2021 Kia Telluride Recalls, Problems & Safety Rating

5 safety recalls on file

The 2021 Kia Telluride has 5 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.

Owners have filed 374 complaints with NHTSA, including 7 crashes, 4 fires, 9 injuries.

The most-reported problem area is Unknown Or Other (105 reports).

5Recalls
374Owner complaints
7Crashes reported
n/aNHTSA safety rating
Is the repair still open on your Telluride?

A recall covers specific vehicles. Your VIN shows whether yours still needs the free repair.

2021 Kia Telluride recalls

Front Power Seat Motor Can Overheat and Cause a Fire

Recall 26V430Jul 2, 2026462,869 vehicles affected

Certain 2020-2024 Kia Telluride vehicles have a front power seat motor that may overheat.

Front seat motor can overheat and cause a fire

Recall 24V407Jun 5, 2024462,869 vehicles affected

Certain 2020-2024 Kia Telluride vehicles may have a front power seat motor that can overheat because the power seat slide knob can become stuck.

Vehicle May Roll Away While in Park

Recall 24V214Mar 20, 2024427,407 vehicles affected

Certain Kia Telluride vehicles may have an intermediate shaft and right front driveshaft that are not fully engaged.

Tow Hitch Wiring Can Short and Cause a Fire

Recall 22V626Aug 15, 202236,417 vehicles affected

Moisture and debris can collect on the circuit board inside the tow hitch wiring harness module, which may cause an electrical short.

Passenger Airbag May Not Turn Off for Child Seats

Recall 21V164Mar 11, 2021142 vehicles affected

The occupant detection system in the front passenger seat may fail to recognize when a child safety seat is installed.

Most common 2021 Kia Telluride problems

Problem areas named in the 374 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.

Problem areaReports
Unknown Or Other105
Engine68
Visibility/Wiper64
Electrical System42
Structure33
Power Train28
Forward Collision Avoidance27
Visibility23
Suspension21
Service Brakes14

What owners report

2026-10-28, Suspension
Spontaneous structural failure of the front driver-side suspension coil spring occurred while operating the vehicle at a low speed on smooth pavement (leaving a parking lot). There was absolutely no impact, road hazard, or pothole involved. The coil spring cleanly fractured into two distinct pieces near the top. The shock absorber and surrounding strut components remain completely undamaged, proving this was a spontaneous metallurgical or manufacturing defect rather than impact damage. The broken section of the spring unseated from the upper strut mount and is resting loosely in the wheel well, causing severe grinding and banging noises. This poses an immediate, critical safety hazard: the j
2026-10-19, Unknown Or Other
Alternator died and had to get replaced at 80,000 miles. Car died while driving on the highway. Had to pull over and get the car towed. Had to get the alternator replaced and paid out of pocket.
2026-10-19, Unknown Or Other
On Friday, October 16, 2026, while traveling approximately 70 mph on I-94 in Wisconsin, the smaller, operable sunroof above the front seats of our 2021 Kia Telluride suddenly exploded without warning. The sunroof was completely closed and flush with the roof, not tilted or vented. The sunshade was open, and the outside temperature was approximately 50–55 degrees. We heard an extremely loud bang resembling a gunshot. There was no apparent impact, no vehicles close enough ahead of us to have thrown debris onto the roof, and no bridge or overpass overhead that could have dropped an object onto the vehicle. The glass appeared to blow primarily upward and outward. When we stopped to inspect t
2026-10-16, Engine
NHTSA Vehicle Safety Complaint – 2021 Kia Telluride I am the original owner of a 2021 Kia Telluride with approximately 78,000 miles. My vehicle has experienced recurring mechanical and drivability concerns, including an intermittent check-engine light, a previously reported camshaft-related diagnostic trouble code, and hesitation during acceleration. Of particular concern, there have been instances when I have pressed the accelerator pedal and the vehicle has hesitated before responding. This delayed acceleration creates a potential safety concern, particularly when entering traffic, merging, or navigating intersections where predictable engine response is essential. Additionally, the
2026-10-15, Seats
NHTSA Recall Number 26V430000.

2021 Kia Telluride questions

Does the 2021 Kia Telluride have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 5 safety recalls for the 2021 Kia Telluride: Front Power Seat Motor Can Overheat and Cause a Fire; Front seat motor can overheat and cause a fire; Vehicle May Roll Away While in Park; Tow Hitch Wiring Can Short and Cause a Fire; Passenger Airbag May Not Turn Off for Child Seats. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.

What are the most common problems with the 2021 Kia Telluride?

Based on 374 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Unknown Or Other (105), Engine (68), Visibility/Wiper (64).

How do I check if a recall on my 2021 Kia Telluride has been fixed?

Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.

Other Kia Telluride years

Other 2021 Kia models