2021 Kia TELLURIDE
Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report
Quick Summary
The 2021 Kia TELLURIDE has 413 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.0x the segment average of 401. The most common issue is other problems (22% of all complaints), specifically: chipped glass from rock/debris, windshield instantly cracked.. There are 5 recalls issued for this model year. ⚠️ 4 fire reports filed.
413
Total Complaints
5
Recalls Issued
5/5
Safety Stars
1.0x
vs Segment Avg
Known Problems(top 5 of 8)
OTHER
90 complaints- • CHIPPED GLASS FROM ROCK/DEBRIS, WINDSHIELD INSTANTLY CRACKED.
- • THE VEHICLE STARTED VIBRATING WITHIN A MONTH OF THE PURCHASE AT SPEEDS BETWEEN 60-80. SEVERAL TRIPS TO KIA WITH KIA TECH LINE AND THEY DENY THE VEHICLE HAS AN ISSUE. THEY SAID THE VIBRATION MEASURED WITH A PICOSCOPE WAS WITHIN THE NORMAL RANGE. AFTER FIGHTING WITH KIA CONSUMERS, I TOOK IT TO A DRIV
- • THE KIA TELLURIDE HAS A SERIOUS ISSUE WITH AIR FLOW BETWEEN SECOND AND THIRD ROWS AND ON LEFT AND RIGHT SIDE OUTPUT FLOWS. IT MAKES IT DIFFICULT TO KEEP AIR FLOW EVEN IN THE CAR AND WITH CHILDREN IN THE CAR IT REQUIRES FREQUENT STOPS ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD TO ADDRESS THE TEMPERATURE ISSUES OR ME TR
“CHIPPED GLASS FROM ROCK/DEBRIS, WINDSHIELD INSTANTLY CRACKED.”
— NHTSA complaint filing
When Problems Appear on the 2021 Kia TELLURIDE
Based on 46 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 3K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.
VISIBILITY
ENGINE
Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.
Recalls (5)
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."
Risk: 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.
Fix: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the OCS/ODS unit, free of charge. The recall began March 18, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC207.
Fuel Cost Calculator for 2021 Kia TELLURIDE
Live EIA pricesBased on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.
5-Year Gas Price History
EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → todaySource: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.
Estimated Insurance Cost for 2021 Kia TELLURIDE
How this estimate is calculated
Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.
Maintenance & Warranty
Recommended Kia TELLURIDE Service Intervals
Turbo engines (Optima 2.0T, Sorento 2.5T) may benefit from more frequent oil changes.
"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.
Kia New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage
10 year powertrain not transferable to subsequent owners
These are the terms for a new Kia. If you're buying a used 2021 TELLURIDE, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Kia dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.
Estimated Repair Costs
Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.
🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Based on 413 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:
- ☐OTHER: CHIPPED GLASS FROM ROCK/DEBRIS, WINDSHIELD INSTANTLY CRACKED.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐VISIBILITY: I DROVE TO WORK, ON A REGULAR ROAD, AT 40-45 MPH. NO ISSUE. I PARKED MY CAR AND WHEN I CAME OUT 12 HOURS LATER I HAD A CRACK THAT STARTED AT THE BASE OF MY WINDSHIELD AND SPREAD ABOUT A QUARTER OF THE LENGTH OF MY WINDSHIELD. I WAS NOT PARKED UNDER A TREE AND THERE WAS NO INCLEMENT WEATHER. THERE WA
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐ENGINE: MY ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON ON THE FIRST COLD MORNING. WHEN THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, IT STARTED SPITTING AND SPUTTERING AND IDLED FUNNY. I SHUT IT OFF.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐ELECTRICAL: LAST WEEK THE FRONT COLLISION WARNING AND LANE DEPARTURE WARNING ILLUMINATED ON THE DASH AND TODAY THE WINDSHIELD HAS A CRACK IN IT, NOTHING HAS HIT THE WINDSHIELD IT WAS PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY. 2021 S MODEL 2800 MILES ON THE CLOCK
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐RECALLS: Verify all 5 recalls have been completed — free at any Kia dealer
- ☐General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)
Kia TELLURIDE — Year Comparison
How does 2021 compare to other years? Fewer complaints = more reliable.
NHTSA Safety Rating
At a Glance
- Complaints
- 413
- Recalls
- 5
- Fire reports
- 4
- Crash reports
- 6
- Injury reports
- 8
- Segment avg
- 401
Check a Specific VIN
See recalls for YOUR 2021 Kia TELLURIDE