Last updated: 2026-03-04

Honda Pilot vs Kia Telluride: Reliability Compared

Honda Pilot reliability comparison

Honda Pilot

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 Honda Pilot 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 Honda Pilot and Kia Telluride Generations Compare?

The Honda Pilot is currently in its fourth generation, launched in 2023, with a planned facelift in 2026. Being early in its generation cycle, the Pilot might exhibit typical first-year issues as the platform is refined. In contrast, the Kia Telluride is in its first generation, introduced in 2020 and refreshed in 2023. As a more mature platform, it is likely better sorted and may offer more reliability due to the improvements made since its debut. Buyers seeking proven reliability might favor the Telluride, while those interested in the latest design and technology might consider the newer Pilot, albeit with potential early-cycle teething problems.

Verdict

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

The Honda Pilot and Kia Telluride both serve the midsize SUV segment but exhibit distinct reliability profiles. The Honda Pilot scores slightly higher in reliability with a 74/100 compared to the Telluride's 71/100. While the Pilot has more recalls over nine years, its owner complaints per 10,000 sold are significantly lower at 9.1 compared to the Telluride's 23.3. The Pilot also benefits from a lower estimated annual repair cost of $542 versus the Telluride's $573, making it the more reliable choice overall.

Key Differences

  1. 1Honda Pilot costs $31 less per year to repair
  2. 2Kia Telluride has 24 fewer total recalls
  3. 3Honda Pilot has 14.2 fewer complaints per 10k sold

Category Scoreboard

2Honda Pilot
—
2Kia Telluride
Reliability ScoreTotal RecallsComplaint RateAnnual Repair CostRepair FrequencySafety Rating

Honda Pilot vs Kia Telluride: Which Is More Reliable?

Honda Pilot vs Kia Telluride at-a-glance reliability comparison
MetricHonda PilotKia Telluride
Reliability Score66/10066/100
Years Tracked96
Total Recalls5127
Complaints per 10k Sold9.123.3
Annual Repair Cost$542/yr$573/yr
Repair Frequency0.5/yr0.4/yr
Safety RatingNHTSA overall
2026 NHTSA
2025 NHTSA
Frontal
Side
Rollover
Year Wins4 (1 tied)1 (1 tied)

What Are the Common Problems With the Honda Pilot and Kia Telluride?

The Honda Pilot and Kia Telluride exhibit distinct problem profiles, with the Honda Pilot showing a higher number of complaints related to the electrical system, totaling 632, including 7 crash-linked incidents. In contrast, the Kia Telluride's most frequent issues are in the "Unknown or Other" category, with 301 complaints and 2 linked to crashes. The Telluride also experiences significant visibility/wiper problems, reported in 288 complaints, which is not a major issue for the Pilot. While both vehicles report concerns with their power train systems, the Telluride has a higher proportion of crash-linked complaints in this category, with 5 incidents compared to the Pilot's 3.

Honda Pilot vs Kia Telluride common problem areas comparison
ComponentHonda PilotKia Telluride
UNKNOWN OR OTHER1Very Low4.4Average
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2.4Low2.8Low
VISIBILITY/WIPER0.1Very Low4.2Average
ENGINE1Very Low1.9Low
POWER TRAIN0.9Very Low1.7Low
EXTERIOR LIGHTING—None2.5Low
STRUCTURE0.1Very Low0.9Very Low
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE0.6Very Low0.2Very Low
SERVICE BRAKES0.3Very Low0.5Very Low
FUEL SYSTEM0.6Very Low—None
STEERING0.2Very Low0.3Very Low
AIR BAGS0.1Very Low0.2Very Low
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL0.1Very Low0.2Very Low
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM0.3Very Low—None
VISIBILITY—None0.3Very Low
SUSPENSION—None0.3Very Low
SEAT BELTS0.1Very Low0.1Very Low
TIRES—None—None
SEATS—None—None

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

Which Is Cheaper to Maintain: Honda Pilot or Kia Telluride?

According to independent repair cost data, the Honda Pilot's annual repair expenses are slightly lower at $542 compared to the Kia Telluride's $573. Over five years, this results in a $155 savings for Pilot owners. Additionally, the Pilot requires repairs 0.5 times per year, slightly more frequent than the Telluride's 0.4 visits. However, the Pilot has a 13% risk of major repairs, a factor not specified for the Telluride. For cost-conscious buyers, the Honda Pilot offers better value due to its lower annual costs and transparent risk of major repairs, despite its slightly higher repair frequency.

How Does Honda Pilot vs Kia Telluride Reliability Compare by Year?

Honda Pilot vs Kia Telluride year-by-year reliability scores
YearHonda PilotKia TellurideEdge
202571/1004R / 111C78/1002R / 32CKia Telluride
202472/1006R / 82C69/1004R / 180CHonda Pilot
202372/1005R / 93C68/1005R / 161CHonda Pilot
202272/1003R / 105C63/1006R / 280CHonda Pilot
202163/1008R / 358C63/1004R / 280CTie
202060/1009R / 431C55/1006R / 667CHonda Pilot

Best years to cross-shop: The 2024 Honda Pilot scored 72/100 and the 2025 Kia Telluride scored 78/100 — these represent the strongest model years in our tracking range.

Who Should Buy the Honda Pilot vs the Kia Telluride?

If you prioritize reliability and lower owner complaints, the Honda Pilot may be the better choice for you. With a reliability score of 74/100 and fewer owner complaints at 9.1 per 10,000 sold, it presents itself as a more dependable option. It also has a slightly lower estimated annual repair cost of $542 and a repair frequency of 0.5 times per year. However, keep in mind its higher number of recalls at 51 and a 13% risk of major repairs, which could be concerning if you want to avoid potential serious issues. On the other hand, if you value a vehicle with fewer recalls and slightly lower repair frequency, the Kia Telluride might suit you better. Despite its reliability score of 71/100, it has only 27 total recalls and a repair frequency of 0.4 per year, suggesting potentially fewer visits to the shop. While it has a higher annual repair cost estimate of $573 and more owner complaints at 23.3 per 10,000 sold, it could be appealing if you are more concerned about recall-related inconveniences.

Honda Pilot vs Kia Telluride: Common Questions

Is the Honda Pilot 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 Honda Pilot or the Kia Telluride?
The Honda Pilot has more recalls (51) 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 Honda Pilot or the Kia Telluride?
Adjusted for sales volume, the Honda Pilot has a lower complaint rate at 9.1 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 Honda Pilot or the Kia Telluride?
Based on independent repair cost estimates, the Honda Pilot is cheaper to maintain at $542/year versus $573/year for the Kia Telluride.
Is the Honda Pilot or Kia Telluride safer?
Both the Honda Pilot 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.

See incorrect data? Report an issue