What 329 owners told NHTSA about the 2021 Kia Telluride

Headlight on passenger side is no longer working causing unsafe visibility issues. While under warranty, the car was taken in for service at a Kia dealership twice for the same problem but during this time frame, the headlight issue was only occurring intermittently. Both times no repair or replacement was made and I was told the headlight was fine. The headlight ended up experiencing complete failure shortly after my warranty expired. I have pictures of my dash mileage when it happened. Researching online, I have discovered other Kia Telluride owners with similar complaints about their headlights failing in this way. Furthermore, Kia Dealerships either fail to make the repair properly by not correcting the known defect(which results in failure again) or have been charging thousands of dollars for a new complete headlight assembly replacement. Normally, when a headlight fails, it is just a matter of swapping out the headlight bulb with a new one. Unfortunately, because of the defect and failure with the design, it is not that cheap/simple to fix. A class action lawsuit has begun because of Kia's inaction. Kia should do the right thing and issue a recall the fix this unsafe problem of headlight failure.

NHTSA ODI 11661035

The last two times I have been due for an oil change my car has been completely empty. It is 4 years old and burning 4/5 quarts of oil between oil changes. Yesterday for example, my oil notification came on, today I start my car and my engine light came on, check the oil and nothing. Put 2 quarts of oil in it so I can make it to the mechanic tomorrow. This should not be happening on a 4 year old vehicle

NHTSA ODI 11657104

Excessive Oil usage to the point of no oil on dip stick yet engine doesnt alert to low oil or pressure. Engine started sputtering and stalling which is why we even checked. Oil changes are done on normal basis. This seems to be a common complaint on the Internet now that I am looking into this. This car is 4 years old and should not be having engine trouble.

NHTSA ODI 11655365

Upon attempting to open the sunroof, a loud pop was heard on opening and sliding backward, and it was determined the air deflector arm had broken. The sunroof will not fully close nor fully open now, it is stuck partially open. The dealer confirmed the issue and has to order the part with no idea on ETA to get it. The vehicle inside is exposed to the elements when driving and the rear of the sunroof is elevated which is a risk to objects.

NHTSA ODI 11654849

The contact owns a 2021 Kia Telluride. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, other drivers were flashing their headlights, attempting to notify the contact that the front headlights were not functioning as intended. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the high beam headlights were replaced. The contact stated that on another occasion, while driving at various speeds, the driver’s side front high beam headlight failed to illuminate as intended. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, no cause for the failure was found. The high beam headlights were replaced. The contact tested the lights, and the front driver’s side high beam headlight failed to operate. Upon further inspection, the dealer stated that there was a burning odor coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was diagnosed, and it was determined that the headlight assembly kit needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V148000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 67,688.

NHTSA ODI 11653157

March 7th my engine light came on while pulling out, in reverse, of a parking spot. My engine light also turned off on March 7th later in the day. Between then and now, it came on and went off a few times, but my car seemed fine. On April 1, the light reappeared again while backing out of a parking spot. My car was not working like normal. It was shaking a bit and seemed kinda stuck, but also very slowly moving in reverse. Shaking stoped once I put it in drive but the engine light stayed on. I took it to my mechanic and the code given was “internal engine failure”. He told me should be under warranty, so I called the dealership. Service guy told me no active recalls and also that I was outside of the warranty. I have 118,800 miles. Vehicle is less than 4 years old. I am waiting to hear back from my mechanic as to how much repairs should be. I don’t know if he is thinking I need a whole new engine or just a part.

NHTSA ODI 11652471

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? While driving the vehicle, it intermittently hesitated during acceleration until there was a very loud popping and banging noise, it was sudden and very loud. We experienced a complete and sudden loss of power. The car then proceeded to send off nearly every alert on the dash, and threw a code which was P061B. The engine blew out, the oil pan was fractured by ejected connecting rod (visible from underside). How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? When the engine blew out in the fast lane, our physical safety was at risk due to the immediate loss of control and power, the inability to merge, and stopping next to the center divider in a high-traffic area. In the car were my wife and 3 kids. Psychologically, the fear and panic of our family being stuck, the stress of making quick decisions, and the vulnerability of being exposed to fast-moving vehicles added significant pressure. In that moment, our family was left utterly helpless, fearing for our lives in the face of an overwhelming, life-threatening crisis. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? The car is currently at a Kia service center in Santa Rosa, Ca. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? UNKNOWN, the vehicle is at the service center in Santa Rosa, Ca. The vehicle was also inspected by a local mobile mechanic. 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 alerts, warning lamps, or messages, the car did experience some hesitation during acceleration but it was intermittent.

NHTSA ODI 11652496

I let the sunroof back and it pretty instantly snapped and a piece of the traction for the sunroof broke off. I don’t use the sunroof often (maybe 6 times total since buying the car). I let it back occasionally to make sure it doesn’t stop working from use. Now the back of the sunroof is titled upwards and will not close.

NHTSA ODI 11648607

Vibration at highway speeds Most noticeable when accelerating up an incline at around 70-77mph car vibrated strongly. Had tires balanced and after few days problem persisted. Vibration was not as strong with balanced tires but still noticeable. To reduce vibration I have had to reduce speed and move to slower lanes.

NHTSA ODI 11647718

Opened sunroof and arm popped out/off track. Sunroof is stuck open.

NHTSA ODI 11646864

I have a well-maintained 2021 Kia Telluride, however the paint on the roof of the car is peeling off. In my research, I have found that many owners are experiencing the same issue especially in SNOW PEARL WHITE color. I have contacted my local dealership but they are refusing to address the issue and have quoted me $2,470.74 to repaint the roof. I've had vehicles for decades and never had paint issues.

NHTSA ODI 11646005

While driving under normal conditions the engine started making a weird sound. Shortly after the power steering wend out and the dash, lights and infotainment system went dark. The engine shut off completely and will not go back on. This is after bringing the car in for continuous issues and always being told they are resolved and the car is fine.

NHTSA ODI 11645564

The sunroof, which is hardly used, opened and will not close. It has gone off of the track.

NHTSA ODI 11644542

I’ve taken my vehicle to Kia a few times about my transmission sputtering and the first time they told me I needed a transmission flush, I paid $250.00 to have it done just to have it continue to happen and every time I bring it there they say they aren’t seeing or feeling anything. It’s still doing it. Also I opened my sunroof and it hasn’t been used much since I bought it in 2022 and now it’s stuck open. Took to the dealer just for them to tell me I have to pay $140 diagnosis fee and my warranty most likely won’t cover to fix it. I purchased the platinum bumper to bumper warranty!

NHTSA ODI 11639596

While driving at interstate speeds the sunroof window shattered outward. This was not the result of a rock or flying ice event as no other cars where near by at the time. I have found that many others have experienced this issue and Kia refuses to cover the repairs even though it appears to be an issue with Kia Telluride sunroofs. If the sun shade had been open at the time both me and my 12 year old son would have been covered with glass and this could have caused a high speed accident from the glass and the sound of the explosion. Kia needs to address this issue but our request for compensation has been denied. Also Kia refused to provide documentation of this denial as it was in an email from the local dealer to Kia.

NHTSA ODI 11636399

My infotainment/navigation system has failed before the 4 year anniversary of my car 1/13/21. The screen freezes with larger vertical magenta colored blocks in the foreground with an olive green and brown background. Sometimes the screen is completely black. The color on the screen often oscillates between blue and regular functionality. When the system temporarily worked, I updated the software. Yet updating the software did not correct the chronic, safety issues with the screen. This very flawed Kia Telluride 2021 infotainment system presents a real safety hazard to every driver who has purchased this car. Today I am in Capitol Kia replacing a 3 year old infotainment system on my own dime. I counted there should be a class action suit and a recall.

NHTSA ODI 11635241

In November 2024, the sunroof mechanism failed in a crooked, partially open position and would no longer move. The motor operated, but there was a grinding noise and no movement of the sunroof. I had to return from North Carolina to Alabama in the rain with a partially open sunroof. The service department at Bramlett Kia in Decatur, Alabama, confirmed the sunroof mechanism has to be replaced. The service technician said the electrical cable to the sunroof was caught in the mechanism. Parts were ordered and took several weeks to be shipped. The sunroof is to be repaired next week. This is obviously a defective design and could lead to safety issues if the sunroof were to become detached while the vehicle is moving. My sunroof has stayed in place but the mechanism is bent on both sides and loose in one corner. I don't know if the sunroof is still being held safely by the mechanism. Parts invoice ($2907) is attached. Labor is estimated at $1000 but I do not yet have the invoice.

NHTSA ODI 11634123

Anytime going through the car wash the front and back parking sensors don’t work and gives an error. It is now permanently stuck with this error.

NHTSA ODI 11633021

My engine started jerking when stopped. Then the electrical started acting up, like the windows wouldn't roll back up. Then the engine just shut off while I was driving.

NHTSA ODI 11633204

Sunroof has got jammed in open position. You have issued a statement on this now Kia will not manufacture the parts to the roof (backorder really) and wants to charge you $5000 to put a whole new roof on -

NHTSA ODI 11631234

Opened the sunroof today for the first time in over a year. The sunroof opened with no problem. Tried to close sunroof, and it will not close all the way. Tried multiple times to open and close without success.

NHTSA ODI 11631249

Engine oil pan gasket and oil filter housing have failed shy of couple hundred miles of manufacturer warranty

NHTSA ODI 11631053

Vehicle surges when at a stop. Normally RPM run about 500, when the vehicle surges the RPM's jump without notice to 1000 or more and the car acts like a race horse wanting to get out of the gate. Heavy pressure on the brake is needed at all times when stopped at a light, for a turn, at a stop sign. This started around 82K miles and was reported to the dealership. Dealership could duplicate issue and no codes were thrown. Again reported at 89.5K, 91.6K, 99.6K, 103.5K with same response from dealership. Contacted KIA and received a case number in case the issue is a warranted situation and is uncovered after 100K mile warranty expires.

NHTSA ODI 11629753

The pearl white paint on my vehicle started to delaminate (confirmed by Wallace Kia Collision center). It started at approximately 24,000 miles, approximately 9 months past Kia's 3 year paint warranty. This is a known issue with the paint - pearl white, with many manufacturers affected. Kia, thus far, has refused to cover the repair.

NHTSA ODI 11629411

Vehicle sunroof has become stuck in it’s tilted open position. The spoiler at the front has detached. Since the sunroof cannot close, if there is a wind, hitting the car, the sunroof can’t detach from the car at this point, and fly into another car. This issue has been reported with the numerous Kia telluride’s as seen on the Internet. It is not nearly anesthetic problem. It is a safety issue.

NHTSA ODI 11626120