Kia continues to impress with the Telluride in the family-SUV segment. The 2021 Kia Telluride also impresses with the range of standard features on offer. With a cavernous cabin and high standards of comfort, the SUV fits in for touring. The 2021 model year brings in the Nightfall package with Black painted trim and wheels. The 2021 Kia Telluride comes across issues ranging from airbag defects to brake failure. However, the Kia records a single case of recall with the NHTSA citing an airbag system defect. The NHTSA record for the 2021 Kia Telluride reports 89 complaints and 1 recall and gets a 5-star safety rating. The Kia Telluride rivals the likes of the Honda Pilot, the Hyundai Palisade, and the Chevrolet Traverse in the midsize SUV class.
User Complaints and Problems
Mechanical Problems
- Engine - Engine stalling results in a sharp loss of power and this is a major engine problem with the Kia Telluride. User complaints also report heavy vibrations under driving conditions. At low temperatures, the engine is prone to high-pitched squealing and shuddering.
- Brakes - Few cases of Kia Telluride complaints report Brake Failure. The user vehicle loses braking and results in a crash. This compromises user safety.
- Transmission - The Kia Telluride is vulnerable to jerky gearshifts while driving at low speeds. User complaints report lurching forward under speeds between 25-60 MPH.
Electrical Problems
- Instrumentation Cluster - Kia Telluride users experience a loss of instrumentation cluster. This results in a loss of speedometer, fuel gauge, and RPM gauge functions. Lack of driving information can lead to misinterpretation. This can increase the chances of a crash.
- Airbags - Few Kia Telluride user complaints report a failure of airbag deployment in the event of a crash. This compromises the user’s safety and increases the chances of injury.
Structural Problems
- Windshield - Shattering or cracking of the windshield is a common issue faced by Telluride owners. Kia claims environmental temperature variations to be the cause of the issue. Customers claim the Kia Telluride windshield to be fragile and vulnerable to damage. Projectiles such as pebbles and gravel result in damage to the vehicle's windshield. This increases the risk of injury to the occupants and can lead to crashing.
- Sunroof - Next known problem with the Kia Telluride is the explosion of the vehicle's sunroof. User complaints report a loud sound followed by a shattered sunroof. This can result in occupant injuries or distract the driver.
Recalls
|
S. No |
Date |
NHTSA ID |
Issues Noticed |
Additional Remarks |
Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
March 11, 2021 |
21V164000 |
Occupant detection system malfunction. FMVSS 208. |
In the event of a crash, the deployment of the front passenger airbag, with a child in that seat, can increase the risk of injury to the child. |
Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the OCS/ODS unit, free of charge. The recall began on March 18, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC207. |
Should you buy the 2021 Kia Telluride?
The 2021 Kia Telluride is a great choice for a family-focused SUV. The Kia SUV offers plenty of cabin space with added comfort. The 3 rowsfit in a party of 8 and the rear rows also add to the car’s cargo utility. This makes Telluride a reliable choice for long-distance trips. Furthermore, Kia offers a generous warranty coverage period of 10 years. Potential customers can also expect a prompt Kia aftersales support. The Telluride comes across a list of problems but none of the magnitude that demands recall. As per NHTSA records the 2021 Telluride reports a single case of recall and 86 complaints in all. NHTSA rates the 2021 Kia Telluride with a 5-star safety rating. CarHp approves going ahead with a 2021 Kia Telluride.
