The 2021 Kia Telluride is associated with 349 official NHTSA owner defect complaints and 5 safety recall campaigns in the federal safety database. The most frequently reported component area is Other / Uncategorized, accounting for 73 reports (21% of total complaints). EPA testing covers 2 certified vehicle configurations spanning 3.8l 6-cyl powertrain configurations. Gasoline and hybrid variants deliver 21 to 23 MPG combined.
Key Data Findings
- • NHTSA Owner Complaints: 349 reports
- • Safety Recall Campaigns: 5 campaigns
- • Top Reported Defect Area: Other / Uncategorized (73 / 21%)
- • Safety Incident Signals: 7 crash / 4 fire / 7 injury reports
- • NHTSA Overall Safety Rating: 5 / 5 Stars
- • EPA Efficiency: 21–23 MPG (2 variants)
Data Note: Compiled directly from official NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI), NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, and EPA FuelEconomy.gov databases.
| Variant | Engine | Drivetrain | Transmission | City | Highway | Combined | EV Range | Est. Annual Fuel Cost |
| Telluride FWD | 3.8L 6-Cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S8) | 20 MPG | 26 MPG | 23 MPG | — | $2,650 / yr |
| Telluride AWD | 3.8L 6-Cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S8) | 19 MPG | 24 MPG | 21 MPG | — | $2,950 / yr |
Data Boundary Note: EPA specifications are shown by certified vehicle configuration. NHTSA complaints and recall totals are recorded at the model-year level across all configurations.
| Tested Drivetrain / Cab Variant | Overall Rating | Frontal Crash | Side Crash | Rollover Rating | Rollover Risk |
| SUV FWD | | | | | 15.5% |
| SUV AWD | | | | | 14.299999999999999% |
Active Driver Assistance Systems (NHTSA Recorded): Forward Collision Warning (FCW) is documented as Standard and Lane Departure Warning (LDW) is documented as Standard in official NHTSA records for tested 2021 Kia Telluride models.
View complete 2021 Kia Telluride crash test & safety breakdown →
Top Reported Problem Categories
Ranked by total consumer complaint submissions recorded by NHTSA
Data Attribution & Context: Complaints are self-reported by vehicle owners to NHTSA and represent unverified consumer submissions. Complaint volume does not equal a statistically controlled failure rate and is not adjusted for total vehicles sold or cumulative mileage driven.
View all 2021 Kia Telluride problems & component breakdown (75 categories) →
Affected Component: SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:POWER ADJUST
Defect Summary: 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.
Free Manufacturer 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.
Affected Component: SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:POWER ADJUST
Defect Summary: 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.
Free Manufacturer 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.
Affected Component: TRAILER HITCHES
Defect Summary: 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.
Free Manufacturer 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.
View all 2021 Kia Telluride recalls & campaign history (5 campaigns) →