2021 Kia Telluride recalls, problems & safety ratings
NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2021 Kia Telluride and 373 owner complaints. The most-reported problem areas are unknown or other (105), engine (68), visibility/wiper (64). It earned a 5-star overall NHTSA safety rating. EPA-rated fuel economy is 21–23 mpg combined, depending on engine. 3 recalls carry a Park It or Park Outside warning.
The 2021 ranks #5 of 6 Telluride model years for fewest complaints (2020–2025), with more complaints than the average year (338). It has 5 recalls vs. an average of 5.5 per model year.
Recalls 5
Every recall NHTSA lists for the 2021 Kia Telluride. Not every recall applies to every vehicle, so check your VIN. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer.
Seats · front assembly · power adjust
Problem: 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.
Risk: A fire increases the risk of injury.
Fix: 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.
Seats · front assembly · power adjust
Problem: 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.
Risk: A fire increases the risk of injury.
Fix: 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 train · driveline · driveshaft
Problem: 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.
Risk: A vehicle roll away increases the risk of a crash or injury.
Fix: 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 hitches
Problem: 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.
Risk: A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Fix: 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 bags · air bag/restraint control module
Problem: 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."
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Common problems
From complaints owners filed with NHTSA. Complaints aren't verified, but patterns across hundreds of owners point to known weak spots.
Most-reported problem areas
By the numbers
Recent owner reports
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 e…
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.
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, t…
Safety ratings
2021 Kia Telluride SUV FWD
2021 Kia Telluride SUV AWD
Fuel economy
EPA ratings for common configurations of the 2021 Kia Telluride.
Telluride AWD
Auto (S8) · 6 cyl · 3.8 L
Regular
Telluride FWD
Auto (S8) · 6 cyl · 3.8 L
Regular
Other model years
Questions
How many recalls does the 2021 Kia Telluride have?
NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2021 Kia Telluride, most recently for seats · front assembly · power adjust (07/02/2026). Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer. Enter your VIN to check whether a recall applies to your vehicle.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Kia Telluride?
Based on 373 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are unknown or other (105), engine (68), visibility/wiper (64).
Is the 2021 Kia Telluride safe?
The 2021 Kia Telluride earned a 5-star overall rating in NHTSA's 5-star safety ratings. It has 3 recalls with a Park It or Park Outside warning, so check your VIN.
Is the 2021 a good year for the Kia Telluride?
The 2021 ranks #5 of 6 Telluride model years for fewest complaints (2020–2025), with more complaints than the average year (338). It has 5 recalls vs. an average of 5.5 per model year.
What gas mileage does the 2021 Kia Telluride get?
EPA ratings for the 2021 Kia Telluride range from 21 to 23 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain.
Own a 2021 Kia Telluride in South Carolina?
Our mobile mechanics diagnose and fix the problems above at your home, office or fleet lot in Lexington, Columbia and the Midlands, with dealer-grade scan tools.
Related vehicles
Sources: NHTSA recalls, complaints and 5-Star Safety Ratings APIs; EPA fueleconomy.gov. Data retrieved October 21, 2026. NHTSA model names used: TELLURIDE, Telluride.