Last updated: 2026-03-04

2022 KIA Telluride Reliability Report
The 2022 KIA Telluride scores 63/100 ("Good"). With 6 recalls and 280 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.
Recalls
6
Complaints
280
Complaint Rate
28.1
per 10k sold
Est. Annual Cost
$573
Detailed Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
The Verdict
Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.
Top Issues to Watch
- VISIBILITY/WIPER (61)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (52)
- VISIBILITY (18)
Generation & Refresh (US)
2022 is year 3 of the First generation (ON; 2019).
- Redesigned for the 2020 model year.
- Well-established in its generation — most early issues should be resolved.
- A refresh arrives in 2023.
- 1st generation Telluride (US).
What this means for buyers
Well into the generation cycle — most design and manufacturing issues should be resolved by now.
2020: First generation (ON; 2019) Launch
Generation start — new platform.
2022: This Model Year
2022 is year 3 of the First generation (ON; 2019).
2023: Mid-Cycle Refresh
Updated features and styling tweaks.
Should You Buy the 2022 KIA Telluride?
The 2022 KIA Telluride scores 63/100 ("Good"), placing it in acceptable but not class-leading territory. 2022 is year 3 of the First generation (ON; 2019).
Its complaint rate (28.1 per 10k sold) is above the SUV segment average of 13.6. The most common reports involve visibility wiper (61).
A pre-purchase inspection is recommended for used examples, with particular attention to visibility wiper (61). An extended warranty may provide additional peace of mind.
Compared to the 2023 KIA Telluride, which scored 5 points higher. See also the 2021 KIA Telluride for an earlier comparison.
Pros
- +Acceptable reliability score
- +5-star NHTSA crash rating
- +Well-established generation
Cons
- −Above-average recall count
- −Above-average complaint rate for SUV
- −VISIBILITY/WIPER issues reported (61 complaints)
- −3 fire incidents reported in owner complaints
- −Safety recall: park-outside advisory issued
Compare 2022 KIA Telluride With

2022 Hyundai Palisade
Reliability: 65/100

2022 Nissan Pathfinder
Reliability: 66/100

2022 Honda Pilot
Reliability: 72/100

2022 Toyota Highlander
Reliability: 74/100

2022 Volkswagen Atlas
Reliability: 50/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
LOW RISK- 6 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
HIGH RISK- VISIBILITY/WIPER (61)
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER (60)
Recall Overview
6
recalls on record
The 2022 KIA Telluride has 6 recalls on record, which is above average. A higher recall count can indicate multiple component concerns. However, recalls also demonstrate that the manufacturer is actively addressing known issues. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
28.1
per 10k soldSegment avg: 13.6
Safety Incidents
10
Crashes
3
Fires
7
Injuries
0
Deaths
NHTSA 5/5 Stars
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2022 KIA Telluride Recall Details
6 recalls have been issued for the 2022 KIA Telluride. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
SEATS
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2020-2024 Telluride vehicles. The front power seat motor may overheat due to a stuck power seat slide knob, which can result in a fire while parked or driving.
Consequence
A fire increases the risk of injury.
Remedy
Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will install a bracket for the power seat switch back covers and replace the seat slide knobs, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 30, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC316.
POWER TRAIN
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2020-2024 Telluride vehicles. The intermediate shaft and right front driveshaft may not be fully engaged, which can result in vehicle roll away while in PARK.
Consequence
A vehicle roll away increases the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy
Owners are advised to manually engage the emergency parking brake prior to exiting the vehicle until the recall remedy is performed. Dealers will update the electronic parking brake software and replace any damaged intermediate shafts as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 15, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC303.
TRAILER HITCHES
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Telluride vehicles potentially equipped with a Genuine Kia 4-pin tow hitch harness installed as original equipment, or purchased as an accessory through a Kia dealership. Debris and moisture accumulation on the tow hitch harness module printed circuit board (PCB) may cause an electrical short, which can result in a fire.
Consequence
A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy
Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will install a new fuse and a wiring harness extension. Dealers will also inspect and replace the tow hitch harness assembly, as necessary. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 12, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC247.
2022 KIA Telluride NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 15.5%
Safety Technologies
KIA Telluride Repair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
3.5Maintenance rating: 3.5 out of 5Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.
Est. Annual Maintenance
$573
Repair Frequency
0.4
unscheduled repair visits per year
Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.
Used Buying Checklist
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2022 KIA Telluride.
Inspect windshield for chips or cracks
Check sunroof operation and look for signs of damage
Test infotainment and instrument cluster screens for blanking issues
Verify transmission shifts smoothly in all drive modes
Check for excessive engine oil consumption
Inspect CV axles and suspension for vibrations or wobbling
Buying a 2022 Telluride? Check Its History First
Every 2022 KIA Telluride has a different past. A VIN check reveals hidden accidents, title problems, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls that reliability scores can't show you.
2022 KIA Telluride Common Problems by Component
280 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
VISIBILITY/WIPER
61 complaintsOwners of the 2022 Kia Telluride frequently report issues with the windshield cracking under seemingly minor impacts or spontaneously without any apparent cause. Complaints often describe small chips from pebbles or minor debris that rapidly expand into large cracks, sometimes spanning the entire windshield. Many owners experience these problems within the first year of ownership, with some reporting multiple windshield replacements within a short period. Safety concerns are noted regarding the potential for compromised visibility and the risk of the windshield failing while driving. Additionally, some owners mention issues with the windshield wipers, such as getting stuck or not functioning properly in auto mode, which could affect visibility in adverse weather conditions.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
60 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report several issues with the 2022 Kia Telluride, with sunroof glass shattering unexpectedly being the most frequently mentioned problem. Complaints describe the sunroof exploding while driving, often without any apparent impact, posing a safety risk from falling glass. Another significant issue involves recall-related frustrations, with some owners unable to get necessary repairs due to parts unavailability or dealership errors. Additionally, there are reports of windows malfunctioning intermittently and unexplained windshield cracks. A fire incident is noted, where the vehicle caught fire after being parked for several hours. These problems typically occur within the first two years of ownership and can have serious safety implications, including potential for accidents or injury from glass and fire hazards.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
52 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report several recurring electrical system issues in the 2022 Kia Telluride. The most common problems involve the infotainment and instrument cluster screens going blank intermittently, with some owners noting this occurs about 50% of the time when the vehicle is started. Complaints frequently mention malfunctioning electronic door locks, which can unlock unexpectedly, posing a safety risk. Typical symptoms appear early in vehicle ownership, often within the first few years, and some owners have experienced these issues as early as 20,000 miles. Safety implications are evident, with one reported injury due to a liftgate sensor failure and an electrical fire under a passenger seat following recall repairs. These issues may affect vehicle reliability and safety, making them important considerations for potential buyers.
POWER TRAIN (15 complaints)
POWER TRAIN
15 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report several powertrain issues with the 2022 Kia Telluride, with a significant number involving unintended vehicle movement and transmission problems. Complaints frequently mention the vehicle rolling backward unexpectedly, even when parked, which has resulted in crashes and one injury. Transmission-related issues include failure to shift gears, loss of acceleration, and vibrations at highway speeds, often occurring at mileages around 30,000 to 40,000 miles. Additionally, engine performance concerns such as knocking sounds and sudden RPM spikes are noted. These issues pose safety risks, including potential loss of control and collisions, which are critical considerations for prospective buyers.
ENGINE (13 complaints)
ENGINE
13 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report that the 2022 Kia Telluride experiences significant engine-related issues, with a notable pattern of excessive oil consumption leading to engine failure. Many complaints describe engines seizing or stalling, often without prior warning lights, and several owners mention the need for premature engine replacement. The plastic oil filter housing is frequently cited as a point of failure, resulting in oil leaks, and some owners have replaced it with aftermarket metal versions. Complaints also highlight incidents of shredded serpentine belts causing engine overheating and power loss, with these issues appearing at varied mileages, including as early as 3,600 miles. One report involves a fire following a piston failure, indicating potential safety risks. These issues may concern used car buyers considering this model.
SERVICE BRAKES (9 complaints)
SERVICE BRAKES
9 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2022 Kia Telluride frequently report issues with the braking system, including unexpected automatic braking and brake pedal malfunctions. Common symptoms include the brake pedal becoming unresponsive or extremely hard to press, and the vehicle engaging the brakes without driver input, sometimes linked to the Forward Collision Avoidance system. These issues often occur around 30,000 miles but can appear as early as 10,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, with two reports of crashes, one involving a total brake failure and another where the brake pedal did not respond during a low-speed turn. Buyers should be aware of potential software and sensor-related problems that may affect vehicle control and safety.
AIR BAGS (5 complaints)
AIR BAGS
5 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report issues with the airbag system in the 2022 Kia Telluride, particularly in crash scenarios. Complaints frequently mention airbags failing to deploy during significant impacts, such as high-speed rear-end collisions and side impacts, with one incident resulting in a passenger sustaining a concussion. In some cases, the airbag sensors are reportedly damaged in crashes, preventing deployment. Additionally, there is a concern with the passenger occupancy sensor not recognizing occupants when a cushion is used, leading to the airbag being disabled. These issues are reported across various mileage ranges, indicating potential safety implications for buyers considering this vehicle.
STEERING (3 complaints)
STEERING
3 complaintsOwners of the 2022 Kia Telluride frequently report issues related to the vehicle's steering and associated components. Complaints commonly mention significant vibrations and wobbling at speeds between 40-60 mph, often linked to problems with the front passenger CV axle and uneven tire wear. Some owners describe hard-to-turn steering and multiple warning lights, including ABS and traction control, with one instance involving brake failure. These issues are reported to occur after recent repairs, such as alternator or CV axle replacements, and can lead to safety concerns like loss of control. Buyers should be aware of these patterns, particularly if the vehicle has undergone similar repairs or displays these symptoms.
SEATS (3 complaints)
SEATS
3 complaintsOwners of the 2022 Kia Telluride report issues with the seat mechanisms, leading to safety concerns. One complaint describes a rear seat folding mechanism that closes with excessive force, causing injury when a child's knee was pinned, indicating a potential hazard for passengers, especially children. Another complaint involves a front power seat becoming inoperable at approximately 16,000 miles, attributed to a failed power seat slide knob, with parts unavailable for repair. Additionally, multiple owners describe incidents of arms becoming trapped between the driver's seat and console, resulting in injuries such as bruising and the need for emergency assistance. These issues highlight potential safety risks and operational failures that prospective buyers should consider.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (2 complaints)
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
2 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2022 Kia Telluride report issues with the forward collision avoidance system, primarily involving unexpected activation of the automatic emergency braking without apparent cause. One complaint describes this leading to a crash when the driver instinctively pulled off the road, resulting in damage to the vehicle. Another owner mentions persistent safety alarms and warnings related to multiple systems, including forward collision avoidance, which have rendered the vehicle undriveable and unresolved after 19 days at the dealership. These issues suggest potential safety implications, as they involve loss of vehicle control and operational reliability.
When Do 2022 KIA Telluride Problems Start?
Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.
Best & Worst KIA Telluride Years
Comprehensive reliability analysis based on NHTSA data, owner complaints, and historical performance.
Best KIA Telluride Years to Buy
Based on reliability index scoreThe 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.
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. Current year highlighted.
| 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 |
KIA Telluride Reliability Compared to Other Years
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2022 KIA Telluride reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2022 KIA Telluride?
How many recalls does the 2022 KIA Telluride have?
Is the 2022 KIA Telluride expensive to maintain?
Don’t buy a 2022 KIA Telluride without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
Look Up a VIN →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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