Kia Telluride Best and Worst Years (2020–2025)
Kia Telluride years to avoid: 2020 and 2021. Best years: 2023 and 2025. Based on 1,987 NHTSA owner complaints and 17 recall campaigns across 6 model years (2020–2025).
Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls per model-year, ranked within this model — not a reliability rating. Methodology.
- Model years
- 6
- 2020–2025
- NHTSA complaints
- 1,987
- Recall campaigns
- 17
- Crashes reported
- 39
- Fires reported
- 23
- Top problem area
- Electrical System
Telluride Complaint Index by year
Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.
Kia Telluride problems and recalls by year
Telluride years to avoid: what went wrong
2020 Kia Telluride Index 100 · 761 complaints · 7 recalls
Owners filed 761 complaints with NHTSA about the 2020 Kia Telluride, led by electrical system (233), engine (160), and visibility & wipers (150). NHTSA lists 7 recall campaigns for this year. Complaints mention 8 crashes and 9 fires.
2020 electrical system problems →2020 engine problems →2020 visibility & wipers problems →
2021 Kia Telluride Index 80 · 365 complaints · 5 recalls
Owners filed 365 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 Kia Telluride, led by visibility & wipers (86), engine (70), and electrical system (49). NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns for this year. Complaints mention 7 crashes and 4 fires.
2021 visibility & wipers problems →2021 engine problems →2021 electrical system problems →
Most common Kia Telluride problems (all years)
Share of NHTSA complaints by component group. A complaint naming two components counts once in each.
- Electrical System477 (24%)
- Other475 (24%)
- Visibility & Wipers420 (21%)
- Engine384 (19%)
- Structure & Body212 (11%)
- Transmission & Powertrain170 (9%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras102 (5%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires79 (4%)
- Brakes68 (3%)
- Fuel System44 (2%)
Frequently asked questions
- What year Kia Telluride should I avoid?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2020 and 2021 Kia Telluride have the highest Complaint Index among 6 model years and are the years to avoid. The 2020 model year ranks worst with 761 complaints and 7 recalls.
- What is the best year for the Kia Telluride?
- The 2023 and 2025 Kia Telluride have the lowest Complaint Index of the years we track, with the 2023 at 207 complaints and 6 recalls. Complaint counts are adjusted for how long each model year has been on the road.
- What are the most common problems with the Kia Telluride?
- Across all model years, the most reported problem areas in NHTSA complaints are electrical system (477, 24%), visibility & wipers (420, 21%), and engine (384, 19%).
- How many recalls does the Kia Telluride have?
- NHTSA lists 17 distinct recall campaigns covering Kia Telluride model years 2020–2025. Recalls are repaired free of charge by dealers; check any specific vehicle by VIN before buying.