Telluride (1st)
NHTSA Safety Ratings About NHTSA ratings
Reliability Overview
The Telluride is the Kia side of the Palisade story covered in Track B #80. Both SUVs share the Hyundai-Kia 3.8L Lambda II GDI V6, both ride on the same large-SUV platform, both carry similar recall exposure across overlapping campaign numbers, and the Telluride's data confirms what the Palisade editorial said directly. Across 2020-2025, the Telluride accumulates 1,671 NHTSA complaints, 16 recalls, 35 crashes, 19 fires, 32 injuries, and 1 death. The Telluride's fire count is higher than the Palisade's (19 vs 9) on a smaller complaint volume, an inversion worth flagging.
The 3.8L Lambda II V6 (291 hp, 2020-2025) owns 1,660 of 1,671 complaints (99.3%) at 274.7 complaints per year. The rating algorithm grades it "avoid" at 1.2. The complaint distribution carries 644 entries in the "other" bucket (39% of file), with engine at 222, electrical at 221, exterior at 198, body at 136, and transmission at 135. This is a heavier "other" concentration than typical for a Hyundai-Kia file but lighter than the Subaru SGP pattern documented in Outback BT #84 and Forester SK #88. The "other" mix here captures door belt molding delamination (25V494), spare tire mis-specs, and digital instrument cluster issues rather than the Subaru windshield-and-multimedia signature.
The 2024 model year carries the most severe recall in the file. 24V077 covers an engine valve spring that may break while driving, with a consequence including a hole through the engine block. This is the same defect class as the Palisade's 24V106 recall, also covering 2024 model year cars, also calling out engine block penetration as the failure mode. The Hyundai-Kia Lambda II program issued separate campaigns for each nameplate but the underlying engineering defect is identical. Buyers shopping a 2024 Telluride or Palisade should treat the valve spring recall as a single platform issue rather than two separate brand events.
The recall log contains a re-recall pattern on the spare tire. 22V509 covered 2022 Sorento and Telluride vehicles with incorrect spare tires that could impair anti-lock braking. 25V745 re-issued for 2025 Telluride and 2026 Sorento on the same defect class, three years later. Other recalls cluster on instrument-cluster electrical defects (21V577 LCD blank screen, 22V344 excess adhesive in the cluster circuit board, 23V298 digital instrument cluster multi-Kia), seat-related issues (24V407 power seat motor overheat fire, 26V105 seat back frame manufacturing error on 2025 cars), and air bag manufacturing defects (21V164 OCS/ODS, 23V035 wire harness for second row).
For shoppers, the Telluride and Palisade are the same buying decision split across two brands. The data does not meaningfully distinguish them on reliability, and cross-shopping between them is picking based on dealership experience, warranty preference, or styling. The cleaner Full-Size 3-row alternatives are the Toyota Sequoia (V6 hybrid), Honda Pilot, Mazda CX-90, and the 2024+ Hyundai Santa Fe long-wheelbase if a smaller footprint will do. Within Hyundai-Kia, the Sorento is the smaller sibling on a different platform with cleaner per-year complaint figures, and the Carnival minivan substitutes if three rows and AWD aren't both required.
Engine Reliability Ratings
Kia Telluride Unidentified Engine
View details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
GDI Lambda-II
3.8L 6-cyl / 291 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
Vehicle-Level Issues
These issues affect the Kia Telluride regardless of engine variant.
Buyer's Guide
The Telluride is a single-engine generation, so used-Telluride shopping is engine-agnostic and reduces to which year. The 2024-2025 cars carry the most severe open recalls (24V077 valve spring break, 24V407 power seat motor fire risk, 26V105 seat back frame manufacturing error), while the 2020-2022 cars cleared most of their early manufacturing-quality issues but are now five-plus model years old with mileage to match. The 2023 model year sits in the middle with the 23V035 air bag wire harness and 23V298 digital instrument cluster recalls but no engine-block-piercing valve spring exposure. For buyers willing to absorb the higher fire-and-recall load, that 2023 window is the cleanest within the 1st generation.
Inspection priorities before buying any Telluride: verify the 24V077 valve spring recall has been performed on 2020-2024 cars (this is the load-bearing engine-block recall); check the 24V407 power seat motor overheat correction on 2020-2024 cars; confirm the 24V214 driveshaft engagement recall on 2020-2024 cars (vehicle roll away risk); for 2022 cars verify both 22V344 instrument cluster adhesive and 21V577 LCD startup blank screen; for 2023 cars confirm 23V035 second-row air bag wire harness; for 2025 cars verify 26V105 seat back frame and 25V745 spare tire (a re-recall of 22V509); and confirm the 25V494 door belt molding delamination on 2023-2025 cars.
Cross-shop the Toyota Sequoia (hybrid powertrain available), Honda Pilot, and Mazda CX-90 for the cleaner reliability profile in the Full-Size 3-row segment. Within Hyundai-Kia, the Palisade carries the same recall exposure on the same Lambda II V6 and is not a meaningful alternative; the Sorento is the smaller sibling on a different platform and reads cleaner per-year; the Carnival minivan covers three-row capacity without AWD if that's acceptable.
Recalls (16)
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2025 Telluride vehicles, equipped with power front seat(s). Due to a manufacturing error, the driver and passenger seat back frame assemblies may fail to properly restrain occupants in a crash.
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2025 Telluride and 2026 Sorento vehicles. The vehicles are equipped with an incorrect spare tire which, when installed, can impair the anti-lock braking system (ABS) and the traction control system (TCS). As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023-2025 Telluride vehicles. The door belt molding trim can delaminate and detach from the vehicle.
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2020 Telluride vehicles. The high beam headlights may fail.
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.
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2024 Telluride vehicles. The engine valve springs may break while driving, which can result in a loss of drive power and possibly create a hole in the engine block.
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.
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023 Telluride vehicles. Due to a manufacturing error, the wire harnesses for the second row seat side air bags may become damaged, causing them not to deploy in the event of a crash.
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023 Sportage, Sportage Hybrid, Sportage Plug-in Hybrid, Niro Hybrid, Niro Plug-in Hybrid, Soul, and Telluride vehicles equipped with a digital instrument cluster containing a 4.2" LCD screen. The instrument cluster may fail to display any information when the vehicle is started. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers 101, "Control and Displays," and 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems."
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2022 Sorento and Telluride vehicles. The vehicles may be equipped with an incorrect spare tire which, when installed, can impair the anti-lock braking system (ABS) and the traction control system (TCS). As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2022 Telluride vehicles. Excess adhesive in a circuit board within the instrument cluster may cause the instrument cluster display screen to be blank. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 101, "Control and Displays."
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.
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2022 Telluride vehicles. The LCD display screen may remain blank after startup. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 101, "Control and Displays."
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."
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2020 Telluride vehicles equipped with Smart Cruise Control (SCC). When a trailer is connected to the vehicle, the trailer brake lights will not illuminate when the SCC applies the brakes. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2020 Telluride vehicles. The seat belt assemblies in the front passenger, second, and/or third row seats may not tightly secure a child restraint system in the event of a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Alternatives in Full-Size SUV
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2020-2025 Kia Telluride problems?
The 2020-2025 Kia Telluride has accumulated 1,671 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Engine, Electrical System, Exterior. As with any used vehicle, an inspection before buying and a vehicle history report are recommended.
Which Kia Telluride engine is most reliable?
The 2020-2025 Kia Telluride was offered with 2 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 3.8L 6-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.
Is the 2020-2025 Kia Telluride a good used car?
The 2020-2025 Kia Telluride can be a sound used car depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 1,671 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2020-2025 Kia Telluride have?
The 2020-2025 Kia Telluride has 1,671 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.
What recalls affect the 2020-2025 Kia Telluride?
There are 16 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2020-2025 Kia Telluride vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN — check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.
What should I check before buying a used Kia Telluride?
Before buying a used Kia Telluride, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Engine, Electrical System, Exterior, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or title issues.
What are the NHTSA crash test ratings for the Telluride?
The 2025 Kia Telluride received an overall 5-star safety rating from NHTSA. Frontal crash: 4 stars. Side crash: 5 stars. Rollover: 4 stars (14.3% rollover probability). Electronic Stability Control: Standard. Forward Collision Warning: Standard & Optional. Lane Departure Warning: Standard. These ratings are based on standardized crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 1,671 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-05-23.