2023 Kia Telluride Safety Report
2023 Kia Telluride: Excellent Crash Ratings Mask Significant Real-World Component Failures and Multiple Safety Recalls
AI Safety Analysis for the 2023 Kia Telluride
Reliability Score
The 2023 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 2023 Kia Telluride
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2023 Kia Telluride:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Instrument Cluster Failure Digital instrument cluster goes completely blank, obscuring critical information like speed, fuel, and warning lights. This is a recurring issue, even after recall repairs, and significantly impairs safe driving. |
High | Common | new-present miles |
| Power Seat Motor Overheating/Fire Risk Front power seat motor may overheat due to a stuck slide knob, posing a fire risk while parked or driving. This is a serious recall-related issue. |
High | Occasional | new-present miles |
| Vehicle Roll-Away (Driveshaft Issue) Intermediate shaft and right front driveshaft may not be fully engaged, leading to vehicle roll-away even when in 'P' (Park). This is a critical recall. |
High | Occasional | new-present miles |
| Airbag Non-Deployment Manufacturing error can damage second-row seat side airbag wire harnesses, preventing deployment in a crash and increasing injury risk. This is a recall. |
High | Rare | new-present miles |
| Exterior Trim Delamination/Detachment Door belt molding trim can delaminate and detach, becoming a road hazard for other vehicles. This is a recall. |
Medium | Common | new-present miles |
| Sunroof Spontaneous Explosion/Cracking Reports of sunroofs spontaneously exploding or cracking without external impact, suggesting a manufacturing defect. |
Medium | Occasional | new-present miles |
| Windshield Washer System Malfunction Washer fluid not dispensing properly, impairing visibility in poor weather conditions. |
Medium | Occasional | new-present miles |
| Fuel Gauge Erratic Readings Fuel gauge displays incorrect readings (e.g., empty when full, or full when empty), leading to potential unexpected fuel depletion. |
Medium | Occasional | new-present miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2023 Kia Telluride:
A significant portion of complaints fall into this category, often encompassing various miscellaneous issues not fitting specific component groups, including sunroof explosions and general manufacturing defects.
Issues related to windshield washer system malfunction and general visibility concerns.
Predominantly related to instrument cluster failures, but also includes other electrical glitches like erratic auto-dimming lights.
Concerns about exterior trim detachment and body integrity, including clear coat issues.
Includes issues like AWD coupler failures and potential transmission problems, as well as the driveshaft recall.
Reports of engine failures, oil leaks, and premature serpentine belt wear.
General suspension-related complaints.
Complaints about seatbelt fit and adjustability, particularly rubbing the neck for shorter drivers.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2023 Kia Telluride
Is the 2023 Kia Telluride safe?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2023 Kia Telluride received an excellent 5-star overall safety rating in crash tests. However, it has 168 reported complaints, 5 crashes, 2 fires, and 2 injuries, along with 5 safety recalls addressing serious issues like fire risk from power seats, vehicle roll-away, and non-deploying airbags. While crash protection is strong, real-world reliability and component integrity are significant concerns.
What are common problems with the 2023 Kia Telluride?
The most reported issues for the 2023 Kia Telluride include instrument cluster failures (part of Electrical System complaints), exterior trim delamination/detachment (Structure), and various 'UNKNOWN OR OTHER' issues like sunroof explosions. Other notable problems involve the windshield washer system (Visibility/Wiper) and engine/powertrain concerns like AWD coupler failures.
Are there any recalls for the 2023 Kia Telluride?
Yes, the 2023 Kia Telluride has 5 active safety recalls. These include recalls for potential fire risk from the front power seat motor, vehicle roll-away due to driveshaft issues, non-deploying second-row airbags, detached exterior trim, and a blank instrument cluster display.
How does the 2023 Kia Telluride perform in crash tests?
The 2023 Kia Telluride performs very well in NHTSA crash tests, earning an overall 5-star safety rating. It received 4 stars for frontal crash, 5 stars for side crash, and 4 stars for rollover resistance.
Should I be concerned about the instrument cluster going blank?
Yes, the instrument cluster going blank is a significant safety concern, as it prevents the driver from seeing critical information like speed, fuel level, and warning lights. This issue has been reported frequently (part of the 17 Electrical System complaints) and was even subject to a recall, yet complaints indicate it persists for some owners.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: While the 2023 Kia Telluride offers strong crash protection, potential buyers should be aware of the numerous reported component failures and critical recalls; ensure all recall remedies have been performed and consider an extended warranty for peace of mind.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2023 Kia Telluride
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2023 Kia Telluride. The data includes 168 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 5 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 5 reported crashes, 2 fire incidents, 2 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2023 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.