2021 Kia Telluride recalls and problems
The 2021 Kia Telluride has 5 safety recalls and 378 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Kia dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2021 Kia Telluride vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2021 Kia Telluride recalls
Recall 26V-430: Seats
Problem: Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2020-2024 Telluride vehicles. The front power seat motor may overheat due to a stuck power seat slide knob or an improper recall 24V407 repair, which can result in a fire while parked or driving.
Risk: A fire increases the risk of injury.
Fix: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will install an electronic fuse assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 13, 2026. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC374. This recall replaces NHTSA recall number 24V407. Vehicles already repaired under the previous recall will need to have the new remedy completed. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning July 17, 2026.
Recall 24V-407: Seats
Problem: Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2020-2024 Telluride vehicles. The front power seat motor may overheat due to a stuck power seat slide knob, which can result in a fire while parked or driving.
Risk: A fire increases the risk of injury.
Fix: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will install a bracket for the power seat switch back covers and replace the seat slide knobs, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 30, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC316.
Recall 24V-214: Power Train
Problem: Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2020-2024 Telluride vehicles. The intermediate shaft and right front driveshaft may not be fully engaged, which can result in vehicle roll away while in PARK.
Risk: A vehicle roll away increases the risk of a crash or injury.
Fix: Owners are advised to manually engage the emergency parking brake prior to exiting the vehicle until the recall remedy is performed. Dealers will update the electronic parking brake software and replace any damaged intermediate shafts as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 15, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC303.
Recall 22V-626: Trailer Hitches
Problem: Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Telluride vehicles potentially equipped with a Genuine Kia 4-pin tow hitch harness installed as original equipment, or purchased as an accessory through a Kia dealership. Debris and moisture accumulation on the tow hitch harness module printed circuit board (PCB) may cause an electrical short, which can result in a fire.
Risk: A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Fix: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will install a new fuse and a wiring harness extension. Dealers will also inspect and replace the tow hitch harness assembly, as necessary. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 12, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC247.
Recall 21V-164: Air Bags
Problem: 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.
2021 Kia Telluride problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Unknown or Other | 105 | |
| Engine | 68 | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 65 | |
| Electrical System | 43 | |
| Structure | 33 | |
| Power Train | 29 | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance | 27 | |
| Visibility | 24 | |
| Suspension | 21 | |
| Service Brakes | 14 | |
| Exterior Lighting | 10 | |
| Seats | 10 |
Most reported parts
- Structure › Body — 33
- Forward Collision Avoidance › Warnings — 16
- Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly — 13
- Visibility › Windshield — 11
- Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking — 9
- Back Over Prevention › Warnings — 4
- Lane Departure › Warning — 2
- Air Bags › Passenger Side Frontal › Cushion — 1
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 3,200 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2021 Kia Telluride complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Other Kia Telluride years
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2021 Kia Telluride have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2021 Kia Telluride: 26V-430 (seats), 24V-407 (seats), 24V-214 (power train), 22V-626 (trailer hitches), 21V-164 (air bags). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2021 Kia Telluride?
Owners report unknown or other problems most often (105 reports), followed by engine (68). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 3,200 miles.
Are Kia recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Kia dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.