2021 Kia Telluride electrical system problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Oct 8, 2026AZElectrical SystemEngine

   Vehicle was sitting all night and entered the garage in the morning and found the radiator fan at full speed. Car was not running, so backed it out, turned it off and the fan turned back on. Took it to a KIA dealer and kept it for a few days and just stated they couldn't duplicate the issue, although I couldn't get them to tell me technically what they checked. I kept the car parked outside for fear there might be an electrical issue and something overheats. Then was…

   NHTSA complaint #11769911 · source
2. Filed Sep 17, 2026NYElectrical SystemSeats & Seat Belts

   My wife and I purchased a 2021 Kia Telluride brand new a few years ago when we lived in [XXX]. We are currently active duty USAF and brought our KIA Telluride with us here, while stationed in [XXX]. The vehicle is currently under two recalls SC316R and SC374 and is a fire risk. Under these types of recalls, vehicle shipping companies will not transport vehicles on their boats. We know this because we had to have two recalls (SC247F and SC243B) completed before we could have…

   NHTSA complaint #11764881 · source
3. Filed Sep 15, 2026CTElectrical System

   The problem first occurred at the end of May 2026. The digital instrument cluster completely stopped working while driving, cutting off all FMVSS 101 compliance indicators including the speedometer, fuel gauge, engine temperature, and RPMs. This problem has persisted on and off since May 2026. This is a huge safety concern because I am unable to determine my vehicle speed, etc. while driving. The issue occurs without warning and completely affects my ability to safely…

   NHTSA complaint #11764554 · source
4. Filed Jul 31, 2026PADriver Assistance & Safety TechElectrical System

   While driving this vehicle in route to Philadelphia airport JFK, i experienced a total malfunction of the instrument cluster. All of the warning lights continued to go on and off and were illuminating on the cluster non stop along with a audible chiming, all of wich lasted the 3 hour trip. The car is available anytime. Warning lights/alarms were not only distracting but affected the spedometer which would shut down totally. No dealer or service center has been contacted yet.

   NHTSA complaint #11754085 · source
5. Filed Jul 28, 2026KYElectrical SystemEngineOther / Unknown

   CATASTROPHIC FAILURE TIMELINE (13 DAYS) XXX: Delivery taken at 105,439 miles.XXX: My boyfriend noticed a cloud of smoke from exhaust as I pressed the accelerator pedal to leave the parking lot. I didn't notice because it was almost dark outside when leaving. He didn't notice again so he didn't stop me and told me when we got home. XXX (Day 12): Check Engine Light (CEL) on. Dipstick found dry. 2 quarts of oil purchased and added. Which brought the level right above the L…

   NHTSA complaint #11753326 · source
6. Filed Jul 27, 2026VABrakesElectrical System

   The Telluride was parked in my driveway on a hill. When the car was started by pushing the ignition all of the lights on the dash panel started flashing. The car was shifted into reverse to back down the driveway however the brakes didn’t work. We captured this on video via CCTV footage. You can see the vehicle reversing and the brake lights are on as the pedal was pushed but not responding. As the vehicle went on to a lesser slope it slowed some but was about to crash into…

   NHTSA complaint #11753136 · source
7. Filed Jun 24, 2026ILDriver Assistance & Safety TechElectrical System

   Bought car on a Saturday (6-20-26)and that night noticed the drive mode was broke and the forward Collison is broke and will go on and off. Dealership said they did the whole inspection on the car before they put it on the lot to sell. Also, oil was extremely low when I left the lot and had to go back for an oil change. Took it to them on 6-22 to repair and have had to call to ask about my cars status when they said they would call me. Never would get an answer as to what…

   NHTSA complaint #11746310 · source
8. Filed May 25, 2026TXElectrical SystemEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   I own a 2021 Kia Telluride with approximately 111,000 miles. I initially brought the vehicle to a Kia dealership for an oil consumption issue and engine noise. The dealership diagnosed and repaired a timing chain and tensioner issue, stating the vehicle was “working properly” upon return. After picking up the vehicle, I immediately began experiencing electrical warning lights, including the battery warning light and system alerts (blind spot and general warning indicators).…

   NHTSA complaint #11739870 · source
9. Filed May 13, 2026NYElectrical SystemEngineSteering

   I am submitting this complaint regarding my 2021 Kia Telluride experiencing repeated and dangerous electronic system failures while driving. Kia of East Syracuse (NY) diagnosed the issue as related to the backup camera assembly and communication/network failures. While driving, the vehicle experienced loss of power steering assist, instrument cluster failure, speedometer malfunction, incorrect gear indication, backup camera activation while driving forward, blind spot…

   NHTSA complaint #11737499 · source
10. Filed Apr 27, 2026ARElectrical SystemSeats & Seat Belts

    The sunroof wind screen broke off while driving. The sunroof then stayed open and would not shut. The electrical components in the middle seat are not working properly with the buttons on the seats. The leather is ripping on the seats and the center console even with regular leather conditioning

    NHTSA complaint #11734163 · source
11. Filed Apr 6, 2026MOElectrical SystemOther / UnknownSeats & Seat Belts

    I have 2 issues going on with my vehicle. The trim on the outside of my doors is coming off which I know was a recall for some telluride vehicles about this old. Also ive been having some electrical issues/hot smell like something is burning if the heated seats get turned on.

    NHTSA complaint #11729468 · source
12. Filed Mar 10, 2026MADriver Assistance & Safety TechElectrical System

    There rear parking sensors have come up with an error message. After I looked into this it looks like a wide spread problem. The Kia Dealership said it was the rear bumper harness was faulty. I am just outside of warranty and Kia is trying to charge $850 for a problem that they are well aware of and are not addressing. They are also claiming that the oil filter housing is damaged and I have only ever gone to a Kia dealership for oil changes. After researching, this also…

    NHTSA complaint #11723311 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology