2021 Kia Telluride suspension problems
Updated from NHTSA data · How we count
20 owners have reported suspension problems with the 2021 Kia Telluride, 5% of all complaints about this model year. The typical problem appeared around 81,000 mi.
- Suspension complaints
- 20
- Crashes
- 0
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Related recalls
- 0
- Median mileage
- 81,000 mi
Specific components reported
Suspension covers: Shocks, struts, control arms, ball joints and springs.
| Component | Complaints |
|---|---|
| Suspension | 20 |
Suspension complaints across Kia Telluride years
Mileage when the problem appeared
Related recalls
No recalls on file.
What owners say
- Filed Aug 29, 2026FLSuspension
Constant failure of the rear self leveling shocks there is tsb on the issue but manufacturer will only replace first set of shocks which causes the owner to pay every 20k plus miles for new rear shocks
NHTSA complaint #11760537 · source - Filed Aug 14, 2026VASuspension
My 2021 Kia Telluride has suffered two consecutive component failures of the rear suspension's self-leveling shock absorbers. This component is the exact subject of Kia's August 15, 2024 Extended Warranty Program (WTY040), which acknowledges a widespread engineering defect causing premature rear shock failures. The factory-installed original shock failed previously. The official Kia genuine replacement part (redesigned by Kia to permanently address the original defect) has…
NHTSA complaint #11757006 · source - Filed Jul 18, 2026MDSuspension
The rear suspension on the car has completely failed. The car is extremely bouncy and would be unsafe for young children and elderly people.
NHTSA complaint #11751264 · source - Filed Jun 27, 2026ILSuspension
I wish to amend my previous report dated 6/22/2026. #11745783. IT is is cv boot on the right side. I had a dealer do the repair. It is not under warranty, If you follow the Kia Telluride complaint page son FB, others have had the same issue. It cost $777.61 to repair. It should not need to be repaired at 72k miles. That is a third of the expected life expectancy. Thank you for considering this safety matter.
NHTSA complaint #11746935 · source - Filed Jun 26, 2026FLSuspensionTransmission & Drivetrain
AWD coupler assembly failed twice and company will not repair. Rear shocks thumping and noisy, company repaired twice but still inop.
NHTSA complaint #11746823 · source - Filed Jun 22, 2026ILSuspension
The CV axel is bad and needs replaced. I am only at 72,000 miles. If I had not gotten an oil change and the technician saw it, it could have broken while driving this coming weekend for 14 hours. Independent service center is replacing. No warning. This could have caused a serious accident.
NHTSA complaint #11745783 · source - Filed Jun 17, 202681,000 miOHAcceleration & Cruise ControlSteeringSuspension
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Telluride. The contact stated that the passenger’s side drive shaft boot was leaking. The steering and mileage were affected by the failure. While making a turn, the steering wheel was readjusting. The accelerator pedal was depressed; after the pedal was released, the pedal jerked. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who confirmed there were no open recalls associated with the VIN. The brakes were…
NHTSA complaint #11744846 · source - Filed Mar 29, 2026NYSuspension
I have 2021 Kia Telluride with 38000 miles on it. When I wash my car, I normally wash the roof and in order to do that I put one foot on 3 step ladder and one foot on the back tire. I always had a plenty space above the tire and under the fender and I could stand up on the tire while I was washing the roof. On my last wash after the harsh winter weather, I notice I can not place my foot on the tire anymore. I google the height from the bottom of the fender to the ground and…
NHTSA complaint #11727826 · source - Filed Dec 10, 2025SCSuspension
Rear shocks unstable. When on rough roads or small imperfections in the road it’s hard to control vehicle and items/people get abruptly jostled. The dealership has been notified but says it’s not a recall and will look at it but can only take pictures and send it off to main office. No warning of this failure.
NHTSA complaint #11704186 · source - Filed Sep 18, 2025OHOther / UnknownSuspension
The rear frame of my 2021 Kia Telluride has a broken weld. This is a structural failure that compromises the safety and integrity of the vehicle. The Kia dealership mechanic who inspected it confirmed the weld was defective and also stated they have heard other Tellurides with the same issue. A broken frame weld poses a serious risk to vehicle occupants in the event of a crash and may affect handling, towing, and long-term durability. This appears to be a recurring defect…
NHTSA complaint #11688054 · source - Filed Aug 17, 2025MIDriver Assistance & Safety TechEngineSuspension
Rear shock failure for the second time. This time in under 9 months. Front crash detection constantly goes off in cold snowy weather or rain. engine issue is frequent popping sound in exhaust and causing dirty oxygen sensors
NHTSA complaint #11681146 · source - Filed Sep 20, 2024OHSuspension
In the summer of 2023 I started hearing a clunking noise from the rear of the vehicle that became louder when going over bumps. Took the car to the dealer and I was told the rear shocks were bad and needed to be replaced. Aug of 2023 the original shocks on the car were replaced which was premature for the average life of shocks. Then months later the same things started and I had a puddle of fluid on my garage floor. I took my vehicle back into the same dealership in June of…
NHTSA complaint #11615603 · source
Other 2021 Kia Telluride problem areas
- Other / Unknown (104)
- Visibility & Wipers (86)
- Engine (68)
- Electrical System (42)
- Body & Structure (34)
- Transmission & Drivetrain (28)
- Driver Assistance & Safety Tech (26)
- Brakes (14)
- Seats & Seat Belts (12)
- Lighting (10)
- Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion (7)
- Steering (5)
- Airbags (4)
- Acceleration & Cruise Control (4)
- Wheels & Tires (3)
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