Kia · Telluride · 2021
2021 Kia Telluride
4
Recalls
306
Complaints
5/5
Safety Rating
The 2021 Kia Telluride has 4 recalls and 306 owner-reported complaints on file with NHTSA. Overall safety rating: 5 out of 5 stars. Most reported issue: unknown or other (64 reports).
Source: NHTSA Public Records · Updated Apr 28, 2026
Research Context
The 2021 Kia Telluride page works best as a research starting point. Complaint totals show how much owner-reported activity exists, while recalls and investigations help show whether any of that activity turned into formal safety action.
Because this is a newer-era vehicle page, it usually helps to compare this year against nearby model years before deciding whether a complaint pattern looks isolated or persistent. On this page, the most prominent complaint area is unknown or other with 64 reported complaints.
Best Research Moves
- Use the complaint log to see whether the 2021 Kia Telluride reports cluster around one repeated symptom or spread across multiple systems.
- Review the recall section even if the total is smaller, because a limited number of recalls can still point to meaningful safety actions.
- This page is primarily a complaints-and-recalls research surface, so compare nearby model years before treating the complaint total as a standalone verdict.
Key Takeaways
- The 2021 Kia Telluride currently shows 4 NHTSA recalls listed on this page and 306 owner-reported complaints.
- This page currently shows no linked NHTSA investigations.
- This page reflects complaint volume, recall history, and NHTSA test data, but it does not diagnose causes or rank reliability by itself.
- Safety data currently shows 5/5 overall NHTSA safety rating.
- The most frequently reported complaint categories on this page are unknown or other (64), visibility/wiper (51), engine (32).
- Vehicle
- 2021 Kia Telluride
- Recalls
- 4
- Complaints
- 306
- Safety Rating
- 5/5
How to Interpret This Page
This page combines three types of NHTSA data: recall campaigns (official manufacturer or government actions), owner complaints (unverified consumer reports), and crash test ratings (where available). A vehicle with many complaints is not necessarily less reliable — complaint volume correlates with sales volume and vehicle age. Recalls indicate identified defects, not overall quality. To compare this model year with others, use the year navigation in the sidebar or return to the model overview page.
If you are researching a used vehicle, start with the complaint categories, compare them against the recall list, and then check nearby model years to see whether the same issue profile repeats. That usually produces a better buying or research signal than treating the raw complaint total as a standalone safety ranking.
NHTSA Crash Test Performance
Frontal Crash Test
Side Crash Test
Overall Frontal Rating
Driver and Passenger Assessment
Driver Side
Passenger Side
Overall Side Rating
Side Barrier and Side Pole Tests
Driver Side
Passenger Side
Rollover Resistance
14.3% rollover risk in single-vehicle crash
Safety Features
ESC: StandardForward Collision Warning: StandardLane Departure Warning: Standard
Recall Notices
NHTSANHTSA ID: 24V407000June 05, 2024
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:POWER ADJUST
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.
Remedy Status
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.
NHTSA ID: 24V214000March 20, 2024
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT
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.
Remedy Status
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.
NHTSA ID: 22V626000August 15, 2022
TRAILER HITCHES
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.
Remedy Status
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.
NHTSA ID: 21V164000March 11, 2021
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."
Remedy Status
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.
Owner Complaints
306 totalUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Apr 24, 2026
There is no incident that lead to this part breaking. My sunroof broke when it was opened. A part fell out of the assembly into the car. The sunroof will now not open fully or close fully. It's a hazard because I'm not sure if the glass is properly attached to my car and can fly ...
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ENGINE
Apr 13, 2026
In December of 2025 at approximately 95,000 my 2021 Kia Telluride (VIN [XXX] ) showed the oil level was about two quarts low. My car has had regular maintenance including oil changes at Santa Fe Kia. At the next oil change appointment in March, I pointed out the oil consumption c...
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UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Apr 10, 2026
I recently pressed the button to open the sunroof, and it only retracted a few inches before I heard a loud noise. The sunroof stopped, and simply would not go any further. Thankfully, the vehicle is garaged at home (I was stationary and heading out when this occurred), but with ...
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POWER TRAIN,STRUCTURE
Apr 9, 2026
Hello, I've contacted customer service for Kia America and also, customer service in Puerto Rico since I'm a resident in Puerto Rico, so that I can address the safety recall with number SC303 and also a technical service bulletin with number BOD319. However, customer service adv...
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UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Apr 6, 2026
Sunroof wouldn’t fully close when a rainstorm hit, causing driver panic attack. This appears to be a known issue under TSB BOD-319.
ENGINE
Apr 4, 2026
Kia has 110,000 miles on it. We’ve regularly changed the oil at 3-5k mile intervals. A week ago, I heard loud knocking from the front of the car, along with loss of power. We drove it to our local Kia dealer (Kia of Bedford, OH), where upon inspection, they found cylinder bank 2 ...
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ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SEATS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Apr 3, 2026
I have 2 issues going on with my vehicle. The trim on the outside of my doors is coming off which I know was a recall for some telluride vehicles about this old. Also ive been having some electrical issues/hot smell like something is burning if the heated seats get turned on.
ENGINE
Apr 3, 2026
Recently our 2021 Kia Telluride, had a fluttering/metal knocking/mechanical sound and I scheduled a shop visit at our trusted local mechanic. After their inspection, they found that the oil was extremely low and there was metal shavings in the oil filter housing. This was found w...
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FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Mar 26, 2026
Code P0087 on a Kia Telluride indicates that the fuel rail pressure is too low. This means the engine is not receiving enough fuel, often resulting in poor acceleration, stalling, rough idle, and decreased power. It is frequently caused by a faulty high-pressure fuel pump... Thi...
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SUSPENSION
Mar 22, 2026
I have 2021 Kia Telluride with 38000 miles on it. When I wash my car, I normally wash the roof and in order to do that I put one foot on 3 step ladder and one foot on the back tire. I always had a plenty space above the tire and under the fender and I could stand up on the tire w...
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Showing 10 recent complaints from 306 total
View Full Complaint LogCompare Related Vehicles
Why Compare These Pages
The strongest comparison flow is usually: exact vehicle-year page, then nearby years of the same model, then other 2021 Kia models. That sequence helps separate one-off year spikes from broader make-wide patterns.
More Kia Telluride Years
2022 Kia TellurideCompare this year against 2021 for complaint and recall shifts.6r291c2020 Kia TellurideCompare this year against 2021 for complaint and recall shifts.6r694c2023 Kia TellurideCompare this year against 2021 for complaint and recall shifts.5r177c2024 Kia TellurideCompare this year against 2021 for complaint and recall shifts.4r188c2025 Kia TellurideCompare this year against 2021 for complaint and recall shifts.3r52c
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many recalls does the 2021 Kia Telluride have?
The 2021 Kia Telluride has 4 recalls recorded by NHTSA.
How many complaints have been filed for the 2021 Kia Telluride?
NHTSA has received 306 owner-reported complaints for the 2021 Kia Telluride.
What is the NHTSA safety rating for the 2021 Kia Telluride?
The 2021 Kia Telluride received an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars from NHTSA.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Kia Telluride?
The most commonly reported complaint categories for the 2021 Kia Telluride are unknown or other (64 reports), visibility/wiper (51 reports), engine (32 reports).
Does the 2021 Kia Telluride have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA has 4 recalls on record for the 2021 Kia Telluride. Scroll up to review the published recall summaries, consequences, and remedies. To check for unrepaired recalls on your specific vehicle, use your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Check Another Vehicle
Look up recalls and complaints for any year, make, and model.
This page summarizes publicly available data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaint counts reflect reports submitted to NHTSA by vehicle owners and do not by themselves prove defect severity or vehicle safety. Safety ratings may not be available for all vehicle-years. This site is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. For official information, visit the official NHTSA page for this vehicle.