a mileage; half between 1,200 and 7,600
Did a repair fix it?
35 of 45
owners who described a repair say it didn't fix the problem (4 more say partly)
What owners paid
$884
median of 20 owner-paid amounts; half between $703 and $1,309
In owners' words
“Very small chip in windshield and within an hour before we could get it filled it ran from one side to the other”
2020 TellurideOwner in TX3.8L V6Filed 2019NHTSA 11231577
“The impact was not that loud but caused a crack in the windshield, it quickly continue to expand by the time I got home the crack was several inches wide.”
2022 TellurideOwner in CA3.8L V6Filed 2021NHTSA 11434751
“Both times the damage was cause by road debris hitting the windshield, but the crack quickly spreads across the windshield.”
2021 TellurideOwner in FL3.8L V6Filed 2021NHTSA 11386171
The high beam headlights stop working, often both at once, while the low beams keep working. 150 owner complaints about the 2020–2025 Telluride describe it (8% of all we researched).
The engine shuts off while the vehicle is moving, often with a warning, and the driver may lose power. 126 owner complaints about the 2020–2025 Telluride describe it (6% of all we researched).
The digital instrument cluster goes dark and stops showing speed, fuel level and other driving information. 108 owner complaints about the 2020–2025 Telluride describe it (5% of all we researched).
Share of that year's complaints · number of complaints
When owners report it
2,200 mi
median of 17 owners who gave a mileage; half between 430 and 34,000
Did a repair fix it?
6 of 12
owners who described a repair say it didn't fix the problem (4 more say partly)
Crash, fire or injury
1
of these 108 complaints report one
Recall owners cite most: 23V298000 (5 complaints), 22V344000 (3 complaints), 21V577000 (2 complaints). See recalls for which years it covers and what dealers do.
In owners' words
“Can’t show speed, none of the advance driving features are working , and not showing gas level.”
2024 TellurideOwner in TX3.8L V6Filed 2026NHTSA 11730026
“One time it happened while on cruise control and just kept accelerating as if it didn't know what speed I was going.”
2022 TellurideOwner in CA3.8L V6Filed 2021NHTSA 11425188
“The instrument cluster randomly turns off while driving which renders many safety features, including but not limited to the backup camera, inoperable.”
2023 TellurideOwner in PA3.8L V6Filed 2024NHTSA 11589584
Every NHTSA recall campaign for the 2020–2025 and 2027 Telluride, do-not-drive and park-outside warnings first, with the model years each covers. Check any used Telluride's VIN on nhtsa.gov/recalls: an open recall is fixed free.
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,…2020–2024 modelsJul 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…2020–2024 modelsJun 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.
Trailer hitchesPark outsideDebris and moisture accumulation on the tow hitch harness module printed circuit board (PCB) may cause an electrical…2020–2022 modelsAug 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.
Seat belts › FrontThe driver seat belt emergency locking retractor may lock, causing the seat belt strap not to extend. As such, these…2027 modelJun 2, 20266,264 vehicles26V356000
Defect
The driver seat belt emergency locking retractor may lock, causing the seat belt strap not to extend. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 209, "Seat Belt Assemblies."
Risk
A seat belt strap that does not extend can fail to restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the seat belt assembly, free of charge.
Rear/other › AnchorageThe rear center seat belt anchor buckle in the 2026 K4 and the third-row center seat belt anchor buckle in the 2027…2027 modelMar 6, 202614,870 vehicles26V135000
Defect
The rear center seat belt anchor buckle in the 2026 K4 and the third-row center seat belt anchor buckle in the 2027 Telluride may not latch properly.
Risk
A seat belt buckle that is not latched properly can fail to restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and replace the anchor buckle assembly, as necessary, free of charge.
Front assembly › ReclinerDue to a manufacturing error, the driver and passenger seat back frame assemblies may fail to properly restrain…2025 modelFeb 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…2025 modelOct 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.2023–2025 modelsJul 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.
Driveline › DriveshaftThe intermediate shaft and right front driveshaft may not be fully engaged, which can result in vehicle roll away…2020–2024 modelsMar 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.
Exterior lighting › HeadlightsThe high beam headlights may fail.2020 modelFeb 26, 202435,031 vehicles24V148000
Defect
The high beam headlights may fail.
Risk
Inoperable high beam headlights may reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and repair or replace the high beam headlights, as necessary free of charge.
Engine › Hard parts internal/mechanicalThe engine valve springs may break while driving, which can result in a loss of drive power and possibly create a…2024 modelFeb 7, 20242,872 vehicles24V077000
Defect
The engine valve springs may break while driving, which can result in a loss of drive power and possibly create a hole in the engine block.
Risk
A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash. A hole in the engine block increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the engine sub-assembly, free of charge.
Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panelThe instrument cluster may fail to display any information when the vehicle is started. As such, these vehicles fail…2023 modelApr 26, 2023108,936 vehicles23V298000
Defect
The instrument cluster may fail to display any information when the vehicle is started. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers 101, "Control and Displays," and 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems."
Risk
A blank instrument cluster display will not show critical information, such as tire pressure, warning messages, and warning lights, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will update the instrument cluster software, free of charge.
Air bags › Side/windowDue to a manufacturing error, the wire harnesses for the second row seat side air bags may become damaged, causing…2023 modelJan 29, 202331,943 vehicles23V035000
Defect
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 a crash.
Risk
Air bags that do not deploy as intended can increase the risk of injury in a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and replace, or secure the air bag wire harnesses, as necessary, free of charge.
Tires › Temporary/emergency spare tireThe vehicles may be equipped with an incorrect spare tire which, when installed, can impair the anti-lock braking…2022 modelJul 19, 20228 vehicles22V509000
Defect
The vehicles may be equipped with an incorrect spare tire which, when installed, can impair the anti-lock braking system (ABS) and the traction control system (TCS).
Risk
Impaired anti-lock braking or traction control systems can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and replace the spare tire, as necessary, free of charge.
Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panelExcess adhesive in a circuit board within the instrument cluster may cause the instrument cluster display screen to…2022 modelMay 17, 20223,596 vehicles22V344000
Defect
Excess adhesive in a circuit board within the instrument cluster may cause the instrument cluster display screen to be blank. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 101, "Control and Displays."
Risk
A blank instrument cluster display screen will not show critical information, such as the odometer, which can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the instrument cluster assembly, free of charge.
Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panelThe LCD display screen may remain blank after startup. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements…2022 modelJul 28, 20215,143 vehicles21V577000
Defect
The LCD display screen may remain blank after startup. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 101, "Control and Displays."
Risk
A blank LCD display may be missing information, such as the digital speedometer, gear selection indicator, and odometer, which may increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will update the instrument cluster's software, free of charge.
Air bags › Air bag/restraint control moduleThe Occupant Classification and Detection System (OCS/ODS) unit may not detect the presence of a child restraint…2021 modelMar 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.
Electrical system › WiringWhen a trailer is connected to the vehicle, the trailer brake lights will not illuminate when the SCC applies the…2020 modelJul 28, 202086,921 vehicles20V436000
Defect
When a trailer is connected to the vehicle, the trailer brake lights will not illuminate when the SCC applies the brakes. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Risk
Inoperative trailer brake lights can fail to warn other drivers that the vehicle is slowing, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will install an additional wire harness to the main fuse box to signal the trailer brake lights, free of charge.
Seat belts › Rear/otherThe seat belt assemblies in the front passenger, second, and/or third row seats may not tightly secure a child…2020 modelAug 13, 201930,168 vehicles19V594000
Defect
The seat belt assemblies in the front passenger, second, and/or third row seats may not tightly secure a child restraint system in the event of a crash.
Risk
If a child seat is not properly secured, there is an increased risk of injury to the occupant in a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the vehicles and replace any incorrect seat belt assemblies.
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).
How we judge each year
We research every owner complaint filed with NHTSA for each model year and judge the year on its own complaints: whether one serious problem (transmission, engine or stalling, steering, brakes, airbags, fire, fuel leaks) makes up a large share of them, whether an unusual share report a crash, fire, injury or loss of power while moving, whether serious failures come early, and whether NHTSA issued a do-not-drive or park-outside recall or opened an investigation. We use shares, not counts, so a year that sold well isn't marked down for having more owners. More on our verdicts.
Questions
What years of the Kia Telluride should you avoid?+
The 2025 Telluride. 2025: 39% of complaints (45) describe engine failure or stalling (engine stalling while driving).
Which Kia Telluride years have an urgent recall to check?+
The 2027 has fewer than 50 owner complaints on file, too few to judge. New model years often haven’t been on the road long enough.
What is the most common problem with the Kia Telluride?+
Windshield cracks or chips easily: 396 owner complaints (20%) across the 2020–2025 model years describe it, the largest share in the 2022 (31% of that year's complaints). Owners report it at a median of 3,600 miles. Of 45 owners who described a repair, 35 say it didn't fix the problem.
How many recalls does the Kia Telluride have?+
NHTSA lists 19 recall campaigns for the 2020–2025 and 2027 Telluride, 3 with a do-not-drive or park-outside warning (26V430000, 2020–2024; 24V407000, 2020–2024; 22V626000, 2020–2022). Any dealer fixes an open recall free.