How many engine complaints does NHTSA list for the 2021 Kia Telluride?

NHTSA lists 70 Engine complaints for the 2021 Kia Telluride, which is 19% of the 365 total complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a recall for the 2021 Kia Telluride engine?

NHTSA data shows no related recall listed for the Engine problem area on the 2021 Kia Telluride.

Did the engine problems cause any fires?

Yes. Four of the 70 Engine complaints for the 2021 Kia Telluride involved fires, though NHTSA lists no crashes or injuries tied to these reports.

At what mileage do engine problems typically show up?

The median mileage at failure for Engine complaints on the 2021 Kia Telluride is 72,000 miles, according to NHTSA data.

How does the 2021 Telluride compare to other years for engine complaints?

The 2021 Telluride's Engine complaints make up 19% of that year's total complaints, compared to 21% for 2020, 11% for 2022, 17% for 2023, 16% for 2024, and 42% for 2025.

2021 Kia Telluride Engine Problems

NHTSA lists 70 Engine complaints for the 2021 Kia Telluride, 19% of its 365 total complaints for the year. Four of these reports involved fires, and the median mileage at failure was 72,000. No related recall is listed in NHTSA data for this problem area.

Engine complaints: 70; 19% of 365
Crashes reported: 0
Fires reported: 4
Injuries reported: 0
Median mileage: 72,000 mi
Related recalls: 0

Typical engine symptoms owners report

Owners report loud rattling from underneath the vehicle at highway speed, with parts falling off onto the road.
Multiple owners describe fire and smoke coming from the engine area, in some cases while the vehicle was parked and off.
One owner reported rod bearing failure that left holes in the engine block, caused oil leakage, and led to a fire.
Several owners describe a loud squeal or whistling noise from the top of the engine on cold mornings, lasting about 30 seconds and going away as the engine warms.
One owner reported the check engine light coming on with rough idling, sputtering, and shaking shortly after starting.

When 2021 Kia Telluride engine complaints were filed

First complaint Dec 1, 2020, latest Sep 24, 2026.

70 complaints filed with NHTSA from Dec 2020 to Sep 2026; peak Mar 2026 (5).

Engine recalls for the 2021 Kia Telluride

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Engine complaints by Telluride model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

2020160 (21%)
202170 (19%)
202237 (11%)
202336 (17%)
202434 (16%)
202547 (42%)

Frequently asked questions

How many engine complaints does NHTSA list for the 2021 Kia Telluride?: NHTSA lists 70 Engine complaints for the 2021 Kia Telluride, which is 19% of the 365 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for the 2021 Kia Telluride engine?: NHTSA data shows no related recall listed for the Engine problem area on the 2021 Kia Telluride.
Did the engine problems cause any fires?: Yes. Four of the 70 Engine complaints for the 2021 Kia Telluride involved fires, though NHTSA lists no crashes or injuries tied to these reports.
At what mileage do engine problems typically show up?: The median mileage at failure for Engine complaints on the 2021 Kia Telluride is 72,000 miles, according to NHTSA data.
How does the 2021 Telluride compare to other years for engine complaints?: The 2021 Telluride's Engine complaints make up 19% of that year's total complaints, compared to 21% for 2020, 11% for 2022, 17% for 2023, 16% for 2024, and 42% for 2025.