2021 Kia Telluride Safety Report
2021 Kia Telluride: Strong crash ratings, but multiple recalls and engine fire/failure complaints raise real-world safety concerns.
AI Safety Analysis for the 2021 Kia Telluride
Reliability Score
The 2021 Kia Telluride receives a reliability score of 65 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.
Known Issues for the 2021 Kia Telluride
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2021 Kia Telluride:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Failure/Excessive Oil Consumption Multiple reports of catastrophic engine failure, often without warning lights, linked to excessive oil consumption or rod bearing issues, sometimes leading to fires. |
High | Common | 80000-120000 miles |
| Sunroof Mechanism Failure Sunroof mechanism breaking, getting stuck open, or deflector arms failing, leading to exposure to elements or inoperability. |
Medium | Common | unknown miles |
| Front Power Seat Motor Overheating/Fire Risk Recall issued for front power seat motor overheating due to a stuck slide knob, posing a fire risk while parked or driving. |
High | Occasional | unknown miles |
| Vehicle Roll Away Due To Driveshaft Issue Recall for intermediate shaft and right front driveshaft not fully engaged, potentially causing vehicle roll away while in park. |
High | Rare | unknown miles |
| Tow Hitch Harness Fire Risk Recall for certain tow hitch harnesses that can cause a fire while parked or driving. |
High | Rare | unknown miles |
| Occupant Classification System (Ocs) Defect Recall for OCS/ODS unit not detecting child restraints, increasing injury risk if the front passenger airbag deploys with a child in the seat. |
High | Rare | unknown miles |
| Rear Parking Sensor Error Error messages for rear parking sensors, often attributed to a faulty rear bumper harness. |
Low | Occasional | unknown miles |
| Cooling Fans Running Continuously Cooling fans running after the car is turned off, draining the battery, often due to a faulty fan relay. |
Medium | Occasional | unknown miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2021 Kia Telluride:
A wide range of miscellaneous issues not fitting into specific categories, indicating diverse problems.
Issues related to windshield cracking, sunroof malfunctions, and general visibility problems.
Reports of engine failure, excessive oil consumption, and related issues, including fires.
Problems with structural components, including sunroof assembly and door trim detachment.
Further complaints related to visibility, potentially overlapping with sunroof and windshield issues.
Issues with the drivetrain, including the recall for potential vehicle roll away.
Problems such as cooling fans running continuously and battery drain.
Reports of unstable rear shocks affecting vehicle control on rough roads.
Issues related to external lights.
Complaints regarding the vehicle's braking system.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2021 Kia Telluride
Is the 2021 Kia Telluride safe?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2021 Kia Telluride received an excellent 5-star overall safety rating, with strong crash test performance. However, it has 293 complaints, 7 crashes, 4 fires, and 7 injuries reported, along with 4 significant recalls addressing fire risks, roll-away potential, and airbag deployment issues. While crash protection is high, real-world reliability and specific component failures, particularly engine and fire-related, are concerns.
What are common problems with the 2021 Kia Telluride?
The most reported issues for the 2021 Kia Telluride include 'UNKNOWN OR OTHER' (60 complaints), 'VISIBILITY/WIPER' (51 complaints, often related to sunroof and windshield), and 'ENGINE' (29 complaints, including catastrophic failures and excessive oil consumption). Other notable problems involve 'STRUCTURE' (19 complaints) and 'POWER TRAIN' (13 complaints).
Are there any recalls for the 2021 Kia Telluride?
Yes, the 2021 Kia Telluride has 4 recalls. These include issues with the front power seat motor overheating (fire risk), the intermediate shaft/driveshaft (vehicle roll away risk), certain tow hitch harnesses (fire risk), and the Occupant Classification System (OCS) potentially not detecting child restraints, affecting airbag deployment.
Does the 2021 Kia Telluride have engine problems?
Yes, the 2021 Kia Telluride has a notable number of engine-related complaints (29 total), including reports of catastrophic engine failure, excessive oil consumption without warning lights, and even engine fires. These issues are a significant concern for owners.
What are the crash test ratings for the 2021 Kia Telluride?
The 2021 Kia Telluride received an overall 5-star safety rating from NHTSA. It scored 4 stars for frontal crash, 5 stars for side crash, and 4 stars for rollover resistance.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: While the 2021 Kia Telluride boasts excellent crash test ratings, potential buyers should be aware of the numerous recalls and significant complaints regarding engine failures, fire risks, and sunroof issues. Thoroughly review recall completion status and consider an extended warranty, especially for powertrain components.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2021 Kia Telluride
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2021 Kia Telluride. The data includes 293 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 4 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 7 reported crashes, 4 fire incidents, 7 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2021 Kia Telluride an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 4 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.