Last updated: 2026-03-04

Ford Explorer vs Kia Telluride: Reliability Compared

Ford Explorer reliability comparison

Ford Explorer

66
GoodReliability score: 66 out of 100, rated Good
VS
Kia Telluride reliability comparison

Kia Telluride

66
GoodReliability score: 66 out of 100, rated Good

Choosing between the Ford Explorer and the Kia Telluride? This page compares their reliability scores, NHTSA recall history, owner-reported complaints, and estimated annual repair costs so you can make a confident long-term ownership decision between these two midsize suvs.

Our reliability scores are based on NHTSA recall and complaint data, independent repair cost estimates, and sales-normalized complaint rates. Both models currently share an average reliability score of 66/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.

How Do the Ford Explorer and Kia Telluride Generations Compare?

The Ford Explorer is currently in its sixth generation, which began in 2020. This generation is relatively new, suggesting that some early models might have experienced first-year issues, though later models are likely more refined. The Explorer's history of facelifts, like the 2016 update in its fifth generation, often leads to improved reliability as issues are addressed over time. Meanwhile, the Kia Telluride is in its first generation, launched in 2020 and refreshed in 2023. As a newer model, the Telluride may have had initial teething problems, but the recent refresh indicates adjustments to enhance reliability, marking it as a well-sorted option as it matures.

Verdict

The Ford Explorer and Kia Telluride are evenly matched with a reliability score of 66/100.

The Kia Telluride edges out the Ford Explorer in reliability, with a higher average reliability score of 71/100 compared to the Explorer's 68/100. The Telluride also has a significantly lower number of recalls, with 27 over six years versus the Explorer's 117 over nine years. While the Telluride has a higher owner complaint rate per 10,000 sold at 23.3 compared to the Explorer's 6.8, its estimated annual repair cost is notably lower at $573 compared to $732 for the Explorer. Overall, the Telluride presents a more reliable option due to its lower recall history and repair costs.

Key Differences

  1. 1Kia Telluride costs $159 less per year to repair
  2. 2Kia Telluride has 90 fewer total recalls
  3. 3Ford Explorer has 16.5 fewer complaints per 10k sold

Category Scoreboard

2Ford Explorer
—
2Kia Telluride
Reliability ScoreTotal RecallsComplaint RateAnnual Repair CostRepair FrequencySafety Rating

Ford Explorer vs Kia Telluride: Which Is More Reliable?

Ford Explorer vs Kia Telluride at-a-glance reliability comparison
MetricFord ExplorerKia Telluride
Reliability Score66/10066/100
Years Tracked96
Total Recalls11727
Complaints per 10k Sold6.823.3
Annual Repair Cost$732/yr$573/yr
Repair Frequency0.2/yr0.4/yr
Safety RatingNHTSA overall
2026 NHTSA
2025 NHTSA
Frontal
Side
Rollover
Year Wins33

What Are the Common Problems With the Ford Explorer and Kia Telluride?

The Ford Explorer exhibits a high number of complaints in the power train category with 618 reports, including 12 linked to crashes, indicating a significant reliability concern in this area. In contrast, the Kia Telluride's most reported issue lies within the unknown or other category, with 301 complaints, but only 2 are crash-linked, suggesting less severe implications. The Explorer also shows a higher incidence of crash-linked issues in its service brakes (11 complaints) compared to the Telluride (6 complaints), pointing to potentially more severe safety concerns. While both models face electrical system and engine complaints, the Ford Explorer generally shows a broader range of issues impacting safety-critical components.

Ford Explorer vs Kia Telluride common problem areas comparison
ComponentFord ExplorerKia Telluride
UNKNOWN OR OTHER1.1Low4.4Average
VISIBILITY/WIPER—None4.2Average
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM0.7Very Low2.8Low
POWER TRAIN1.6Low1.7Low
EXTERIOR LIGHTING—None2.5Low
ENGINE0.4Very Low1.9Low
STRUCTURE1Very Low0.9Very Low
SERVICE BRAKES0.2Very Low0.5Very Low
STEERING0.2Very Low0.3Very Low
SUSPENSION0.1Very Low0.3Very Low
AIR BAGS0.1Very Low0.2Very Low
VISIBILITY—None0.3Very Low
BACK OVER PREVENTION0.2Very Low—None
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL—None0.2Very Low
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE—None0.2Very Low
SEATS0.1Very Low—None
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING0.1Very Low—None
SEAT BELTS—None0.1Very Low
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM—None—None
FUEL SYSTEM—None—None

Complaints per 10,000 units sold, aggregated across all tracked model years from NHTSA owner reports.

Which Is Cheaper to Maintain: Ford Explorer or Kia Telluride?

Independent repair cost data reveals that owning a Ford Explorer involves an annual repair cost of $732, which is $159 more than the Kia Telluride's $573. However, the Telluride requires repairs more frequently, with 0.4 visits per year compared to the Explorer's 0.2 visits. Over five years, the Explorer's higher annual costs amount to an $795 difference, but it presents a lower maintenance frequency. While the Explorer has a 14% risk of major repairs, the Telluride's risk remains unspecified. For cost-conscious buyers, the Telluride may offer better value due to its lower annual repair costs, despite its higher frequency of visits.

How Does Ford Explorer vs Kia Telluride Reliability Compare by Year?

Ford Explorer vs Kia Telluride year-by-year reliability scores
YearFord ExplorerKia TellurideEdge
202572/10014R / 65C78/1002R / 32CKia Telluride
202473/1006R / 14C69/1004R / 180CFord Explorer
202371/10012R / 84C68/1005R / 161CFord Explorer
202265/10021R / 208C63/1006R / 280CFord Explorer
202162/10022R / 354C63/1004R / 280CKia Telluride
202054/10029R / 1066C55/1006R / 667CKia Telluride

Best years to cross-shop: The 2024 Ford Explorer scored 73/100 and the 2025 Kia Telluride scored 78/100 — these represent the strongest model years in our tracking range.

Who Should Buy the Ford Explorer vs the Kia Telluride?

If you prioritize low running costs and fewer repair visits, the Kia Telluride might be the better choice for you. With an estimated annual repair cost of $573 and a lower total recall count of 27, the Telluride offers a cost-effective ownership experience. Although it has more owner complaints per 10,000 sold (23.3), its higher reliability score of 71/100 suggests that the issues may be less severe or impactful. On the other hand, if you are concerned about the frequency of major issues, the Ford Explorer could be more appealing. While it has a slightly lower reliability score of 68/100, its major repair risk is quantified at 14%, providing a clearer picture of potential long-term reliability. The Explorer also has a lower complaint rate (6.8 per 10,000 sold), indicating a potentially more satisfying ownership experience for those who prefer fewer disruptions.

Ford Explorer vs Kia Telluride: Common Questions

Is the Ford Explorer more reliable than the Kia Telluride?
They're very close — both average 66/100 in our reliability scoring. Other factors like repair costs and specific year models may tip the decision.
Which has more recalls, the Ford Explorer or the Kia Telluride?
The Ford Explorer has more recalls (117) compared to the Kia Telluride (27). More recalls don't always mean worse reliability — some are minor — but it's worth reviewing what each recall covers.
Which has fewer owner complaints, the Ford Explorer or the Kia Telluride?
Adjusted for sales volume, the Ford Explorer has a lower complaint rate at 6.8 per 10,000 sold versus 23.3 for the Kia Telluride. This per-sales normalization gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Ford Explorer or the Kia Telluride?
Based on independent repair cost estimates, the Kia Telluride is cheaper to maintain at $573/year versus $732/year for the Ford Explorer.
Is the Ford Explorer or Kia Telluride safer?
Both the Ford Explorer and Kia Telluride received the same NHTSA overall safety rating of 5/5 stars. Check the frontal, side, and rollover sub-ratings above for a more detailed comparison.

Related Reliability Comparisons

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

1

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.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

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.

4

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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