2021 Kia Telluride engine 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 Oct 5, 2026MIEngine

   On September 4, 2026, my son was driving our 2021 Kia Telluride on the highway at approximately 70 mph with cruise control engaged when the vehicle suddenly began making a clicking noise, followed by a catastrophic engine failure. We observed no oil-pressure warning or other advance dashboard warning before the failure. The sudden failure at highway speed created a significant safety risk. I am the original owner. The vehicle had approximately 115,000 miles at the time of…

   NHTSA complaint #11768938 · source
3. Filed Sep 24, 2026MIEngine

   Unfortunately, beginning in June 2025, I experienced a serious engine problem. While driving, the vehicle began sputtering and stalled twice in traffic. I immediately brought it to the dealer, where I was told the engine had no oil, despite no prior warning of abnormal oil loss (no engine warning lights and no leaks). The service department added oil and initiated an Oil Consumption test. On October 4, 2025, the same problem occurred again. While driving, the Telluride began…

   NHTSA complaint #11766606 · source
4. Filed Sep 21, 2026OHEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   I purchased my 2021 Kia Telluride S new, with only 22 miles from the test drive. XXX (approx. 53,000 miles, vehicle age 18 months): The transmission failed while I was traveling approx. 75-80 mph on a major highway in [XXX]. Upon failure, the vehicle suddenly lurched as if the brakes had locked or the parking brake had been applied, nearly causing us to strike our heads on the dashboard and creating a hazardous situation for other traffic. After the failure, the vehicle…

   NHTSA complaint #11765954 · source
5. Filed Sep 8, 2026IAEngine

   My 2021 Kia Telluride has developed progressively worsening engine problems without any warning lights ever appearing that may present a serious safety concern. Approximately two months ago, the vehicle began experiencing significant engine shaking and rocking. Maintenance and repairs were performed, and the symptoms temporarily improved. The engine symptoms later returned. The vehicle began making a noticeable ticking noise that progressively became much louder and occurred…

   NHTSA complaint #11762904 · source
6. Filed Aug 26, 2026MAEngine

   I believe my engine to be defective and Commonwealth Kia to be neglegent in finding the defect dispite having been tasked to repair an issue while my car was under warranty. I first mentioned the problem on the XXX visit at $85,000 miles. Asked them to check the filters. Mentioned again at the XXX visit at 92,000 there is not documentation of the complaints on either of these visits but it does say ont eh XXX visit that the car "STILL LACKS POWER..." indicating that there…

   NHTSA complaint #11759773 · source
7. Filed Aug 17, 2026NCEngine

   I purchased this 2021 Kia Telluride new and have had it routinely serviced and maintained by authorized Kia dealerships. At approximately 60,000–80,000 miles, the engine began consuming excessive oil. I reported the condition to the Kia dealer at approximately 80,000 miles, while the vehicle was still within Kia's 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. The dealer initially recommended a tune-up, but the oil consumption continued. During a later visit, the dealer…

   NHTSA complaint #11757571 · source
8. Filed Aug 12, 2026FLEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   Was low on oil and check oil light don't go on have to put oil very 2 week because it get low and I don't have no oil leak at all I found out because the motor start shaking and making noise tow it home and mechanical came to check it out and didn't have oil he say I was lurking I was not in the highway because it could lock the mortar and cause a accident

   NHTSA complaint #11756506 · source
9. Filed Aug 6, 2026MAEngineOther / UnknownTransmission & Drivetrain

   In August 2025, my Kia dealership serviced my 2021 Kia Telluride and billed me for 7 quarts of oil as part of the repair. Approximately four months later, in December 2025, the vehicle developed severe engine problems and became inoperable. The dealership diagnosed the failure as a collapsed timing tensioner and stated the engine required complete replacement. Kia Techline agreed with that diagnosis and used it as the basis for recommending a new engine. Despite…

   NHTSA complaint #11755247 · source
10. 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
11. Filed Jul 16, 2026KYEngineVisibility & Wipers

    Constant jerking and shuttering when accelerating/shifting gears. Oil consumption done last year as dealership thought it was engine related. Engine replaced. Problem continues. Fuel in MAP sensor. Continued shuttering at acceleration, shuttering at parked idle, shuttering at braking idle, engine stalls at red lights but car stays on. When car is started, exhaust is pushing out gusts of strong fuel smell and sputtering little puffs. Replaced engine, MAP, upper intake…

    NHTSA complaint #11750819 · source
12. Filed Jul 9, 202693,157 miPAEngine

    The contact owns a 2021 Kia Telluride. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact noticed a trail of fluid leaking. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with a warped oil filter. The contact was informed that the warped oil filter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact later received a warranty extension notification detailing a similar failure…

    NHTSA complaint #11749295 · 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