NHTSA FEDERAL EVIDENCE AUDITAudited: 2026-08-24

2021 Kia Telluride Common Problems & Defect Telemetry

Authoritative defect intelligence synthesized from 349 verified NHTSA owner complaints, 5 federal safety recalls, and interquartile failure mileage telemetry.

Data Grade: HIGH52 Odometer Verified EntriesMethodology
Executive AI Defect Summary

The 2021 Kia Telluride receives a 4/10 MazicBay Reliability Index based on 349 verified NHTSA federal complaints and 5 safety recalls. The primary reported failure mode is Electric Power Steering Assist & Suspension Noise Reports with a median failure point at 13,931 miles (IQR: 3,70044,750 mi). Out-of-warranty repairs benchmark at $450 – $1,400 .

Kia Telluride PlatformKia Telluride Series
DLC Port: Under driver side dashboard near fuse box panel

*Representative vehicle platform imagery. Body styling varies across generations.

MazicBay Reliability Index
4 / 10

31.7 complaints / 10k sold

NHTSA Owner Complaints
349

Verified US federal records

Safety Severity Grade
Critical Risk

Crash, fire & stall audit

Federal Safety Recalls
5

5 Active / Free Remedies

Switch Telluride Model Year (2014–2025)
Defect Clustering

Top Reported Problem Clusters (7)

Ranked by NHTSA Complaint Frequency
#1 STEERING & SUSPENSIONHigh Severity65% Match Confidence

Electric Power Steering Assist & Suspension Noise Reports

129
Federal Complaints
Failure Mileage (Median):13,931 milesIQR: 3,70044,750 mi
Estimated Repair Cost:$450 – $1,400 MazicBay Repair Intelligence Model
Recall Status:Out-of-Pocket / TSB RemedyNHTSA Campaign Audit
Reported Defect Symptoms
  • Sudden loss of electric power steering assist
  • Steering wheel pull or highway wander
  • Clunking / knocking noise over bumps
Potentially Associated OBD-II Codes

Correlated via MazicBay Diagnostic Engine (not NHTSA verified fact).

Sample Verified NHTSA Evidence Records (3)
ODI #11757006 • Filed: 08/14/2026

My 2021 Kia Telluride has suffered two consecutive component failures of the rear suspension's self-leveling shock absorbers. This component is the exact subject of Kia's August 15, 2024 Extended Warranty Program (WTY040), which acknowledges a widespread engineering defect cau...

ODI #11755668 • Filed: 08/08/2026

The sunroof is stuck open and is loose on the tracks, if even on the tracks at all. Very dangerous, as it could fly off while I am driving. This is a common problem with the Telluride, and I believe it should be recalled.

ODI #11754641 • Filed: 08/04/2026

Opened the sunroof wind deflector broke tracks broke will not close

#2 ENGINE & COOLINGCritical Severity85% Match Confidence

Engine Stalling, Oil Consumption & Cooling Defect Reports

82
Federal Complaints
Failure Mileage (Median):90,000 milesIQR: 69,000105,439 mi
Estimated Repair Cost:$950 – $3,200 MazicBay Repair Intelligence Model
Recall Status:Out-of-Pocket / TSB RemedyNHTSA Campaign Audit
Reported Defect Symptoms
  • Engine sudden stall / hesitation while driving
  • Abnormal oil burning / consumption
  • Check Engine Light (MIL) flashing
  • Engine overheating / coolant loss
Potentially Associated OBD-II Codes

Correlated via MazicBay Diagnostic Engine (not NHTSA verified fact).

Sample Verified NHTSA Evidence Records (3)
ODI #11757571 • Filed: 08/17/2026Odometer: 80,000 mi

I purchased this 2021 Kia Telluride new and have had it routinely serviced and maintained by authorized Kia dealerships. At approximately 60,000–80,000 miles, the engine began consuming excessive oil. I reported the condition to the Kia dealer at approximately 80,000 miles, wh...

ODI #11757006 • Filed: 08/14/2026

My 2021 Kia Telluride has suffered two consecutive component failures of the rear suspension's self-leveling shock absorbers. This component is the exact subject of Kia's August 15, 2024 Extended Warranty Program (WTY040), which acknowledges a widespread engineering defect cau...

ODI #11756506 • Filed: 08/12/2026

Was low on oil and check oil light don't go on have to put oil very 2 week because it get low and I don't have no oil leak at all I found out because the motor start shaking and making noise tow it home and mechanical came to check it out and didn't have oil he say I was lurki...

#3 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM & BATTERYCritical Severity84% Match Confidence

Electrical Parasitic Drain, Infotainment & Harness Reports

49
Federal Complaints
Failure Mileage (Median):60,000 milesIQR: 13,931104,220 mi
Estimated Repair Cost:$280 – $850 MazicBay Repair Intelligence Model
Recall Status:Out-of-Pocket / TSB RemedyNHTSA Campaign Audit
Reported Defect Symptoms
  • Unexplained battery drain after sitting overnight
  • Infotainment display / instrument cluster blackouts
  • Accessory malfunction / alternator fault warnings
Potentially Associated OBD-II Codes

Correlated via MazicBay Diagnostic Engine (not NHTSA verified fact).

Sample Verified NHTSA Evidence Records (3)
ODI #11754085 • Filed: 07/31/2026

While driving this vehicle in route to Philadelphia airport JFK, i experienced a total malfunction of the instrument cluster. All of the warning lights continued to go on and off and were illuminating on the cluster non stop along with a audible chiming, all of wich lasted the...

ODI #11753326 • Filed: 07/28/2026Odometer: 105,439 mi

CATASTROPHIC FAILURE TIMELINE (13 DAYS) XXX: Delivery taken at 105,439 miles.XXX: My boyfriend noticed a cloud of smoke from exhaust as I pressed the accelerator pedal to leave the parking lot. I didn't notice because it was almost dark outside when leaving. He didn't notice a...

ODI #11753136 • Filed: 07/27/2026

The Telluride was parked in my driveway on a hill. When the car was started by pushing the ignition all of the lights on the dash panel started flashing. The car was shifted into reverse to back down the driveway however the brakes didn’t work. We captured this on video via CC...

#4 TRANSMISSION & DRIVETRAINHigh Severity82% Match Confidence

Transmission Hesitation, Hard Shifting & Slipping Reports

37
Federal Complaints
Failure Mileage (Median):30,000 milesIQR: 10,89761,750 mi
Estimated Repair Cost:$1,400 – $3,800 MazicBay Repair Intelligence Model
Recall Status:Out-of-Pocket / TSB RemedyNHTSA Campaign Audit
Reported Defect Symptoms
  • Hard gear shifts / delayed engagement into Drive/Reverse
  • Transmission shudder / jerking under acceleration
  • Transmission slipping between gears
Potentially Associated OBD-II Codes

Correlated via MazicBay Diagnostic Engine (not NHTSA verified fact).

Sample Verified NHTSA Evidence Records (3)
ODI #11756506 • Filed: 08/12/2026

Was low on oil and check oil light don't go on have to put oil very 2 week because it get low and I don't have no oil leak at all I found out because the motor start shaking and making noise tow it home and mechanical came to check it out and didn't have oil he say I was lurki...

ODI #11755247 • Filed: 08/06/2026

In August 2025, my Kia dealership serviced my 2021 Kia Telluride and billed me for 7 quarts of oil as part of the repair. Approximately four months later, in December 2025, the vehicle developed severe engine problems and became inoperable. The dealership diagnosed the failure...

ODI #11753136 • Filed: 07/27/2026

The Telluride was parked in my driveway on a hill. When the car was started by pushing the ignition all of the lights on the dash panel started flashing. The car was shifted into reverse to back down the driveway however the brakes didn’t work. We captured this on video via CC...

#5 BRAKING SYSTEM & ABSCritical Severity73% Match Confidence

Service Brakes, ABS Actuator & Master Cylinder Reports

33
Federal Complaints
Failure Mileage (Median):76,000 milesIQR: 57,50098,250 mi
Estimated Repair Cost:$350 – $1,100 MazicBay Repair Intelligence Model
Recall Status:Under Investigation / Recall AuditNHTSA Campaign Audit
Reported Defect Symptoms
  • Spongy or hard brake pedal travel
  • ABS / Brake warning light illuminated
  • Extended stopping distance / pedal vibration
Potentially Associated OBD-II Codes

Correlated via MazicBay Diagnostic Engine (not NHTSA verified fact).

Sample Verified NHTSA Evidence Records (3)
ODI #11757006 • Filed: 08/14/2026

My 2021 Kia Telluride has suffered two consecutive component failures of the rear suspension's self-leveling shock absorbers. This component is the exact subject of Kia's August 15, 2024 Extended Warranty Program (WTY040), which acknowledges a widespread engineering defect cau...

ODI #11753326 • Filed: 07/28/2026Odometer: 105,439 mi

CATASTROPHIC FAILURE TIMELINE (13 DAYS) XXX: Delivery taken at 105,439 miles.XXX: My boyfriend noticed a cloud of smoke from exhaust as I pressed the accelerator pedal to leave the parking lot. I didn't notice because it was almost dark outside when leaving. He didn't notice a...

ODI #11753136 • Filed: 07/27/2026

The Telluride was parked in my driveway on a hill. When the car was started by pushing the ignition all of the lights on the dash panel started flashing. The car was shifted into reverse to back down the driveway however the brakes didn’t work. We captured this on video via CC...

#6 AIRBAGS & SAFETY RESTRAINTSCritical Severity68% Match Confidence

Airbag Occupant Detection & Inflator Defect Reports

13
Federal Complaints
Failure Mileage (Median):55,000 milesIQR: 35,00075,000 mi
Estimated Repair Cost:$400 – $1,200 MazicBay Repair Intelligence Model
Recall Status:Under Investigation / Recall AuditNHTSA Campaign Audit
Reported Defect Symptoms
  • SRS Airbag warning lamp illuminated
  • Passenger occupant classification sensor failure
  • Seat belt retractor lockup
Potentially Associated OBD-II Codes

Correlated via MazicBay Diagnostic Engine (not NHTSA verified fact).

Sample Verified NHTSA Evidence Records (3)
ODI #11715866 • Filed: 02/05/2026

The seat belt buckle in the driver position is failing to latch. It has to be pushed in multiple times in a row and very hard to get the seat belt buckle firmly latched. There has also been more than 1 occasion that I have been driving and all of a sudden the seat belt unbuckl...

ODI #11706739 • Filed: 12/23/2025

1) What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The panoramic sunroof assembly — specifically the sunroof panel and its track/mechanism — failed. The sunroof panel came off its track and damaged related components (e.g., gu...

ODI #11695361 • Filed: 10/24/2025

After warranty work was performed on my Kia Telluride at an authorized Kia dealership, I discovered that the rear driver-side seatbelt had not been bolted back down. It was completely loose and hanging under the seat. This means my family could have been driving with no seatbe...

#7 FUEL SYSTEM & INJECTIONMedium Severity65% Match Confidence

Fuel Pump Pressure Loss & Fuel Delivery Defect Reports

5
Federal Complaints
Failure Mileage (Median):55,000 milesIQR: 35,00075,000 mi
Estimated Repair Cost:$650 – $1,250 MazicBay Repair Intelligence Model
Recall Status:Out-of-Pocket / TSB RemedyNHTSA Campaign Audit
Reported Defect Symptoms
  • Sudden loss of propulsion power at highway speeds
  • Extended engine cranking / failure to restart
  • Fuel odor near fuel tank / engine bay
Potentially Associated OBD-II Codes

Correlated via MazicBay Diagnostic Engine (not NHTSA verified fact).

Sample Verified NHTSA Evidence Records (3)
ODI #11728949 • Filed: 04/02/2026

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... T...

ODI #11715428 • Filed: 02/04/2026

Component/System Failure: The engine and lubrication system appear to be malfunctioning. The vehicle has repeatedly experienced sudden engine shutdown while stopped at traffic lights and during low-speed operation. The dealership has identified oil leakage involving the oil pa...

ODI #11709856 • Filed: 01/09/2026

The vehicle decelerated in the highway, from about 70mph to 40mhp with no warning, no check engine light, and no previous symptoms, sounds or other indicators. The vehicle was brought to the dealer who advised the high pressure fuel pump went bad as well as the solenoid and OC...

Safety Enforcement

Official NHTSA Safety Recalls (5)

100% Free Dealer Repair
NHTSA Campaign #21V164000Reported: 11/03/2021

AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE

Summary: 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."

Safety 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.
Manufacturer 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.
NHTSA Campaign #22V626000Reported: 15/08/2022

TRAILER HITCHES

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.

Safety Consequence: A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
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.
NHTSA Campaign #24V214000Reported: 20/03/2024

POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT

Summary: 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.

Safety Consequence: A vehicle roll away increases the risk of a crash or injury.
Manufacturer 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.
NHTSA Campaign #24V407000Reported: 05/06/2024

SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:POWER ADJUST

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.

Safety Consequence: A fire increases the risk of injury.
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.
NHTSA Campaign #26V430000Reported: 02/07/2026

SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:POWER ADJUST

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.

Safety Consequence: A fire increases the risk of injury.
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.

Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist for 2021 Kia Telluride

Before purchasing a used 2021 Kia Telluride, perform the following targeted inspections based on reported federal defect patterns:

1. Cold Start & Idle Diagnostics

Scan the OBD-II port under the dash for pending freeze-frame codes (e.g. P0300 misfires, P0087 fuel rail pressure, P0420 catalytic efficiency).

2. Transmission Shift Quality Audit

Test vehicle at low-speed stop-and-go and highway merges. Check for delayed reverse engagement or gear shift shudder between 2nd and 3rd gears.

3. Federal Recall Completion Check

Verify that all 5 NHTSA safety recall campaigns have been performed by an authorized dealership using the VIN.

4. Electrical & Infotainment Drain Check

Ensure the instrument cluster, center screen, and auxiliary charging ports operate with stable 12.0V–14.4V alternator voltage.

Frequently Answered Questions

Defect & Reliability Q&A: 2021 Kia Telluride

Is the 2021 Kia Telluride a reliable used car?

The 2021 Kia Telluride earns a 4/10 MazicBay Reliability Index based on 349 federal owner reports. Vehicles maintained under factory service schedules exhibit strong longevity past 150,000 miles.

What is the most frequent defect reported on the 2021 Kia Telluride?

The leading complaint category is Electric Power Steering Assist & Suspension Noise Reports, with a median failure point around 13,931 miles (IQR: 3,70044,750 mi).

Are there free recall repairs available for the 2021 Kia Telluride?

Yes, the NHTSA records 5 safety recall campaign(s) for this model year. All safety recalls are performed 100% free of charge by authorized franchise dealerships regardless of vehicle warranty status.