2021 Kia Telluride Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2021 Kia Telluride, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Visibility8623.8%
- Engine6618.3%
- Electrical4211.6%
- Body & structure339.1%
- Driver assistance298.0%
- Powertrain (other)277.5%
- Suspension205.5%
- Brakes143.9%
- Exterior lighting102.8%
- Interior & seats82.2%
- Fuel system71.9%
- Steering51.4%
- Seat belts41.1%
- Airbags41.1%
- Other / unspecified30.8%
- Tires & wheels20.6%
- Transmission10.3%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
The sunroof on vehicle is not able to open/close correctly due to track/clips broken. Vehicle was purchased used January 2023. The sunroof has been used less than 5 times during this period. I spoke to a service advisor at the local dealership, Bulldog Kia of Athens , Ga. He confirmed that there is a continual issue with this and that He advises customers to NOT use the sunroof after 60,000 miles. With further research, Kia is aware of this issue and has yet to offer a solution. The cost to repair is $6000.00 for a new sunroof. There is a kit that could be used by dealers to repair.
Every time the wiper blades are in intermittent mode they randomly stop at various spots on the windshield. I have to switch to low or high or turn them off completely for the motor to engage and work again.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
Unfortunately, beginning in June 2025, I experienced a serious engine problem. While driving, the vehicle began sputtering and stalled twice in traffic. I immediately brought it to the dealer, where I was told the engine had no oil, despite no prior warning of abnormal oil loss (no engine warning lights and no leaks). The service department added oil and initiated an Oil Consumption test. On October 4, 2025, the same problem occurred again. While driving, the Telluride began sputtering again, and the dealer again determined that the engine had no oil. I was charged for another oil change and instructed to complete another Oil Consumption test. During this process, the maintenance supervisor acknowledged that excessive oil consumption was a known and serious issue affecting Kia Tellurides and other models, and explained that engine replacement was the appropriate solution. I also observed another Telluride at the dealership undergoing the same type of engine repair. After completing the required testing, the dealer ultimately installed a rebuilt engine in my vehicle to address the excessive oil consumption problem with the original engine. I am now back in the same situation. On September 8, 2026, less than one year after the rebuilt engine was installed, my Telluride once again began sputtering while I was driving. I brought the vehicle to back to the dealer on on September 9, 2026. The service personnel again told me there was no oil in the vehicle, despite it being well within its recommended oil-change interval. More importantly, I was informed that the rebuilt engine currently installed in my vehicle is suspected of having the same excessive oil-consumption problem as the original engine. After following the instructions on yet another engine recheck and Oil Consumption test, I 've been told that the engine is burning oil at an exponential rate.
I purchased my 2021 Kia Telluride S new, with only 22 miles from the test drive. XXX (approx. 53,000 miles, vehicle age 18 months): The transmission failed while I was traveling approx. 75-80 mph on a major highway in [XXX]. Upon failure, the vehicle suddenly lurched as if the brakes had locked or the parking brake had been applied, nearly causing us to strike our heads on the dashboard and creating a hazardous situation for other traffic. After the failure, the vehicle would only operate in approx. first through third gears and reverse, and would not exceed 25 mph. We were forced to limp the vehicle off a busy six-lane highway. XXX: Due to parts delays, the vehicle was not returned until November 2022 after the transmission work. XXX (approx. four months later): The vehicle developed engine knock and excessive oil consumption. Advised this may have been related to oil degradation while the vehicle sat waiting for parts. Since then, I had to regularly check and add oil between oil changes. Despite low oil levels, no oil pressure warning light ever appeared. XXX (exact date unknown): While opening the sunroof at a stop, a loud crack occurred and pieces of the sunroof track, plastic and metal, fell onto me and my passenger. The glass is intact but became partially stuck open without the track to guide it. XXX: The engine knock worsened and became a squeal while driving approx. 60 mph. The vehicle lost power, requiring me to turn on hazards and coast off to avoid accident. Dealership mechanic advised that the engine had thrown a rod and blown the oil filter housing gasket. The vehicle is currently at the dealership and available for inspection. Kia has denied coverage despite the failure of a component linked to excessive oil loss and a recently extended 180,000-mile warranty, even after the engine threw a rod following a sudden loss of oil pressure. The failed transmission has likely already been disposed of. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
My wife and I purchased a 2021 Kia Telluride brand new a few years ago when we lived in [XXX]. We are currently active duty USAF and brought our KIA Telluride with us here, while stationed in [XXX]. The vehicle is currently under two recalls SC316R and SC374 and is a fire risk. Under these types of recalls, vehicle shipping companies will not transport vehicles on their boats. We know this because we had to have two recalls (SC247F and SC243B) completed before we could have our vehicle shipped from the [XXX] to [XXX]. I am looking for assistance on how to have recalls and warranty service during our assignment here in [XXX]. We've reached out to Kia, opened 3 customer service cases, and have talked to them shortly to try to setup a repair. Then Kia stops communicating and ignores our calls and emails. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The problem first occurred at the end of May 2026. The digital instrument cluster completely stopped working while driving, cutting off all FMVSS 101 compliance indicators including the speedometer, fuel gauge, engine temperature, and RPMs. This problem has persisted on and off since May 2026. This is a huge safety concern because I am unable to determine my vehicle speed, etc. while driving. The issue occurs without warning and completely affects my ability to safely operate the vehicle. I took it to the Kia Stamford, CT dealer on June 5th and they were unable to replicate the problem saying when they turned the car on the instrument cluster was functioning normally. They said they "hard reset" it at that time. The very same day after leaving the dealership, the problem occurred again and has occurred intermittently ever since
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
After having a recall, performed on the emergency parking brake it would engage while parked, but when trying to put it in drive or reverse, it would not disengage this began happening approximately two weeks to one month after the recall was performed. It isn’t happening constantly, but it does happen often. On occasion, while driving, it will engage and pull the car to the side nearly pulling me off the road. After looking for other instances of this online, I came across a post that stated it happens to their car, but only when it was over a certain temperature. After watching more closely, I had figured out that it only happens above 70°F and it would only happen occasionally it was not every time it was above this . I have also brought it to the repair shop and they have no idea is what is causing it. I have found other postings about people having this issue with their Telluride same year. It is still occurring now and they are unsure of why or what is the cause.
Vehicle sunroof came off track on July 22, 2025. Possibly by the fault of the customer. Customer sought repair. Authorized Kia dealer recommended complete replacement of sunroof. On August 29, 2025, Customer paid authorized Kia dealer to replace sunroof with official Kia parts. On June 25, 2026, sunroof broke again through no fault of the customer. Wind deflector arms broke, got stuck open, and caused the glass to go off-track, rendering the sunroof inoperable and completely ruined. Took the vehicle to the same Kia dealer that repaired the sunroof originally. Even though the vehicle was within the 12 month warranty, it was over the 12,000 mile warranty, and Kia would not fix the sunroof. We opened a complaint with Kia Customer Care, and they did not resolve the issue for two months. Our claim was denied. We cannot afford to fix the sunroof again after 10 months, and if we do, we are concerned about it malfunctioning again. I am concerned that the sunroof glass could come dislodged while driving and strike another vehicle or cause a collision.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
I have owned this vehicle since new. This vehicle has never had an accident. In the last 3 months the FCAS started sending messages to the dashboard without a vehicle in front, in clear blue skies and the radar element in front is clean. The message lasts 2-3 minutes and disappears. Went to Kia Service At Greenway Kia at the Avenues in Jacksonville, FL. The first time they said no errors codes popped up. They said it it happens again, bring it back. It kept on the same and I went back. No resolution. Then I sent and email to Kia Customer Service and after two weeks called them and the rep stated she found the email. She said take it to Kia Service which I did. Still the issue is unresolved. Made a second call to Kia Customer Service and spoke to another rep and she sent me to an agent "higher up?". He said that he will let the Kia dealership know. I was under the impression he would call them with the "fix". No luck. Why have they not changed the radar element in front? Money? I have driven vehicles for 62 years and never needed FACS. I guess car manufacturers installed this to deal with the current drivers paying attention to their social media accounts instead of driving. There is Kia Telluride Thread I found and several others describe the same issue. All report no solutions. Perhaps a recall only for those vehicles that have this problem. Respectfully,
After having a recall, performed on the emergency parking brake it would engage while parked, but when trying to put it in drive or reverse, it would not disengage this began happening approximately two weeks to one month after the recall was performed. It isn’t happening constantly, but it does happen often. On occasion, while driving, it will engage and pull the car to the side nearly pulling me off the road. After looking for other instances of this online, I came across a post that stated it happens to their car, but only when it was over a certain temperature. After watching more closely, I had figured out that it only happens above 70°F and it would only happen occasionally it was not every time it was above this . I have also brought it to the repair shop and they have no idea is what is causing it. I have found other postings about people having this issue with their Telluride same year. It is still occurring now and they are unsure of why or what is the cause.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
I purchased my 2021 Kia Telluride S new, with only 22 miles from the test drive. XXX (approx. 53,000 miles, vehicle age 18 months): The transmission failed while I was traveling approx. 75-80 mph on a major highway in [XXX]. Upon failure, the vehicle suddenly lurched as if the brakes had locked or the parking brake had been applied, nearly causing us to strike our heads on the dashboard and creating a hazardous situation for other traffic. After the failure, the vehicle would only operate in approx. first through third gears and reverse, and would not exceed 25 mph. We were forced to limp the vehicle off a busy six-lane highway. XXX: Due to parts delays, the vehicle was not returned until November 2022 after the transmission work. XXX (approx. four months later): The vehicle developed engine knock and excessive oil consumption. Advised this may have been related to oil degradation while the vehicle sat waiting for parts. Since then, I had to regularly check and add oil between oil changes. Despite low oil levels, no oil pressure warning light ever appeared. XXX (exact date unknown): While opening the sunroof at a stop, a loud crack occurred and pieces of the sunroof track, plastic and metal, fell onto me and my passenger. The glass is intact but became partially stuck open without the track to guide it. XXX: The engine knock worsened and became a squeal while driving approx. 60 mph. The vehicle lost power, requiring me to turn on hazards and coast off to avoid accident. Dealership mechanic advised that the engine had thrown a rod and blown the oil filter housing gasket. The vehicle is currently at the dealership and available for inspection. Kia has denied coverage despite the failure of a component linked to excessive oil loss and a recently extended 180,000-mile warranty, even after the engine threw a rod following a sudden loss of oil pressure. The failed transmission has likely already been disposed of. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
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 lurking I was not in the highway because it could lock the mortar and cause a accident
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
Constant failure of the rear self leveling shocks there is tsb on the issue but manufacturer will only replace first set of shocks which causes the owner to pay every 20k plus miles for new rear shocks
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 causing premature rear shock failures. The factory-installed original shock failed previously. The official Kia genuine replacement part (redesigned by Kia to permanently address the original defect) has now failed prematurely under the exact same mechanical conditions. The failed replacement component bears a manufacturing date stamp of 11/2023. Kia America Corporate is utilizing an administrative loophole regarding the component's manufacturing date code to deny safety coverage, actively refusing to honor or remedy the failure of their own redesigned replacement part. The local Kia dealership service manager inspected the vehicle and formally endorsed 100% replacement coverage due to this premature safety failure, but Kia Corporate has completely stalled the repair (I have had a formal 100% goodwill coverage request submitted since 7/21/26 without resolution), leaving a known vehicle stability defect unaddressed on a public roadway.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
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 CCTV footage. You can see the vehicle reversing and the brake lights are on as the pedal was pushed but not responding. As the vehicle went on to a lesser slope it slowed some but was about to crash into my neighbors home when the parking brake button was pushed and the vehicle came to a stop. The evening prior when starting the car on a flat surface the lights all flashed upon starting but the vehicle had operated normally.
Kia had a safety recall which required a software update to address the potential of the car moving/ rolling away while parked. Kia addressed this by updating the software to automatically set the parking brake when the vehicle is turned off. In the northeast/ rust belt states where there is water/ salt and rust, the brake pads rust and freeze to the rotor. The brakes lock up, physically jerk and cause damage to the braking system when driving away. Owner's manuals normally recommend that the parking brake not be set when under these wet and winter conditions. The brake rotors and pads are being prematurely damaged and may result in sudden failure. This "cheap software fix" needs to be changed and the drivetrain parts/ parking pin should be appropriately repaired on all affected vehicles.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
Headlight on passenger side is no longer working causing unsafe visibility issues. While under warranty, the car was taken in for service at a Kia dealership twice for the same problem but during this time frame, the headlight issue was only occurring intermittently. Both times no repair or replacement was made and I was told the headlight was fine. The headlight ended up experiencing complete failure shortly after my warranty expired. I have pictures of my dash mileage when it happened. Researching online, I have discovered other Kia Telluride owners with similar complaints about their headlights failing in this way. Furthermore, Kia Dealerships either fail to make the repair properly by not correcting the known defect(which results in failure again) or have been charging thousands of dollars for a new complete headlight assembly replacement. Normally, when a headlight fails, it is just a matter of swapping out the headlight bulb with a new one. Unfortunately, because of the defect and failure with the design, it is not that cheap/simple to fix. A class action lawsuit has begun because of Kia's inaction. Kia should do the right thing and issue a recall the fix this unsafe problem of headlight failure.
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Telluride. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, other drivers were flashing their headlights, attempting to notify the contact that the front headlights were not functioning as intended. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the high beam headlights were replaced. The contact stated that on another occasion, while driving at various speeds, the driver’s side front high beam headlight failed to illuminate as intended. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, no cause for the failure was found. The high beam headlights were replaced. The contact tested the lights, and the front driver’s side high beam headlight failed to operate. Upon further inspection, the dealer stated that there was a burning odor coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was diagnosed, and it was determined that the headlight assembly kit needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V148000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 67,688.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
My wife and I purchased a 2021 Kia Telluride brand new a few years ago when we lived in [XXX]. We are currently active duty USAF and brought our KIA Telluride with us here, while stationed in [XXX]. The vehicle is currently under two recalls SC316R and SC374 and is a fire risk. Under these types of recalls, vehicle shipping companies will not transport vehicles on their boats. We know this because we had to have two recalls (SC247F and SC243B) completed before we could have our vehicle shipped from the [XXX] to [XXX]. I am looking for assistance on how to have recalls and warranty service during our assignment here in [XXX]. We've reached out to Kia, opened 3 customer service cases, and have talked to them shortly to try to setup a repair. Then Kia stops communicating and ignores our calls and emails. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
I had recall 26V430000 service performed at: Regal Kia [XXX] After the work was performed, both front power seats were inoperative. I was never informed by the service rep that the power seats were inoperative. I received a text of the multi-point inspection which included a quote for $546.87 for both front seat power switches. Never had the service rep discuss this with me while I was at Regal Kia, but reviewing my invoice at home I saw where the technician stated the power seats were inoperative after performing the recall SC374 service. The technician stated after following the applicable TSB for the recall they recommend replacement of both power seat switches at a cost of of $546.87 which Regal Kia wanted me to pay. It appears the TSB maybe doesn’t resolve the issue or perhaps a technician error during installation. I contacted Kia Customer Care ([XXX]) to see if I could have a local repair shop review the repair. They said only a dealership could do recall repairs. They recommended the next closest dealership in [XXX], but it is a one hour drive for me. They assigned case XXX and said they would contact Regal Kia and someone would call me back. I received no return call. I share the vehicle with my wife and she is now unable to adjust the driver seat to a comfortable and safe position. Why I was never informed prior to leaving Regal Kia is unacceptable as seat position is very important while driving. As both fronts seats were operative prior to the recall work, I don’t believe I should be responsible for the cost of new switches. As my power seats no longer work, I do not believe Regal Kia resolved the recall 26V430000 issue without cost to me. I would like to formally file a complaint against Regal KIA for not correcting the recall issue without cost to vehicle owner. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
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... This is the code is threw when it stalled in busy traffic on a hill. The CEL came on at this point. Then continued to stall. Before this incident, it would periodically stall while in park, or rough idle and prolonged startup. However, this was sporadic and couldn't be recreated when taken to a mechanic. We were coming back from vacation with 5 kids in the car ranging from a baby to a 12 year old. It was towed BY Kia to the nearest dealership. They claimed the recalls were addressed and the software updates cleared the codes. I came home tonight and it almost immediately started acting up again. This is a known and recognized issue in certain other vehicles (like the Sedona) and has been given an extended warranty. I'm not sure why this isn't addressed in all their GDI vehicles with these High Pressure Fuel Pumps. I'm afraid of it dying and being stranded in the heat again with young children, as well as being hit when/if it stalls.
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 OCV harness, causing oil to be forced through the harness. KIA refused to cover the repairs at 74k miles and it was fixed at the owner expense, even after KIAs long history of failed high pressure fuel pumps in many other models. We were in the fast lane and were almost hit by a semi, who was thankfully able to move over at the last minute, narrowly averting the deaths of both my children, myself, my nephew and brother at aprox 4am.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Telluride. The contact stated that the passenger’s side drive shaft boot was leaking. The steering and mileage were affected by the failure. While making a turn, the steering wheel was readjusting. The accelerator pedal was depressed; after the pedal was released, the pedal jerked. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who confirmed there were no open recalls associated with the VIN. The brakes were reprogrammed. The vehicle was diagnosed, and it was determined that the front boot was leaking, and the axle and tires needed to be replaced, and an alignment performed. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to another local dealer, Kia Mentor (9090 Mentor Ave., Mentor, OH 44060); who provided the same diagnosis. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed there was no warranty coverage on the vehicle. The BBB was contacted and the Attorney General. The approximate failure mileage was 81,000.
I am submitting this complaint regarding my 2021 Kia Telluride experiencing repeated and dangerous electronic system failures while driving. Kia of East Syracuse (NY) diagnosed the issue as related to the backup camera assembly and communication/network failures. While driving, the vehicle experienced loss of power steering assist, instrument cluster failure, speedometer malfunction, incorrect gear indication, backup camera activation while driving forward, blind spot warnings activating incorrectly, flashing/blank temperature display, and multiple driver assistance system failures. The speedometer displayed 0 mph while the vehicle was in motion and later displayed approximately 40 mph while stopped at a traffic light. The vehicle also became stuck in reverse while backing out of my driveway and would not shift properly, leaving the vehicle stopped in the roadway. Multiple safety systems malfunctioned simultaneously, including Blind Spot Collision Avoidance Assist, Lane Following Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Collision Avoidance Assist, Smart Cruise Control, Parking Distance Warning, and Forward Collision Warning systems. The dealership documented multiple fault codes and stated the dashboard lit up “like a Christmas tree” while the instrument cluster stopped functioning entirely. These failures create a serious safety risk because critical driving information and driver assistance systems become unreliable or inoperative while the vehicle is moving. The failures occur unexpectedly and without warning. Photos and video evidence have been retained, including video of the backup camera activating while driving forward and the speedometer malfunctioning while the vehicle was in motion. I am asking NHTSA investigate these failures as a potential safety defect involving the camera system, instrument cluster communication systems, and CAN network communication failures in the Kia Telluride.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
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 unbuckles and my seat belt not buckled light and dinging goes off. So it seemed it was fully buckled, but was not. This would be horrible if it unbuckled in a crash! This issues has been ongoing for about 2 months.
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 seatbelt protection at all. This is a serious safety failure and clear negligence. A seatbelt is one of the most basic, life-saving components in any vehicle. For a dealership to return a car to a customer without confirming all seatbelts are installed correctly shows a complete breakdown in safety inspection and quality control. When I contacted the dealership, I received no apology, explanation, or acknowledgment of responsibility. No one followed up or offered to inspect the vehicle. I also contacted Kia America Customer Relations, but I have not received any response. If such a fundamental safety step can be missed, I am extremely concerned about what other oversights may occur during Kia service work nationwide. This situation should be formally investigated by the NHTSA. I’m requesting a full investigation into Kia’s service procedures, technician training, and inspection protocols to ensure that no other vehicles are returned to customers in unsafe condition. Please treat this as a formal safety complaint. A loose seatbelt is not a minor error, it’s life-threatening negligence. I want this fully investigated and documented under my VIN, with confirmation of corrective action. My family’s safety, and that of other Kia owners, depends on it. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
On February 16th at about 6 AM, I was in a collision. I was first hit in the front by a pickup truck impacting my frontside, from right to left. I expected my Kia Telluride to engage it's safety features such as, Automatic Emergency Braking, Forward Collision Warning, and at the very least the Airbags, which none of them deployed at anytime during this collision. I was then rear-ended by an 18-wheeler; smashing my entire back window. The 18-wheelers' trailer that it was holding then slide down on the passenger side of my 2021 Kia Telluride. With that my vehicle was then pushed into the guardrail from the impact and power of the trailer falling on the passenger side. My vehicle has been inspected by my insurance company, Geico Inc. as they declared my vehicle a total loss. There was no warnings, or any indicators that my vehicles safety issues were compromised and the date of my vehicles last service by the dealer, Demontrond Automotive Group was October 4, 2023. I have pictures of my vehicle, where it will reflect; The damage the vehicle endured, The airbags intact; and The back window shattered.
The contact owned a 2021 Kia Telluride SX. The contact stated while the wife was driving 70MPH the vehicle was stuck on the rear driver's side and crashed into a tree. No warning lights were noticed. The air bags did not deploy. The vehicle was towed to an impound yard. The vehicle could possibly be totaled. There was a police report. The driver sustained injuries to the face, head, knee, chest, and shoulder. The passenger sustained back injuries. The spouse drove the passengers in a separate vehicle to the hospital where they received medical attention. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 21,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
This car seat is missing any labels on the seat that have booster information. It is an all-in-one car seat and does have a booster mode. The manual does state the height, weight and age limit, but this is not noted anywhere on the stickers on the seat. This is a problem when the manual is not available.
The rear shock is leaking/bad. My car only has 30K miles. It caused my wheels to wear unevenly, which could have led me and my family to have a car accident if a wheel popped while driving. An independent service center has confirmed this when the vehicle failed inspection. No warning of the issue.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
The rear driver side tire blew out when the vehicle was going approximately 70 mph. I attached photos of the damage. The low tire pressure light turned on about 5 minutes before the tire blew out. I took my vehicle to NTB to replace the tire. They determined because of the tread depth that all four tires needed to be replaced. The tread depth was 4mm and all their new tires were 10mm (even though the vehicle only has 25,000 miles). They did replace all four tires and said the insides of all the tires were cracked and had "dry rot" and it was only a matter of time before all the tires did the same thing (blew out).
These tires ball super quick and are a danger to the road. Others have complained as well on review sites. Since they wear fast they also pop easily. Have popped 3 tires in 1.5 years all different tires. 1st tire popped at 12K miles 2nd tire popped at 20k miles 3rd tire popped at 26k miles SCORPION ZERO ALL SEASON - SIZE: 245/50R20 These need recalled. They are pour quality and are a road hazard if anyone pops their tire at higher speeds. Thankfully all three of mine were lower speeds. I have now replaced the latest tire with a different brand as these tires put me at risk.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
I DROVE MY BRAND NEW TELLURIDE OFF THE LOT WITH APPROXIMATELY 12 MILES ON IT. ABOUT A MONTH AFTER HAVING IT I NOTICED THE FOLLOWING: WHEN ENTERING A HIGHWAY FROM ABOUT 20-25 MPH, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT GRADUALLY ACCELERATE ALLOWING ME TO ENTER THE HIGHWAY. AS I CONTINUE TO PRESS THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL THE RPMS WOULD EVENTUALLY JUMP UP AND THE VEHICLE WOULD LAUNCH ITSELF FORWARD. REACHING 5000-6000 RPMS. WHEN I LET OFF THE ACCELERATOR THE ENGINE WOULD DOWNSHIFT SIMILAR TO A MANUAL TRANSMISSION AND WOULD JERK AS IT CHANGED GEARS AND THE RPMs DECREASE. ADDITIONALLY, WHEN CREEPING IN TRAFFIC I NOTICE JERKY AND HESITATION FROM THE ENGINE/TRANSMISSION. THIS IS QUITE DANGEROUS AS ONE TIME IT ALMOST LAUNCHED ME INTO THE BACK OF THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME. MERGING ONTO A HIGHWAY IS ALSO QUITE DANGEROUS AS I AM NOT CONFIDENT THE VEHICLE WILL ACCELERATE WHEN I ATTEMPT TO MERGE. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO A DEALERSHIP AND HAD THE TECHNICIAN DRIVE IT AND HE CONCURRED THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM. THE DEALERSHIP HAS TRIED WORKING WITH THE MANUFACTURER BUT TO NO AVAIL AFTER 3 MONTHS. NOW THE DEALERSHIP WON'T EVEN CALL ME BACK. THE DEALERSHIP, VIA THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE MANUFACTURER, HAS RESET "ADAPTIVE VALUES" AT LEAST 3 TIMES, BUT THAT DID NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. THERE ARE NO WARNING LIGHTS OR MESSAGES OF A PROBLEM. WHILE QUITE NOTICEABLE, THIS PROBLEM IS EVEN MORE NOTICEABLE WHEN IT IS IN SPORT MODE.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .