Is the Kia Telluride reliable?

The Kia Telluride has 2,209 NHTSA complaints, or 47.9 per 1,000 vehicles. Its crash involvement rate is moderate. The most common issue is UNKNOWN OR OTHER. Source: VinItel

What Kia Telluride years should I avoid?

Avoid the 2020 model year of the Kia Telluride — it has significantly more NHTSA complaints than other years. The 2020 model year alone has 851 complaints. Source: VinItel (vinitel.com)

What is the best year for the Kia Telluride?

Among Kia Telluride model years with enough on-road history, the most reliable years are 2023 (260 complaints), 2022 (373 complaints), 2021 (381 complaints). Source: NHTSA complaints database via VinItel.

What are common Kia Telluride problems?

The most common Kia Telluride problems reported to NHTSA are: UNKNOWN OR OTHER (397 complaints, 0.8% crash rate); VISIBILITY/WIPER (328 complaints, 0.3% crash rate); ENGINE (214 complaints, 0.0% crash rate); ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (203 complaints, 2.5% crash rate); EXTERIOR LIGHTING (193 complaints, 1.0% crash rate). Source: VinItel

Should I buy a used Kia Telluride?

Used Kia Telluride buyers should: 1) Check our years-to-avoid list for this model. 2) Verify the specific VIN for accident history, title issues, and odometer rollbacks. The most reliable model years to look for: 2023, 2022, 2021. Free VIN check at vinitel.com.

Kia Telluride Reliability by Year

2,209 NHTSA complaints (2020–2025). Complaint rate: 47.9 per 1,000 vehicles.

Kia Telluride reliability varies significantly by model year. Based on 2,209 NHTSA complaints (2020–2025), the most problematic years are 2020, with high complaint volumes linked to unknown or other. Better choices include 2023, 2022, 2021, which show significantly fewer reported problems.

Why these years are worse

The most common issues driving the complaint spikes:

unknown or other — 397 complaints (0.8% involved a crash)
windshield wiper issues — 328 complaints (0.3% involved a crash)
engine problems — 214 complaints (0.0% involved a crash)
electrical faults — 203 complaints (2.5% involved a crash)
headlight/taillight failures — 193 complaints (1.0% involved a crash)

Severity Score

66.9

Complaints

2,209

Crash Rate

2.7%

Fire Rate

1.2%

Injuries

Fatalities

Which Years to Buy & Avoid

Years auto-clustered by complaint volume relative to this model's median.

Bottom line: The 2020 Kia Telluride had a notable spike in NHTSA complaints. Other years had typical complaint volumes. Most common issue across all years: UNKNOWN OR OTHER.

Avoid These Years

2020

~851/yr complaints · 11 crashes

Average

2021–2023

~338/yr complaints

Better Years

No years stand out as significantly better.

Too New

2024–2025

344 complaints so far

Need 3+ years on the road for reliable complaint data.

Looking at a specific Kia Telluride?

A model's reputation is just the start.

Even within the “good” years, individual cars can have hidden accidents, title issues, or odometer rollbacks. Check the actual VIN before you buy — full history report for $4.99 (vs. Carfax $44.99).

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Complaints by Model Year

NHTSA complaint count per model year

Kia Telluride — Complaints by Model YearPeak: 2020 (851)

Common Kia Telluride Problems

Most reported component complaints to NHTSA

Component	Complaints	Crash %
UNKNOWN OR OTHER	397	0.8%
VISIBILITY/WIPER	328	0.3%
ENGINE	214	0.0%
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	203	2.5%
EXTERIOR LIGHTING	193	1.0%
POWER TRAIN	136	3.7%
STRUCTURE:BODY	118	0.8%
SUSPENSION	59	0.0%
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS	48	12.5%
SERVICE BRAKES	47	12.8%

Year-by-Year Breakdown

NHTSA complaint count per model year — click any year for full problems & recalls breakdown.

Year	Generation	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Details
2020AVOID	—	851	11	13	View →
2021	—	381	13	4	View →
2022	—	373	15	6	View →
2023	—	260	11	2	View →
2024TOO NEW	—	278	6	2	View →
2025TOO NEW	—	66	4	—	View →

Year-by-Year Breakdown

Tap any year for full problems & recalls breakdown.

See also: Kia Tellurideaccident & safety statistics from our vehicle history database.

Buying a Kia Telluride?

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