NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls and 124 owner complaints for the 2025 Kia Telluride. Most complaints involve engine (49) and electrical system (22). The EPA rates it 20–22 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2025 Telluride vehicles, equipped with power front seat(s). Due to a manufacturing error, the driver and passenger seat back frame assemblies may fail to properly restrain occupants in a crash.
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2025 Telluride and 2026 Sorento vehicles. The vehicles are equipped with an incorrect spare tire which, when installed, can impair the anti-lock braking system (ABS) and the traction control system (TCS). As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023-2025 Telluride vehicles. The door belt molding trim can delaminate and detach from the vehicle.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“Formal Safety Complaint – 2025 Kia Telluride I am filing a formal safety complaint regarding my 2025 Kia Telluride due to ongoing mechanical issues that have now escalated to a serious and potentially life-threatening situation. Multiple warning lights are illuminating on my dashboard, and the engine is now shutting off while I am actively driving the vehicle. This is completely unacceptable and puts my safety and the safety of others on the road at risk. I have already made multiple attempts to address ongoing mechanical issues with this vehicle, including a persistent shudder while driving. Despite seeking assistance from Kia dealerships and involving the companies responsible for my vehicle’s accessibility conversion, the issues remain unresolved and have now escalated. My Telluride has been converted with a rear-entry wheelchair ramp through Freedom Motors, but I have been advised that the conversion is unrelated to the drivetrain concerns. I need Kia to take these complaints seriously and conduct a thorough investigation into the vehicle’s mechanical and electrical systems. I purchased this vehicle expecting it to be safe and reliable, especially given…”
“The airbag warning light came on at about 4,000–4,500 miles in July 2026. The selling dealer found active code B142900 and a damaged yellow SRS connector under the driver-side second-row seat. The green wire is pulled out of the terminal, with exposed copper. The connector is hanging loose under the seat, in the path of the seat frame. The dealer wiring diagram identifies it as connector F49, Rear Side Airbag LH. The failed connector is still on the vehicle and available for inspection. Dealer case 26238900 was opened July 7, 2026 and closed July 8. Techline said it only handles engines, transmissions, and high-voltage batteries, and directed the warranty question to the service manager, DPSM, and warranty department. The dealer did not issue a written warranty decision, called the damage owner-caused, and quoted a main-harness replacement above $6,000. This is the same second-row driver-side side-airbag circuit recalled under SC262 / NHTSA 23V-035 for harness damage from seat-frame contact during normal seat movement. The SRS light is still on at 6,182 miles, so that airbag will not deploy. A warranty review was submitted to Kia Customer Care Center on October…”
“The sunroof on my 2025 telluride spontaneously exploded this morning. It sounded like a gunshot went off. No other vehicles were around and wasn’t near anything that could fall on the vehicle”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Telluride FWD Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.8 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 20 | 26 | 22 | $2,900 | 398 |
| Telluride AWD Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.8 L · All-Wheel Drive | 18 | 23 | 20 | $3,200 | 442 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
3 safety recalls as of Nov 3, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 124 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine (49), electrical system (22), visibility/wiper (18). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2025 Kia Telluride at 20–22 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2025 Kia Telluride 5 out of 5 stars overall.