Years to avoid
Kia Telluride Years to Avoid
The 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 model years stand out as the weakest in this Kia Telluride dataset. We only publish this page when at least four years are available and the score spread is large enough to make the comparison meaningful.
Data updated June 2026
- Weakest year
- 2020
- Model average
- 66/100
- Complaints, weakest year
- 667
- Recalls, weakest year
- 6
55/100 reliability
23-point range
8 crash · 7 fire reports
NHTSA campaigns on file
Bottom line
Why the 2020 Kia Telluride ranks last
The 2020 scores 55/100, rated mixed, versus a model average of 66/100. NHTSA data contains 667 owner complaints and 6 recall campaigns for this model year.
Its most-reported problem areas are Exterior Lighting (170), Visibility Wiper (121), Unknown Or Other (95), Engine (74). Those counts are investigation leads, not proof that every vehicle has the problem.
Inspect the full 2020 Kia Telluride record →Evidence by year
The weakest Kia Telluride model years compared
2020 Kia Telluride
- Complaints
- 667
- Recalls
- 6
- Crash reports
- 8
- Fire reports
- 7
Top issues: Exterior Lighting (170), Visibility Wiper (121), Unknown Or Other (95)
View 2020 details →2021 Kia Telluride
- Complaints
- 280
- Recalls
- 4
- Crash reports
- 7
- Fire reports
- 3
Top issues: Unknown Or Other (63), Visibility Wiper (53), Engine (26)
View 2021 details →2022 Kia Telluride
- Complaints
- 280
- Recalls
- 6
- Crash reports
- 10
- Fire reports
- 3
Top issues: Visibility Wiper (61), Unknown Or Other (60), Electrical System (52)
View 2022 details →2023 Kia Telluride
- Complaints
- 161
- Recalls
- 5
- Crash reports
- 5
- Fire reports
- 2
Top issues: Unknown Or Other (35), Electrical System (32), Visibility Wiper (23)
View 2023 details →Better alternatives
Stronger Kia Telluride years to put on your shortlist
Read this carefully
“Avoid” is a comparison signal, not a verdict on one VIN
A year qualifies here only when it trails the model average by at least five points, trails the best year by at least ten points, or falls below 60/100. The model also needs at least four scored years and a six-point spread. Age, sales volume and time on the road can affect raw complaint totals, so use the score and severity mix together.
Source trail
Where this Kia Telluride data comes from
VinExposed combines model-level research with the vehicle-specific history you get from a VIN. Reliability scores and complaint patterns come from Auto Reliability Index's Kia Telluride research, which analyzes NHTSA records and independent repair data.
Recall counts describe a model year, not the repair status of one car. Confirm the exact VIN with the official NHTSA recall lookup and a vehicle-history report before buying.
Buyer questions
Kia Telluride research FAQ
Which Kia Telluride years should I avoid?
2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 score materially below the strongest Kia Telluride years in this dataset. The 2020 is the weakest at 55/100, with 667 owner complaints and 6 recalls on file.
Does a low-scoring Kia Telluride year mean every car is bad?
No. Model-year data describes population-level patterns. A well-maintained vehicle with a clean title and completed recall work can be a better purchase than a neglected example from a higher-scoring year.
What should I buy instead of the worst Kia Telluride year?
The strongest alternatives in this dataset are 2025 (78/100), 2024 (69/100). Compare price, mileage, equipment and the individual VIN before deciding.
Check the actual car
Model research narrows the list. The VIN confirms the car.
Check title brands, accidents, odometer history, auction records and recall status for the specific Kia Telluride you are considering.