Cooling fans running continuously after the car is turned off, which drains the battery. The dealership has identified that this is due to a faulty fan relay that will need to be completely replaced. The battery has been replaced once and the issue continued indicating that it was not a battery issue. The car ran out of batter…
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Cooling fans running continuously after the car is turned off, which drains the battery. The dealership has identified that this is due to a faulty fan relay that will need to be completely replaced. The battery has been replaced once and the issue continued indicating that it was not a battery issue. The car ran out of battery in a busy location and caused risk to the passengers that were then exposed to busy traffic. The car has been inspected by repair specialists at the Vaden Hyundai Service Center. There were no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms before the problem began.
NHTSA ODI #11720148
Mileage unknown · Feb 21, 2026
Electrical SystemEngine
After owning this Telluride for a year the engine started stalling. I took it into the nearest Oil change company, and they informed me that the oil was completely out and dry. I always stay up to date with my oil changes, so this was a huge shock. There was no light that ever came on stating an oil concern and there was no lig…
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After owning this Telluride for a year the engine started stalling. I took it into the nearest Oil change company, and they informed me that the oil was completely out and dry. I always stay up to date with my oil changes, so this was a huge shock. There was no light that ever came on stating an oil concern and there was no light that came on even when the engine stalled. This company sent me directly to Kia stating they have seen this several times with this vehicle and they have oil consumption issues. I went to Kia and they had me do the oil consumption test. When completed they stated I was within the "standard" oil consumption levels. I asked why the car didn't even have an oil light or engine light come on as a warning and they had no answers for me. Had a light come on I would've taken it to be looked at prior to having the engine stall on me which was a major safety issue. Fast forward, I ended up and purchased another car and gave the Telluride to my husband. I drive a lot for work and he doesn't, so it made more sense to help with the oil. We are now having to put at least 3 quarts of oil in it in between oil changes. And he has still experienced the engine puttering. Both times with our kids in the car, steering becomes difficult and he has to pull off the road. Once he turns it off and restarts, it seems to be fine. Another mechanic told us that they anticipate a recall to come out with the 2021 Telluride soon since they have already recalled previous years for the same issues. It is absurd to have to put in 3 quarts of oil in between oil changes. The fact that no warning lights have ever come on is safety concern. The car randomly stalling is a safety concern. Kia needs to do something about this before someone gets injured.
NHTSA ODI #11719571
Mileage unknown · Feb 18, 2026
Electrical System
I attempted to use my sunroof today 2/18/26 and I heard a popping sound and it sounded like something broke. I rolled the sunroof back closed and now the back of the sunroof (moonroof) is now propped open and won't close. I have tried the manual overide for 10 to 15 seconds and it just makes a clicking sound. I am pretty upse…
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I attempted to use my sunroof today 2/18/26 and I heard a popping sound and it sounded like something broke. I rolled the sunroof back closed and now the back of the sunroof (moonroof) is now propped open and won't close. I have tried the manual overide for 10 to 15 seconds and it just makes a clicking sound. I am pretty upset as I have only used my sunroof maybe 10 times in the 4 years I have had the car. After research there is a TSB 319 that clearly documents it is a known problem on 2019 to 2022 Telluride models yet, no recall. While it is not a major safety issue, it is now a concern that when it rains, it will get into my my vehicle causing further damage. This should be a covered repair on Kia's behalf especially when it seems it is happening most often after factory warranty or 60,000 miles for most who are reporting it. Sounds like a scam to get another 5,000 dollars out of their customers. Won't be buying a Kia again.
NHTSA ODI #11718971
Mileage unknown · Jun 24, 2025
Electrical System
Child Safety Lock Failure. At random times something within the rear doors will make a constant clicking noise for roughly 20 seconds. When clicking stops the dash will display child safety lock failure. The clicking noise sounds as though it is coming from an electrical component such as an actuator or solenoid.
NHTSA ODI #11669057
Mileage unknown · Jun 24, 2025
Electrical SystemEngineService Brakes
I am reporting a serious and ongoing electrical and transmission issue with my 2021 Kia Telluride (VIN: [XXX] ). The problem began under 20,000 miles and has continued intermittently for years, progressively worsening. My vehicle is currently at ~99,600 miles and under extended warranty. The key safety concerns include: Transm…
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I am reporting a serious and ongoing electrical and transmission issue with my 2021 Kia Telluride (VIN: [XXX] ). The problem began under 20,000 miles and has continued intermittently for years, progressively worsening. My vehicle is currently at ~99,600 miles and under extended warranty. The key safety concerns include: Transmission Lockout: The vehicle intermittently becomes stuck in Park and will not shift, even with the brake depressed. No-Start Condition: The vehicle will randomly become completely unresponsive—no dash lights, no infotainment, and no engine start. Electrical System Failure While Driving: Multiple safety systems fail mid-drive, including: Loss of power steering and air conditioning Random activation of ESC, TPMS, Collision Assist, Blind Spot, and Parking Brake warnings Infotainment screen turns off while in motion Component Failures Due to Electrical Shorts: Both the radio and the backup camera were diagnosed with shorts and had to be replaced under warranty. Brake Lockout Post-Shutdown: The brake pedal becomes very firm and the vehicle will not restart until hours later. Most concerning, my wife and children have been left stranded in the disabled vehicle on multiple occasions due to these issues. The car has been in the shop several times — around 50,000 and 80,000 miles — but no permanent resolution has been found. This is a clear and escalating safety hazard. The failures affect critical systems while driving and leave the vehicle unpredictably disabled. Kia has been made aware and an escalation is underway, but I am filing this report to ensure the NHTSA is aware of the pattern and potential danger these failures pose to others. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA ODI #11668821
Mileage unknown · May 29, 2025
Electrical SystemEngine
I recently brought this 2021 kia telluride used from a local dealership with 103,000 miles and everything was great , until yesterday i notice that when coming to a stop the car would sputter i thought maybe it was just a one off because i recently got recall work done at a kia dealership and they checked over the vehicle and e…
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I recently brought this 2021 kia telluride used from a local dealership with 103,000 miles and everything was great , until yesterday i notice that when coming to a stop the car would sputter i thought maybe it was just a one off because i recently got recall work done at a kia dealership and they checked over the vehicle and everything was fine. so this morning im driving to work and it happens again so i check the oil and its completely empty i've went less than 3k miles on this oil change something needs to be done no warning to lights
NHTSA ODI #11663599
Mileage unknown · May 28, 2025
Back Over PreventionElectrical SystemForward Collision Avoidance
My main screen on my 2021 Telluride goes out suddenly, turning off the backup camera and collision warnings. Sometimes when I start the car it never turns on, sometimes it starts to boot and then goes out and sometimes it works for a few seconds/minutes and then turns off. Once and a while it turns on and stays on for days bef…
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My main screen on my 2021 Telluride goes out suddenly, turning off the backup camera and collision warnings. Sometimes when I start the car it never turns on, sometimes it starts to boot and then goes out and sometimes it works for a few seconds/minutes and then turns off. Once and a while it turns on and stays on for days before going on randomly again.
NHTSA ODI #11663365
Mileage unknown · Jan 10, 2025
Electrical System
My infotainment/navigation system has failed before the 4 year anniversary of my car 1/13/21. The screen freezes with larger vertical magenta colored blocks in the foreground with an olive green and brown background. Sometimes the screen is completely black. The color on the screen often oscillates between blue and regular funct…
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My infotainment/navigation system has failed before the 4 year anniversary of my car 1/13/21. The screen freezes with larger vertical magenta colored blocks in the foreground with an olive green and brown background. Sometimes the screen is completely black. The color on the screen often oscillates between blue and regular functionality. When the system temporarily worked, I updated the software. Yet updating the software did not correct the chronic, safety issues with the screen. This very flawed Kia Telluride 2021 infotainment system presents a real safety hazard to every driver who has purchased this car. Today I am in Capitol Kia replacing a 3 year old infotainment system on my own dime. I counted there should be a class action suit and a recall.
NHTSA ODI #11635241
Mileage unknown · Dec 30, 2024
Electrical SystemEngine
My engine started jerking when stopped. Then the electrical started acting up, like the windows wouldn't roll back up. Then the engine just shut off while I was driving.
NHTSA ODI #11633204
Mileage unknown · Dec 30, 2024
Back Over PreventionElectrical System
Anytime going through the car wash the front and back parking sensors don’t work and gives an error. It is now permanently stuck with this error.
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A fire increases the risk of injury.
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. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC374. This recall replaces NHTSA recall number 24V407. Vehicles already repaired under the previous recall will need to have the new remedy completed. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning July 17, 2026.
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A fire increases the risk of injury.
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. Owner notification letters were mailed July 30, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC316.
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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. Dealers will update the electronic parking brake software and replace any damaged intermediate shafts as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 15, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC303.
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. 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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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. Dealers will install a new fuse and a wiring harness extension. Dealers will also inspect and replace the tow hitch harness assembly, as necessary. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 12, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC247.
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. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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: 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.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Air Bags:sensor:occupant Classification:front Passenger
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. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Consequence: 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: 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.
Air Bags: Air Bag/restraint Control Module
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. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Consequence: 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: 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.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
0
No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.
2021 Kia Telluride Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year