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The 2021 Kia Telluride is advertised as a family car that offers premium features and class. The automaker says there is “no holding back” when driving this SUV. However, customers tend to agree that it contains a defective powertrain, visibility issues and a faulty electrical system.
Click on other model year to view more problems: 2020 2022 2023
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NHTSA Complaints for the 2021 Kia Telluride
| Complaint Category | Number of Complaints |
|---|---|
| Visibility/wiper | |
| Unknown Or Other | |
| Electrical System | |
| Visibility:windshield | |
| Power Train | |
| Structure:body | |
| Engine | |
| Exterior Lighting | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Warnings | |
| Service Brakes |
Problems with the Powertrain
A smooth-shifting experience is what customers want, but it’s not what they receive. It seems these SUVs create excessive vibration that is causing some major complaints.
One NHTSA review says, “There is a known issue with Tellurides and Hyundai Palisade vehicles right now with excessive vibration when speeds reach 55 mph – 70 mph. Kia Consumer Assistance and dealers are not being helpful. They road forced balanced my wheels and sent me home…I told them it’s not fixed and now they want me to take it back. There are multiple people on forum/messaging board with the same problem. Kia replaces driveshafts/AWD couplers on some which resolves the issues but ignores others. They need a TSB to fix this universally. This piecemeal approach has gotten them in trouble with NHTSA already.”
While this might not seem like a big deal, if an accident were to occur, occupants could be in a lot of trouble. NHTSA Campaign Number 21V164000 states that some affected vehicles may not detect when there is a child restraint system in the front passenger seat, thereby the air bag could inadvertently deploy and cause a further injury. It appears the air bag system is just following the tagline – no holding back – not even when it is supposed to.
Visibility Problems
Probably the most talked about issue has to do with the auto glass, which continues to cause the same problems as previous models.
One NHTSA complaint states, “Windshield cracked, unsure of when or where, but went from 2 inches long to whole windshield in a matter of a day or two. Can’t for the life of me figure out how it happened, noticed it in the driveway. Mileage was approximately 8k miles.”
After facing class action lawsuits on the 2020 Telluride models, it seems Kia hasn’t learned anything. It’s only a matter of time before the 2021 models end up with lawsuits attached to them too. 2020 Kia Telluride SUVs had windshields that cracked, chipped or fractured without warning, and the same continues on with the newest lineup. Kia isn’t learning the lesson, going full steam ahead with this defective manufacturing process. There’s “no holding back” the company, not even expensive penalties.
Problems with the Electrical System
With a modern SUV, owners want a seamless electrical system that operates all the bells and whistles with ease.
One Edmunds review discusses a different outcome. “After a 4 month wait to get my new Telluride I have become quickly dissatisfied. The car is a perfect size and rides great. When the features work I love it. Unfortunately I have had it in the shop 4 time’s for the same problem. The blind spot detector doesn’t work. Currently in a loaner car. I also had an emergency when the car wouldn’t start. Lights were flashing. Called 2 dealership’s for 2 days without a return call. I called a roadside service for help.”
The problems go even deeper. Service Bulletin #TSB_ELE213 talks about trouble with the camera display that requires female coaxial cable replacements. Without the repair, intermittent issues with flickering or displaying lines on the display might occur. At this point, owners should decide to “hold back” on any future Kia purchases, knowing that the automaker doesn’t seem to care about building quality systems.
Your Lemon Law Legal Rights
Think you have a lemon? Sit back and let the experts work out your lemon case at no cost to you. The law makes Kia pay legal fees. You may be able to get your lemon out of your life. Every year, auto manufacturers buy back, replace or pay cash settlements to thousands of ‘lemon’ owners like you.
Share your story
Does this ring a bell? Have you had a bad experience too? Sound off and share your experience with other visitors in the comment box below.
About the Author:
Brian Jones spent more than 30 years working as an ASE Certified Master Tech and Parts Specialist at multiple dealerships. Brian has become an authority in the industry, traveling across the country to consult for car dealerships and contributing his expertise as a writer for several major automotive publications. In his spare time, Brian enjoys working on pickup trucks, muscle cars, Jeeps and anything related to motorsports.
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2021 Telluride, 2nd owner. 23k mikes. Loud “clunk” noise (in rear, or at least it seems) when rolling at a low speed from Park to Drive. LOUD noise. Started the same week i purchased the vehicle. Had the “boot” or “dust cover” (can’t recall exact name) put over the shocks per Kia corporate…didn’t fix it. Dropped it off again, they had it for over a week and told me they don’t hear the noise and can’t fix anything they can’t hear themselves. I went to drive away, LOUD noise 2x while pulling out of my parking spot. Had to throw a HUGE tantrum to convince the dealer to keep it there so they can continue searching for the issue. The service manger drive with me and it made the noise 6 times. They kept it and replaced the rear differential. Didn’t fix it. My vehicle has now been in the shop this time around for 4 weeks, and the dealer said they have no clue what’s wrong with it. I’ve also had an issue with my backup camera going completely blank and my transmission had hesitated to shift at low speeds 2x previously. They have really backed me into a corner here. I had to beg for a loaner vehicle, they put me in a tiny kia Neuro that’s the bare minimum package which doesn’t even have remote start. Got ride of my Ford Expedition for this Kia, HUGE mistake!!
I got my Kia Telluride in March of this year and the battery light popped on. I’ve called several times to schedule an appointment to have it looked at and they tell me they’re booked until the end of November! What the heck am I supposed to do until then?! The car is only a year old, why are lights popping in already? I was told it sounds like it’s the alternator what I had the battery charged at AutoZone. But I’m not happy about this at all.
I bought a SX Telluride and 3 days after I drove it home I went to the grocery store and it felt like it won’t accelerate then it would pop into gear. I was driving an S before this and never had any problems. Loved how it drove. I don’t know what is going on and now I have to take my 3 day old car to the dealership to figure out what the heck is going on. This is so frustrating. I am concerned this is a safety issue.
My 2022 Kia Telluride is less than 1 month old and has been in the dealer for over 2 weeks for an electrical issue that they can’t seem to fix. This car only has 400 miles on it and I haven’t even made my first car payment. I have never had any issues with any other new car I’ve purchased in my life…ever. This is ridiculous and I am interested in joining a class action lawsuit.
I have a 2021 Telluride. I brought it in April 2021. Since I’ve had the vehicle to which I love, I had my windshield replaced 1x and the gel applied 1x. AC went out in March of 2022. Took it to a Kia dealership, the car needed a new Low End hose-7 days for part, all day to put it on. April 24 no AC again. I took it back to same dealership. Mechanic said that a pebble or object kicked back into the grill and damaged the condensor–10 days until part comes in and 4700 to do the job. I want part of any and all class actions. This is crazy!!
2021 telluride purchased new in 2020 early on I noticed the smell of coolant in vehicle after keeping a eye on reservoir between oil changes I noticed it was low . Dealership said cylinders 1 and 3 were wet and I need new head gaskets( car has 23000 miles ) head gaskets are not available in USA it’s been over 3 weeks , do I have any recourse.
I bought my 2021 Telluride SX in October 2020. I have a heavy foot so it hasn’t been babied. My only complaint is that in heavy rain the back up camera gets moisture in it and shows on the screen. It’s still effective so it’s ok.
I have the Nightfall edition with brown Nappa leather. I added a 2” lift, luggage rack, aggressive snow tires and I get a lot of admiring comments.
It’s a wonderful car and I expect to keep it the rest of my life.
Have a 2021 Telluride sx. And around 70 mph to 80 I have a vibration. Been to the dealership several times. And they tell me there is nothing wrong. So I had the valet mode on and noticed they never drove it. Then the other dealer rotated the tires and said they solved the problem. And off course that was wrong.
I bought my Kia in August of 2020 but it was brand new 2021 with only 13 miles on it. About 4 months in I brought my 2021 Kia Soul for its 1st oil change I had also told them about a noise coming for the heater but it seemed that they wanted to brush me off until I became a big pain in their ass then they fixed it. After the first oil change I noticed that the mileage to drive under until the next oil change was different then what the manual stated they said you could go 7500 but the dealership I took my car to because the first oil change is free used synthetic blend oil and not full synthetic when it came for the factory. So my next oil change I asked for full synthetic. I have under 20,000 miles on my car and I’ve had to add 6 quarts of oil since I purchased it. I’ve taken back to the dealership they stated we need to have you drive the car 1000 miles and then we can measure how much oil it’s using. So on Thursday 2,2021 half way into the 1000 miles go to start the vehicle the check engine light came on and was shaking brought it back parked it at home before it blew up. Called the dealership where I bought it they gave me road side assistance number to get it towed but I couldn’t to them because I live about 50 miles away. So I had it towed to another Kia dealership and for the past 3 days I’ve called left messages and all I know is we are waiting to see if if it’s covered under warranty. Which is very confusing to me because why would I be told to call roadside assistance if it wasn’t. It’s been 3 days and they don’t return any calls I feel like going sitting in the lounge area and not leaving until I get some answers but instead I’m paying $75 a day for a rental car because they don’t have any loaners to give me. So, I’m paying for a car a can’t drive and car I need to have for work. Some one needs to make this right. I feel Kia new of this issue and still let hard work Americans that are trying to survive a pandemic buy theses cars. They need to make it right it so unfair that they can take our money for a defective product.
My 2020 Telluride has been in the shop for two monts at Crain Kia in Sherwood Ar waiting for an alternator i keep getting the run around when I call to chevk on it. I was not offered a loaner or rental
Mine was having at 35k vibrations at 60mph. They had the tires balance and it worked, however when braking the vibration still the same when going over 45mph, other than that i feel like there is a sound when turning left but not sure if im imagining these.
My 2 month old Telluride with 3,700 miles has been in the shop for over 3 weeks with no update. The collision sensors went crazy one day while I was driving causing the car to brake excessively for no reason. Ultimately it stopped and wouldn’t start back up. I had to have it towed to the dealership. They did not have any loaners so I am out of over $2,000 on a rental car and they only plan to reimburse 1/3 of the amount. Another week and I am contacting a lawyer!
My 2 month old Telluride with 3,700 miles has been in the shop for over 3 weeks with no update. The collision sensors went crazy one day while I was driving causing the car to brake excessively for no reason. Ultimately it stopped and wouldn’t start back up. I had to have it towed to the dealership. They did not have any loaners so I am out of over $2,000 on a rental car and they only plan to reimburse 1/3 of the amount. Another week and I am contacting a lawyer!
My 2 month old Telluride with 3,700 miles has been in the shop for over 3 weeks with no update. The collision sensors went crazy one day while I was driving causing the car to brake excessively for no reason. Ultimately it stopped and wouldn’t start back up. I had to have it towed to the dealership. They did not have any loaners so I am out of over $2,000 on a rental car and they only plan to reimburse 1/3 of the amount. Another week and I am contacting a lawyer!
2021 telluride my cellphone won’t work through the car and the display screen don’t come on like it should and then all of a sudden it comes on have it tontje dealership several times about this issue and they tell me it’s my cellphone and they can’t find nothing wrong any help or advice
My cellphone won’t work through the car and tje display screen don’t come on like it should and then all of a sudden it comes on have it tontje dealership several times about this issue and they tell me it’s my cellphone and they can’t find nothing wrong any help or advice
Have a 2021 Telluride and has a bad vibration at 65mph or above. Had it dealer twice and after being there over 3 hours KIA Headquarters finally admitted it’s a driveshaft problem and authorized a new one. There are many other people with the same problem. BEWARE
2nd day with a brand new telluride and the blind spot monitor on one side of my vehicle is not working. not sure what is going on with it i have to take it back to dealership tomorrow, only 900 mile’s on it. drove 300 miles to pick it up considering there is not many out there right now.
The next day after purchasing our Telluride all the electrical lights came on the display. It was in and out of the shop multiple times. After 6 months of haggling we finally got a full refund under the lemon law.
Shocking / some reports including car and driver say most satisfied by drivers , after reading this , not so sure … just like politics no 100% happy on anything … what do you believe ?
My daughter has a new(less than 3000 miles) that has serious electrical issues, the most prominent issue being a repeating failure of the electric door lock/unlock system to respond to commands to operate. I believe that in light of todays lawlessness conditions, especially for young women, that this is a safety issue.