98 of the 453 complaints about the 2021 KIA Telluride are about the other systems — 22% of everything reported for this model year. Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before 3,000 miles.
98
Complaints
0
Crashes
0
Fires
4
Injuries
Filed with NHTSA, in their own words.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Sunroof broke when trying to open it. Now it’s in the open, venting, position unable to close. Dealership can’t look at it for a week so I’m risking water damage. Vehicle only has 31,000 miles on it and is just past the 5 yr warranty of course
NHTSA complaint #11756864 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The sunroof is stuck open and is loose on the tracks, if even on the tracks at all. Very dangerous, as it could fly off while I am driving. This is a common problem with the Telluride, and I believe it should be recalled.
NHTSA complaint #11755668 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
In August 2025, my Kia dealership serviced my 2021 Kia Telluride and billed me for 7 quarts of oil as part of the repair. Approximately four months later, in December 2025, the vehicle developed severe engine problems and became inoperable. The dealership diagnosed the failure as a collapsed timing tensioner and stated the engine required complete replacement. Kia Techline agreed with that diagnosis and used it as the basis for recommending a new engine. Despite acknowledging that engine replacement was necessary, Kia denied warranty coverage, leaving me responsible for an estimated $11,000 repair. I then obtained a second opinion from an independent, reputable repair facility. After inspecting the vehicle, the shop concluded the engine failure was not caused by a timing system failure. Instead, they found the engine contained only about one quart of oil and determined the damage resulted from oil starvation. They further stated that, in their professional opinion, the dealership had misdiagnosed the vehicle and that the low oil level was consistent with the possibility that the dealership failed to add the oil for which I was charged during the August 2025 service. What is especially concerning is that the dealership never documented or informed me that the engine was critically low on oil. Because the timing components rely on engine oil for lubrication, I believe it would have been impossible to properly inspect and diagnose a timing tensioner failure without recognizing and documenting the severely low oil level. Based on the independent inspection and the dealership's failure to identify or disclose the lack of oil, I believe the dealership either failed to perform the service as billed or failed to correctly diagnose the true cause of the engine failure. I am concerned that this incorrect diagnosis diverted attention from possible negligent workmanship during the prior service and led to an unnecessary recommendation for an $11,000 engine replacement.
NHTSA complaint #11755247 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Opened the sunroof wind deflector broke tracks broke will not close
NHTSA complaint #11754641 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My 2021 Kia Telluride (60,500 miles) experienced failure of the panoramic sunroof wind deflector arm/mechanism. The broken component is available for inspection. The failure prevents the sunroof system from operating properly and may result in improper sealing, water intrusion, or further mechanical damage. The issue was confirmed by a Kia dealership. Kia has issued Technical Service Bulletin BOD 319 addressing Telluride sunroof wind deflector arm and mechanism failures. Despite this bulletin, I was quoted approximately $4,000+ for replacement of the entire sunroof assembly instead of the component repair procedure described by Kia. There were no warning lights or messages before failure. The issue occurred during normal vehicle use. I believe this known component failure presents a safety and reliability concern for Telluride owners.
NHTSA complaint #11753524 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
CATASTROPHIC FAILURE TIMELINE (13 DAYS) XXX: Delivery taken at 105,439 miles.XXX: My boyfriend noticed a cloud of smoke from exhaust as I pressed the accelerator pedal to leave the parking lot. I didn't notice because it was almost dark outside when leaving. He didn't notice again so he didn't stop me and told me when we got home. XXX (Day 12): Check Engine Light (CEL) on. Dipstick found dry. 2 quarts of oil purchased and added. Which brought the level right above the L line. Sent texts to both salesmen (Freedom and Driveway). Went to work in [XXX]. XXX (Day 13): Got home with Odometer: 106,974. Plugged Code reader into the vehicle and got Code P0597 logged at 1:04 AM. Tried both salesmen again through texts, email and or call. Have yet to get a reply from either. XXX posted review updates on both of my previous posted reviews for Freedom and Driveway. Received my first response from the Driveway review team only. XXX rear brake pads had been cutting into rotors a few days prior. I had to purchase a tool and pads to replace. XXX Documented loss of an additional 4 quarts of oil across 4 dates. XXX subscribed to Kia connect and the app also detected issue fault code P0597. And at a later date the app detected a 2nd fault code P0598 which went away a couple days later. May 14th finally got a hold of Justin Grable (GM Freedom) to discuss options. XXX trade-in is only option being given to me. DOCUMENTED DEFECTS & ROOT CAUSE Code P0597 (Thermostat Heater Control/Open): An electrical/mechanical failure that caused internal engine "hot spots." Engine Failure: Pre-existing piston ring tension loss causing catastrophic oil consumption (1 quart/wk). Consequential Damage: Chronic oil burning will poison the Catalytic Converters and foul all Oxygen (O2) Sensors. As of XXX my vehicle is now consuming 1 qt/day. ac is not working and now giving me 6 codes for engine light. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11753326 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The moon roof has came off track
NHTSA complaint #11751703 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Children helping to unload groceries from trunk. 2 different kids have burnt their legs on exhaust pipe while leaning into car to reach.
NHTSA complaint #11751416 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Other/I am not sure
This car seat is missing any labels on the seat that have booster information. It is an all-in-one car seat and does have a booster mode. The manual does state the height, weight and age limit, but this is not noted anywhere on the stickers on the seat. This is a problem when the manual is not available.
NHTSA complaint #11748824 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The sunroof failed and is stuck open. This creates a hazard as you cannot secure the vehicle, it is open to the elements, and you have highway noise. This is not a simple small motor fix it is $3000+ and a complete replacing of the track/cassette.
NHTSA complaint #11743201 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Sunroof wouldnt close. Broken assembly.
NHTSA complaint #11743248 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
May 9, 2026 Opened my Sunroof for first time this year. Would not open all the way. Jammed sideways. Couldn't get it shut. The arms in the track to move the window back and forth disinegrated. Slight water damage to right side headliner. Currently at glass company for repair. Need entire unit. $1,450 for a used one $5,000 for new. Are there any current recalls? 2021 Kia Telleride purchased new; Current mileage 38,000. Will attach copy of repair order when received.
NHTSA complaint #11738544 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
sunroof - broken wind deflector arms
NHTSA complaint #11735864 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
There is no incident that lead to this part breaking. My sunroof broke when it was opened. A part fell out of the assembly into the car. The sunroof will now not open fully or close fully. It's a hazard because I'm not sure if the glass is properly attached to my car and can fly off. I took this to a dealership the other day and was told this was common and not covered under warranty, costing owners thousands of dollars and days of repairs.
NHTSA complaint #11733705 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Sunroof wouldn’t fully close when a rainstorm hit, causing driver panic attack. This appears to be a known issue under TSB BOD-319.
NHTSA complaint #11732958 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The sunroof on my 2021 Kia Telluride broke and is stuck open. We had to take it to Kia to have the repair quoted and they want to charge $6k to have it replaced. This is a huge safety issue, as it is winter and we have rain/snow getting in the car, as well as the potential for someone to break into my car through the sunroof as well. I have read numerous reports online of other 2021 Kia Tellurides with this same issue. Please have Kia issue a recall to have this issue addressed.
NHTSA complaint #11733089 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The sunroof wind deflector mechanism on my 2021 Kia Telluride failed due to what appears to be a known defect. The passenger side wind deflector arm broke off and upon trying to close the sunroof it made grinding noises. This caused the sunroof to malfunction and created a situation where the sunroof could not operate properly and is now stuck open. Kia has acknowledged issues with this component in a Technical Service Bulletin, indicating prior knowledge of defects in the wind deflector arms. However, no recall or owner notification was issued. Because of this lack of notification, I was not aware of the need to inspect or repair this part when the issue was minor. Instead, the failure progressed and now requires a significantly more expensive repair involving major sunroof components. The sunroof being stuck open is a distraction when driving and during rain has allowed water to leak into the car. Fortunately, I was parked when the wind deflector arm failed. Had this occurred while driving, the abrupt malfunction could have created a dangerous distraction and compromised safe vehicle operation.
NHTSA complaint #11732829 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I recently pressed the button to open the sunroof, and it only retracted a few inches before I heard a loud noise. The sunroof stopped, and simply would not go any further. Thankfully, the vehicle is garaged at home (I was stationary and heading out when this occurred), but with Kia topping the list of most stolen vehicles, along with unpredictable weather, I'm sure you can understand why I was concerned about leaving my sunroof open! After doing some research online, I found that this is a known problem with Tellurides. I took my car in as soon as possible for service to figure out what was wrong. Unfortunately, I was given an estimate of approximately $4,000 to repair. I purchased the car from Fred Anderson Kia of Raleigh, and took it to the same dealer for service and to report the issue. Video provided from service appointment: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11732556 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I have 2 issues going on with my vehicle. The trim on the outside of my doors is coming off which I know was a recall for some telluride vehicles about this old. Also ive been having some electrical issues/hot smell like something is burning if the heated seats get turned on.
NHTSA complaint #11729468 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Opens sunroof and part broke
NHTSA complaint #11726278 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Sunroof bracket broke off when opening
NHTSA complaint #11710196 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1) What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The panoramic sunroof assembly — specifically the sunroof panel and its track/mechanism — failed. The sunroof panel came off its track and damaged related components (e.g., guide rails/wind deflector arms). The damaged sunroof and broken parts are available for inspection upon request. 2) How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The sunroof panel dislodged unexpectedly during normal use. This could have caused objects or glass to fall into the cabin or onto the roadway, presenting a risk of injury to occupants or other road users. Sudden failure of the sunroof mechanism also poses a distraction while driving. 3) Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes. The dealership/service center inspected the vehicle and confirmed the sunroof panel was off its track and broken. (If the dealer refused to acknowledge it as a defect, state: “The dealership inspected the failure but did not classify it as a warranty defect.”) 4) Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? The vehicle/sunroof was inspected by an authorized Kia dealership service department. (If applicable: “Insurance representatives were not involved.” / “Kia corporate has not inspected the vehicle.”) 5) Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? There were no warning lamps or dashboard messages prior to the sunroof failure. There were no abnormal noises or operational symptoms immediately before the sunroof panel disengaged from its track.
NHTSA complaint #11706739 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My stationary sunroof exploded with no Impact while driving. You can tell from. Photos the hole is inside to outside. This happened May 1st, I had it repaired with OEM glass on 5/10 and from day 1 after the repair had the shade vented to alleviate hot air getting trapped as they say they could be a factor. Well then it happened again today on Dec. 17th !! Something is wrong with either frame or the glass KIA is using !
NHTSA complaint #11705733 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
On 11/01/2025, while traveling on the highway traveling at a speed of 80mph, my vehicle suddenly would not accelerate beyond 60 mph. I managed to exit safely, but this created a dangerous situation for both me, my daughter and other motorists . The next day, Firestone inspected the vehicle and informed me the engine contained zero oil—yet no oil light, check-engine light, temperature warning, or sensor alerts were triggered at any point. There were no visible oil leaks, suggesting internal oil consumption, which I had reported to Kia in October of 2024. On 10/21/2024, I paid $3,300 for a flywheel/ignition repair at a Kia dealership. When I dropped off the vehicle for that repair, I specifically reported abnormal oil consumption and requested it be checked. Kia did not diagnose or remedy the concern. The combination of: -Complete oil loss -No warning indicators -Sudden loss of power and inability to accelerate -Occurring at highway speed constitutes a critical safety defect. Drivers cannot take preventative action if the vehicle provides no indication of catastrophic engine failure until it is already occurring. This defect exposes drivers, passengers, and surrounding motorists to severe risk of collision or injury. Additionally, the dealership later provided a Carfax entry simple stating "car maintenance" on 10/22/2024. No record of what was repaired, indicating inaccurate or incomplete documentation. I am requesting that NHTSA: -Review this incident as a potential engine safety defect. -investigate whether other 2021 Kia Telluride owners are experiencing similar catastrophic oil -loss or lack of warning indicators. -Assess whether current recalls adequately address this failure pattern. -Determine whether an additional recall or investigation is warranted.
NHTSA complaint #11700236 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I tried to open the sunroof and it made a loud "popping" sound then would not close. I took it to the Kia Service center in SC (Fred Anderson Kia Greenville, SC)and the tech informed me this would be a $7000 fix. They also informed me to report this incident since they have also had numerous sunroof issues with this make and model. KIA also released a technical service bulletin " This bulletin provides information to perform a partial replacement of the sunroof wind deflector and mechanism arms on some 2019-2022MY Telluride (ON) vehicles produced from February 15, 2019 through January 19, 2022. The affected vehicles may experience the sunroof open/close operation inoperative and/or the sunroof wind deflector function inoperative. " A this is a known defect, this should be issued recall as it could result in sunroof glass break, causing injury to drivers, passengers.
NHTSA complaint #11696275 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The trim pieces on the outside of the doors are not properly on and are flapping.
NHTSA complaint #11695670 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I opened up my sunroof it became lodged, sideways and cracked
NHTSA complaint #11694319 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
While driving at highway speed, The moon roof cracked and blew outward with out any reason.
NHTSA complaint #11694204 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I drive a Kia Telluride and while driving down the highway two pieces of plastic fell down into the passenger seat. Next the window flew up into the air. I had to physically hold the window down while driving with children in the back seat. No warranty will cover the sunroof and I was quoted $6000 to fix it. Upon searching this information I found that this has happened to multiple people and Kia is not trying to fix it. I spent all of my savings on this car to be able to transport my family safely. This did not happen.
NHTSA complaint #11693291 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Sunroof fails to close. Problem is known as there are multiple reports stating that the sunroof deflector breaks within a few years on Kia Telluride. Vehicle cannot be driven as you cannot lock the vehicle when a window is open/weather impacts drive-ability..
NHTSA complaint #11693072 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.