Last updated: 2026-03-04

Kia Telluride

1 Kia Telluride Years to Avoid

Years that score significantly below the Kia Telluride average of 66/100

The Kia Telluride years to avoid are 2020 based on reliability scores, NHTSA recalls, and owner complaints. The worst year is 2020 with a reliability score of 55/100. The best Kia Telluride year to buy is 2025 78/100.

Verdict

The 2020 Kia Telluride scores significantly below the model average of 66/100. The weakest year is 2020 with a score of 55/100 due to exterior lighting (170) issues. The best year to buy instead is 2023 68/100.

See years to avoid ↓See best year ↓See all years ranked ↓

Kia Telluride Years to Avoid

These model years score significantly below the Kia Telluride average of 66/100.

#YearScoreRatingRecallsComplaintsTop Issue
1202055/100Mixed6667Exterior Lighting (170)

Why These Years Should Be Avoided

55
MixedReliability score: 55 out of 100, rated Mixed

2020 Kia Telluride

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).

6 recalls667 complaintsEst. repair:

Top issues: Exterior Lighting (170), Visibility Wiper (121), Unknown Or Other (95), Engine (74), Power Train (50), Electrical System (41)

View full 2020 reliability report →

What Are Common Kia Telluride Problems?

Top reported issues across all Kia Telluride model years, based on NHTSA owner complaints.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

301 complaints

Most reported in 2020, 2021, 2022

VISIBILITY/WIPER

288 complaints

Most reported in 2020, 2021, 2022

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

191 complaints

Most reported in 2020, 2021, 2022

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

172 complaints

Most reported in 2020, 2025

ENGINE

127 complaints

Most reported in 2020, 2021, 2022

POWER TRAIN

114 complaints

Most reported in 2020, 2021, 2022

Best Kia Telluride Year to Buy Instead

68
GoodReliability score: 68 out of 100, rated Good

2023 Kia Telluride

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).

Score: 68/100 (Good)5 recalls161 complaints
View full 2023 reliability report →

All Kia Telluride Years by Generation

All model years ranked by reliability score, grouped by generation.

Kia Telluride Reliability Scores by Year

Excellent Good Mixed Risky

Our data covers 2020–2025 model years.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Kia Telluride years should you avoid?
Based on our data, you should avoid the following Kia Telluride years: 2020 (score: 55/100). These model years score significantly below the Kia Telluride average of 66/100.
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 ("Good"). It has 2 recalls and 32 owner complaints.
How many recalls does the Kia Telluride have?
Across all years in our database, the Kia Telluride has a total of 27 recalls. Recall counts vary by year — check individual model year reports for details.
Is a used Kia Telluride worth buying?
Yes, especially the 2025 model year, which scores 78/100. Stick to years at or above the model average of 66/100 for the best ownership experience.
What are common Kia Telluride problems?
The most common Kia Telluride problems are unknown or other (301 complaints), visibility/wiper (288 complaints), electrical system (191 complaints). These issues are reported across multiple model years based on NHTSA owner complaint data.
Is the Kia Telluride reliable long-term?
The Kia Telluride has an average reliability score of 66/100 across all model years in our database, rated "good". Overall, it is a reliable vehicle, though some model years perform better than others.
How much does it cost to maintain a Kia Telluride?
The estimated annual maintenance cost for the Kia Telluride is $573 based on independent repair cost databases. This may vary depending on the model year and driving conditions.
Is the 2025 Kia Telluride a good used buy?
Yes, the 2025 Kia Telluride is the highest-scoring model year with a reliability score of 78/100 ("Good"). It has 2 recalls and 32 owner complaints, making it a solid used buy.

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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