Last updated: 2026-03-04
Kia Telluride Reliability by Year
The Kia Telluride averages 66/100 across 6 model years, rated good.
Kia Telluride Reliability Overview
The Kia Telluride, covering model years 2020 through 2025, holds an average reliability score of 71/100, classified as "Good," with a medium reliability rating of 3.5/5. Data indicates common issues such as windshield cracking and electrical system malfunctions, with annual repair costs estimated at $573. The 2025 model shows a significant decrease in complaint rates at 2.6 per 10,000 sold, suggesting improved reliability over earlier years, making it potentially suitable for buyers seeking a mid-sized SUV with a focus on recent model improvements.
Current generation: 1st gen (2020–present), facelifted 2023.
Best & Worst Kia Telluride Years
Best Kia Telluride Years to Buy
The best Kia Telluride year is 2025 with a reliability score of 78/100, rated good. Other strong picks include 2024 (69/100) and 2023 (68/100).
Kia Telluride Years to Avoid
The worst Kia Telluride year is 2020 with a score of 55/100, primarily due to exterior lighting (170) issues.
See full Kia Telluride years-to-avoid analysis →Kia Telluride Reliability Score Trend
Kia Telluride reliability has improved in recent years, with newer models scoring an average of 72/100 compared to 60/100 for older years.
Scores 0–100. Higher is better.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 55/100 | Mixed |
| 2021 | 63/100 | Good |
| 2022 | 63/100 | Good |
| 2023 | 68/100 | Good |
| 2024 | 69/100 | Good |
| 2025 | 78/100 | Good |
Year-by-Year Reliability
2025 Kia Telluride
2 recalls · 32 complaints
The 2025 Kia Telluride has good reliability. There are 2 recalls and 32 owner complaints on file for the 2025 KIA Telluride. Severity signals include 1 crash-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Visibility Wiper (8), Unknown Or Other (7), Electrical System (5).
2024 Kia Telluride
4 recalls · 180 complaints
The 2024 Kia Telluride has good reliability. There are 4 recalls and 180 owner complaints on file for the 2024 KIA Telluride. Severity signals include 3 crash-related complaints and 2 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Unknown Or Other (41), Electrical System (36), Visibility Wiper (22).
2023 Kia Telluride
5 recalls · 161 complaints
The 2023 Kia Telluride has good reliability. There are 5 recalls and 161 owner complaints on file for the 2023 KIA Telluride. Severity signals include 5 crash-related complaints and 2 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Unknown Or Other (35), Electrical System (32), Visibility Wiper (23).
2022 Kia Telluride
6 recalls · 280 complaints
The 2022 Kia Telluride has good reliability. There are 6 recalls and 280 owner complaints on file for the 2022 KIA Telluride. Severity signals include 10 crash-related complaints and 3 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Visibility Wiper (61), Unknown Or Other (60), Electrical System (52).
2021 Kia Telluride
4 recalls · 280 complaints
The 2021 Kia Telluride has good reliability. There are 4 recalls and 280 owner complaints on file for the 2021 KIA Telluride. Severity signals include 7 crash-related complaints and 3 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Unknown Or Other (63), Visibility Wiper (53), Engine (26).
2020 Kia Telluride
6 recalls · 667 complaints
The 2020 Kia Telluride has mixed reliability. There are 6 recalls and 667 owner complaints on file for the 2020 KIA Telluride. Severity signals include 8 crash-related complaints and 7 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Exterior Lighting (170), Visibility Wiper (121), Unknown Or Other (95).
Kia Telluride Repair Costs
Reliability Rating
3.5/5
Annual Repair Cost
$573
Repair Frequency
0.4/yr
Kia Telluride Years to Avoid
See which model years have the most problems
Most Reliable Kia Models
Compare all Kia models by reliability
Compare Kia Telluride With Similar SUVs
The Kia Telluride competes with other midsize suvs such as Hyundai Palisade, Toyota Grand Highlander, and Mazda CX-90.
Hyundai Palisade reliability
7 years tracked · 1908 complaints
Toyota Grand Highlander reliability
3 years tracked · 204 complaints
Mazda CX-90 reliability
3 years tracked · 280 complaints
Nissan Pathfinder reliability
8 years tracked · 457 complaints
Toyota Highlander reliability
9 years tracked · 1892 complaints
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the Kia Telluride reliable?
- The Kia Telluride has good reliability with an average score of 66/100. Some model years are stronger than others — check individual years before buying.
- What is the best year for the Kia Telluride?
- The best year for the Kia Telluride is 2025 with a reliability score of 78/100, rated good. It has 2 recalls and 32 owner complaints on record. See full 2025 Kia Telluride analysis →
- What are the Kia Telluride years to avoid?
- The Kia Telluride years to avoid include 2020 (55/100). These model years score significantly below the model average due to higher recall and complaint volumes. See the full years-to-avoid analysis for details. See full years-to-avoid analysis →
- How much does it cost to maintain a Kia Telluride?
- The Kia Telluride has an estimated annual repair cost of $573. This includes both scheduled maintenance and unscheduled repairs based on independent repair data.
How We Calculate Reliability Scores
Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.
Key Ranking Factors
Complaint Severity
NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
Recall Impact
Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.
Issue Diversity
Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.
Scores are grouped into four tiers:
- 80–100: Excellent — Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
- 60–79: Good — Reliable with some minor concerns
- 40–59: Mixed — Notable issues, research before buying
- 0–39: Risky — Significant problems, proceed with caution
Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.
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