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2021 Kia Telluride

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2021 Kia Telluride do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 215.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

Limited mileage data: 40 of 360 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Visibility/wiper. Review the 63 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine. Review the 62 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 40 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

7 crash reports4 fire reports7 injury reports

What owners actually said

360 reports
Mileage unknown · Aug 19, 2024
Unknown Or Other

We were driving down Hwy 321 going approximately 65 mph and the sunroof just exploded. There were no other vehicles close for it to be hit my a rock. It sounded like a gunshot and glass went everywhere. Very dangerous and scary!

NHTSA ODI #11609296

Mileage unknown · Aug 14, 2024
Structure

Driving down a 2-lane highway doing less than 60 mph, the wind from the oncoming semi-truck shattered the sunroof glass. This caused us to have to drive hundreds of miles home with water, wind and broken glass in our car with 3 children who were 6 years old and younger. I contact Kia Corporate compliants directly while the car …

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Driving down a 2-lane highway doing less than 60 mph, the wind from the oncoming semi-truck shattered the sunroof glass. This caused us to have to drive hundreds of miles home with water, wind and broken glass in our car with 3 children who were 6 years old and younger. I contact Kia Corporate compliants directly while the car was in the shop for several weeks and they said because it was already fixed there was nothing they could do.

NHTSA ODI #11608489

19,000 miles · Aug 2, 2024
Latches/locks/linkages

The contact owns a 2021 Kia Telluride. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the rear door latch was not operating properly, and the door failed to close as intended. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the wiring harness had melted. The vehicle was repaired. The man…

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The contact owns a 2021 Kia Telluride. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the rear door latch was not operating properly, and the door failed to close as intended. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the wiring harness had melted. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 19,000.

NHTSA ODI #11606132

Mileage unknown · Jul 26, 2024
Unknown Or Other

Sunroof jammed open and was unable to be closed. There were no warning lights associated with this issue. I took the sunroof apart and found the bug deflector springs wedged themselves in the sunroof track, causing it to overload itself and break its mechanism.

NHTSA ODI #11604706

Mileage unknown · Jul 24, 2024
Unknown Or OtherVisibilityInjury

The panoramic sunroof hinges on my vehicle snapped and a part of the assembly fell and hit me in the head while I was driving.

NHTSA ODI #11604395

Mileage unknown · Jul 24, 2024
Suspension

Rear shocks are defective, bounces around, diagonal pitch and rough / harsh ride. Dealers Idea of fix is shock Isolator replacement. They don't have in stock and make you wait several days for repair. There should be a recall on this.

NHTSA ODI #11604378

Mileage unknown · Jul 21, 2024
StructureUnknown Or OtherVisibility/wiper

The vehicle had approx 10k miles and I simply tried to open the sunroof before leaving my driveway and something snapped. The Sunroof was then stuck in the open position, I could not close it. I called my regular dealership for help as it was under warranty and practically new. The dealership said they are too busy to help me, I…

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The vehicle had approx 10k miles and I simply tried to open the sunroof before leaving my driveway and something snapped. The Sunroof was then stuck in the open position, I could not close it. I called my regular dealership for help as it was under warranty and practically new. The dealership said they are too busy to help me, I have no garage and there was rain in the forecast. I called other dealerships and was able to find one who would take it in for a look. I was told it might take a few days and left the car. 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. They were able to close the roof and I picked up the car, I had to take it back as wind was coming in as I drove and rain can too. I returned for repairs and issues approx 5 times until it was "repaired". I have not opened the sunroof again since, for fear of additional problems and no longer under warranty as many other Kia Telluride owners who have this issue with the sunroof. Being away from home and it breaking again would be a disaster and having to drive from a secluded area with unpredictable weather can be dangerous.

NHTSA ODI #11603612

Mileage unknown · Jul 11, 2024
Engine

Since November 2023, the car's engine has been burning oil. There are no leaks in the driveway. On January 8th (87,000 miles), I took the Kia Telluride for service at Mission Viejo Kia for a Check Engine light. They said the car had low oil and indicated that the cause was a leaking oil housing. They completed an oil change an…

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Since November 2023, the car's engine has been burning oil. There are no leaks in the driveway. On January 8th (87,000 miles), I took the Kia Telluride for service at Mission Viejo Kia for a Check Engine light. They said the car had low oil and indicated that the cause was a leaking oil housing. They completed an oil change and added new oil. On February 19th (90,000 miles), the AC drain was clogged and water was entering the passenger side inside the vehicle. In addition to this fix, Mission Viejo Kia noted that the oil level was down to 1/2 quart. This was only 3000 miles since the last oil change. On April 6th (95,000) completed another oil change at Ramona Tire, where I was getting new brakes. They did note very low oil. June 24th (96,600 miles), the Telluride started rattling and stalling at lights. Upon inspection, Mission Viejo Kia determined it was due to low oil again. July 9th (98,000 miles) I inspected the oil dipstick and saw barely any oil. I took it to Mission Viejo Kia and it is currently awaiting direction from Kia Corporate for the next steps. This was only 2000 miles after the most recent oil change. There was no oil leaking in the driveway. My research has shown that Kia Tellurides and other Kia/Hyundia are experiencing rapid oil consumption. This eventually could lead to engine failure and catalytic converter failure. Class action suits have been filed and dismissed recently. My 100,000 mile warranty is coming up. This complaint is to document the issues I have been experiencing for any possible future action.

NHTSA ODI #11601307

Mileage unknown · Jul 11, 2024
Unknown Or Other

My sunroof hinges cracked and my sunroof will not close

NHTSA ODI #11601305

Mileage unknown · Jul 9, 2024
Unknown Or Other

The sunroof wind deflector broke while closing the sunroof while parked. This dislodged the sunroof mechanism from its tracks and prevents the sunroof from closing.

NHTSA ODI #11600430

Official recalls

5

26V430000 · Seats:front Assembly:power Adjust

Jul 2, 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 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.

24V407000 · Seats:front Assembly:power Adjust

Jun 5, 2024

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.

24V214000 · Power Train:driveline:driveshaft

Mar 20, 2024

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.

22V626000 · Trailer Hitches

Aug 15, 2022

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.

21V164000 · Air Bags: Air Bag/restraint Control Module; Air Bags:sensor:occupant Classification:front Passenger

Mar 11, 2021

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.