2021 Kia Telluride VIN Check, Recalls & Reliability
The 2021 Kia Telluride has good reliability. There are 4 recalls and 280 owner complaints on file for the 2021 KIA Telluride. Severity signals include 7 crash-related complaints and 3 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Unknown Or Other (63), Visibility Wiper (53), Engine (26).
Telluride reliability snapshot
Data sourced from Auto Reliability Index, aggregating NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, and RepairPal repair-cost records.
Used-car research
Research the KIA Telluride before checking the VIN
Compare model years, recurring problems, safety campaigns and market value first. Then use the VIN to verify the history of the individual car.
Most-reported 2021 KIA Telluride issues
Owner-reported problem categories from NHTSA complaint filings. Counts reflect complaints per category for the most-recent model year on file.
- Unknown Or Other63
- Visibility Wiper53
- Engine26
- Electrical System25
- Structure23
- Power Train21
Pre-purchase inspection checklist for the 2021 KIA Telluride
Hands-on checks distilled from real NHTSA complaint patterns and recall histories. Bring this list to a test drive or mechanic inspection.
- Inspect windshield for cracks or chips
- Check for excessive engine oil consumption
- Test transmission for jerking or hesitation
- Verify sunroof operation and inspect for cracks
- Check rear suspension for clunking or instability
- Test brake functionality for proper stopping power
- Inspect electrical system for instrument cluster functionality
2021 Telluride recalls (4)
Every NHTSA safety recall logged against the 2021 Telluride. A VIN check confirms whether any recall remains unrepaired on a specific vehicle.
- SEATSNHTSA 24V407000Jun 5, 2024Park outside until repaired
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.
Consequence: A fire increases the risk of injury.
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.
- POWER TRAINNHTSA 24V214000Mar 20, 2024
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.
Consequence: A vehicle roll away increases the risk of a crash or injury.
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.
- TRAILER HITCHESNHTSA 22V626000Aug 15, 2022Park outside until repaired
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.
Consequence: A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
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.
- AIR BAGSNHTSA 21V164000Mar 11, 2021
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."
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.
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.
Used-market value
2021 KIA Telluride resale snapshot
Listing benchmarks establish a market range; trim, mileage, condition, title history and prior damage determine what one vehicle is worth.
2021 KIA Telluride on the road
93,705 2021 KIA Telluride units were sold new in the US — a key signal for the size of today's used-market inventory.
How the 2021 KIA Telluride stacks up against rivals
The most-shopped alternatives in the same segment. Each link opens a side-by-side reliability and cost comparison.
Reliability verdict for the 2021 Kia Telluride
With a score matching the segment average, the 2021 Kia Telluride lands in the middle of its class for reliability. The data points to a mixed profile rather than a clear strength or weakness, suggesting typical buyer exposure to problems for this segment. As the second year of its generation, it shows neither an obvious step forward nor a notable drop versus peers based on the index score.
Complaints are not tightly concentrated in a single system. The largest share falls into an “unknown or other” bucket, which limits how precisely the pattern can be interpreted. Among the clearly defined areas, visibility/wiper issues stand out, while engine, electrical, and structure concerns form a secondary cluster. Recalls are elevated rather than limited.
Overall risk level is moderate and broadly distributed.
What you get in a 2021 Kia Telluride report
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2021 Kia Telluride — Frequently asked questions
Is the 2021 Kia Telluride reliable?
With a score matching the segment average, the 2021 Kia Telluride lands in the middle of its class for reliability. The data points to a mixed profile rather than a clear strength or weakness, suggesting typical buyer exposure to problems for this segment. As the second year of its generation, it shows neither an obvious step forward nor a notable drop versus peers based on the index score.
How many recalls does the 2021 Kia Telluride have?
4 NHTSA safety recalls have been issued for the 2021 Kia Telluride. A VIN check confirms whether any remain unrepaired on a specific vehicle.
What are the most common 2021 Kia Telluride problems?
The most-reported 2021 Kia Telluride problem areas are: Unknown Or Other (63), Visibility Wiper (53), Engine (26).
Should I run a VIN check on a 2021 Kia Telluride?
Yes. A VIN report verifies title brands, odometer history, accident records, and recall completion on a specific 2021 Kia Telluride, complementing the model-year reliability data on this page.
