CarModelProblems.com

2021 Kia Telluride Problems & Recalls

Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 07/14/2026

High complaint levelIts most-reported problem — Visibility/wiper — runs 3.6× the fleet median for that category across the 326 model-years tracked on this site.
330Complaints
5Recalls
7Crashes
4Fires
7Injured
0Deaths

Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint & recall data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.

Is this problem acknowledged?

The most-reported problem — Visibility/wiper (18.2% of complaints) — has no NHTSA recall or open investigation on file.

Visibility/wiper complaints here are 3.6× the median for that category across the 326 model-years tracked on this site.

1 of the 6 most-reported categories on this page are backed by a recall or open investigation; the other 5 rest on owner reports alone.

Complaint categoryReportsOfficial statusReference
Visibility/wiper60 · 18.2%No official action
Engine55 · 16.7%No official action
Electrical System35 · 10.6%No official action
Structure:body30 · 9.1%No official action
Power Train24 · 7.3%RecalledRecall 24V214000
Suspension17 · 5.2%No official action

Recalled = an NHTSA safety recall covers this category, so a free repair exists. Under investigation = NHTSA has an open probe but no recall yet. Investigation closed = NHTSA examined it and closed the probe — this is not a defect finding; where a closed probe led to a recall we name the campaign. Not available = recall or investigation data could not be confirmed for this vehicle — it is not a “no”. Categories are matched by NHTSA's top-level component. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Complaints by component

Unspecified / other89 · 27%
VISIBILITY/WIPER60 · 18.2%
ENGINE55 · 16.7%
STRUCTURE:BODY30 · 9.1%
POWER TRAIN24 · 7.3%
SUSPENSION17 · 5.2%
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS14 · 4.2%
SERVICE BRAKES13 · 3.9%
VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY11 · 3.3%

Percentages are the share of the 330 complaints citing each component; one complaint can cite several components. “Unspecified / other” is NHTSA’s own catch-all category — we show it rather than hide it.

Recalls — 5 campaigns

Air Bags: Air Bag/restraint Control Module

NHTSA campaign 21V164000 · 2021 · reported 03/11/2021

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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Trailer Hitches

NHTSA campaign 22V626000 · 2022 · reported 08/15/2022

A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · Park outside  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Power Train:driveline:driveshaft

NHTSA campaign 24V214000 · 2024 · reported 03/20/2024

A vehicle roll away increases the risk of a crash or injury. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Seats:front Assembly:power Adjust

NHTSA campaign 24V407000 · 2024 · reported 06/05/2024

A fire increases the risk of injury. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · Park outside  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Seats:front Assembly:power Adjust

NHTSA campaign 26V430000 · 2026 · reported 07/02/2026

A fire increases the risk of injury. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · Park outside  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

What owners report

“Moonroof exploded while driving down freeway. No external sources caused this. Sunny, safe conditions.”NHTSA complaint 11514579 — filed 03/30/2023 · UNKNOWN OR OTHER
“My 2021 Kia Telluride has exhibited a brake vacuum leak. Initially, the leak prevents the vehicle to be started because the brake pedal becomes "hard"…”NHTSA complaint 11512001 — filed 03/15/2023 · UNKNOWN OR OTHER
“Three windshields in a row have cracked seemingly without cause. My windshields never chip, they have only cracked or shattered.”NHTSA complaint 11495057 — filed 11/27/2022 · UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.

Complaint trend by year filed

192020572021382022552023972024812025772026

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2021 Kia Telluride?

Unknown or other issues are the most-reported category, cited in 89 of 330 NHTSA complaints (27%), followed by visibility/wiper (60), engine (55), electrical system (35). Complaints are unverified owner reports.

How many complaints does the 2021 Kia Telluride have?

330 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/14/2026. Of those, 7 involved a crash, 4 involved a fire, and 7 reported injuries. No deaths were reported.

Does the 2021 Kia Telluride have any recalls?

Yes — 5 NHTSA safety recall campaigns, including campaign 21V164000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Has NHTSA acted on the 2021 Kia Telluride's reported problems?

1 of the 6 most-reported complaint categories on this page is backed by an NHTSA safety recall or open investigation; the rest are unverified owner reports. A recall means a free repair is available at authorized dealers.

Is a complaint proof of a defect?

No. Complaints are reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints, and a complaint is not proof that a defect exists.

About this data — Complaint figures on this page are consumer reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a U.S. government agency. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints; a complaint is not proof that a defect exists, and counts reflect what owners chose to report, not confirmed failure rates. Recall information comes from official NHTSA safety recall campaigns; recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Always check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. CarModelProblems.com is an independent site and is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. Data through 07/14/2026.